Is Wyomissing (Taylor Swift's hometown) worth a detour/visit? (Reading: house, school)

[Tom Lennox 70]

I'll be visiting Pennsylvania from Baltimore sometime in the next few weeks to visit the Flight 93 memorial and Gettysburg Battlefield and if time permits we'd also like to see some nice little towns.

Wyomissing comes to mind because its where one of my favorite singers, Taylor Swift grew up. Her music is inspired by her growing up there and I'm curious if there's a lot of stuff dedicated to her and her past since she basically put the town on the map. I do know that Albemarle, NC has a lot of stuff about Kellie Pickler and Checotah, Oklahoma has a sign on Interstate 40 that says "Birthplace of Carrie Underwood" (two of my friends on a cross country drive from MD to Nevada stopped to have their picture taken by the sign!). Do people visit the farm where Taylor lived? Or like her old school and stuff? Were many of her videos filmed in the area?

[kf70]

Wyomissing is merely a suburb of Reading. It's mostly residential housing and commerical shopping and dining. It's not worth a tour, but there are historic places in and around Berks County to visit.

Hopewell Furnace in Elverson
Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro
Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf

[ChrisatDuke]

Originally Posted by kf70

Wyomissing is merely a suburb of Reading. It's mostly residential housing and commerical shopping and dining. It's not worth a tour, but there are historic places in and around Berks County to visit.

Hopewell Furnace in Elverson
Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro
Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf

Yeah, I agree. Wyomissing is a nice little suburb, but I'm not sure if it's worth a detour. I don't think there's anything dedicated to her or anything to see relating to her. In fact, I find that most people don't even like country music in this area (my observation at least). However, there is plenty to see in the Reading/Berks area not related to Taylor Swift. In addition to what the previous poster mentioned, I recommend the Goggleworks art gallery, Reading Public Museum and Planetarium, and a stroll through downtown West Reading and the VF Outlets (if you like to shop).

[Tom Lennox 70]

ChrisatDuke, LOL no I don't like to shop...its sad that I'm a guy and loves Taylor but I happen to like female country singers. So Wyomissing is a suburban area...I thought it was a rural town centered on agriculture! Its a shame that there's not much dedicated to Taylor!

[kf70]

Originally Posted by Tom Lennox 70

ChrisatDuke, LOL no I don't like to shop...its sad that I'm a guy and loves Taylor but I happen to like female country singers. So Wyomissing is a suburban area...I thought it was a rural town centered on agriculture! Its a shame that there's not much dedicated to Taylor!

You will see plenty of agriculture around Gettysburg and if you decide to come to Berks County after your tour. I'm not sure when you expect to visit, but Reba and Kelly Clarkson are scheduled to perform at the Sovereign Center in downtown Reading October 18th.

[Marodi]

Go to any other suburb in maryland, and you'll get the same thing as Wyomissing. It's just another AnyTown, USA.

Though I would recommend stopping in gettysburg. It's still tourist season so almost all that good stuff is still happening (except the actual reenactments themselves), but the crowds aren't too bad due to the reenactments being over. Plus there's a new visitors center.

[BrennaNicole]

I live about 5 minutes outside of Wyomissing, and although there isn't very much around here historically, it is still a fun place if you know the right places to go.

So if you decide to visit Wyomissing anyway, here are a couple of pointers.

For food:

If you like Mexican- On The Border
If you like Italian- G.N.A.
If you like Pastries/Soups/Sandwiches- Panera Bread
If you like Chinese/Japanese- Panda Heaven

For shopping-

There aren't very many places to shop around here, but the one place I would recommend is The Berkshire Mall.

Wyomissing is probably the nicest and most commercial part of Berks County and is just a typical suburb. Maybe you could even catch a show or concert at the Sovereign Center. Big names are always showing up there.

Good luck !

[Icy Tea]

Shopping is pretty big in Wyomissing, there's maybe 6 malls, one enclosed( Berkshire). They just opened up a new upscale one. Plus Vanity Fair which is huge for back to school and other clothing. West Reading has Baldwin Brass which is nationally known for Christmas ornaments. The Reading Museum as stated is big for a smaller city, and is surrounded by many mansions if you like architecture. Grings Mill is very scenic and has the Gruber Wagon works museum nearby. Berks is known for its food but Lancaster is better still. You'll find the biggest smorgasboard in Pa in Shady Maple off route 23 in East Earl.

[wyo resident]

Taylor Swift has a beautiful country voice, but her "ranch" is Wyomissing is a publicity myth. When she lived in Wyo she lived on Grandview Ave.--I won't list the house number from my son's school directory to protect the current residents from gawkers. However Wyomissing has a great small town four of July parade complete with decoraged baby carriages, and lots of homes decked out with flags. Check it out some July if you're in town.

[zxcvbnm0107]

you should stop by newtown pa for great attractions and the historic crossing of the delaware from washington. also, bowmans tower