Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Showcases Pennsylvania as a Premier Weekend Getaway Destination During Weeklong Great American Getaway RV Tour
Government and Politics
May 28, 2024
From: Pennsylvania Governor Josh ShapiroGovernor Shapiro traveled over 1,500 miles across 14 counties during his statewide RV tour, visiting small businesses, promoting Pennsylvania’s incredible family experiences, and showcasing all our Commonwealth has to offer as a premier getaway destination.
During RV tour, Governor Shapiro became the first sitting Governor to spend a night in one of Pennsylvania’s state parks.
Tourism is a key piece of the Governor’s economic development strategy, generating $76 billion and supporting more than 486,000 jobs a year in PA – and the new brand builds on Governor Shapiro’s proposed $18 million tourism and business marketing investment to boost our economy, attract more visitors, and support good-paying jobs.
Harrisburg, PA – Last week, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled(opens in a new tab) Pennsylvania’s new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign to encourage more people to travel across and visit the Commonwealth – Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway(opens in a new tab).
Pennsylvania is a premier weekend getaway destination within close driving proximity to major hubs along the East Coast – and our main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, thrilling outdoor recreation, and top tier events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences.
After unveiling the new brand in Moosic(opens in a new tab) last Monday, Governor Shapiro and the First Family embarked on their own Great American Getaway – a statewide, week-long RV tour across 14 counties(opens in a new tab) to highlight Pennsylvania’s world-class urban spaces, outdoor adventure experiences, charming small towns and small businesses, diverse culinary experiences, unique events and festivals, historic hotels, iconic historical attractions, and showcase all our Commonwealth has to offer as a premier getaway destination.
Read more about The Great American Getaway RV tour below.
Lackawanna County(opens in a new tab): Launching the Great American Getaway Brand to Encourage Tens of Millions Within a Few Hours Drive to Visit Pennsylvania
Governor Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined statewide tourism leaders at PNC Field in Lackawanna County, home of the New York Yankees’ Minor League Baseball affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to launch the brand. The Governor chose to launch The Great American Getaway Brand in the northeastern PA region with some of the top outdoor recreation attractions in the Commonwealth.
Monroe County(opens in a new tab): Visiting one of Pennsylvania’s 530 Craft Breweries to Support Small Businesses.
After unveiling the new brand, Governor Shapiro traveled on the RV to Tannersville, where he stopped by Barley Creek Brewing Company(opens in a new tab), one of Pennsylvania’s 530 craft breweries. At Barley Creek, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis spoke to the owners, employees, and visitors about what makes Pennsylvania great – and checked out Pint Sized Park, a park with games for the whole family.
Philadelphia County(opens in a new tab): Kicking Off the Nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations, Celebrating Iconic Historical Attractions, and Supporting Philadelphia’s Great Spaces and Small Businesses
Governor Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Davis, and Secretary Siger joined tourism officials and local leaders to officially kick off the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence(opens in a new tab) by announcing the first wave of a robust multi-year schedule of programming, events, and activities through 2026.
After kicking off the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Governor Shapiro visited the iconic Rocky Statue and steps(opens in a new tab) at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, toured the Governor’s Council Chamber(opens in a new tab) at Independence Hall, and toured several small businesses(opens in a new tab) at the BOK Building.
In the evening, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis joined Visit Philadelphia to host the Great American Happy Hour at Mural City Cellars(opens in a new tab). The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by Philadelphia leaders and prominent travel and lifestyle creators to highlight all Pennsylvania tourism has to offer while supporting a family and Latino-owned business.
Bedford County(opens in a new tab) & Lancaster County(opens in a new tab): Announcing Investments in PA’s Main Streets and Visiting Historic Food Market and Highlighting Exciting Sports Attractions
While in Bedford(opens in a new tab), Governor Shapiro and DCED Secretary Siger announced nearly $7 million through the Keystone Communities Program (KCP) to support 49 community improvement projects in 25 counties, including three projects in Bedford County. The Governor and Secretary Siger announced the investments after touring several small businesses in Bedford, including Espy House, Lifestyle Next Door, and Juli’s Wearable Art.
Governor Shapiro and the First Family then visited local businesses in historic downtown Lancaster City(opens in a new tab), including the Southern Market(opens in a new tab) Food Hall and Decades(opens in a new tab), a local restaurant and bar, retro arcade, and bowling alley located in the historic Stahr Armory building for arcade games and bowling – highlighting the local destinations that have something to offer for the entire family.
Governor Shapiro and the First Family then traveled to Clipper Magazine Stadium(opens in a new tab) for the Lancaster Stormers game, where the Governor threw the ceremonial first pitch – showcasing the top tier events and sports that Pennsylvania has to offer for nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of our Commonwealth.
Fayette County(opens in a new tab) & Allegheny County(opens in a new tab): Showcasing Pennsylvania’s Incredible State Parks, Celebrating Pittsburgh’s Selection as the 2026 NFL Draft Host, and Enjoying Family-Friendly Experiences and Attractions in the City
Governor Shapiro and the First Family visited Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County, one of the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania, joining Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Park Rangers for a bike ride(opens in a new tab) along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail before stopping at Lucky Dog Café(opens in a new tab) to meet with the owners and enjoy refreshments.
The Governor then joined Lieutenant Governor Davis and Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II to celebrate Pittsburgh’s selection as the host of the 2026 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft is the latest premier national and international event coming to Pennsylvania in 2026, in addition to the United States of America’s 250th birthday celebration, the MLB All Star Game, the FIFA World Cup, NCAA March Madness, the PGA Championship, and more.
Governor Shapiro and the First Family then joined Lieutenant Governor Davis and the Second Family at the Grandview Overlook at Mt. Washington overlooking the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline and the three rivers before visiting the Pittsburgh Glass Center(opens in a new tab), where they participated in a tour and glass-blowing demonstration. The families then headed to the strip district where the Governor and Lieutenant Governor hosted a happy hour at Novo Asian Food Hall(opens in a new tab). Following happy hour, the First and Second Families participated in a cooking class at Enrico Biscotti Co, highlighting Pittsburgh’s renowned food scene.
Clarion, Warren, Tioga, & Potter Counties(opens in a new tab): Visiting Small Businesses, Touring Charming Towns, and Showcasing Breathtaking Outdoor Recreation Attractions
While in Clarion County, Governor Shapiro and the First Family toured the Foxburg Country Club(opens in a new tab), home to the oldest continuously used golf course in the United States. The Governor then stopped by the Allegheny Grille for a tour of the lodge and food to-go from the restaurant along the beautiful Allegheny River.
Governor Shapiro and the First Family then hiked the Rimrock Trail in the Allegheny National Forest(opens in a new tab) before heading to Wellsboro to visit several main street small businesses. While in Wellsboro(opens in a new tab), the Governor visited Arise Café(opens in a new tab), Pop’s Culture Shoppe(opens in a new tab), and Penns Well Hotel(opens in a new tab) to promote small businesses and main streets in the Commonwealth. The Governor and the First Family then visited the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Leonard Harrison State Park.
The Governor and the First Family ended the day at Lyman Run State Park(opens in a new tab) in Potter County – becoming the first Governor to sleep in a state park overnight
Pike, Wayne, Monroe, & Carbon Counties(opens in a new tab): Highlighting the Breathtaking Outdoor Adventure Experiences Pennsylvania Has to Offer for the Entire Family
While visiting Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike and Wayne counties(opens in a new tab), Governor Shapiro and the First Family took a Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour and enjoyed outdoor water activities, including fishing and jet skiing(opens in a new tab).
In the afternoon, Governor Shapiro and the First Family visited Camelback Resort(opens in a new tab) in Monroe County. The resort offers multiple family-friendly activities for the entire family – including bumper cars, indoor rock climbing, and the longest zipline in Pennsylvania at over 4,000 feet long.
To end the day, Governor Shapiro and the First Family visited Skirmish Paintball Fields in Carbon County. Skirmish Paintball Fields is the world’s largest paintball field, with over 50 playing fields across 750 acres of land in the Pocono Mountains.
Bucks County(opens in a new tab): Highlighting Pennsylvania’s Small Businesses and Charming Communities
On the final day of the Great American Getaway RV tour, Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro visited Peddler’s Village(opens in a new tab) to promote the vibrant main streets, small businesses, and charming towns that dot Pennsylvania and make the Commonwealth a premier weekend getaway destination.
While visiting Peddler’s Village, Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro visited Mama Hawk’s Kitchen & Coffee, where they purchased coffee and baked goods. The Governor and the First Lady then visited Sticky Situations – experiencing the company’s gourmet tasting room with owner Stephen Clemente and purchasing apple syrup and tea. The Governor and the First Lady also purchased a variety of popcorn from Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn.
See what Pennsylvanians are reading about the Governor’s Great American Getaway brand and RV tour across the Commonwealth:
The Times Leader: Shapiro launches PA’s new tourism brand in Moosic(opens in a new tab)
WBRE/WYOU: Governor Shapiro unveils new state tourism brand(opens in a new tab)
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. launches ‘Great American Getaway’ tourism push(opens in a new tab)
ABC News: A look at Philadelphia’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration(opens in a new tab)
WTAJ: Gov. Shapiro announces investments in PA Main Streets in Bedford(opens in a new tab)
Bedford Gazette: Shapiro stops in Bedford to promote tourism(opens in a new tab)
The Tribune-Democrat: Shapiro touts Main Streets during Bedford visit(opens in a new tab)
WPXI: Gov. Shapiro, local leaders celebrate 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh(opens in a new tab)
The Derrick: Shapiro says small communities like Foxburg on his radar(opens in a new tab)
WVIA: Shapiro in the Poconos, promotes Pennsylvania tourism(opens in a new tab)