Things To Do In Berks County

Goggleworks Center For The Arts

Penn State Berks – Things to Do

The former safety goggles factory on the corner of Washington and North 2nd Street was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Art galleries, a dance studio, glass blowing facility, ceramic studio and 131-seat film theater are some of the occupants of the 145,000 square feet that is GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

Although its located downtown, theres ample off-street parking in the back. With constantly changing exhibits and different events every week, there are plenty of reasons to visit on a regular basis. For an in-depth history of the building , check out the small but informative Willson History Project, which chronicles the 130 year history of Willson Goggles.

Looking For Fairs And Festivals In Pa

Theres no better introduction to Berks County than a visit to one of the famous fairs and festivals in PAs Americana Region. Choose from events that feature music like Berks Jazz Fest, Berks Country Fest, and Berks Blues Fest. Foodies, Taste of Hamburg-er Fest and Chile Pepper Food Festival are a must-see or taste. The old-fashioned Oley Valley Fair is a nod to our farming community, complete with scrumptious foods and ribbon-winning competitions. The arts take center stage at ArtsFestivalReading and ReadingFilmFest. History and tradition are on full display at World War II Weekend, Kutztown Folk Festival, and PA German Cultural Heritage Centers Heemet Fescht, Christmas on the Farm, and Easter on the Farm. In the fall, Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest reminds us of our Germanic roots and those who influenced our culture. Next time you search for things to do or festivals in PA, look no further than Reading, PA.

How Long Does A Conservation Easement Last

Conservation easements are permanent, perpetual agreements that run with the land, binding the original owner and all subsequent owners to the easements restrictions. Only gifts of perpetual easements can qualify for income and estate tax benefits. The easement is recorded at the Berks County Recorder of Deeds Office so that all future owners will learn about the restrictions when they obtain title reports.

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Berks County Heritage Center

The Berks County Heritage Center is located in the middle of Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park and offers a chance to learn more about the history of the Reading area.

The center is actually a complex of several different museums covering a variety of aspects related to the countys history. If you love history, you are sure to enjoy this spot.

While in the park, take time to walk its trails or visit Wertzs Covered Bridge.

Why Should I Grant A Conservation Easement To Berks Nature

People execute a conservation easement because they love their open space land and want to protect their land from future inappropriate development while keeping their private ownership of the property. Granting an easement to a conservation organization that qualifies under the Internal Revenue Code as a public charity which Berks Nature does can yield income and estate tax savings. Moreover, Berks Nature has the expertise and experience to work with landowners and ensure that the land will remain as permanent open space. Remember, Berks Conservancy is your conservancy. As a 501 private non-profit organization, we lead conservation efforts through contributions from our membership, corporate and private contributions, grants, and partnerships. We are not a government agency and, therefore, do not pay for our operations from tax dollars. Your land and financial contributions benefit your Berks County.

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Contact Information All Travelers

All air passengers to the United States will also be required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States. This strengthens a travel process already in place to rapidly identify and contact people in the U.S. who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19. Access to travelers contact information will allow U.S. federal, state, and local health departments, and agencies to share appropriate health and public health information necessary to help keep the public safe.

Holiday Lights At Grings Mill

Outdoor walk through the light display on the grounds of Grings Mill with warm beverages, snacks from local food trucks and entertainment in the pavilion.

More information: 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 3 to 19 6 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Dec. 20 to 30 | Grings Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Rd., Wyomissing, 19610 | Facebookeventinformation.

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Reading Fightin Phils And The Reading Royals

Whether you are looking for things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania in the summer or the winter, the city has professional sports to keep you busy.

In the summertime, the Reading Fightin Phils play at FirstEnergy Stadium. They are the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, so its a great chance to catch a game for a great price and see some of tomorrows stars.

In the winter, the Reading Royals, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, play at Santander Arena in downtown Reading. The Royals are one of the top teams in their league for attendance, so games are always a fun time.

Things To Do In November In Berks County Pa

Heavy rain floods roads, homes, prompts rescues in Berks County, Pa.

November may be most notable for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but it also acts as the bridge between Octobers festivals and Decembers celebrations. This November in Berks County eases into the the holiday season with a flurry of fun events. So, while you may heed to the rules of No-Shave November, or decline a second serving of pie on Thanksgiving, youre going to want to say YES to all the things to do this November in Pennsylvanias Americana Region.

Here is a sampling of things to do in November in Pennsylvanias Americana Region

Reading Film Festival

ReadingFilmFest champions the art of film. The four day fest is everything you would expect from a film festival. Meet film makers and attend seminars, panel discussions, happy hours, after parties, and of course, the award ceremony. Dont miss it!

Saturday is Diner Day at Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles Museum. Step back in time in the beautifully restored Reading Diner car located inside the museum. On Diner Day, enjoy the atmosphere of the 1938 diner while dining on coffee and pie at 1938 prices! Regular museum admission rates apply.

November 3 & 4Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

Family Fun

Koziars Christmas Village

Now in its second year, Reading Blues Fest provides three full days of blues in downtown Reading.. In addition to headliner, Booker T. Jones, youll find the festival offer plenty of extraordinary artists.

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The Mid Atlantic Air Museum

Reading Regional Airport does not offer commercial flights, but they do have The Mid Atlantic Air Museum. Anyone old enough to remember Capital Airlines or Eastern Airlines will enjoy this trip down memory lane. In addition to former commercial aircraft, they also have aging U.S. Navy and Coast Guard planes on display.

Things To Do In Berks County

If youre looking for art, culture, outdoor recreation, auto racing events, or even bargain shopping, there are simply too many things to do in Berks County, PA, and not enough time! Here are some visitor favorites.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary In Kempton, the 2,600-acre Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was the worlds first refuge for raptors. If youre captivated by majestic birds of prey, like hawks, bald eagles, falcons, ospreys, and American kestrels, bring your binoculars and stroll along the hillside paths and rocky outcroppings to get an up-close-and-personal look at the raptors gliding and riding the updrafts off the cliff face.This hikers and birdwatchers mecca is open year-round and affords spectacular views from scenic overlooks at 1,300 to 1,500 feet above the valley. Peak migration times are between August 15 and December 15, when an average of 18,000 raptors visits, but over 200 species of birds have been sighted here throughout the year.

The paths are ADA-accessible, and rangers are on hand to provide information. Youll also find a visitor center with educational displays, wildflower and feeder gardens, a Wings of Wonder gallery, and gift shop. Take the kids and enjoy the birds and the natural beauty of Pennsylvania.

Mountain Biking Thrill-seekers and nature-loving mountain bikers will love the trails that wind their way through the woodlands, forest, country roads and breathtaking scenery of Berks County. Here are just three of the popular trails in the area:

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Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a preserved iron furnace that offers a fascinating look into the history and importance of iron making in eastern Pennsylvania.

Hopewell Furnace operated for more than 100 years and, among other things, made weapons for the United States during both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It was also a stop on the Underground Railroad and offered equal pay for equal work to both women and minorities .

This makes this spot not only an interesting historic destination but also a great place to learn about the regions culture and the fight for equal rights.

While there, make sure to hike the areas many trails, some of which contact into the larger French Creek State Park.

Golden Age Air Museum

While there are several antique airplane museums in Pennsylvania that focus on aviation from World War 2, the Golden Age Air Museum is unique in that its primary focus is on planes from World War 1 and the interwar period.

This gives them an interesting collection of original and replica planes, including several bi-wing and tri-wing airplanes, though they do have a few more modern aircraft as well.

And, if youve always wanted to fly in a bi-wing, plane, they offer flights throughout the year.

Do you have any favorite things to do in Reading, PA that we didnt include on this list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Fun Things To Do In Berks County Summer 2021

Jazz festivalsEnjoy 10 days and nights of world class, hot/cool sound at Berks Jazz Fest, held annually in Pennsylvanias Americana Region. For over 25 years, jazz enthusiasts have flocked to the fest to enjoy over 130 free and ticketed musical events that span the entire spectrum of Jazz, Blues and R& B. World class musicians, and up-and-coming artists showcase their talent to deliver a full concert series.Discover the schedule.

Enjoy the ride aboard an historic train.All aboard! Founded in 2014, the Allentown and Auburn Railroad prides itself in its unique collection of heritage railroad equipment. Boasting 4 1/2 miles of picturesque track, the Allentown and Auburn Railroad offers family friendly scenic train rides through the Kutztown countryside. When not running train rides for the public, their dedicated staff is hard at work restoring our unique equipment.Welcome aboard the Allentown and Auburn Railroad.

Visit Antietam Lake.Antietam Lake is a reservoir in Berks County with 665 acres of scenic park land. The lake provides a serene setting for picnics, fishing, hiking, biking and just enjoying the peace and quiet. The history of Antietam Lake dates back to 1865, when the city of Reading bought a dam and gristmill that had been built on Antietam Creek, along with a majestic waterfall that flows over the 60-foot-high rock.

Recommended Hotels And Places To Stay In Berks County

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What Steps Do I Take To Develop A Conservation Easement

First, contact Berks Nature at 610-372-4992 and request a Land Protection Application Packet and Fee Schedule. At your convenience, we will work with you to explore and discuss what you want to accomplish such as the conservation values you want to protect on the land and what development rights you may want to retain. For example, you may already have one home on your property and want to preserve the right to build another home. That is one provision that must be specifically written into an easement agreement. Always consult with other family members regarding an easement and remember that you should consult with your attorney or financial advisor regarding such a substantial decision.

Metropolitan And Combined Statistical Area

Policing the Appalachian Trail in Berks County, Pennsylvania

The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Berks County as the Reading, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of the 2010 U.S. Census the metropolitan area ranked 10th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 128th most populous in the United States with a population of 413,491. Berks County is also a part of the larger Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD Combined Statistical Area , which combines the populations of Berks County as well as several counties around Philadelphia and in the states of Delaware, and New Jersey. The Combined Statistical Area is the largest in the State of Pennsylvania and 8th most populous in the United States with a population of 7,067,807.

  • Kevin Barnhardt, Vice Chair Democrat
  • Michael S. Rivera, Republican
  • Clerk of Courts, James P. Troutman, Republican
  • Controller, Sandy Graffius, Republican
  • Coroner, Jonn M. Hollenbach
  • District Attorney, John T. Adams, Democrat
  • Prothonotary, Jonathan K. Del Collo, Republican
  • Recorder of Deeds, Mary Kozak, Republican
  • Register of Wills, Larry J. Medaglia Jr., Republican
  • Sheriff, Eric Weaknecht, Republican

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Are You A County Agency Do You Receive Tax Dollars To Operate

No and No. As a 501 non-profit organization, we lead conservation efforts through contributions from our memberships, corporate and private contributions, grants, and partnerships. We do not receive regular funding from a national organization, the government, or tax dollars to run our programs. Your contribution benefits your Berks County.

Berks Attractions Among Top Us Travel Destinations

READING, Pa. Two popular attractions in Berks County also happen to be among the best of the best in the United States.

The American Bus Association has selected Koziar’s Christmas Village in Jefferson Township and the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles in Boyertown as 2021 Best of the Best Group Travel Destinations, according to Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Berks County’s visitors bureau.

The award recognizes travel industry members for going above and beyond for the group tour industry.

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

“It’s exciting for a local business to receive this prestigious designation,” said Margo DeRouchie, the visitors bureau’s national sales director. “Best of the Best Group Travel Destinations attract the attention of tour operators. It helps to bring visitors to Berks County and ultimately benefits our entire region.”

The ABA, which represents approximately 1,000 motorcoach and tour companies in the U.S. and Canada, will feature the local honorees in its November/December issue of “Destinations” magazine.

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Fun Things To Do In Reading

If your familys favorite fun things to do on vacation revolve around sports, Pennsylvanias Americana Region has a wide variety of options, from baseball to golf to hiking, biking and skiing. No matter what time of the year you visit us, you wont find a shortage of enjoyable activities.

  • Enjoy a Fightin Phils Baseball Game
  • The Reading Fightin Phils have been entertaining fans since 1967. Home is FirstEnergy Stadium, the oldest baseball stadium in the Eastern League. The classic ballpark was voted the second best place to see a baseball game by Minor League News in 2006, and things have only gotten better since a 2011 renovation added more parking, light poles, padded outfield walls, and new clubhouses for home and visiting teams.

    The Reading Fightin Phils, formerly the Reading Phillies, are the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the longest-running affiliations in Minor League Baseball. Famous players include Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Ryne Sandberg, Mike Lieberthal, Ryan Howard, and Carlos Ruiz. Take the family out to a Fightin Phils game in Reading from April through September.

  • Golf Courses in Berks County
  • Whether you play miniature golf or 18 holes the conventional way, there are public golf courses in and around Pennsylvanias Americana Region for every skill level, such as:

  • Skiing, Hiking & Biking at Bear Creek Mountain Resort
  • Looking For Free Things To Do In Reading Pa

    Be sure to enjoy all the free things to do in Reading, PA. Discover activities and attractions for everyone, even American treasures!

    Spend some time outdoors! There are so many places to pedal, paddle and trek your way to fun and adventure in Berks County. A favorite of mountain bikers and hikers alike is the Greater Reading Trails System . Stretching over 125 miles, the trail system is an IMBA* Bronze Level Ride Center, one of only 37 such ride centers in the world. Berks County Parks & Recreation keep a full roster of events going year-round in the regions parks. Activities include everything from guided walks, and yoga classes to nature talks, kite-flying festivals, and weekend concerts. For a challenging workout, hike to the top of The Pinnacle, a premier lookout along the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail. Less difficult trails at Nolde Forest and French Creek State Park are a wonderful option too. Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area is perfect for swimming and boating in the summer, horseback riding and mountain biking in spring and fall, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

    Drive the beautiful country roads of Berks County and follow self-guided driving tours of the regions historic covered bridges and hex barn art. In summer, catch some of the free outdoor concerts held in our parks, and downtown Reading. Who knew there were so many fun and free things to do in Reading and Berks County?

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