Take a day trip to Hollidaysburg
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The gorgeous Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Pittsburghers love to flock to Florida or Myrtle Beach, but they should also look just a few hours east for a fun time.
The big picture: Day-tripping is on the rise in Pennsylvania as travelers look to sidestep high lodging costs, per a new report industry group Tourism Economics.
By the numbers: Day-tripping increased about 3% last year compared to 2024 and 12% since 2021, per the report.
One good option: Hollidaysburg is around two hours away by car, has plenty of interesting stops in between, and won't break the bank.
Context: The borough is Blair County's seat and home to about 5,500 residents. The county courthouse is gorgeous and is on the National Register of Historic Places for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Where to start: The historical district on Allegheny Street. The architecture almost feels colonial, though most buildings date after the 1830s.
⚡️ Lightning Bug Gift Co. has Pennsylvania-themed merch in modern styles and affordable prices. State park hoodies, squonk stickers and stylish caps fill the shop.
☕️ Boro Coffee Co. is a cozy cafe overlooking the railyard. Find a nook and relax.
🪨 Chimney Rocks Park not only showcases the namesake impressive limestone pillars, but also spectacular views of the charming borough.
Nature lovers should head 15 minutes east of Hollidaysburg to Canoe Creek State Park and explore its 155-acre lake by boat or walk its trails in search of migratory birds, otters and other critters.
Zoom out: On the way there or back, stop by Johnstown for its excellent flood museum.
- Grab a square slice at one of several locations of Best Way Pizza locations, a Central Pennsylvania chain beloved by locals.
- Or visit the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site to learn just why it's so darn difficult and expensive to make trains move quickly through the Appalachian Mountains.
💭 Ryan's thought bubble: I bought a Horseshoe Curve T-shirt at Lightning Bug, and think the actual curve would be a good stop on your way home.
- If you want to see a passenger train take the curve, visit at around 9:45am or 5:25pm.
- More trips will be added in November.
The bottom line: There are scores of reasons to visit Hollidaysburg, and don't delay, because the foliage is peaking soon.