Breezewood Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Breezewood, Pennsylvania with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, safety and health tips, and more.


Introduction to Breezewood

Welcome to Breezewood, a charming town in the Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley region of Pennsylvania. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Breezewood is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Breezewood

Looking for things to see and do in Breezewood? Here’s our list of top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Historic District of Breezewood: Explore the town’s historic buildings and landmarks, including the Breezewood Proving Ground, the Breezewood Church, and the Breezewood Cemetery.
  • Lincoln Highway Experience Museum: Learn about the evolution of transportation in the U.S. at this museum dedicated to the 1913 Lincoln Highway.
  • Old Bedford Village: Step back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries at this living history museum showcasing the daily life of early settlers in the region.

Natural Attractions of Breezewood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Shawnee State Park: Hike, bike, or fish at this picturesque state park featuring forests, rivers, and rolling hills.
  • Blue Knob State Park: Enjoy stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains at this park, which is also home to Pennsylvania’s highest skiable mountain.
  • Trough Creek State Park: Explore the park’s waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Breezewood

Breezewood is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its many hiking and biking routes. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Mid State Trail: Stretching 320 miles from Maryland to New York, this trail passes through Breezewood and offers scenic views of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains.
  • Warriors Path State Park: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the park’s paved bike trails or take a challenging hike through the park’s wooded hills and valleys.
  • Rocky Ridge County Park: This beautiful park near Lancaster offers nature trails, picnic areas, and even a disc golf course.

Best Things to Do in Breezewood: Activities and Tours

Looking for more things to do in Breezewood? Here are some ideas:

  • Visit the local vineyards and breweries for a taste of Pennsylvania’s craft beer and wine scene.
  • Take a guided tour of the historic town to learn about its role in the development of the U.S. transportation system.
  • Attend the annual Breezewood Proving Grounds Bike Week, a popular motorcycle event that attracts thousands of riders each year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Breezewood

Ready to spend a week exploring Breezewood and its surroundings? Here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum and explore the historic district.
  • Day 2: Take a hike or bike ride at Shawnee State Park.
  • Day 3: Visit Old Bedford Village and learn about early settlers in the region.
  • Day 4: Explore the scenic views at Blue Knob State Park.
  • Day 5: Take a guided tour of the town and learn about its important role in the development of the U.S. transportation system.
  • Day 6: Attend a local wine or beer tasting event.
  • Day 7: Take a leisurely hike through Rocky Ridge County Park before leaving town.

Food and Drink Scene of Breezewood

No visit to Breezewood is complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Potpie: This iconic dish features chicken and vegetables cooked in a creamy broth and topped with homemade noodles.
  • Shoofly Pie: A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses and a crumbly topping.
  • Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich: Thinly sliced steak, cheese, and onions served on a crusty roll.

Local Beverages

  • Yuengling Lager: The oldest brewery in America, Yuengling’s beer is a local favorite.
  • Stoudts Brewing Company: This award-winning brewery near Lancaster produces a range of craft beers, from Belgian-style ales to IPAs.
  • Penns Woods Winery: Located in Chadds Ford, Penns Woods Winery offers a selection of handcrafted, small-batch wines made with locally grown grapes.

Where to Stay in Breezewood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Looking for a place to stay in Breezewood? Here are some options:

  • Quality Inn Breeze Manor: This hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is close to many of the town’s top attractions.
  • The Melrose Inn: This historic guesthouse features cozy rooms and a charming atmosphere.
  • Breezewood Motel: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this motel offers clean rooms and easy access to the highway.

What to Buy in Breezewood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Want to bring home a piece of Breezewood? Here are some ideas for souvenirs and local products:

  • Amish quilts: Lancaster County is known for its beautiful quilts, made by local Amish and Mennonite women.
  • Local honey: Pick up a jar of pure, natural honey from a local farmers market.
  • Shoo Fly Pie Mix: Not sure you can make your own shoofly pie at home? Bring back a mix and try it for yourself!

Local Culture and Customs of Breezewood

Pennsylvania Dutch culture plays a significant role in the town’s history and traditions. Visitors will notice many signs and billboards written in a distinctive style of German, and can even try traditional foods like scrapple and schnitz un knepp.

Best Time to Visit Breezewood

The best time to visit Breezewood is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Breezewood

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Breezewood:

Do:

  • Take a scenic drive along the Lincoln Highway.
  • Try a local beer or wine.
  • Attend a community event or festival.

Don’t:

  • Speed on the highways or through town.
  • Ignore the signs warning of deer crossings.
  • Litter or leave trash behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Breezewood

Breezewood is generally a safe place to visit, but as with any travel destination, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take common-sense precautions. Be sure to lock your car and keep valuables out of sight, and avoid walking alone in dark or unfamiliar areas.

Health in Breezewood

Breezewood is home to several medical facilities and pharmacies, but visitors should still bring any necessary medications with them. Be sure to stay hydrated during hot weather and take appropriate precautions against ticks when hiking or spending time outdoors.

Getting to Breezewood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Breezewood is located just off I-70 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it easily accessible by car. Bus service is also available from Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Washington, D.C. For those traveling by air, the closest airports are Pittsburgh International Airport and Harrisburg International Airport.

Airports Near Breezewood

  • Pittsburgh International Airport (90 miles)
  • Harrisburg International Airport (98 miles)

Bus Stations Near Breezewood

  • Greyhound Bus Station (0.5 miles)
  • Martz Trailways (34 miles)

Other Options

  • Amtrak Station in Altoona, PA (30 miles)
  • Car rental agencies in Breezewood and nearby cities

How to Get Around in Breezewood

Having a car is the easiest way to get around Breezewood and its surrounding areas. However, there are also several bike rental companies in the region, as well as taxis and ride-sharing services.

Where to Go Next from Breezewood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to explore beyond Breezewood, here are some nearby destinations worth considering:

  • Hershey, PA: Home of the famous Hershey’s chocolate factory and Hersheypark amusement park, just 2 hours away.
  • Gettysburg, PA: Explore the historic battlefields and museums of this important Civil War site, just 90 minutes away.
  • Washington, D.C.: Visit the nation’s capital, just 2.5 hours away.

Conclusion

Thanks for visiting our comprehensive tour guide to Breezewood! We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to plan an enjoyable and memorable trip to this beautiful town in Pennsylvania.