Peter Bubel: The Best Kept Secrets of Reading, PA

Peter Bubel: The Best Kept Secrets of Reading, PA

Reading, PA is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 47 miles from Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. The town acts as the county seat of Berks County and boasts of having a population approaching 99,000. The city was established in 1733 at the current intersection of the Schuylkill River and the East Penn Lebanon Valley. During the American Revolution, Reading was a leading producer of iron ore, which was used to make cannons, rifles and ammunition for the Washington troops. Agriculture, especially dairy and beef production are vital industries in the area.

Some of the best hidden secrets in Reading, PA include the Reading Public Museum, Santander Arena, Berks County Heritage Center, Berks Jazz Fest, Balloon Rides, Mid Atlantic Air Museum and the Reading Pagoda. The high standing Pagoda is located atop Mt. Penn and includes a café and a gift shop. The building has stood for over 100 years and remains the greatest attraction in the city. The Pagoda is preserved and managed by the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda and is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Berks Jazz Festival is an annual, 10 day jazz festival that takes place during spring throughout the Greater Reading area. The other attractions revolving around the festival include scheduled public events, dining and shopping. The Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center is located at the city’s downtown. The venue offers state-of-the art entertainment throughout the year for people of all ages. The events that take place here include concerts, family shows, comedy and sporting events. Another captivating event in Reading is the daily balloon rides by the US Hot Air Balloon Team.

The exhilarating air rides take place over the beautiful Schuylkill River Valley. The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum that is located at 11 Museum Drive operates, preserves, restores historical aircrafts from various ages. The collection of includes bombers, transporters and military crafts. The Reading Public Museum is a major educational and artistic resource with numerous attractions for kids and adults. The attractions include natural science exhibition, art galleries, a planetarium and arboretum. The museum is located on the busy 500 Museum road in Reading.

The real estate market in Reading, PA is once again thriving after the shock of the 2008 economic crisis. According to Trulia.com, the median sales price for homes in Reading stood at $113,450 between November 2016 and February 2017. The market is replete with a wide range of housing units, including townhouses, detached houses, mobile homes, and in-unit structures. The Average price per sq ft was $75 during the same period. The number of residents who are homeowners stands at 66% while the median household income is $45,700.

Peter Bubel on Day Trips From Reading, PA

Peter Bubel on Day Trips From Reading, PA

As the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania with a population of almost 88,000, Reading is a city thriving with art, culture, delicious food and lots to do. But sometimes you just need to escape for a day. Reading is conveniently located just a short drive from many amazing destinations that are perfect for a day trip.

Philadelphia

Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Just a short drive from Reading, Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful, fun and historical cities in America. There are so many things to do in Philadelphia that you might want to extend your day trip to become a weekend trip! From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and LOVE Park, you will never be bored in Philadelphia. Whether you want to explore the history of the city, spend the entire day in museums or even go shopping, Philadelphia has something to offer for everyone.

New York City

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Not much needs to be said about New York City. It is one of the centers of the world. Being slightly removed yet close enough to enjoy a day in NYC is one of the things that makes Reading, PA so great. Maybe you just want to go into the city for dinner and a show. Maybe you want to go in and do all of the touristy things like visit the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Maybe you want to go shopping. Maybe you have friends visiting and you want to show them around. Or maybe you just want to go in and discover all of the things that the city has to offer. There are countless reasons for wanting to take a day trip to New York City. And being just a short 2 and a half hour drive away from it makes it very easy for those living in Reading.

Hershey

Travel time: 1 hour

When most people hear the name Hershey they think of Hersheypark. The amusement park filled with fun rides and delicious chocolate treats. One of the best amusement parks in the Northeast, Hersheypark is home to all of the typical things you’d find in a park: games, roller coasters, water rides, family rides and rides for children of all ages. However, Hersheypark has the added bonus of being Hershey themed. Everywhere you turn you can find delicious candy, chocolate and treats! While Hershey, PA is home to Hersheypark there are other fun things to do in the city as well. The Indian Echo Caverns are cool caves that you can explore and there is an arena for concerts. For those without children there are resorts with golf and spas that you can relax in on your day trip escape.

Peter Bubel Discusses the Best Restaurants in Reading, PA

Peter Bubel Discusses the Best Restaurants in Reading, PA

downtown-view-of-reading-pa

Reading, Pennsylvania is a booming city filled with many delicious restaurants that aren’t to be missed while in town. But there are a few that just go far beyond the others in terms of quality and taste of food, decor and service. The restaurants below are the best of the best in Reading. Make your reservations now!

Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn

A German-American restaurant, Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn is always packed so make a reservation. The atmosphere is serene and warm with very friendly and professional staff who go above and beyond to make sure that you enjoy your visit. And the food, well it’s just top notch. Everything that you order is always delicious and cooked to perfection. Head over on Thursday nights for burger night!

Coastal Grille

This restaurant serves seafood with an American flare. There is a beautiful aquarium in the middle of the restaurant that ties everything together and adds a great ambiance. No matter what you order you will enjoy it. Everything here is spectacular. All of the seafood is fresh and of the utmost quality. It is prepared perfectly in interesting combinations such as Baja Fish Tacos. They also serve classic seafood dishes such as lobster rolls. No matter what you order, it will be delicious!

Judy’s On Cherry

This small restaurant is a hidden gem in Reading, PA. With extremely friendly and helpful staff your meal starts off well. And then the food comes out. Everything looks and smells mouthwateringly delicious. Judy’s never disappoints. A meal at Judy’s is never complete, though, unless you get one of their famous homemade desserts.

Dans Restaurant

This quaint little restaurant serves the most beautiful, fresh, and delicious food. Everything is plated, and cooked, to perfection. When the weather is nice they have a lovely outdoor patio so that you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you dine. All of the servers are very knowledgeable about the items on the menu and are happy to help you with whatever you need to ensure that you enjoy your time at Dans.

The Ugly Oyster

This pub serves American Seafood. The Ugly Oyster is pub food at its best and takes it up a notch. With an Irish pub atmosphere, this is a fun place to come for a drink and enjoy delicious food. Just be warned that the restaurant is small so you may not always have luck getting a table!