Travel Log: Pocono

The Poconos provide a mountain of opportunity to explore the outdoors, whether it be through camping, fishing, hiking or biking.

Of course, exploration isn't a new concept in Pennsylvania, specifically in the name of liberty.

Philadelphia may be home to more "firsts" than any other city in North America, considering the role it played in the infant years of the United States. It's a good two-hour drive south of Long Pond, Pa. The city's influence on the shaping of the nation still exists in some form or another ... perhaps, say, in a red thread.

• Purchase tickets
• Book your travel

DID YOU KNOW?
• Philadelphia is known for its groundbreaking notes of history. It was the first planned city in North America, founded by William Penn in 1692 on a grid outline. It served as the nation's first capital from 1790-1800. It is home to the first public library, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731. It is home to the first hospital in America, also founded by Franklin (1751). The University of Pennsylvania opened its doors as America's first university in 1765. And the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was invented at Penn in 1946 as the first computer.

• In May 1776, George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross met at the home of Betsy Ross. George Ross was Betsy Ross' uncle by marriage, and Betsy Ross attended the same church as George Washington. The three men commissioned Ross to sew the first official flag of the United States. She finished the flag by June, just before the inaugural reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Nearly a year later, on June 14, 1777, the flag was adopted by the Continental Congress through the following text: "Resolved: That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing the new constellation."

• Forbes Field is considered to be the first baseball "stadium" built in the United States -- with the facility setting forth a new era of ballparks that catered more to a fan-friendly atmosphere in the grandstands. Forbes featured three-level seating and was constructed of steel and concrete, one of the first stadiums to feature such construction. Forbes was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1909-1970 and was the location of Babe Ruth's 714th and final home run on May 25, 1935.

• Williamsport, Pa., is home to the Little League World Series, first held in 1947. The local Williamsport team won the inaugural tournament 16-7 over Lock Haven, Pa. Pennsylvania teams have won four Little League World Series championships, the most recent coming in 1960 by Levittown.

• Milford, Pa., was where the first silent film was made in the United States. The planned community and vacation spot for several influential characters such as presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, now hosts the Black Bear Film Festival.

IN THE KNOW ...
Best Burger: Pocono Brewing Company
Best Cookin': Miss Celie's
Best Restaurant: Nick's Lake House

Admitted as a State: Dec. 12, 1787, as second state
Capital: Harrisburg
Nickname: Keystone State
Population Rank: 6th
Largest City: Philadelphia

AT THE TRACK

Just south of Interstate-80 in Long Pond sits the 2.5-mile triangle of Pocono Raceway. Plenty of parking. Plenty of camping (mountains worth if you take into consideration the Poconos). The race track provides a solid fan guide to help with things the day-of: maps, directions, rules and seating. It also answers some basic questions and gives a list of local areas that could be helpful during the visit (think: food).
• Pocono Raceway

Weekend Schedules: Cup Series | Nationwide Series | Truck Series