Last Updated on March 30, 2025 by Caesar
If you don’t know what to do in Pennsylvania over the weekend, you can always take a trip down memory lane with some nostalgic activities. This may include everything from playing classic slots to taking an old-time railroad ride.
1. Visit a casino
Pay a visit to a casino and play some slot games with classic themes. These retro games embrace straightforward gameplay and hold a special place in the hearts of many players. Traditional slot machines feature three reels with symbols like bars, cherries, and lucky sevens.
You can still find slot machines in casinos that remind you of these old machines. Some of them even use nostalgic old symbols, but they also incorporate new and exciting elements. The largest casino in Pennsylvania is Parx Casino in Bensalem, which has more than 3,300 slot machines for you to choose from, including some great classic slots.
The shift from brick-and-mortar to online casinos has given classic casino games a chance to become popular with many more people. You can enjoy these games from any location of your choice when you download a PA gambling app and play on a mobile device.
2. Catch a drive-in movie
Pennsylvania has 28 drive-ins still operating today. Shankweiler’s in Orefield is the oldest drive-in in America and has been going since 1934. Becky’s Drive-In in Walnutport has been going since 1946. You will find it on Route 248, about 11 miles north of Allentown. It broadcasts sound for the movies over FM radio. You can get sound using your car radio or a portable radio.
Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton shows retro movies, and Starlight Drive-In offers a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere with a high-tech movie experience.
At Haar’s Drive-In, you can see first-run and throwback movies. It has been providing entertainment to Central Pennsylvania residents for more than 70 years. Enjoy entertainment under the stars on weekends during the summer season.
3. Explore a Victorian town
Jim Thorpe is a Victorian town in eastern Pennsylvania. The town is a two-hour or so drive from Philadelphia or New York City. It has many attractions, such as old-time railroad rides, unique shops, and great restaurants.
You can take a 70-scenic train ride through Lehigh Gorge. A specific bike train has cars reserved for bikes. Take the train 25 miles through the Gorge and ride back along an adjacent rail trail. Exercise like this can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
4. Mines and history during the weekend
On the weekends, the old jail in the town is open for tours. It is best known as the site of the hanging of seven Irish miners in the 1800s. You can buy tickets on site, and the tours last about 30 minutes.
If you want to see what a real coal mine looks like, you can visit the Number Nine Coal Mine & Museum. You will find it just outside of downtown Jim Thorpe. You can ride a rail car 1,600 feet into the mountain and walk through the mine on a guided tour.
A visit to Jim Thorpe’s grave, after whom the town is named, is inspiring. You will see displays with information about his life. He was the first Native American to win a gold medal for the U.S. in the Olympics.
5. Go to Reading Terminal Market
One of the things to know about Pennsylvania is that it is famous for foods like handmade pretzels, whoopie pies, and Philly cheesesteaks. Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia is an indoor market that’s been operating since 1893. It is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and is home to over 80 small, family-owned businesses.
At this market, you can find many nostalgic eats including Amish soft pretzels, shoofly pie, and Pennsylvania Dutch scrapple. Amish merchants from Lancaster County bring farm-fresh products and dishes to the market.
Sit-down eateries are scattered across the lively space, and you need to allocate plenty of time to browse through the food bazaar. DiNic’s Roast Pork serves up a delicious sandwich known as the ‘Best Sandwich in America.’ It consists of thinly sliced roast pork on a long roll with sharp provolone and a broccoli rabe topping.
