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Pennsylvania Has One of the Oldest Cities in America – Where it Ranks

Pennsylvania has fantastic history. People flock here just to visit our museums and many historical landmarks. If you weren’t already aware, Pennsylvania actually has one of the oldest cities in…

Pennsylvania Welcomes You road sign

Pennsylvania Welcomes You road sign at the state border

Pennsylvania has fantastic history. People flock here just to visit our museums and many historical landmarks. If you weren't already aware, Pennsylvania actually has one of the oldest cities in America.

USAByNumbers.com has put together a study with the 15 oldest cities in America. "In America, there are old cities with rich history that have origins before the Revolutionary war," they state. "The oldest cities are the places where fascinating historic events took place and shaped the nation. Although there are quite a few old cities in the country, there are some which date back way more than the other cities."

So, what's the oldest city in America? No. 1 is St. Augustine, Florida, which dates back to 1565. If you're wondering, New York City falls at 5 on the tally.

In Pennsylvania, it's no surprise that Philadelphia made the cut on the list. Philly is ranked the 12th oldest city in the US. "Established in 1682, Philadelphia is considered as the Birthplace of the Nation because it is the city where the famous Declaration of Independence was signed," USAByNumbers.com states. "Plenty of historic sites are decorated throughout this wonderful city. Be it the interesting museums or the incredible historical buildings, it is filled with evidence of rich history. For the art lovers, this city has the very best, Philadelphia Museum of Art. This city is also home to the oldest Farmers market in the country." Find the full list of the oldest cities in America here.

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state, but how does it rank when it comes to being a top travel destination in the United States? As it turns out, we're high on the list.

The crew at Airport Parking Reservations has released a list of the most popular states to travel to in America. "Big, sprawling cities, vast national parks, and white sandy beaches: the USA really does have it all," they state in the article. "Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, the US can offer it, which is why it’s such a top travel destination for travelers all around the world."

They add that, "with each state unique in its culture, food, and attractions, you’ll enjoy a different experience in each one." To do the study, they analyzed search data for flights across 72 countries to find out which states are the most popular to travel to from outside the US.

They also note that searches for "American holidays 2023" have increased by +6,849% in the last 12 months. Perhaps it's the post-pandemic travel surge. Either way, it sounds like a lot of people will be traveling to America in the coming months. Read on for a list of the top 5 most popular states to travel to, according to Airport Parking Reservations.

5. Florida

Of course the sunshine state would make the top five. I'm surprised it isn't higher. Airport Parking Reservations states, "Rounding up our top five most visited states is Florida, with it featuring in the top five in 35 countries. It’s come top in Libya and Uruguay, and second in China and Canada, and its main draw is Orlando, which is home to several theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld."

4. Michigan

Michigan is a beautiful state no matter the season. Airport Parking Reservations states, "10 countries’ most visited state is Michigan – interestingly, all of which are located in south and central America, including Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Mexico, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica all voted it second, and with Michigan being rated third, fourth, and fifth in 33 countries, it’s made its way into fourth place." They also note that while "Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing" are popular destinations, so is Michigan’s countryside."

3. Hawaii

Airport Parking Reservations states, "With its beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery, there’s no other state quite like Hawaii, and it’s particularly popular with honeymooners. Enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and swimming at some of the best beaches in the world, including the famous Waikiki Beach on Oahu, or spend the day hiking at Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll get to see craters, crystals, and even rainforest."

2. Pennsylvania

Here we are! It's great to see Pennsylvania at No. 2. We rock.

Airport Parking Reservations states, "With Philadelphia and Pittsburgh the two largest cities in the state, it’s estimated 36.2 million people visited Philadelphia in 2021, with its biggest attractions including the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and of course, digging into a Philly cheese steak. Outside of its cities, Pennsylvania’s well-known for its Amish community, and if you head to downtown Lancaster, you can purchase their produce at one of the food markets."

1. New York

It's no big surprise that New York City is No. 1 on this list. I definitely want to travel back there sometime soon. Airport Parking Reservations states, "Most people visiting New York will head straight to New York City, to see some of the most famous sights in the world, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park. However, there’s so much more to see outside of NYC – for example, Adirondack Park, which is home to more than 10,000 lakes, and Niagara Falls, with the American side often less touristy than the Canadian side."

According to the report, the rest of the top 10 most popular states for other countries to travel to include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Connecticut and California. I really thought California would be inside the top five, so this surprises me!

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Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.