Although quite a small town, Travellers Rest, SC has so much to offer. If you’re looking for some exciting things to do in Travelers Rest, SC, then you just need to grab a chair and go through this piece. [Read more…] about 16 Things to Do in Travelers Rest, SC [Must-See Attractions]
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10 Best Things to Do in Burlington, NC [Top Attractions]
Are you planning to travel to Burlington city, or are you already there? Whichever the case, this list offers some incredible things to do in Burlington, NC, which will make your entire stay exciting. [Read more…] about 10 Best Things to Do in Burlington, NC [Top Attractions]
51 Pennsylvania Slang Terms You Need to Know
Welcome to Pennsylvania – A Brief Historical Background
Home of the Liberty Bell, the Philidelphia Eagles, and Philadelphia Flyers. We also have the Amish, Pennsylvania Dutch, The Pocono, Allegheny Mountains, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. When you think of Pennsylvania most people think of two things.
They are Philadelphia and the Amish. Contradictory to what people believe the entire state is not Amish, or Mennonite and Philadelphia is not the whole state.
It is just a city that is part of Eastern Pennsylvania.
This means that there is slang from all different areas throughout the state.
Furthermore, in this article, it’s time to learn some Pennsylvania slang terms to know. There is more to the state than what most people think.
Including the dividing line between Eastern Pennsylvania slang and stereotypes and Western Pennsylvania slang and stereotypes. In Eastern Pa, you have cities and places such as Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Pa Dutch/Amish, and Lancaster Pa.
In the middle of the state, Allegheny Mountains run through. If you keep driving straight on the Pennsylvania turnpike then eventually you will hit Western Pennsylvania. This is home to the 412 or as it is well known as Pittsburgh.
Whether you visit or live in Pennsylvania you come to learn certain slang terms depending on where in the state you live. The same word has three to four meanings depending on who is saying it and wherein the state you are located at.
To describe pop, Coke or soda are examples of words that are the same in meaning but said differently across the state.
Eastern Pennsylvania Slang Terms
Starting with the well known most eastern city in Pennsylvania…. Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, known as Philly or the city of brotherly love. It is synonymous with the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Rocky steps, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Slang terms of this area are cheesesteak- this has the most literal meaning. The meaning of this slang term is a long sandwich filled with chipped steak, sauce, onions served open-faced.
Philly is known for their cheesesteaks and while there is some local competition for who makes the best cheesesteak between Pats and Geno’s just ask a local and they will send you somewhere else to get one that’s just as good if not better. First off when you order know what you want and have your money ready.
- “Yous” – it is the eastern pa way of saying you all.
- Mac – Money Access Center, it is just an older way of saying an automated teller machine or ATM. An example of this is, going to the MAC machine, going to tap mac.
- Let’s go birds – referred to the professional football team the Philadelphia eagles
- Soda – Soda is the ultimate reference for any kind of drink
Some advice for people who are going to Philidelphia, do your research on the areas that you are going to visit or want to visit in the city.
Like most cities, there is a good part of Philly and a not so good part of Philly. North Philly is one of the more dangerous places to go in the city. Every city blocks dynamic changes one part can be nice and safe while the next block can be a little rougher.
Lehigh Valley Slang Terms
Once you are done with Philadelphia and go north you will come across the Lehigh Valley, this is Allentown and Lehigh. This area has some infusion of cultures from the Pa dutch and Amish which are located south of the Lehigh Valley. In addition to some influence from Philidelphia and the Pennsylvania dutch. Here are some Pennsylvania Slang Terms to Know about the Lehigh Valley.
- Grutzy- cranky and tired
- 22- Refers to Route 22, take 22 to the right or the left.
- Say or Say now- means what about doing this or something else. Also used instead of hey now or to begin a conversation with someone. ” say now what if you wore blue shoes instead of the red ones.
- The plural of hair is hairs- Did you get your hairs cut today at the salon
- Musikfest– a music festival that happens once a year in the Leigh valley that runs a week.
- Shush- Shusssh, quiet down, or be quiet.
Pa Dutch/ Amish and Lancaster
Now moving to the southwest across the state you come across Lancaster next. Here Lancaster is known for tourism and the Amish. This is Pa dutch county where the portions are big and everything is closed by nine on the week and five on the weekends.
In this section, here are some Pa Dutch/ Amish and Lancaster Pennsylvania slang terms to know.
- Road apples- horse poop normally found in the middle or on the side of a country road
- Peachy keen- it is all good, it is cool
- Firehouse wedding- a wedding and reception inside of a fire station. Native to the small towns in this area and local townspeople.
- Longjohns this word has two meanings that are very different from each other.
- They are a type of doughnut, that is a long and rectangular shape. It has icing on the top normally in one of three flavors chocolate, vanilla, or peanut butter. Achenbachs is the premier brand of longjohns.
- Longjohns are also the type of pants that you wear over the top of your underwear but below your jeans or sweatpants. They are normally brought our during the cold winters to keep people warm during there time outside. Also can be fleece-lined or a thick thermal material like flannel. Normally used whether that be working outside, or playing in the snow. Also known as thermal underwear in stores.
- Courting season- it is a specific time of the year when the Amish boys try to impress and date the Amish girls. This season normally lasts the course of a few months during the summer and into fall. When it is over big Amish weddings happen.
- Barn raising- this is when a bunch of Amish all gets together over the course of a few days and they build a barn or a house for someone in their community.
- A Buggy- also known as a horse and buggy. It is what the Amish use to travel around and get where they need to get.
Amish Slang Food Terms
Here are some well-known Pennsylvania slang terms for food.
- Scrapple- a combination of pork fat and trimming with flour and seasoning baked in a loaf.
- Faustnaut-. A special type of doughnut made only for Fat Tuesday or Shove Tuesday. It’s specifically sold by the half dozen and dozen. The powdered kind is the best.
- Dippy eggs- it is eggs that you can dip your toast in
- Coke/soda- is soda or any other drink that one can be offered.
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Slang Terms
When traveling westward across the state you come across mountain towns that are built into the Allegheny mountains. Keep driving west and eventually, you will hit the city of Pittsburgh. Further on you will land in Ohio, to showcase how far west Pittsburgh is.
This section is all about how to talk like a Pittsburgh local and the western Pennsylvania slang terms to know.
City of Pittsburgh Slang
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- Pittsburgh, located in western pa and uses the word yinz
- Yinz – the Western pa way of saying you all
- Yinzer- The people of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas
- Sweeper- is another word for vacuum
- Creek – pronounced crick it is a body of water
- Stillers- The western way of saying steelers. The local professional football team the Pittsburgh steelers.
- Jagoff- its an insult to someone who is being mean or annoying
- Pittsburgh salad- a salad with fries inside of it.
- Primanti’s- Going to Primanti bro’s and getting a sandwich. French bread, meat, fries, coleslaw, tomatoes. People might look at you weird if you take items off the sandwich.
- Let’s go Pens- cheering on the Pittsburgh penguins the professional hockey team, they play at PPG paints area.
- H2P- Hail to Pitt, this is the university of Pittsburgh slogan, along with the Panther Pit.
- Buggy- its a shopping carts
- Gutchies- it’s underwear, gender-neutral old school phrase
- Pop- another word for soda. All soda is pop and all pop is soda.
Locations in Pittsburgh
- The point- it refers to Point State Park that is located in downtown Pittsburgh. It is also the home to fort Pitt. Has beautiful water features and a fountain
- North shore- it is referring to the part of the city where the Steelers play at Heinz Field.
- Southside – it’s where a road of bars are located at.
- The Strip- It is like a farmers market with stores and restaurants. Wholey’s is a well-known fish market that sells all types of meat, seafood, and other good, also known as Robert Wholey & Co
- Take the T-The underground train that you can ride for free around the city and go places out of the city for a low fare.
- Downtown – refers to the entirety of downtown Pittsburgh
- PPG Paints- it is the sports area where the Pittsburgh Penguins play
- 412-the area code for phone numbers and people in the area
- Parking chair- a chair that designates that a parking spot has been claimed by someone else. Also saving a spot for someone else to come by and join your group of people.
- The incline- There are two inclines in the city of Pittsburgh one is the Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline. They both take you up Mount Washinton and give you a breathtaking view of the city from above. It is the best at night to see the city all lit up.
Pennsylvania Stereotypes to Know
They are not necessarily accurate but however everywhere in the world has them for good or for bad. In addition, a good part of them started through the silver screen.
Pa Dutch
- In Pennsylvania movies and television shows, you see people and local attractions. These form stereotypes of the people and areas of people. The common stereotype is that everyone is Amish, Mennonite, or lives next to one. Women wearing plain colored dresses and men dressed in muted colors with a hat.
- Despite what you see on television and movies not everyone is this way this is just part of the population of the surrounding towns. In true fashion women and girl’s hair will be in a bun or pinned back with a bonnet on it. Men grow beards after they get married.
- Single men and young men will not have any facial hair.
Mennonite
Everyone being Mennonite is any other stereotype of the area and they dress similarly to the Amish, except for some more mainstream clothing brands. Mennonite women also are more likely to wear long skirts and wear ponytails and braids in their hair.
There is a part of the town where all the tourists go. The locals here do not eat at buffets and smorgasbords all the time, nor do most people go to the gift shops.
See Related: Why Traveling is Important
Philly
One of the other types of stereotypes in Philadelphia is that they are big flyers fans as it is the locals’ professional hockey team, some are even die-hard fans for their team. The Italian guido type of person is another common personality you will see in the city.
Everyone wants to run up the same step that Rocky did at the Philadelphia museum of art. Although many movies were shot in Philly including Rocky, National Treasure, and Silver linings playbook, the city is very different than what is showcased in films that feature different parts of the city.
The nice part of Philly is by Rittenhouse square is the rich part of the city. There are also a lot of museums in that area.
Pittsburgh
Furthermore in Pittsburgh, everyone does not yell yinzer at each other while eating perogies and waving a terrible towel. People are die-hard fans and extremely passionate about the local football team the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you walk around downtown on game day before the game subsequently you will hear the Pittsburgh black and yellow song, as well as a few other Pittsburgh, themed songs.
Other Fun Facts and Pennsylvania Sayings Terms to Know
In addition here are some general fun places fun Pa slang terms to know
Weird town names and how to pronounce them
- Schyuky- pronounced school-cool
- Bird in hand- its town that has some great food. There is also a bakery, a smorgasbord, hotels, and cafes. It is a tourist Amish town.
- Intercourse, blue balls, paradise are all towns and you have to drive through intercourse to reach paradise.
- Kitchen Kettle Village– a little real town designed to be an old colonial type of town. People in outfits and lots of homestyle types of food.
- Reading- pronounced (red) ing, the past tense of reading
- Jim Thorpe-known as little Switzerland of Pennsylvania
Now you know how to talk like a local Pennsylvanian and have learned all the important Pennsylvania Slang Terms, it’s time to learn some other states slang.
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Via Travelers is a modern travel blog focused on helping you learn the best travel tips, travel hacks, and itineraries to explore the world. Find your wanderlust.
7 Best Places to Travel in Alaska [Top Destinations to See]
It was always my goal to travel to Alaska, and in the summer of 2019, my dreams became a reality. My girlfriend and I took a trip to Juneau, Alaska last summer to visit where she grew up.
I instantly fell in love.
There is nothing quite like Alaska, in the rest of the world, really. They don’t call it “The Last Frontier” for no reason.
As you read through the list of best places to travel in Alaska, I want to encourage each and everyone reading this; do not hesitate to visit Alaska at least once, if not multiple times in your life. You surely will not regret it.
This list will help you navigate some of the best places to travel in Alaska.
Although things have changed in the past year, specifically the cruise ship industry, there are still many different ways to explore Alaska. There are so many sights to see plenty of which will leave you speechless, and wanting more of Alaska.
With many mountain ranges, ocean and lake views, and plenty of camping spots all around the state, Alaska will never leave you disenchanted.
Check out this site to book your Alaskan adventures today!
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Kodiak
The second biggest island in the United States, and Alaska’s biggest island, Kodiak boasts several exciting features, making this one of the top cities to visit in Alaska. Also known as the Emerald Isle, Kodiak holds a number of incredible scenic areas that nature enthusiasts flock to.
Kodiak is a waterfront harbor town, as the Alaskan Marine Highway ferries, dock right next to downtown. The best-known attraction is Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge which encircles two-thirds of Kodiak Island.
This park is 2,812 square miles of diverse habitat. Kodiak includes scenes of mountain tops, alpine meadows, wetlands, spruce forests, and grasslands. This refuge is home to around 3,500 bears that normally weigh between 800 pounds, but are known to tip the scales at 1,500 pounds. This would put a bear on its hind legs at about ten feet tall!
Since it is a fishing port, this is obviously a favorite activity of both locals and tourists. All five species of salmon, along with halibut, rockfish, cod, and trout.
If you are into catching big game fish, check this site out! Renowned captains and fishermen take you on an experience of a lifetime, catching all fish that are listed above.
Denali National Park and Reserve
Denali (Mount McKinley as its former name) is the tallest mountain peak in North America. This information alone should make it one of your top places to see in Alaska. With a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level, this makes for an awesome Alaskan destination (not that you would want to climb that high).
Denali is considered the centerpiece of the Denali National Park and Reserve.
Before visiting, it is important to know the details of Denali National Park. The summer season (May 20th-mid September) is the choice of people visiting the park. During the winter season, the peaks and parks surrounding them are known for their extremely cold weather.
Temperatures have been recorded at -100 degrees Fahrenheit!
Summer days, however, are picture-perfect. Visiting Denali National Park is a great way to see one of the best scenic places in Alaska.
It is important to be prepared ahead of time, due to the fact that Denali National Park only has one road and only one road entrance. This road is 92 miles long which runs east to west across the park.
Vehicles are allowed to drive the first fifteen miles of the road into the park, but from there narrated and non-narrated bus tours are run by the park. These are considered the safest way to see the true beauty of the landscape and wildlife of Denali. The park is around 6 million acres.
There are tours that prevent people that are unfamiliar with the area from getting lost in such a vast landscape.
There are a total of six campgrounds and hiking opportunities near the entrance. For hikers looking for more of an off-trail adventure, click here!
Motor Vehicle Adventures in Denali
For the people who are interested in seeing Denali from a motor vehicle, check out these great tours you can book from GetYourGuide.com.
Nome
Nome is home to one of the most famous dog sled stories in the world. A trek across the interior of Alaska to the town of Nome in 1925. This was called 1925 serum run to Nome. The mission was a dog sled relay across 674 miles in just five and a half days.
The mission was to deliver an antitoxin known to treat diphtheria. This infection was about to become an epidemic in the town of Nome and the surrounding communities. The relay consisted of twenty dog sled mushers and around 150 sled dogs. Balto was then named the most famous canine in the world, traveling the rest of the relay 55 miles to the town of Nome.
In the early 1900s, Nome was well known for the gold rush.
Today, Nome is rich with adventure. People from all over the world come to Nome to experience true Alaskan living, while still enjoying the amenities of the modern-day world. When visiting Nome, you experience the Alaskan Native culture, rugged Alaskan scenery, and world-renowned outdoor sporting events.
Every March, people from across the world come to visit Nome to see the end of the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race. The 1,049-mile trek through the raw Alaskan wilderness is nothing short of an amazing feat. Nome’s population grows by nearly 1,000 people each year in March.
Some locals have even been known to call it the “Mardi Gras of the North”! If you are interested in other events that are happening while the Iditarod is in town click here.
Homer
Homer, also known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” is home to some of the best sportfishing you can experience in Alaska. This quaint town was originally built on the coal mining industry. It’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska for a very good reason.
There are still an estimated 400 million tons of raw coal deposits in the area today. Halibut and salmon sport fishing is now considered the dominant industry leader. Commercial fishing and tourism are a close second in industry-leading revenue for the community.
This small town offers many different adventures depending on what you are looking for. The town itself is surrounded by both open water and vast Alaskan wilderness. It is world-renowned for sportfishing, but you can experience loads of other adventures while visiting Homer.
Kayaking, bear viewing tours, and destination weddings are a few that top the list and make the list of awesome Alaskan destinations. This town is also very rich in both food and art culture, community members and tourists alike take pride in sharing experiences that both food and art can bring.
The picturesque area is considered one of “America’s Best Small Art Towns”. Take a trip to one, or any of the twelve beautiful galleries around Homer. Besides sportfishing, Homer is also well-known for their fine dining experiences.
This is a list of fine dining restaurants in town that will top everyone’s dining expectations. The small bay town is definitely considered by locals and tourists as one of the best places to travel in Alaska.
Destination Weddings and the “City of Peonies”
Homer also holds the name “City of Peonies”. Boasting 22 hours of sunlight in Homer during the summer season; peony flowers grow lush and full throughout the town. Declared in 2018, the “City of Peonies” is one of the few places in the world to get peonies cut at the exact time they mature.
Making these flowers rare and sought after by florists in the lower 48 states.
The peony flower is the number one choice for brides, making this town a special place for couples looking for a destination wedding. There are approximately 25 different peony farms around the area and the flowers also line the streets leading into downtown.
If you and your loved one are looking for a destination wedding with gorgeous flowers and views alike, you should consider Homer!
Sitka
According to the US Census Bureau, Sitka has a total square mileage area (including water) of 4,811 square miles, making this the largest city-borough in North America. It is the largest incorporated city in the U.S, with its square mileage equaling to about four times the size of the state Rhode Island.
Sitka is unique since there are no roads leading in or out of Sitka, the only way to reach the city is by boat or plane.
Like many other Alaskan cities and towns, Sitka prides itself on many things Alaskan. Catching fish from the ocean, hiking a mountain from your backyard, or learning about the rich history and culture of Sitka. The city is also flowing with arts and food culture, and many outdoor activities to fit all different kinds of tourism.
Being outdoors is a commonality of Sitka residents and tourists alike. Kayaking on the ocean, or catching fresh halibut off a charter are some of the day-to-day activities of Sitka.
Sitka Fine Arts Camp
Residents and surrounding community members also pride themselves on heavy art influences, from Alaskan Native culture to the beauty of the outdoors that surround them. Sitka Fine Arts Camp is a renowned art camp for both students and adults alike.
This camp is home to many classes and experiences for young artists, conferences, and retreats for adults.
It is recognized as a nationally acclaimed program and center for the arts, serving approximately 1,000 students and adults each year.
Anchorage
Anchorage holds the most citizens in all of Alaska, containing nearly 40 percent of the state’s population. This city is considered a major hub for almost all international travel and commercial business.
The location of Anchorage is what is known as “equidistant” meaning from Tokyo or New York, it lies about nine and a half hours from flight either direction.
An international hub city makes Anchorage one of the best places to travel in Alaska. Due to the fact that it is accessible to about 90% of the industrialized world in a less than ten-hour flight.
Since the city is so large compared to a lot of other Alaskan cities, the options for tourists are endless.
Check out their website for an expansive list of options and activities for all age groups.
This beautiful city offers some of the best scenic places to visit in Alaska, from guided tours to wildlife adventures, the possibilities in Anchorage are endless.
If you are interested in visiting, or maybe even relocating to Anchorage, ask a local to get detailed information about visiting or living there!
Juneau
Now, I may be a bit bias towards Juneau since I am relocating there this September; but Juneau is (in my opinion) the best place to travel in Alaska.
Visiting for the first time last summer, I immediately fell for the charm and laid back lifestyle of Juneau. Nothing beats being able to go outside in your backyard, and twenty minutes-sometimes less, any direction will land you at the base of a mountain.
Like Sitka, Juneau is an island with no roads leading in or out. This majestic city is only accesible by boat or plane. The capital city is home to the Tongass National Forest which is the largest national forest in the U.S. Measuring at a whopping 16.7 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is considered one of the last remaining intact temperate rainforests in the world. This national forest hosts some of the rarest and endangered species of flora and fauna in the world.
Since it is the capital city, Juneau boasts many artistic and cultural values. Along with food, art, and history culture in the city runs deep. Alaskan Natives landed in Southeast Alaska nearly 10,000 years ago, claiming the territories and Tongass National Forest, so Juneau is not shy to history.
Some consider the state’s capital to be the most scenic capital in all of the U.S. Juneau is rich in cultural history, art, and food. This city is an outdoor adventurers haven, with many opportunities to be outside and experience everything the sprawling city of Juneau has to offer. Check out these many things to do in Juneau.
For many outdoor adventure ideas, click here.
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Via Travelers is a modern travel blog focused on helping you learn the best travel tips, travel hacks, and itineraries to explore the world. Find your wanderlust.
11 Best Things to Do in Pioneertown (And Top Attractions)
Experience a Wild West set brought to life at Pioneertown. This article covers the best things to see and do in this tranquil desert community.
[Read more…] about 11 Best Things to Do in Pioneertown (And Top Attractions)