Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 40.340000, -75.926700

Population: 299068

Language: English

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Reading is a historic city located in southeastern Pennsylvania, United States. It is the fifth-largest city in the state and serves as the county seat of Berks County. The town was founded in 1748 by Thomas Penn, Son of William Penn, And was named after his family’s ancestral home in England. Reading has a rich history that can be seen through its architecture, Museums, And cultural institutions. One of the most notable landmarks in Reading is the Pagoda, A Japanese-style building that sits atop Mount Penn overlooking the city.

Built-in 1908 by a local businessman who wanted to create an attraction for visitors to his nearby hotel, It has since become an iconic symbol of Reading. Visitors can climb up to the Pagoda’s observation deck for stunning views of the surrounding area. Another must-see attraction in Reading is The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts – a vibrant community art center housed within a former factory complex. Here you’ll find artist studios, Galleries showcasing rotating exhibits of contemporary art from around the world and classes on everything from painting to pottery.

Reading also boasts several museums dedicated to preserving its unique history. The Reading Public Museum houses collections ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary art while also featuring interactive exhibits on science and technology topics such as astronomy or geology. For those interested in outdoor activities or nature exploration – there are plenty of options available too! French Creek State Park offers hiking trails through forests filled with wildflowers during springtime; Lake Ontelaunee provides opportunities for fishing or boating; and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers birdwatching opportunities with over 16 species being known to nest there each year.

The food scene in Reading offers something for everyone too! From traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare like shoofly pie at Shady Maple Smorgasbord (located just outside town) or famous pretzels from Tom Sturgis Pretzels Factory Outlet downtown – there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Reading is also home to several colleges and universities, Including Albright College and Penn State Berks. These institutions contribute greatly to the city’s cultural and intellectual vibrancy – with lectures, Performances, And exhibits that are open to the public. Reading is a charming city with a rich history that offers many attractions for visitors.

From its iconic Pagoda overlooking the cityscape to The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts showcasing contemporary art from around the world – there’s something for everyone here! Whether you’re interested in exploring nature or learning more about Pennsylvania Dutch culture through its cuisine at local restaurants like Shady Maple Smorgasbord or Tom Sturgis Pretzels Factory Outlet downtown – there are plenty of reasons why Reading should be on your travel radar.

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1. Parker Tavern: A historic house museum constructed in 1694.
2. Birch Meadow Complex: A large recreational park with sports fields and playgrounds.
3. Ipswich River Park: A scenic park with walking trails and picnic areas.
4. Lake Quannapowitt: A beautiful lake surrounded by parks and walking trails.
5. The Reading Public Library: A historic library building with a vast collection of books and resources.
6. The Old South Church: An iconic church building with a rich history dating back to the 1700s.
7. The Walker Memorial Pool & Playground Complex: An outdoor pool complex featuring water slides, diving boards, and other fun activities for children.
8. The Arthur J Kenney Memorial Bandstand: An outdoor music venue that hosts concerts throughout the summer months.
9. The Haverhill Line Commuter Rail Station-Reading Station: It provides easy access to nearby cities like Boston for tourists who want to explore more places around Massachusetts.

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Major Industries and Businesses in Reading, United States

1. Healthcare
2. Education
3. Finance
4. Retail
5. Hospitality
6. Tourism

Largest Employers in the Area

• Reading Hospital
• Alvernia University
• Santander Bank
• Penske Truck Leasing
• VF Outlet

Growing Technology Industry

Companies such as Berks County Information Technology Services and UGI Energy Services are headquartered in Reading.

Thriving Arts Scene

The city also has numerous galleries and museums showcasing local artists’ work.

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1. The founding of Reading in 1748 by Thomas and Richard Penn, sons of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.
2. The American Revolution: Reading was an important center for military supplies during the Revolutionary War.
3. Daniel Boone: The famous frontiersman and explorer lived in Reading for a short time.
4. Conrad Weiser: A prominent colonial diplomat who played a key role in negotiations between Native Americans and colonists, Weiser lived in Reading for many years.
5. John Updike: The Pulitzer Prize-winning author was born and raised in nearby Shillington, Pennsylvania which is part of the greater Reading area.
6. Hurricane Agnes: In 1972, this devastating storm caused widespread flooding throughout the region including downtown Reading.
7. Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt played his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies but grew up near Reading and attended Ohio University on a baseball scholarship after graduating from high school there.
8. Berks County Agricultural Society established one of America’s first county fairs here at Bernville Road Park back in 1852 where it continues to be held annually as The Great Allentown Fair.
9. Oley Valley Heritage Corridor is a nationally recognized historic district that includes several towns surrounding Reading known for their well-preserved historic structures dating back to colonial times including homes built by Mennonite settlers like Heinrich Hunsicker who arrived here around 1700s.
10. The Pagoda located atop Mount Penn overlooking downtown reading was built as a luxury resort hotel back in 1908 but today serves as an iconic landmark offering panoramic views over Berks County countryside.

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1. Reading Public Museum
2. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
3. Pagoda Tower and Skyline Drive
4. Conrad Weiser Homestead
5. Daniel Boone Homestead
6. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
7. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area
8. Berks County Heritage Center
9. Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
10. The Santander Arena and Performing Arts Center

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1. The Reading Fightin Phils is a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania that has been playing since 1967 and is affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies.
2. The Reading Royals is a professional ice hockey team based in Reading, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1991 and plays in the ECHL.
3. Penn State Berks Nittany Lions are the athletic teams of Penn State Berks, which is a campus of Pennsylvania State University located in Reading, Pennsylvania. They compete at the NCAA Division III level.
4. Albright College Lions are the athletic teams of Albright College, which is a private liberal arts college located in Reading, Pennsylvania. They compete at the NCAA Division III level.
5. Exeter Township Eagles are the athletic teams of Exeter Township High School located just outside of Reading, Pennsylvania.
6. Wilson Bulldogs are the athletic teams of Wilson High School located just outside of Reading, Pennsylvania.
7. Berks Catholic Saints are the athletic teams of Berks Catholic High School located just outside of Reading, Pennsylvania.
8. Wyomissing Spartans are the athletic teams of Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School located just outside of reading, Pennsylvania that are known as Spartans.

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1. Reading Fair is a week-long agricultural fair that takes place in August. The event features livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music.
2. Berks Jazz Fest is an annual jazz music festival held in March that attracts performers from all over the world.
3. Reading Radsport Festival is a two-day cycling event held in June. The festival features criterium races, gran fondos, and family-friendly activities.
4. Puerto Rican Festival is an annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture held in July. Attendees can enjoy traditional food, music, and dance performances.
5. Oktoberfest Reading is a three-day German-themed festival held in October with beer gardens, live music, and traditional food.
6. Pagoda Hillclimb Race is an annual car racing event that takes place in September where drivers race up the steep hill to the iconic Pagoda Tower.
7. Fire + Ice Fest is a winter festival held every January featuring ice sculptures, fire performances, and live music.
8. World War II Weekend at Mid-Atlantic Air Museum takes place on Father’s Day weekend every year as a living history weekend where visitors can see vintage aircrafts and vehicles from WWII era as well as meet veterans who served during that time period.

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• Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine at the Reading Terminal Market.
• Seafood at Coastal Grille.
• Italian food at Panevino Restaurant.
• Mexican food at Taqueria Comalli.
• Barbecue at Mission BBQ.
• Burgers and fries at Five Guys.
• Chinese food at Mandarin Palace.
• Pizza and sandwiches from West Reading Tavern.
• Thai food from Thaiwat Restaurant.
• Vegetarian options from Firefly Cafe’.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area
2. Antietam Lake Park
3. Schuylkill River Trail
4. Angelica Creek Park
5. Blue Marsh Lake
6. Stonecliffe Recreation Area
7. Reading Public Museum and Arboretum
8. Wyomissing Park System
9. Baer Park
10. City Park Pool and Playground

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Leave Footprints In The Sand.

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