Reading es una ciudad ubicada en el sureste de Inglaterra, bien conocida por ser el hogar de muchas empresas multinacionales. Sin embargo, más allá del mundo empresarial, esta ciudad tiene mucho que ofrecer en términos de turismo y entretenimiento. Desde museos a bares históricos, pasando por teatros y espacios verdes, la variedad de atracciones en Reading es amplia y diversa. En este artículo, te mostraremos algunas de las mejores atracciones de la ciudad para que puedas planificar un viaje inolvidable y descubrir todo lo que Reading tiene para ofrecer.
Las mejores atracciones en Reading
1. Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
Si te interesa la aviación, te recomendamos visitar el Mid-Atlantic Air Museum en Reading. El personal de la recepción es muy amable y servicial, y nuestros guías, Richard, Phil y Bill, fueron muy conocedores y apasionados por los aviones. Nos enseñaron la historia detrás de cada modelo, y aprendimos sobre diferentes estructuras de motor utilizadas para cada tipo de avión. Además, nos contaron sobre la recreación de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y el espectáculo de aviones que el museo lleva a cabo en junio, lo cual suena como un evento impresionante.
El museo cuenta con un gran número de aviones y modelos raros, muchos de los cuales han sido restaurados a un alto nivel de calidad. Los guías realmente llevaron la experiencia al siguiente nivel en términos de involucramiento, conocimiento y ayudando a responder a nuestras preguntas. También fue divertido ver la tienda de regalos, la cual tenía recuerdos a precios razonables. La única desventaja es que algunos de los aviones más grandes no son accesibles sin la compañía de un guía, lo cual es una lástima ya que son la atracción principal.
Sin embargo, estas pequeñas desventajas no afectan la experiencia general en el museo. La colección de modelos de aviones tempranos es digna de mencionar, junto con el P51 único que está actualmente en restauración. Además, nuestra visita fue divertida y educativa para toda la familia. Los voluntarios docentes demostraron mucha paciencia y conocimiento en la materia, lo cual fue esencial para que nuestros nietos también lo disfrutaran. Definitivamente recomendamos visitar este museo a cualquier persona interesada en la aviación y la historia.
2. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts es uno de los mejores lugares para visitar en Reading, tanto para los amantes del arte como para aquellos que buscan algo diferente. La atmósfera es encantadora y la oferta cultural disponible es una delicia para los sentidos. Desde películas independientes en el pequeño teatro, hasta clases de arte para niños y adultos, hay algo para todo el mundo. Además, los programas para niños y las exposiciones de estudiantes en el segundo piso son una excelente manera de fomentar la creatividad y la inspiración en los jóvenes.
El centro es una de las atracciones más impresionantes de la ciudad, y es fácil entender por qué. La historia del edificio es fascinante, y está bien presentada en el museo del tercer piso. La tienda de regalos también es digna de mención, con una amplia selección de cristalería, textiles, cerámica, joyería y más. Si bien el lugar no cuenta con un restaurante, siempre hay un pequeño aperitivo disponible, y es posible que esto cambie en el futuro. Pero en general, la entrada gratuita, el aparcamiento gratuito y la gran cantidad de eventos especiales son lo que hacen que este lugar sea una visita obligada.
En general, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts es una joya en la ciudad de Reading. Los estudios llenos de artistas trabajando, la pequeña galería maravillosa que muestra la historia de Reading y el uso original del edificio, todo ello hace que la visita valga la pena. Si bien puede haber algunos pequeños inconvenientes, como tours que llegan tarde o cierta falta de opciones de comida, el ambiente, la creatividad y el arte en exhibición hacen que GoggleWorks sea un lugar imprescindible para visitar en Reading.
3. Pagoda
En nuestra opinión, la Pagoda es una visita obligada cuando se visita Reading. Esta antigua estructura histórica es impresionante y ofrece vistas panorámicas increíbles de la ciudad. Es fácilmente reconocible debido a sus luces rojas brillantes en la noche, lo que la hace aún más espectacular. Además, la presencia de un museo y un restaurant en su interior, hacen que sea un lugar ideal para pasar tiempo con amigos y familiares.
Si bien la Pagoda tiene una ubicación increíble y ofrece vistas panorámicas impresionantes, es importante tener en cuenta que llegar allí puede ser francamente agotador. Especialmente si planea ir en bicicleta desde la base de la ciudad. Además, aunque la cafetería de la Pagoda ofrece algunas opciones limitadas de comida, la calidad de la comida puede no ser suficiente para satisfacer todos los gustos.
La belleza de la Pagoda se ve empañada por el hecho de que algunas partes del área, especialmente el estacionamiento y la acera, pueden ser algo caóticas y en ocasiones inseguras. Por lo tanto, es importante tomar las precauciones necesarias al visitar este lugar. En resumen, si eres un ávido amante de la historia y la arquitectura, la Pagoda es un lugar de visita obligada para ti. ¡No te arrepentirás de visitar y disfrutar de las vistas magníficas que ofrece!
4. Reading Fightin Phils, FirstEnergy Stadium
Reading Fightin Phils, FirstEnergy Stadium is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone, especially for those who are new to baseball. The vintage feel of the stadium adds to the charm and the free parking is a huge plus. The staff is friendly and there are plenty of options for food and drinks. The only downside to this place is that you can’t walk all around the stadium like you can in some other minor league baseball parks. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall experience of watching a baseball game and cheering for your team.
The stadium itself may feel old, but it is still a beautiful park with helpful personnel and a variety of food options. We particularly enjoyed the all-you-can-eat buffet, and even though it was basic, it did the job. The best part is that it’s affordable, and you get to see the future Philadelphia Phillies play. There are plenty of giveaways, something happening between every inning, live music before the game, and fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays. For those traveling, we suggest staying at the Doubletree hotel in the 700 block of Penn st and making a weekend out of it.
While the food prices are usual for ballparks, the stadium still offers an enjoyable experience for families and groups of friends. The small and older stadium doesn’t take away from the fun and excitement of the game. Plus, it’s inexpensive with tickets starting as low as $5. However, make sure to go early to get good parking because it’s free but can be tricky to find. Reading Fightin Phils, FirstEnergy Stadium is a must-visit attraction in Reading, especially for those who are looking for an affordable and family-friendly night out.
5. Reading Public Museum
Reading Public Museum es una joya de la ciudad que nos encantó visitar. La ubicación es hermosa y permite caminar por el parque que rodea el edificio. Además, al no ser muy grande, no se siente abrumador y se puede disfrutar de todas las muestras sin sentirse agobiado. Hay una buena mezcla de exhibiciones permanentes como la colección de animales disecados y las obras de arte del siglo XX, y muestras itinerantes, como la de arte Art Deco de Alphonse Mucha que disfrutamos especialmente.
La exhibición de artefactos egipcios antiguos fue especialmente interesante para nuestro grupo, al igual que la exhibición de artefactos de los nativos americanos, Inca y Maya. También había una pequeña exposición sobre los artefactos de los Amish de Pensilvania y armaduras y armas medievales. Sin embargo, una colección entera de arte de artistas relativamente desconocidos, ayudados por el hecho de que la organización con un presupuesto limitado invertía en esto, fue decepcionante. Además, el área de animales disecados parece obsoleta en estos días.
Aunque algunas de las muestras no eran de nuestro agrado, la mayoría de las exhibiciones estaban bien pensadas, limpias y organizadas. El personal es amable y servicial, y el Planetario es una buena adición al museo. En definitiva, valoramos mucho nuestra visita al Reading Public Museum y la recomendamos a cualquiera que busque una tarde de entretenimiento y aprendizaje en la ciudad.
6. Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Fairgrounds Farmers Market is an incredible place to explore if you are looking for delicious food options and specialty shops. The market excels in providing a fantastic range of products, including raw foods to take home, healthy store items, and cooked meals made fresh on the premises. One of the best features of this market is their selection of poultry, which has no preservatives or antibiotics added. In addition, there are several great vendors such as Go Fish that serve exceptional fried shrimp and pepper cabbage, and Stolzfus, whose pretzels are a must-try. There are also plenty of options for those looking for vegetarian and Mediterranean food. Overall, a great place to satisfy your taste buds.
The market is only open between Thursday to Saturday, making it a little difficult for visitors to fit it into their schedule. However, the high quality of the products, complemented by the affordable prices, is enough to warrant a visit if you are in the Reading area. The variety of options is impressive, and you can easily spend hours browsing the stalls, satisfying your cravings for sweets and other foods. As a local resident, I find myself visiting the market quite often just to stock up on the delicious meals and other fresh foods.
Given the sheer number of people who are regular customers, the market has a lively vibe, especially at mealtimes. I’ve always come across people across different age ranges, and the atmosphere is always one of joy and conviviality. Visiting Fairgrounds Farmers Market is highly recommended, whether you are a local or a tourist to Reading. The vast range of food choices and the convenience of shopping for fresh produce, cheese, and meat make it the perfect spot for a great shopping experience. While the prices might be higher when compared with supermarkets, the high quality of the products justifies it.
7. Miller Center for The Arts
The Miller Center for The Arts is a must-visit attraction in Reading. This performance hall is known for its crystal clear acoustics, comfortable seats, and friendly staff. We had the opportunity to attend a Talking Heads tribute band performance, and it felt like we had the band right in our living room. The intimate setting is perfect for those who love an up-close and personal experience with their favorite artists. The only downside we found was that the popular shows tend to sell out quickly, so it is best to get your tickets early.
One of the best things about the Miller Center for The Arts is that every seat is a great seat. We were pleasantly surprised that even with a full house, all the seats in the house were good seats. This performance hall is perfect for those who love the intimate setting of small theaters. However, due to its popularity, it may be hard to get tickets for some performances. We suggest getting tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Despite the high caliber of performances, tickets to the Miller Center for The Arts can be quite expensive. Nevertheless, the center offers various discounts, so we recommend checking out coupon books or their website for deals. Additionally, the center is conveniently located near the Reading Area Community College, and there is ample parking available in the attached garage. With its high-quality sound system, comfortable seats, and impressive variety of shows, the Miller Center for The Arts is a hidden gem in Reading that we highly recommend checking out.
8. Reading Fire Museum
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating experience in Reading, we highly recommend visiting the Reading Fire Museum. The retired firemen who guide the tours are engaging and informative, sharing their passion for firefighting in a way that will leave you feeling inspired. One of the highlights of the museum is the beautiful architecture and decor of the old firehouse, which has been carefully preserved and restored. We were especially impressed with the ornate woodwork and silver «horns» throughout the building.
As you make your way through the three stories of the museum, you’ll be amazed by the extensive collection of firefighting artifacts and memorabilia. From vintage fire trucks to antique equipment and uniforms, the displays are well-designed and easy to navigate. We also appreciated the detailed signage that helped us understand the history and significance of each item. Additionally, the third floor of the museum once served as a place for entertainment and games, adding an extra layer of interest to this fascinating space.
While the Reading Fire Museum is certainly a must-visit for anyone interested in firefighting history, we think it’s an enjoyable experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. Even if you’re not an avid firefighter history buff, the dedication and bravery of these real-life heroes will leave a lasting impression on you. Just note that the structure of the building may not be wheelchair accessible, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Overall, we highly recommend taking the time to explore this incredible museum and learn about the rich history of firefighters in the Reading area.
9. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area
Gring’s Mill Recreation Area is a must-visit attraction when in Reading. From beautiful bridges and scenic walking trails along the river to safe patrolled trails, Gring’s Mill is perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts. One of the best things about this place is that it has something for everyone, whether you’re into fishing, hiking, biking or simply picnicking with family and friends. Moreover, it also provides ample parking space, making it easily accessible.
Apart from being a beautiful spot to explore, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area also hosts many events throughout the year. From concerts to pop-up farmers’ markets, the Recreation Area boasts a variety of family-friendly programs that are sure to keep everyone entertained. There are also historic sites to visit in the park, which are a great way to learn more about the area’s past. However, the best time to visit this scenic spot would undoubtedly be during the holiday season when the park is lit up with mesmerizing lights and displays, making it a perfect setting to get into the festive spirit.
Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a family looking for a quiet picnic spot, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area offers the perfect combination of scenic beauty and entertainment. With its endless walking paths and various amenities, the park is a refuge for all who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing day out in nature, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area should certainly be at the top of your list to visit.
10. Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
Looking for an educational and relaxing experience for all ages? Look no further than Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Located in Cumuru Township, this facility offers a variety of trails that are suitable for both young and old hikers. The trails range in elevation from 400 to 800 feet and offer views of historical landmarks such as an old sawmill, dam, water tower, rock outcroppings, ponds, and an old stone mansion. The shady trails are well kept and accessible, making it a great place to exercise and connect with nature. While the center is locked on some days, there are multiple trailheads that visitors can use to access its vast trail network.
One of the best features of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is its diversity of trails. Whatever your physical condition or experience level, there is a trail that suits your needs. Visitors can choose from semi-paved and gravel trails or narrow paths that wind through the forest. With the help of the AllTrails app, hikers can choose to take the 2.9-mile outer loop for a challenging hike or explore the wider, more even routes closer to the education center for a gentler outing. Although some intersections are not marked, visitors can easily navigate the trails with the aid of trail markers and maps.
Overall, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a fantastic attraction that deserves a visit from anyone in the Reading area. The center’s historical building, friendly staff, diverse trail system, and numerous outdoor activities provide a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages. It is also well-maintained, clean, and accessible, making it a great place to exercise, relax, or learn something new. Whether you visit in the fall or any other season, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a must-see destination for any outdoor enthusiast in Reading, PA.
Esperamos que este artículo haya sido de su agrado y que les haya animado a visitar Reading y descubrir sus maravillas. Si ya conocen la ciudad, nos encantaría saber cuáles son sus lugares favoritos y si han descubierto alguno nuevo gracias a este post. Si aún no la han visitado, ¡no lo duden más! Recuerden que en nuestro blog encontrarán más artículos sobre destinos turísticos y estamos siempre a su disposición para responder cualquier pregunta o comentario. ¡Gracias por leernos y hasta la próxima aventura viajera!
