About

PA Bucket List 2022 horizontal Sasquatch logo

Built to serve as a powerful Pennsylvania trip planning resource, PA Bucket List is powered by firsthand exploration, professional photography, and my lifelong connection to the Keystone State. I have personally visited and thoughtfully documented every destination featured on this website, with a commitment to accuracy and integrity. Here’s how that dedication sets this site apart.


Experience

  • I personally visit every destination featured on this website.
  • All photos are my original work, captured on location across Pennsylvania.
  • Articles are based on real-world travel, not aggregated summaries or secondhand research.
Exploring Indian Lookout in the Rothrock State Forest.
The author at Indian Lookout in Huntingdon County.

Expertise

  • As a lifelong Pennsylvanian and professional photographer, I bring both local insight and visual storytelling expertise to every guide.
  • Years of statewide exploration have allowed me to build in-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania’s natural wonders, historic landmarks, small towns, state parks, waterfalls, abandoned places, and hidden gems.
  • Each article is thoughtfully researched and written to provide helpful, accurate, and practical travel information.
2024 Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Recreational Guide, with cover photo by Rusty Glessner.
2024 Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Recreational Guide – cover photo by Rusty Glessner.

Authoritativeness

  • PA Bucket List has been recognized and referenced by respected publications and organizations, including PennLines Magazine, Atlas Obscura, USA Today 10Best, The Washington Post, and Pennsylvania’s official tourism platform.
  • The site has grown into one of the most comprehensive independent Pennsylvania travel resources available online, featuring thousands of destinations across the state.
  • My work is frequently shared by tourism organizations, local businesses, and readers throughout the Commonwealth.
Publications that have featured or mentioned PA Bucket List.
PA Bucket List has been mentioned/featured in numerous media outlets, including the ones pictured above.

Trustworthiness

  • Every article is written by me — no ghostwriters, scraped content, or stock photography.
  • Information is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
  • Readers can explore with confidence knowing the recommendations come from genuine, firsthand visits and transparent storytelling.
The author at Yoder Falls in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.
The author at Yoder Falls in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

Since publishing my first article in February 2019, PA Bucket List has become the #1 Pennsylvania-themed travel blog, with nearly 5 million unique website visitors per year, over 495,000 social media followers, and mentions/features in numerous media outlets.

July/August 2017 Pennsylvania Magazine with cover photo by Rusty Glessner.
Pennsylvania Magazine July/August 2017 – photo by Rusty Glessner.

As a result of my commitment to creating photo-rich content combined with practical, first-hand information, I’m proud to now be recognized as a foremost expert on the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

2019 Central PA Visitors Guide, with cover photo by Rusty Glessner.
Central PA Visitors Guide – photo by Rusty Glessner.

The special-edition logo for PA Bucket List, celebrating America's 250th birthday in 2026.

Pennsylvania’s Best Travel Blog!