Here are 8 things you never expected to miss after leaving Pennsylvania:
1. The Philly Sports Culture
Rooting for teams like the Eagles, Phillies, or Flyers with fellow passionate fans is a unique experience. Outside Pennsylvania, finding others who share the same sports loyalty can be tough, leading to a surprising sense of loss.
2. Soft Pretzels Done Right
Pennsylvania’s soft pretzels, with their perfect salt and softness, are unlike anywhere else. Missing the taste and variety of pretzel dips often hits harder than expected.
3. The Distinctive Local Foods
Scrapple, cheesesteaks on Amoroso rolls, Tastykake snack cakes, and the famous hoagies leave a culinary void in new places where these aren’t available or done differently.
4. The Four Distinct Seasons and Fall Colors
Pennsylvania’s vibrant autumn with its colorful foliage offers a beautiful spectacle and rich seasonal traditions that are hard to replicate elsewhere.
5. Community and Old-Time Charm
The state has neighborhoods and small communities with a close-knit feel and historic charm that newcomers often realize only after moving away.
6. Iconic Local Attractions
From Hershey Park to Knoebels Amusement Resort and the Crayola Factory, Pennsylvania’s unique spots become deeply missed for their nostalgic and fun value.
7. Groundhog Day Excitement
No other place celebrates Groundhog Day with such enthusiasm, especially surrounding the famous Punxsutawney Phil, a quirky tradition that many find hard to replace.
8. Fireflies in the Summer
The childhood memory of catching fireflies (or lightning bugs) on warm summer nights is a small but sweet thing many Pennsylvanians miss after moving to places where fireflies don’t light up the evening.
Sources
(https://wmmr.com/listicle/things-people-miss-about-philadelphia/)
(https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-pennsylvania/)
(https://www.businessinsider.com/things-i-miss-about-philadelphia-after-moving-to-grand-rapids-2022-4)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/zgwdcs/expennsylvania_residents_what_do_you_miss_getting/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngcTO9aB0PQ)
