– Things to Do in Reading PA and Nearby –

Discover things to do in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. From art and jazz festivals to outdoor adventures, there’s so many things to do in Reading PA and the surrounding area. Plan your weekend getaway to Berks County and explore all the area has to offer.

Things to Do:

There’s lots to see and do in the area, scroll down to learn more about the area’s fabulous offerings!

  • Lakes, Hiking/Biking and Wildlife
  • Seasonal Events and Music Festivals
  • Antiques, Folk Art and Boutique Shopping
  • History and Amish/Mennonite Farms
  • Golf, Race Cars and Hunting/Fishing
  • Spas and Wellness

Pictured: Reading, Pennsylvania Pagoda at night overlooking the city of Reading.

Lakes, Hiking/Biking and Wildlife:

The South Mountain Inn is surrounded by scenic trails, challenging hikes, lakes and wildlife. Whether you are a mountain biker, kayak enthusiast or just want a place to stroll and birdwatch we’ve got you covered.

Blue Marsh Lake offers more than 30 miles of trails for hikers, runners, bikers and even horseback riders.

Blue Marsh Outdoors provides canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats for rent and will deliver the boats to the lake. 

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary provides breathtaking views of bald eagles and hawks. The sanctuary also offers a variety of trails, including a rigorous boulder climbing hike. 

Nolde Forest was created by an Austrian forester to resemble the coniferous forests at home. There are quiet picnic spots along creeks and ponds and acres of trails to explore. In the winter, the park offers cross country skiing.

Berks Area Mountain Biking Association provides information for several local mountain biking trails including Mount Penn, Never Sink and Antietam Lake .

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area offers a rare glimpse of snow geese in late February and early March. These Canadian geese are completely white, except for the black tips of their wings, and look like snow when they gather on the water.

Seasonal Events and Music Festivals:

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire opens in late August and offers several themed weekend events, shopping and more through the fall.

Berks Jazz Fest is an annual spring celebration of Jazz.

Kutztown Folk Festival is a nine day celebration of folk music, crafts, food and more.

Reading Blues Festival is an annual blues festival in Reading.

Koziar’s Christmas Village has been a local attraction for more than 70 years. The Christmas light show opens in early November and continues to early January

Antiques, Folk Art and Boutique Shopping:

Adamstown Antiques Adamstown, PA is home to dozens of antique stores including Renningers Market.

West Reading offers several boutique shops featuring clothing, bath/body products, records, artisan works and specialty gifts. 

The Tweed Weasel is a collection of primitives and folk art primarily designed by well known folk artists Tish and Michael BachledaRedware Pottery is a German tradition and sold by local artisans like Robesonia Redware.

Murdough’s Christmas Barn is open year round and filled with unique Christmas ornaments and decor – both modern and antique.

Five and Divine is a local store with unique pieces designed by local artisans. Annie Sloan chalk painted furniture, jewelry, unique gifts and antiques fill the shelves. 

History and Amish/Mennonite Farms:

In 1740, the first Amish settled in Pennsylvania right here in Berks County, PA. Learn more about historic Amish sites, including a day by day visitors guide here.

South Mountain was the home to eight resorts in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The mountain was a place of healing, relaxation and delight. You can learn more about the history of Berks County by visiting Berks History Center and The Heidelberg Heritage Society and Historic Train Station.

Golf, Race Cars and Hunting/Fishing:

Golfing can be enjoyed at several exceptional golf courses in Berks County. Galen Hall Golf Course is a quick four minute drive from the inn and was created more than a hundred years ago as part of the historic Galen Hall Resort. Berks County Living offers a great description of Galen Hall and several other golf clubs here.

Maple Grove Raceway is a quarter mile straight track hosting NHRA Drag Racing and other events during their April-November season.

Hunting opportunities are throughout Berks County State Game Lands. Specialty hunting operations like Pheasant Valley Farms draw hunters from all over the United States. PA Fish and Boat Commission keeps a list of the best fishing waters by type of fish. For those interested in fly fishing, the Tulpehocken Creek is a great location. TCO Fly Shop offers guides and equipment.

Spas and Wellness:

Guests can schedule an in-room massage as part of their reservation. For those interested in a variety of spa treatments and wellness services the Bell Tower Salon and Spa is a great option. The Salt Lounge offers unique salt therapies and guided meditation. For drop-in yoga BLDG7 offers several classes.

GREAT place to stay! We will be back!In a time of heightened concern due to Covid, we were ecstatic to find a bed and breakfast which was so clean, so intentional about their protocols, and so utterly delightful and charming. South Mountain Inn is truly a respite of peace and healing, a wonderful B&B experience. The owners Kedri and Matt are warm, kind, and have the gift of true hospitality. They even provided the makings for s’mores on a cool Fall evening and brought coffee to our room before breakfast was even served! WOW! The breakfasts were fabulous, just fabulous. The view from the very sweet front porch is incomparable and provides a much needed pause to exhale. Our room was immaculate, comfortable and well appointed. The bathroom is modern and the shower was perfect. We visit Adamstown to go antiquing once to twice a year and are thrilled to have found such a gem so close to the Antiques Capital of the USA. We will be back and will be referring our antiquing friends to spend a night or two, or three or four, at South Mountain Inn. Highly recommend. We won’t stay anywhere else from now on.