Route 61 in Reading

Best of Philly 2008: Weekend Road Trip

They say Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with Mississippi in the middle, but Central PA has its charms. Put the top down and head north on Route 61 in Reading. Stretch your legs with an abandoned coal-mine tour in Ashland; go to Centralia to see smoke seep from the 47-year-old underground fire. Stop in Pottsville for the Yuengling tour (and a beer), and finish the day on a wooden roller coaster at retro Knoebels amusement park. >>> Pioneer Coal Mine Tour: 19th and Oak streets, Ashland, 570-875-3850, pioneertunnel.com. >>> Underground fire: Route 61, Centralia. >>> Yuengling Brewery: 5th and Mahantongo streets, Pottsville, 570-622-4141, yuengling.com. >>> Knoebels Amusement Resort: 391 Knoebels Boulevard, Elysburg, 800-487-4386, knoebels.com.