Pennsylvania might be best known for its ties to the “Thirteen Original Colonies but in Philadelphia, American history meets the Philly cheesesteak, a sinfully delectable sandwich made most famously by long-running rivals, Pat’s and Geno’s, both in South Philadelphia. Importantly, decide what you want before it’s your turn to order and don’t waste any time about it already, Whiz wit, anyone? While in the City of Brotherly Love, also find time to fit in a hot soft pretzel with mustard or a true Italian hoagie (think the original submarine sandwich).

Some of the hit recipes from Pennsylvania Dutch country have made it to the big cities, but really, for the authentic experience it’s worth making the trip inland to experience the countryside and the cooking for yourself. Thank the Pennsylvania Dutch next time you’re at the annual Farm Show for funnel cakes, but they’re also hands behind Shoofly pie, whoopie pies, apple butter and other assorted homemade goods sure to shoot your diet to pieces. Which leads, logically, to Hershey, home to Hershey’s chocolate and Hershey’s Chocolate World, the latter a family-oriented, sweet-tooth friendly introduction to the finer points and flavors of chocolate.

Cross the state to Pittsburgh and you’ll enjoy plenty of culinary variety to put the cheesesteak in perspective. Sandwiches, from the Primanti Brothers or of the Devonshire variety, are what should come to mind when you’re looking for a fast, filling and tasty lunch. Warm up on a cold day with a bowl of Wedding soup, a reliable stand-by in many a restaurant, avoid City Chicken (the mystery meat of the city) and tackle an evening Pittsburgh-style steak (rare, charred on the outside) washed down with a beer from Iron City Brewing Company.

For those amongst your traveling party fond of the occasional tipple, be forewarned: in this state neither take-home wine nor beer can be bought in supermarkets but must be purchased at separate wine or beer stores. However, let that not lead one to believe that Pennsylvanians are a stodgy bunch, au contraire. From the ever popular Yuengling Brewery (America’s oldest), based in Pottsville, to smaller production craft beers like Yards, Lancaster or Sly Fox, to a long list of wineries more than sixty strong, this northeastern state holds its own when it comes to locally made libations, whether it’s lager or Cabernet.