Reading
Reading contains a wealth of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, many noted for their elaborate use of decorative glass and wrought iron, in its five historic districts: Callowhill, which centers on the city's commercial area; Prince, which contains preserved 19th-century workers' homes, factories and commercial structures; Centre Park, which displays some of the city's finest Victorian structures; Penn's Common; and Queen Anne.
On the east side of Reading on the summit of Mount Penn is the Pagoda , a seven-story 1908 Japanese building that affords panoramas of the city and the Schuylkill Valley. About 8 miles northwest via SR 183 is the Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area.
The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts , (610) 374-4600, is an art gallery where you can watch artists at work; there also is a theater that shows foreign and independent films. The site comprises several buildings at the intersection of Washington and 2nd streets and includes the former Thomas A. Wilson & Co. factory, a company that produced optical glass in the late 19th century. The company quickly expanded its horizons to become an innovator in occupational safety products, the first of which was a protective lens to protect the vision of those working in metal processing. The front desk offers maps of the galleries. Guided tours are offered; phone for schedule.
Visitor Centers
Pennsylvania's Americana Region Visitor Center 201 Washington St. Reading, PA 19601. Phone:(610)375-4085 or (800)443-6610
Shopping
Boscov's and Burlington Coat Factory anchor Fairgrounds Square Mall, 3050 N. Fifth Street Hwy.