Still trying to decide on a vacation destination this summer? Or perhaps just looking for some ideas for a great day trip or weekend getaway? Pennsylvania has lots of great options to explore.

The commonwealth has something for everyone – whether you love the great outdoors, like to enjoy a glass of wine, are a history buff, love to ride roller coasters or like to shop 'til you drop.

A great resource of destinations, things to do and places to stay in Pennsylvania can be found on the Visit PA website at VisitPA.com.

I encourage everyone to check it out for some great ideas both in the Lehigh Valley, as well as in other regions of the state.

The website provides trip ideas with suggested itineraries for those who want to have a mini-excursion all mapped out in advance. The itineraries provide information on things to do, places to stay and even suggestions for where to eat.

How great is that?

Information and ideas are available for singles, couples, families and groups. There is also a listing of various hotel and event deals taking place across the commonwealth.

If you want a preview of some great vacation ideas, contact my offices at 2030 Center St., Northampton, telephone 610-502-2701 or Slatington Borough Hall, 125 S. Walnut St., Slatington, at 610-760-9805 for a free Pennsylvania vacation guide.

You can also get some great ideas from following the Visit PA tourism site on Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitPA.

Included through the website is also information about Pennsylvania's 120 state parks. We are fortunate to live in a state that has such a magnificent state park system. Individuals and families can certainly visit one of our local state parks for the day to enjoy a little fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking or other outdoor activity.

And, those families who enjoy camping can take advantage of numerous opportunities across the state to enjoy some of our beautiful parks. Most of the state parks have campgrounds to accommodate both tents and RVs. Many also have modern bath houses and rent cabins, cottages, yurts and sometimes houses within the state park grounds.

A number of parks also have swimming opportunities via a public pool or lake, and offer boat rentals. Overnight accommodates are very reasonable, and if you never camped before and would like to try, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a wonderful program running throughout the summer to introduce first-time campers to this great recreational activity.

For just $20, first-time campers can get a campsite for two nights at any one of 12 state parks.

The fee includes a four-person tent, rain tarp, four sleeping pads, four camp chairs, flashlight, lantern, camp stove and four hot dog/marshmallow sticks.

A park staffer will help the campers set up camp.

Participating state parks include: Black Moshannon, Centre County; Colonel Denning, Cumberland County; Gifford Pinchot, York County; Hills Creek, Tioga County; Little Pine, Lycoming County; Locust Lake, Schuylkill County; Ole Bull, Potter County; Promised Land, Pike County; R.B. Winter, Union County; Ryerson Station, Greene County; Sinnemahoning, Cameron and Potter counties; and Tobyhanna, Monroe County.

The program runs through the end of summer.

Reservations should be made by calling the respective park office directly. Information about all of Pennsylvania's 120 state parks can also be found at VisitPAParks.com.

So, next time you are trying to decide on a vacation, short getaway or day trip, check out VisitPA.com and consider the many possibilities right in your own backyard.