Young visitors receive a history lesson on the famous Liberty Bell.

hose looking for different travel experiences and special deals need look no further than Pennsylvania, an easy drive from Toronto and Montreal to Allentown or Pittsburgh. Air Canada and USAir offer service to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, while Air Ontario offers service from Toronto to Allentown.

Witness the birth of a nation

The Birth of a Nation - Philadelphia's newest attraction, Lights of Liberty - is the world's first sound and light walking tour. Five years in the making, award-winning directors, producers, and technicians came together to create a night-time high-tech show that enables visitors to immerse themselves in the drama of the American Revolution. Visitors wear specially designed headsets to listen to actors re-enact historical scenes as they watch Philadelphia's monuments and historical buildings brought to life in a sea of light, synchronized to an original musical score performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Reservations are recommended for nightly performances through October. Canadians receive 25 per cent off regular admission of US$18 adults, US$12 children 6-12 years, and US$16 seniors (over 65). Call (215) LIBERTY.

Event-filled packages

Philadelphia's Piece of Cake packages celebrate the 175th birthday of the Franklin Institute Science Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo's 125th birthday. Packages include two-night accommodations (including all hotel taxes) for three people, three tickets to the Franklin Institute Science Museum featuring 'He's Electric!', three tickets to the Tuttleman Omniverse (IMAX® theater), three tickets to the Philadelphia Zoo, three tickets to Lights of Liberty, and a cake! Prices start from US$300, including all taxes, and packages are available through October 31, 1999. Call (800) 537-7676.

In the beginning

A short drive from Philadelphia, the Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre is a stunning recreation of biblical architecture. The spectacular 2,000-seat theatre sets the stage for Sight & Sound's beautiful presentation of The Miracle of Christmas, a powerful and touching epic of the birth of Christ as never seen before in live theatre. Adult ticket prices start at US$33. Call (717) 687-7800.

The Pittsburgh Skyline

Family friendly!

Visitors receive a big bang for their buck with Pittsburgh's 1999 Weekend Getaway Packages brochure. To order the 1999 Weekend Getaway Packages brochure, with two-for-one coupons to attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Caddie Shak Family Fun Park, and more, call (800) 927-8376. Packages are available through December 1999.

Tax-free shopping

Just one hour north of Pittsburgh and 1-1/4 hours south of Erie, the Prime Outlets in Grove City feature 140 outlet stores, including Polo, Coach, Sony, Brooks Brothers, and Eddie Bauer. Value-packed 'Smart Shopper's' coupon booklets costing US$5 offer discounts from mall retailers.

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