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Natural beauty envelops you during the drive from Philadelphia to the Delaware Water Gap. From the rolling hills and fertile farmland of Amish country to the majestic mountains along the Blue Ridge, Eastern Pennsylvania is packed with magnificent museums, breathtaking views, good eats, and lots more along the way.

South Philly is the place to start. This neighborhood's deeply rooted Italian heritage flourishes at the Italian Market. Many of the shops along the 9th Street strip are third- and even fourth-generation Italian family-owned business. The district buzzes like a European open market, and the sidewalks are jammed with carts of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and trinkets galore. For a taste of the exotic don't pass the D'Angelo Bros. Butcher Shop: The selection ranges from kangaroo, yak, ox, alligator, reindeer, eland, and pheasant to other out-of-the-ordinary game meats, sausages, and pates.

Don't pass up a stop at Isgro Pastries, just a couple of blocks off 9th Street. You'll smell the sweets before you see them – a giant fan blows up enticing scents to passersby from the basement bakery. The edible works of art look almost too good to eat. Swan-shaped ricotta cheesecakes, Grand Marnier mousse tulips, cannolis, pies, cakes, and never-ending pastries line the cases of this sweet shop.

No trip to Philadelphia could be complete without a cheese steak or two, so save room for one from Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks. These South Side staples, which are conveniently located across the street from one other, both claim to be home of the original Philly cheese steak. But both seem equally popular with loyal locals who swarm the shops at all hours of the day to delight in juicy, thick meat slices dripping with onions, mushrooms, peppers, and cheese – melted slices or the traditional Cheese Whiz.

Public art works, from large sculptures to murals, are prevalent all over Philadelphia where one percent of all construction costs must be put towards the arts. A favorite: one of good ol' Blue Eyes at Broad and Wharton Streets. In an effort to combat graffiti-scarred walls, the Mural Arts Project, part of the city's Department of Recreation, has commissioned more than 2,700 indoor and outdoor public murals which blanket the sides of buildings, old warehouses, and schools all over this city of arts.

As you head towards the farmlands of Amish country, stop at the Wharton Esherick Museum, just west of Philadelphia in the mountains along Valley Forge. Wharton Esherick (1887-1970) was among the vanguard of artists who shaped the American sculpture movement of the early 20th century. While you may not recognize his name when you arrive, you won't forget his works when you leave. His works and furnishings – mainly of wood – can now be found in museums and private homes all over the county. This museum once served as Esherick's studio and living quarters and houses works from every phase of his creative career. The vertebrae-like stairs made for the 1939 World's Fair, the curvaceous kitchen floor, and the multitude of other works all exhibit a careful concern for the grains in the wood and a passion for graceful and expressive lines. Esherick's home exudes a sensuous and organic warmth and beauty.