State of the week: Pennsylvania

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Where are we? The Keystone State. Home of the nation's first capital, the Amish and Big Ben Roethlisberger, Pennsylvania is one of the biggest states in the northeast stretching from New Jersey to the Great Lakes. With a rich industrial as well as political history, Pennsylvania is just as much a vacation spot for history buffs as it is for golfers -- handy if you're into both pastimes.

Pennsylvania history: One of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania played a major role in the establishment of the USA. The name Pennsylvania means "Penn's woods," a title that was given in honor of Admiral Penn, the father of William Penn who founded the colony. Also sometimes referred to as the Quaker State, Pennsylvania became home to the Quaker communities, though very few members of the religious lifestyle remain there today. The Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed in Philadelphia, formerly the nation's capital, and Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the Constitution. Not just a haven for religious and political firsts, Pennsylvania also housed the first commercially drained oil well, which led to the first major oil boom in America.

Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa., hosted the 2007 U.S. Open, won by Angel Cabrera. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania on the course: Oakmont Country Club -- one of the few and fine courses in America that has the honor of hosting the U.S. Open (most recently last year) -- has one of the most traditional layouts in professional golf, spoken in the same breath as courses like Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and Augusta National. It's a little easier to get a tee time at Oakmont than it is at the home of the Masters though.

Pennsylvania off the course: Spend a few days in Pittsburgh and discover that this city is becoming more than a great place to watch a Steelers game. Among Pittsburgh's many attractions is the Duquesne Incline -- a cable car that has run from the city to the top of Mount Washington, and back, since 1877. Used both for commuters who live on the peak and for locals and tourists who want to explore the shops and restaurants overlooking the city, the incline is very popular in the warmer months (though it is open year round, including holidays).

Pennsylvania resort: In the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Woods Resort sprawls over 3,000 wooded acres of serene getaway heaven. The resort has six lodging options ranging from the Falling Rock Boutique Hotel to the Maggie Valley RV park, and the entertainment includes Pete Dye-designed golf, spa treatments, fishing, offroading and a shooting range as well as children's activities. The dining options are plentiful and tasty. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and dog sledding replace the summertime activities. And, if you're really fancy, you can fly in on a private jet to the on-site 3,900 foot private airstrip.

Pennsylvania eats: Could it possibly be anything but the Philly Cheesesteak? You don't need an explanation, but grant me the pleasure of describing this devilishly delicious sandwich: You've got your roll -- crispy on the crust but soft and warm on the inside. You've got your steak -- rare and juicy, sliced like a potato chip. You've got your onions and green peppers -- sautéed to perfection with just enough kick to dress it up without stealing all the taste. And, finally, you've got your cheese -- warm and melty with a river of steak juices running through it. Ooh you really want one now don't you? If you happen to make a stop in Philly, eat your cheesesteak fill at Pat's King of Steaks in south Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania culture: Pennsylvania's fortunate position as one of the original 13 colonies affords it the right to have an Ivy League school within its borders, and the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn, has every ounce the class and reputation as its more famous counterparts (Harvard, Princeton and Yale). In fact, Penn is the No. 5 school in the nation in 2008 rankings. If you've never visited an Ivy League campus, then try to make some time to see this one. There's something about being in the midst of such a respected and elite site, seeping with knowledge and potential, that gives you an all-new admiration for education and tradition. Plus, if you visit during football season, you'll have an even better reason to check out the campus.

Arnie took the ceremonial first shot in the '08 Masters. (Squire/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania golfer: We would be amiss if we didn't give this title to anyone other than the King. The gentleman of the game. Everyone's favorite golfer -- Mr. Arnold Palmer. Born in Latrobe, Pa., in 1929, Palmer went on to become one of the most beloved members of this fraternity that the world will ever see. With 62 PGA TOUR wins in his career (recently eclipsed by one Tiger woods) and seven major championship titles to his name, it would be a blatant statement of the obvious to say Palmer will go down as one of the greats. These days, the King splits his home time between Latrobe and Orlando, Fla., where he hosts his TOUR event -- the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge.