48 Hours in Pennsylvania: This Honda SUV is our Passport to the Little League World Series
Jill Robbins
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Sometimes, what a car company puts their name behind is just as important as how well they can build cars.
While you can’t put a strong sense of servant leadership on a higher plane than solid engineering and safety, you don’t have to. As the sole auto sponsor of The Little League World Series, Honda is showing us who and what they value. Besides…we already know they can build great cars. It’s the spirit behind Honda that really caught my attention…and their support of the Little League World Series is just another reason to love them. I’m excited to share with you my experience with Honda and the Little League World Series – one whirlwind, bucket list weekend in beautiful Pennsylvania that was truly a “pinch me” moment for me and my family.
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48 Hours in Pennsylvania: Honda Passport and Little League Baseball
My love of cars has offered me some pretty amazing opportunities, but I think getting to hang out with Honda at the Little League World Series is going to be hard to top.
The Little League World Series is held annually in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. If you’re a true-blue sports fan, you probably already know that. Williamsburg is located…in the middle of Pennsylvania. Why is such a major youth sporting event held in such a little town? Because Little League Headquarters and the Little League Museum are located here, so even though it’s a little bit off the beaten path, it makes sense to have the Little League World Series in Williamsport.
Loading up the 2019 Honda Passport at Hershey Lodge. Photo: Jill Robbins
Little League has been around about 80 years. That’s a level of tradition you don’t want to mess with. Even though Williamsport takes some effort to get to, it’s a great place to explore during the summer. We were given a 2019 Honda Passport for the weekend trip and it’s a good thing; this is a good car for an active family.
The five-seater Honda Passport was all-new in 2019. We can’t wait to see the 2020 model! Photo: Jill Robbins
Luckily, Hershey ins’t too far from Williamsport, and that is where we started our weekend. And this is definitely one place I need a repeat visit to. For one thing, the entire place smells like chocolate. For another thing, you can walk up to the front desk and ask for chocolate and you’ll receive a full-sized Hershey Bar. Not even kidding. We had a lovely dinner and breakfast and then loaded up on Saturday morning to make our way to Williamsport.
If you drive this route, take the slower, more scenic road along the Susquehanna River, as we did. You’re welcome.
Time to Truly Enjoy the Ride
Our drive route gave us a chance to experience the Pennsylvania countryside in the 2019 Passport. And, we got to spend time together as a family. We didn’t realize just how much we needed that until we were out exploring in the Passport with only a loose schedule to keep to. It was awesome.
We stopped at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, which is not very far from Hershey. We walked around and enjoyed not experiencing the Texas humidity for a little while.
When in the Hershey/Harrisburg area, take some time out to explore Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. Photo: Jill Robbins
We also stopped at Lewisburg Freez, which is a simple road-side stop for soft serve and sweets. Our Honda friends recommend it and we take any recommendations involving ice cream very seriously. This did not disappoint.
Honda makes great cars. Turns out, they know their frozen treats, too. Photo: Jill Robbins
There’s also a state park – Milton State Park – which has an 82-acre island on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River that’s not very far outside Williamsport. If you’re a wine lover, there are signs everywhere for local vineyards and wine trails. August is a great time to visit this area of Pennsylvania. And in late August it’s warm enough to be outdoors in shorts but not uncomfortably hot.
Driving is more than getting from one point to the next. Honda really gets that. Photo: Jill Robbins
Experiencing the Little League World Series in Williamsport PA – Truly a Bucket List Experience
After enjoying two games at The Little League World Series and exploring The Little League Museum, we headed back to our hotel for dinner. The consolation games and championship games were played the following day.
We’re here! Photo: Jill Robbins
We are a family of baseball lovers and it was a total bucket list event to be able to see the Little League World Series in person. We watch these amazing young athletes on TV every year and it was an awesome experience for my kids to actually be there.
Experiencing the Little League World Series in person is not something my kids will forget. Thank you, Honda! Photo: Jill Robbins
The Honda – Little League Partnership Makes Much of Little League Possible
Honda is committed to helping children learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and improve their self-esteem through the Little League program. They also recognize the parents, coaches and community members who help their Little Leaguers play big – whether it be hitting grounders, giving rides, washing jerseys, or cheering for their teams, Honda supports all of those involved because these programs wouldn’t be possible without their support.
The official vehicle of Little League – The Honda Odyssey. Photo: Jill Robbins
As an official sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball, Honda has supported Little League for more than 20 years. The Honda Odyssey, perfect for Little League families, is the Official Vehicle of Little League. Families who haven’t tried out the Odyssey might get to at the Little League World Series, where it’s one of the shuttle vehicles.
Honda has helped turn Little League moments into lifelong memories through its Honda Little League Grant Program, giving teams the tools they need to swing for the fences. The Honda Little League Grant Program has helped improve fields, replace equipment, and make repairs for leagues nationwide. From home runs to life lessons, Honda is helping make Little League unforgettable. Because every little moment makes Little League magical.
This weekend was all about family time and allowing my kids to see what is possible. Photo: Jill Robbins
Giving Back So Our Kids Can Give It Their All
Since 1999, the Honda Little League Grant Program has brought together over 70,000 players, coaches, and families by providing grants to over 250 Little Leagues across 200 cities, helping improve fields, replace equipment, and make repairs for leagues nationwide.
And, Honda has contributed nearly $1.4M to the Honda Little League Grant Program. Throughout the 2019 Little League season, Honda has been sharing moments from
how the brand’s Little League Grant Program has helped communities across the U.S., leading up to the 2019 Little LeagueWorld Series.
Wouldn’t it make you feel good to drive a car whose leadership is so deeply invested in our communities and our kids?
Did you know the Honda Odyssey is 25 years old? Photo: Jill Robbins
More about the 2019 Honda Passport
- New in 2019, the 5-seater Honda Passport provides a unique blend of on- and off-road prowess with the exceptional occupant and cargo-hauling capability
- 280-horsepower V6 and available sophisticated all-wheel-drive system give Passport robust towing and off-road capabilities
- Standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive tech on all trims
- Multiple accessory options to personalize Passport ownership
- The Passport bridges the gap between the CRV and the 3-row Pilot
- The Passport can transition seamlessly between being your family people mover and your weekend, off-road adventure car
- Starting MSRP is $31,990. The model you see here (Elite AWD) is $43,680
- EPA rating is in the range of 19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Related Post: 17 Tech Features we Love in the 2019 Honda Passport
There was nothing I didn’t like about this car…except for the fact we had to give it back at the end of the weekend! Photo: Jill Robbins
A weekend meandering along the roadways of Pennsylvania in the Honda Passport with my husband and kids would be a welcome getaway on its own. But being able to sleep in a chocolate scented hotel, track down ice cream, watch the best Little League players in the country compete and see my kids beam, well it’s what bucket lists are made of. I can’t wait to do it again.
The Honda Passport is perfect for families on the go, like mine! Photo: Jill Robbins
Disclosure: My family and I were Honda’s guest for this adventure; travel and accommodations were provided, but all the smiles are our own.
