For locals, it's a ridiculous idea. How is it possible that Presque Isle State Park cannot make a list of the state's top 21 travel destinations?

As Erie Times-News reporter John Guerriero reported in today's edition, that's exactly what happened when 21st Century Insurance Group created its list of 21 Pennsylvania summer driving trips.

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But as someone who grew up in another state, I can see how it happened. If you've never visited Erie, there's a good chance you've never heard of Presque Isle State Park. Growing up in the not-so-distant city of Rochester, N.Y., I was well aware of spots like Gettysburg, Hershey Park, the Liberty Bell and, yes, even Williamsport.

But I can honestly say I had never heard of Presque Isle until I was in my early 20s and a close friend moved to Erie.

Once he got here, he was quick to highlight the miles of beautiful beaches, the sunsets, the recreation trails and the wildlife that are hallmarks of our wonderful park.

But, until that time, I had no idea.

And the reason is simple: Until recently, Erie did not market itself.

Cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania have, for decades, been selling themselves to a mass audience.

Erie, meanwhile, has kept its mouth shut.

It's almost as if we have been too humble to brag about what we have to offer.

And, folks, that's just plain dumb.

As a result, we have a world-class park that draws 4 million visitors a year, but very few people outside of a two-hour drive from here know it even exists.

People from coast to coast know all about Yellowstone National Park. They know about Niagara Falls, and the Hoover Dam and the freakin Gateway Arch.

But their image of Erie likely has more to do with smokestacks and polluted lakes than pretty sunsets and sandy beaches.

Unfortunately, that's our fault. When a group from California thinks of Pennsylvania's attractions, they're not thinking about us.

And it's going to take a lot of work for that to change.