9.14.2017
2018 Interesting Pennsylvania Calendar
Today we are pleased to announce the release of our 2018 Interesting Pennsylvania Calendar. This wall calendar features sights from many sites across the state, including views from Pittsburgh, Cook Forest State Park in Clarion County, McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County, Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County, Koziar's Christmas Village in Berks County, Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County, Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County, Springfield Falls in Mercer County, Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, and the High Knob Overlook in Loyalsock State Forest, near Worlds End State Park in Sullivan County.
This wall calendar is spiral bound and measures in at 17 x 22
Also available is our book "Great Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Road Trip" through the drop-down menu at the top of our page. Thank you for your continued support!
9.11.2017
Strasburg Railroad: Scenic Train Rides in PA Dutch Country, Lancaster County
The Strasburg Railroad is one of the finest railroading destinations on the planet. It is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to to 1832. At no place will you find a more pristine collection of classic steam locomotives and classic equipment. The roster of seven operable steam locomotives were built between 1903 and 1924. Additionally, across the street you can see the incredible rolling stock archives of the "Standard Railroad of the World," the Pennsylvania Railroad, and more, at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. You can also sleep in a caboose at the nearby Red Caboose Motel. I credit this area with spurring an interest in railroading for me.
The railroad operates year-round, thanks to the original spec heater units in their luxurious passenger cars.
Autumn is an especially awesome time to check out the railroad for its line traverses many Amish farms. Seeing the harvest is an inspiring experience that you need to see.
Some of the rolling fields of the Strasburg area.
Headed out to the old Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line, and the current Amtrak Keystone Line. At this point, the locomotive switches to pull us back to the station. Note the electrified Amtrak line.
Coming around!
We were pulled by the old Norfolk and Western 475, a Baldwin Locomotive Works engine that was originally built right on Broad Street in Philadelphia in 1906.
A nice little picnic area next to the tracks, complete with an old water well.
Pumpkin patch!
The Red Caboose Motel, a place where you can spend the night in a caboose!
Back at the station!
A little calf in Strasburg!
The Strasburg Railroad is a dream to check out, especially in the fall. For more information, check out their website at www.strasburgrailroad.com
9.04.2017
Gross/Klinepeter Covered Bridge: Snyder County
The Gross/Klinepeter Covered Bridge in Snyder County is a perfectly maintained span that dates back to 1871. It was threatened with the creation of a dam on its original tributary, Brush Creek, and it was moved in 1982 to its present location. It is clear that they take great care in maintaining this bridge, a refreshing thing to see after having seen the site of the former Dimmsville Covered Bridge earlier in the day. The Dimmsville Bridge collapsed from sheer neglect back in April. It is clear that both the village of Beaver Springs, and Snyder County, take pride in this covered bridge.
The bridge measures in at 100 feet and utilizes Burr Arch-Truss construction.
GPS Coordinates:
40.746944, -77.211806
8.27.2017
18 Must-See PA Autumn Destinations
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| The view from Loyalsock State Forest's High Knob Overlook at sunset |
It is time to start planning some autumn adventures! Since our last fall article, we have added a few more places that you have to check out during the fall. We have visited places all across the state during autumn, and these are some of our favorites. Whether you open your door and look outside, or if you go to your local state park, you are sure to see some beauty. The following are just a few of our absolute favorite places to check out in autumn, thanks to their exceptional beauty.
1) Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA, Fayette County
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| Fallingwater: One of the most famous houses in the world |
This world renowned Frank Lloyd Wright architectural wonder is absolutely stunning to see in autumn. The stark beauty of Fallingwater and the falls that it was built over are highlighted with the spectacular colors of the fall trees. We highly recommend going on a tour of the grounds and the building. For more information on visiting, check out their website at www.fallingwater.org
2) Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA, Northumberland and Columbia County
Knoebels is always our favorite place to visit within the state. The fantastic coasters, classic rides, and overall atmosphere of the park are heightened by the crisp autumn air and vivid fall colors. The park, along with Columbia and Montour Counties, also holds a Covered Bridge Festival on October 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th, where the local covered bridges are celebrated, including the ones located within the amusement park. The park also has Phoenix Phall Phunfest on October 7th as a kickoff to the Halloween season, with craft vendors, celebrations, a bonfire in their campground, and more. This kicks off the park's Hallo-Fun Weekends, October 13 – 15, 20 – 22, 27 – 29. We highly recommend taking in America's largest free admission, traditional amusement park as a part of your fall activities. For more information about visiting the park, check out our article and also visit www.knoebels.com
3) Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, PA, Monroe County
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| The view from Big Pocono State Park, at the top of Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort |
There are a ton of fun sightseeing opportunities and activities going on in the Pocono region of the state. One of my favorite places to check out is Big Pocono State Park, high atop Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort. This overlook gives you a wide expanse of view over the Poconos, and to as far out as New Jersey and New York. There are also a ton of different activities to do at Camelback, including an alpine roller coaster, zip lining, and more. There are also a plethora of different places to see throughout the Poconos.
4) Strasburg Railroad, Strasburg, PA, Lancaster County
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| One of the four pristine early 20th century steam locomotives of the Strasburg Railroad. |
Hard work ethic is what makes Pennsylvania what it is. At no place is this more evident in the state than riding through Amish Country on the Strasburg Railroad in the fall. Amish farmers are tending to harvesting the crops they have worked so hard to tend to throughout the year. Around the area, you will find freshly baked goods and harvested crops.
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| The ride through Amish Country |
The railroad itself is also the result of very hard work. The Strasburg Railroad is part of a collaborative effort to preserve a historic short line railroad and to fully restore equipment from the golden age of railroading. Thanks to these efforts, there is a fine fleet of pristine locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, and more, that are restored with full accuracy to their original specifications. My parents brought me here when I was little and visiting the railroad brings about great family memories that I've held on to ever since. Going back, I appreciate more and more how amazing this railroad is. This is an awesome place to visit at any time of the year, but especially during the autumn months. For more information on visiting, check out www.strasburgrailroad.com
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| A pumpkin patch next to the railroad. |
5) The Elk Rut, Various Locations around Benezette, PA, Elk County
If the call of the wild beckons, Elk Country in the PA Great Outdoors Region in Benezette, PA is where you want to go. Autumn is the time of the rut, when the Elk practice their mating rituals. You will see male suitors duke it out, grunt, stomp, and lock antlers and compete while their potential mate watches. It is a spectacular sight. Couple that with the fall colors, especially at the nearby Marion Brooks Reserve with its amazing grove of birches, and the rest of the attractions in the PA Great Outdoors Region, and you have a terrific place to go in the fall, in addition to the nearby Kinzua Bridge. This region is perfect.
6) and 7) Worlds End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest, Sullivan County
The views afforded at Worlds End State Park and the Loyalsock State Forest in the autumn are nothing short of incredible. The colors make the trees almost appear as if they are on fire. It is incredible to see. Loyalsock Canyon Vista in Worlds End State Park and the High Knob Overlook in the adjacent Loyalsock State Forest, are stunning places to take in these fall views.
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| View from High Knob Overlook at sunset |
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| View from the Loyalsock Canyon Vista at Worlds End State Park |
8) and 9) Marie Antoinette Overlook and Wyalusing Rocks, Route 6 in Bradford County
Similar to the last two, these overlooks are within a few miles of each other. It is also easy to make a beeline 45 minutes northeast from Worlds End to hit these two overlooks. The history at both of these spots is extremely fascinating, and well worth checking out.
The Marie Antoinette Overlook looks out over a stunning bend in the Susquehanna River. French Azilum, a place that was rumored to be an exile point for the ill-fated French Queen. In the fall, the colors in this area are extraordinary.
Just a little bit east of Marie Antoinette Overlook, is the Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, looking over an even tighter bend in the Susquehanna River. This place has been a historic spot for many generations of history in North America and is well worth checking out.
10) Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA, Allegheny County
If you live in Pittsburgh, a great place to go spend a weeknight or afternoon is at Schenley Park. As one of our nation's largest urban wooded areas, you are bound to find beautiful colors at every corner of the park and throughout the CCC, Great Depression era, infrastructure throughout the park.
11) Route 40 Overlook, Hopwood, PA Fayette County
The Route 40 Overlook in Hopwood, deep in the Laurel Highlands and near Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and Laurel Caverns. This overlook looks over a deep crevasse and Uniontown. The colors are especially vivid at this spot, in addition to Ohiopyle State Park.
12) Wine Country, North East, PA, Erie County
Fresh grapes? Need I say more? Between the cool colors, the smell of harvested grapes lingering through the air, and the always awesome views of Lake Erie, North East, PA is an awesome place to sit and relax. Be sure to check out the dozens of wineries and vineyards up and down the shores of Lake Erie.
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| There is nothing like fresh grapes! |
13) Tunnelview Park, New Alexandria, PA, Westmoreland County
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| Tunnelview Park, Indiana County |
Tunnelview Park is home to multiple generations of canal and rail history, with three transportation related tunnels, and accompanying bridges. This is a spectacular and often overlooked spot, deep in the Loyalhanna Gorge. Read more about this awesome place from this article about an autumn visit and one from a winter visit.
14) Mingo Creek Park, Finleyville, PA, Washington County
Mingo Creek Park in Washington County is a place that takes its covered bridges seriously. They have two beautiful covered bridges, including one that was moved and saved from demolition. The autumn colors are especially vibrant in this location. For more information on visiting, check out our article on this awesome place.
15) Renziehausen Park Rose Garden and Arboretum, McKeesport, PA, Allegheny County
The Renzie Park Rose Garden in McKeesport is the result of decades of hard work by community members through the Garden Club of McKeesport. The fall roses, coupled with the colors of the trees of the arboretum, make this an exceptional site to take in the sights of autumn.
16) Nockamixon State Park, Near Quakertown, PA, Bucks County
There is nothing quite like the feeling of crisp autumn air when you are out on the water. Lake Nockamixon at Nockamixon State Park is an awesome place to go during the fall months for these reasons. Additionally, the leaves seem to get exceptionally colorful in this location. Horseback riding, hiking, boating, sail boating, and more await visitors to this awesome state park. Nearby, you can also check out the funky Ringing Rocks County Park, home to an exceptional geologic wonder. For more information on visiting, check out our article on Nockamixon.
17) Forbes State Forest and Linn Run State Park, Westmoreland and Somerset Counties
This area has some incredible hikes and views. It is well worth checking out in the autumn. Here is a guide of the area around Linn Run State Park.
18) Right outside your door!
Autumn is stunning in PA, so get outt there and appreciate it!
Autumn is stunning in PA, so get outt there and appreciate it!
This list is far from all encompassing, but these are places you should plan to see at least once during the fall months. Have a great time!
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