Traveling 300 feet underground into a labyrinth of tunnels and shafts at the old Lackawanna Coal Mine in Scranton, Pennsylvania felt a bit like heading backward down a steep, dark and noisy roller coaster. Read the rest of this entry »

Here in the Northeast, we're accustomed to magnificent color shows every autumn. But a day trip through the Appalachian Mountains on the northern edge of Pennsylvania outdid even my wildest expectations. Read the rest of this entry »

We take municipal water for granted, but it was an amazing innovation when the Old Waterworks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania started providing water in 1754. Read the rest of this entry »

Remember that old wooden sled you loved as a child? Well, if it was a Lightning Guider, it was built in Duncannon, the small Pennsylvania town where I grew up. Read the rest of this entry »

As the wife of a third-generation railroad worker, I love trains. And believe me, there's no better place to enjoy railroad history than Altoona, a city in south-central Pennsylvania with a rich railroad heritage. Read the rest of this entry »

The Johnstown Flood Museum brings to life one of the worst man-made disasters in U.S. history–the tragic flood that devastated this industrial town on May 31, 1889.

After the South Fork Dam 14 miles north of town failed during an intense rainstorm, a 35-foot-high wall of water killed over 2,200 of the area's 30,000 residents, injured thousands more and left tens of thousands homeless. Read the rest of this entry »

In the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish countryside, I visited an incredibly well-preserved historic site–the Mascot Roller Mills and Homestead, outside Lancaster. Read the rest of this entry »

As we drove through southeastern Pennsylvania on our way to Gettysburg National Military Park, a 10-foot-tall white elephant and a sign that read "Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum" attracted our attention. We quickly agreed it was time for an unscheduled stop! Read the rest of this entry »

Where I live, the places where wild morel mushrooms grow remain closely guarded secrets.

But at the annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square, located in far southeastern Pennsylvania, no one keeps you in the dark. This fest is an all-out celebration of all things mushroom in the "Mushroom Capital of the World"! Read the rest of this entry »

For nearly 20 years, my husband and I have been making tracks for the East Broad Top Railroad in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania.

The largest remaining narrow-gauge railroad east of the Mississippi River, the EBT was established in 1872 to service coal fields in south-central Pennsylvania. Tourist excursions began in 1960. Read the rest of this entry »

Did you know there's an elk herd in northwest Pennsylvania? It's true–from 1913 to 1926, state officials brought in 177 elk from Yellowstone National Park to replace native elk wiped out by hunting. Today, an estimated 550 elk roam freely around Benezett in Elk County. In fact, it's not unusual to encounter them just a few steps outside our house on Winslow Hill, a popular viewing area.

While camping with friends outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, we relished some of the best seafood I've ever eaten, at Bumper Bob's Seafood House in Etters.

The cream of crab soup was especially delicious. Enormous portions and excellent service made the meal even more memorable. Don't pass up the creamy peanut butter pie; friendly owner Bob Conley told us it took his wife, Annamae, 6 months to perfect the recipe.

We asked Bob about the restaurant's unusual name; he told us that he'd bought Annamae some old bumper cars to use as planters. But she told him he'd better not bring them home–so he put them at his restaurant instead. You can see them outside in a flower bed.

Etters is on State Highway 382, about 10 miles south of Harrisburg. Bumper Bob's (1875 Old Trail Rd.) is just west of I-83, between Exits 32 and 33. It's open from 4-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

For more details, call 1-717/938-9208.

For nearly 20 years, my husband and I have been making tracks for the East Broad Top Railroad in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania.

The largest remaining narrow-gauge railroad east of the Mississippi River, the EBT was established in 1872 to service coal fields in south-central Pennsylvania. Tourist excursions began in 1960. Read the rest of this entry »

The Johnstown Flood Museum brings to life one of the worst man-made disasters in U.S. history–the tragic flood that devastated this industrial town on May 31, 1889. Read the rest of this entry »

If you're driving on scenic U.S. Highway 6 through north-central Pennsylvania, I recommend a short side trip from Wellsboro to see the tiny and picturesque Middle Ridge United Methodist Church. Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone who fondly remembers a Lionel train running under the family Christmas tree will love the Shempp train exhibit at the Thomas T. Taber Museum in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Read the rest of this entry »

Wellsboro is a great place to visit year-round. But it's extra-special during our "Dickens of a Christmas" celebration when we all step back into the 1800s.

The town closes off three blocks of Main Street, which already looks old-fashioned with its gaslight-lined boulevard. Then craft and food vendors line the street. Read the rest of this entry »