Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers scenic train rides to the top of Bald Knob. It also transports passengers back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives played an essential role in local industry. The history of Cass follows the evolution of the lumber companies that […]
Year: 2017
Having a Blast at the Hoover-Mason Trestle
Beginning in late November, I started a series of posts about Lehigh Valley, PA. This is the third of this series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Lehigh Valley” below this post. So long-time readers of this blog know that I’m pretty much fascinated by any history — whether it be […]
Snow a Bonus at Winter Lights!
There are few things as magical as the first snowfall of the year, especially when that happens in December, and the enthusiasm for winter and snowflakes is running at its highest. The sparkle of the snow just accentuates the excitement of the holiday season: the anticipation, the plans to get together with good friends and […]
Animals, Animals Everywhere at ZooLights!
There are few holiday light displays with elephants, cuddlefish, naked molerats, and orangutans, but ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC is one of them! And unlike many (most?) other holiday lights displays, this one is completely free. I love holiday lights displays — that’s how I get into the holiday spirit, and […]
Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
n late November, I started a series of posts about Lehigh Valley, PA. This is the second installment of this series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Lehigh Valley” below this post. In Bethlehem, PA, there’s a unique museum, inspired by a unique woman who was born just as the Civil War […]
Where to See Holiday Lights in and near Maryland
Going to holiday lights displays has become an annual tradition for me and my family. Check out the places to go to enjoy the magic of the holiday season! Brookside Gardens “Garden of Lights” But the fascination with the lights made me wonder — how did the extravagant lights displays come about? As our holidays […]
Christkindlemarkt in Bethlehem PA
Beginning with this post, I’m starting a series about Lehigh Valley, PA. This is the first installment of this series. To see others in this series (once they’re published), click on the label “Lehigh Valley” below this post. Celebrating 25 years this year, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem is a great way to spend a fun afternoon as […]
Fabulous Phipps Conservatory
Pittsburgh — the butt of all the jokes we Penn Staters used to tell when I attended that university — constantly surprises me. It’s a lovely city, and possibly one of the prettiest places in Pittsburgh is Phipps Conservatory. Phipps offers a visual romp of color and surprises, between lovely blooms and foliage to the glass art […]
It Is an Excellent Good Pudding
If you really want to understand a time period that isn’t our own, then live it, even if only for a few hours. That was the thought as my sister and I signed up for a second open hearth cooking seminar at Gunston Hall. If ever you think preparing a full Thanksgiving meal, replete with […]
In Search of Audrey Munson: America’s First Supermodel
In this guest blog, Steve Rosenbach takes us on an unusual exploration of some of New York City’s secrets! In the first decade of the twentieth century, one young, beautiful woman became America’s first supermodel. Every sculptor wanted to sculpt her. Every painter wanted to paint her. She even appeard in some of the earliest […]
Three Quaint Towns and Two Fun Fall Festivals
Beginning in mid-October, I started a series of posts about things to do and see in Butler County, PA. This is the third installment of this series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Butler County” below this post. One of several log cabin homes in Harmony. What could a PA town […]
Potomac River Paddling Adventure in Dyke Marsh
Dyke Marsh Preserve, one of the few remaining freshwater tidal wetlands on the Potomac is best explored by kayak or canoe. Located on the west bank of the Potomac River south of Alexandria, Virginia between Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon. Dyke Marsh consists of about 380 acres of tidal marsh, floodplain, and swamp forest. […]
Strange Happenings at Miller House
There have been some strange happenings at Miller House, on West Washington Street, in Hagerstown, MD. The Miller House is now the home of the Washington County Historical Society, which was founded in 1911, the same year, actually, that the last family to live in Miller House — the Millers, appropriately enough — purchased the […]
The Barns of Butler County
Beginning in mid-October, I started a series of posts about things to do and see in Butler County, PA. This is the second installment of this series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Butler County” below this post. Not on the barn tour, but it should be! Thanks to the barn […]
Ghost Hunt: Anderson Mansion
Located in the historic Manchester District in downtown Pittsburgh, Anderson Manor is unique and packed with history. Built in 1830 by Colonel James Anderson, with additions to the house in 1905, this home was a part of the elite district during the Pittsburgh Steel Industry boom. A western Pennsylvania paranormal investigations and ghost hunt event […]