On the Road to Columbia, Pa

About a week and a half ago, I had the bright idea to escape the ordinary and hit the road. I decided on a "do-able day trip," with Columbia, Pa as my destination. I've visited Columbia in the past, but later learned of places I missed the first time around. (Thank you Facebook friends at "What's Happening in Columbia, Pa.)

My husband decided we would take the scenic route to our destination. Although the temperature outside was a bone-chilling 10 degrees and the wind was whipping worse than the hair on a Beverly Hills housewife, I figured with my long warm coat, gloves, a scarf and boots, I'd be ready for whatever Mother Nature hurled at me. Plus, an acute case of cabin fever had raised my temperature a few degrees anyway.

What I didn't anticipate was the last 45-minutes of the trip would consist of me yelling "slow down," praying and generally being an annoying front-seat driver and it didn't help that my husband is an expert at pushing my buttons sometimes. "This is FUN," is the one phrase that sends me right over the edge when he takes winding roads too fast and no, I'm really not as ancient as that sounds...

(For those who are unaware, Central PA was hit with an epic snowstorm not long ago. Thirty inches of snow takes a long time to melt, especially in February.)

The "scenic side roads" were covered in a blanket of the stuff, with constant drifting from farmers' fields. We alternated between being blinded by "white outs," sliding this way and that due to packed snow, and straddling paths worn by other hapless commuters. It was a joy to share this adventure with trucks and jeeps that likely found the harrowing experience "fun" as well.

Needless to say, we made our way to the historic small town in one piece, or I might not be writing this today. One takeaway: It's not always in my best interest to have an overwhelming urge to explore when the weather isn't the greatest.

Anyway---if you, too, should find yourself in cabin fever mode, (winter isn't quite over yet), Columbia is an interesting day trip and a one that will likely be particularly fascinating to history buffs.

The Time-Tested Town of Columbia 

Once known as Wright's Ferry, the small town located in Lancaster County was founded in 1726 by Colonial English Quakers and was once a choice for our nation's capital. Today, visitors can learn about old businesses that have withstood the test of time and a museum that tells the history of time. They can explore the interior of a bank that dates back to the 1860's and stand at the site of a bridge that lives in infamy.

Visiting the many antique shops and examining age-old artifacts will transport many back in time to the days of yore and a tour of an old homestead brings to life the fascinating tale of an early female settle who was well ahead of her time. 

The summer of 1863 was a pivotal time in the Civil War. The Confederate Army invaded Pennsylvania, captured York and set its sights on Harrisburg and Philadelphia. To achieve their goals, the Confederates plotted to cross the Susquehanna via the Wrightsville Bridge at Columbia. When Union forces got wind of the plan, they quickly hatched a scheme to set fire to the bridge to keep the Confederates at bay. The fire quickly engulfed the structure, destroying the longest covered wooden bridge in the world.

Today's Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, now known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge, was built in 1930 and has been described by architectural engineers as one of the best examples of a multi-span, reinforced-concrete arched bridge from the earliest 20th century.

Early American Banking
In 1864, Solomon and Samuel Detwiler started with $100,000 capital to open a bank in the borough of Columbia. The brothers operated out of the first floor of their home at 170 Locust Street in what was known as the 371st bank to be chartered in the United States. In 1917, the bank merged with another and moved to a new location up the street. Solomon's wife inherited the property upon his death and passed it on to her children Horace and Effie, who eventually donated the property to the Columbia Free Public Library.

The First National Bank of Columbia

 When the library put the house on the market four years later, Lloyd and Jean Motter purchased the 6,500 square foot property. "When my father purchased it in the 1950s, my mom thought he was crazy because it was considered a bit of a white elephant and had been neglected for a few years. My mom knew what it would cost to maintain, so she was a little apprehensive, but my dad saw past all of that," said Nora Motter Stark.

Stark, who continues to live in the house, maintains as a museum the part of the property where the bank operated. "It's as if you walked in here in 1860 as a bank patron," said Stark. Visitors can admire the woodwork of customer-crafted teller cages made of black walnut and view the President's office. "It's one of the few banks that exists as part of a house in the United States," said Stark.

Guests will have the opportunity to visit a room adjacent to the banking area where the Board of Directors conducted business around a fireplace festooned with what Stark believes are Henry Chapman Mercer tiles. (You can learn more about Henry Chapman Mercer a previous blog post here.)

The Boardroom

"I enjoy sharing the history of this bank on guided tours and describing the role it played in the development of bridges, canals and railroads," said Stark. To learn more, visit The First National Bank Museum website.

The National Watch and Clock Museum & the History of Time

National Watch and Clock Museum

The National Watch and Clock Museum, located at 514 Poplar Street, is dedicated to the history, science and art of timekeeping. The museum is a showplace for 12,000 time-related artifacts from around the world from early, non-mechanical devices like water clocks and sundials, to pocket watches, shelf clocks, calendar clocks, novelty clocks and today's more modern timepieces.

A highlight for visitors is a demonstration and history of the Engle Clock crafted by Hazelton native Stephen Decatur Engle. The magnificent monumental clock took 20 years to construct and was completed by 1878.>Engle allowed two Philly entrepreneurs to take the mechanical marvel on the road, market it as the "Eighth wonder of the world" and charge between 15 and 25 cents to see it in action.

Old Pharmacy

Hinkles Pharmacy has been operating in Columbia for 122 years now and is beloved among the locals. It serves the community as a pharmacy, a go-to place for holiday cards and gifts and a gathering for locals and non-locals alike to grab a bite to eat at an old-time lunch counter, or in a cozy teal-colored booth with a faux-wood finish. When I strolled in, I snapped this quick picture, trying my best to not appear touristy or intrusive...

Hinkles Pharmacy--a Columbia Institution since 1894

I was reminded of the old G.C. Murphy days where 5 & 10's were ubiquitous and shoppers would take a break for lunch in between errands. As you can see, they have yet to take down the holiday decorations and I did crop out a few Christmas trees that hung on the walls, although I do suppose they pride themselves on "not" keeping up with the times, Hinkles serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offerings run the gamut from homemade soups, to sandwiches, omelets and even steaks. The locals claim to enjoy the "shifter," although I have yet to try one. It's a sandwich comprised of ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sweet pickle and mayo and was once a favorite of the railroad workers who ran the shift engines.

Tour an Old Glass Factory
The family owned-and-operated business specializes in customizing glassware, sand etching, color screening, laser etching and rotary engraving and offers factory tours on request.
Their retail store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Antiques Galore
Befitting of its historic reputation, Columbia is well on its way to becoming an antiques destination. Burning Bridge Antiques Market located at 304 Walnut Street is home to three floors of antiques sold by more than 250 vendors.When Willis Herr discovered that the building was going to be razed to make room for a parking lot, he and his sons stepped in to save the structure which once served as a carriage shop, a sewing factory and a hardware store.
The 20,000 foot building has been restored to its original condition and visitors today feel as if they are stepping into the past as they admire the old wooden floors, the pressed tin ceilings and the American chestnut mill work.

Learn more about Burning Bridge Antiques at http://www.burningbridgeantiques.com/.

Visiting the Wright's Ferry Mansion

Those visiting the area from May through October, can tour one of the first homes erected in the area. Situated near the Susquehanna River at 38 S. Second Street, is a historic property which tells the story of Susanna Wright, a native of Lancashire England who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1714 and in 1728 settled in Columbia.

Her two-and-a-half story limestone dwelling is known as the only Pennsylvania English Quaker House furnished exclusively to the first half of the 18th century.

Susanna was the daughter of John Wright, who established an animal-powered ferry as one of the first means of crossing the Susquehanna River. She was versed in Latin and Italian and fluent in French. The highly respected businesswoman was also a noted poetess and scholar and friend of early Pennsylvania luminaries like Ben Franklin.

Curator Elizabeth Meg Schaefer, who authored the 304-page book titled, Wright's Ferry Mansion, The House, said, "Wright was one of the first people in Pennsylvania to raise silkworms and, with her brother, grew flax for linen, hemp for rope and coarse cloth, hops for beer and ale and had a notable orchard. She was exceptional in her versatile intellect and the breadth of her knowledge and interests."

Visitors will pass the high wooden door and step into the brick entryway where they can view the formal parlor, explore the clock room used for studying, entertaining and conducting business and marvel at the kitchen with its expansive hearth and squirrel-tale oven.pstairs, guests will get a peek into the rooms where Wright and her brother slept and where she likely raised her silkworms.Shaefer, with her encyclopedic knowledge of Wright and the mansion, invites guests' questions and leaves patrons with a real sense of what it was like to have lived as a prominent proponent of colonial self-sufficiency in 18th-century Pennsylvania.

These are just a few notable educational and historic destinations worthy of further inspection in historic Columbia--a quaint, friendly, interesting town. 

To view more pictures, be sure to visit the Facebook page here.

Snow, snow and more snow

Well, unless you've been living under a rock, you likely know that Pennsylvania was pummeled by an historic snowfall last week. The unlikely name? Jonas. Where's the gravitas? What I fear most, when the name Jonas is uttered, is being snowbound with nothing to listen to but their music. What's next? Hurricane Fauntleroy?

Regardless, 30.2 inches of the white stuff was dumped on us last week and we're still digging out. Thankfully, my indefatigable husband tackled it almost exclusively. (I did shovel a bit of the deck, but he has a "system," so I got out of his way and retreated to the house. I know, it sounds lame on my part, but you'd have to know him to understand.)

He took it slowly and broached the white stuff every few hours for two days, creating a tunnel from the front porch to the mailbox and removing all traces of snow from the driveway with nary more than a shovel.  (Yes, we do have a snowblower, but evidently it's not big enough to tackle more than a foot of snow at a time. That's another story altogether and a rather boring one at that, so suffice it to say that a bargain isn't always a bargain.)

The front of the house after Jonas

A tufted titmouse braves the storm

He walks these streets, a loaded shovel on his back...

Anyway, it's during times like these that I am glad I work from home. I was able to juggle my schedule so that a foray into the frozen tundra was more of a cabin fever reliever than a necessity. On day four I ventured out to the local mini-mart for coffee and quickly discovered it's not just the roads. It's the HUGE snow piles that put drivers' lives in peril. Navigating around them is darn near impossible, so I reluctantly returned home to focus on my work.

Last time I updated this blog, I was concerned about a flagging writing schedule. Thankfully my concerns were (for the moment at least) unfounded and it appears that the lack of work was just the end-of-the-year budget budget blues that most newspapers suffer from I suppose. Every year the money seems to run out sometime in early December. Maybe I should be used to it by now.

I'm happy to be back on a regular schedule and even picked up a weekly health article. Will this make a positive difference in my life health-wise? I'm not really sure what I'll do with all that new-found knowledge, but I know enough about dieting to have earned a Ph.D. and that hasn't resulted in a skinny body. I'll likely just fret about how easy it is to catch, develop, or succumb to something. The more you know...blah, blah, blah. It ain't all it's cracked up to be.

I did manage to get out today to interview a new restaurateur who just three weeks ago opened his doors for business, only to get slammed with this snowstorm, which has not only hobbled travel, but also created a parking nightmare. He's still upbeat, so good for him. That seemed to be the mood of the day. When I stopped at a drug store on the way back home, a random customer happily informed me that the snow has melted to 18 inches. "Oh really, that's great," I responded. I, for one, am glad we only have about two months left of this mess. Here's what the snow looked like today when I pulled away from the house.

Taken from my windshield while leaving the house today

Regardless of what the future holds, I'm dreaming of my upcoming trip to Florida when I'll set sail for Cozumel, along with about 10 bands from the 1960's. Here's the lineup:

Upcoming cruise lineup

I've managed to sell one story in advance, so far, but am sure I'll get a few more out of this one and will certainly blog about it when I return.

The good news is that the threat of another Nor'easter has passed and temperatures will climb into the 40's this weekend, whisking away yet more of this snow, which is good because I have (yet another) day trip to Gettysburg planned. On Sunday, I'll be attending a soup cook off (hey, that's what you do here in this cold neck of the woods). You can read more about it here and keep in mind, it's not too late to attend. On Saturday evening, I am also looking forward to dining at one of the area's oldest restaurants that, not long ago, suffered a severe setback when a fire swept through damaging nearly everything. Vissagios emerged from the ashes bigger and better than ever. That will likely be a story for another day.  

Enjoy the rest of your week!

On the Road to Doylestown

As a Pennsylvania resident who enjoys spending weekends exploring various regions, I was surprised when someone suggested a trip to Doylestown. "Doylestown, really?" I asked. I'd driven past it, but never through it, so after some research I packed my bags for a two-day visit. I was so impressed that I ended up pricing real estate in the area. 

Located just 27 miles north of Philadelphia, the town rivals nearby destinations like New Hope, but compared to New Hope, it's less "Wavy Gravy" and more "James Michener," one of the many artists and writers who settled in the area.

Specialty shops line the streets of the historic downtown area, providing an array of items from antiques, to art, clothing, jewelry and accessories.   

Located in the heart of the town is the Doylestown Inn, which dates back to 1902. The 11-room boutique hotel is full of charm and character, from the wall of vintage suitcases that captures guests' attention on check in, to the old phone booth located in the lobby. Our comfortable and spacious room, located on the second floor, was equipped with a fireplace and Jacuzzi and personal service is reminiscent more of a bed and breakfast than a traditional hotel.

The outside of the Doylestown Hotel.

Dining in Doylestown

Because we were staying at the Doylestown Inn, we chose to dine at the onsite restaurant, "The Hattery Stove and Still," named for a hat shop, which once operated on the premises. As with the Inn itself, special little details capture the eye like the two-story hat tree, "bowler" hat lights which hang above the bar, gilded mirrors hung on exposed brick walls, bench seating which resembles coffee sacks and a bar crafted from a 1936 Oldsmobile, which is located in the dimly lit "speakeasy" located at the lower-level bar.

Hattery Stove & Still

Fare runs the gamut from burgers to steaks, veal, fish and pasta dishes, served in a creative atmosphere with something to see at every turn.

For a casual lunch, the Hickory Kitchen is within walking distance of the Doylestown Hotel and is a favorite of barbecue lovers near and far. It sets itself apart from the crowd by offering vegan options as well.

Visiting Fonthill Castle

If there's one place you must see in Doylestown, it's Fonthill Castle, once home to Henry Chapman Mercer.

Fonthill Castle (Photo: Jeff Fusco)

A Mercer tile

Mercer was an industrious, quirky fellow who was known as a leader in the turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts Movement. His tiles decorate the floor of the state Capitol in Harrisburg, representing 254 scenes ranging from artifacts, to birds, insects, animals and industries.

Mercer chose concrete to build his castle due to its fireproof nature and alarmed the townsfolk back in the early 1900's by christening it with a rooftop bonfire.

The Bucks County Historical Society now owns the medieval style structure and conducts tours there seven days a week. 

The castle contains 44 rooms, 10 bathrooms, five bedrooms and 18 fireplaces. Guests who step outside on the terrace will see the weather vane created in homage to the workhorse named Lucy, who helped build the structure. 

During the tour, guides tell the story of the lifelong bachelor, his penchant for entertaining, his boundless energy, prolific creativity and his insatiable curiosity. Mercer's extensive tile collection is on display throughout the castle. Tiles are everywhere, embedded on ceilings, stairs, walls and many places in between.

Reading room at Fonthill

Ceiling tile at Fonthill

Mercer's love of tile inspired him to found the Moravian Pottery and Tile Company in 1912. Located on the same tract of land. It, too, is open to the public seven days a week as a "working history museum."

Inside the Moravian Pottery Works

Those interested in taking the tours should check the websites and call in advance. Prepare to spend about 75 minutes viewing the castle and do wear comfortable shoes to avoid foot fatigue caused by traversing the cold, hard concrete floors.

Tool Displays Aplenty at the Mercer Museum

Also within walking distance from the Doylestown Inn is the Mercer Museum. The six-story high, concrete structure contains more than 50,000 artifacts, telling the story of American progress through tool displays. 

Artifacts hang from the Mercer Museum

Mercer, the original "American Picker," started the tool collection by attending auctions, rummaging through barns, attics and yards of junk dealers. Eventually word spread and collectors began contacting him and before long he had established an elaborate collectors' network.

Tools inside the Mercer Museum

Stagecoach inside the Mercer Museum

More than 60 early American trades like blacksmithing, fishing, tanning and butchering are represented and organized in groups in rooms, alcoves and displays throughout the museum. Be sure to look up to see the larger pieces like sleighs and whaling boats that hang from the ceiling and look down to see footprints of Mercer's faithful dog Rollo.

The James Michener Art Museum

Sculptures outside the James Michener Art Museum.

Also ocated near downtown in a 19th-century prison is the James Michener Art Museum named after the prolific Pulitzer prize-winning author. The museum features historic and contemporary American works, with a concentration on Bucks county notables.

Outside of the James Michener Art Museum

To the left of the front entrance is a room dedicated to the late writer and featuring artifacts like his typewriter, manuscripts and ephemera that tell the story of his life. 

Michener artifacts

Permanent exhibitions include outdoor art and sculpture, Bucks County landscape paintings, along with modern and contemporary art. 

The Wooded Watershed Lunette

Sculpture outside of the James Michener Art Museum

These are just a few of the attractions that left me scratching my head wondering why I hadn't visited Doylestown sooner. 

Oh and if you stay at the Doylestown Hotel, be sure to visit the great used book store located directly across the street.  

LIKE us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/cheeseplatesandroomservice/

Facing the New Year in an Uncertain Industry

First of all, I'd like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. The upcoming months will certainly be interesting to say the least, with elections looming and so many other changes that are likely to ensue, including those in the newspaper industry.

For those who don't know me, I began freelance writing five years ago after spending years in education until a $22 million deficit forced layoffs.

As a writer, I'm not altogether sure what to expect these next 362 days and because of that, I keep a wary eye on newspaperdeathwatch.com.  It seemed the minute I started this new "venture" is when the industry started taking on water and so I often feel like I'm on a sinking ship. I have been known to say more than once, "I picked a good time to start freelance writing." When I do, my mind wanders to this clip, which still cracks me up, but then again, I'm a big fan of the short-lived Police Squad too, so there you have it.

For several years, I freelanced for one of the leading newspapers in our area and then the hammer came down. The popular periodical, which launched in 1854, and during its heyday was published twice daily, reduced print production to three days a week starting on January 1, 2013. With the changes, so went the majority of the freelancers.

Thankfully, I am still employed by two other newspapers, but these days I'm noticing far fewer pitches being accepted at one, likely due to a reduced six-day a week schedule, or maybe end-of-the-year budget concerns, but speculation at this point is simply that. Other changes have been implemented as well, including the elimination of coverage in certain municipalities and a reduction in home delivery to several areas. 

I live about an hour away from the home based of another newspaper where I've been assigned steady work over the years. Not long ago, I visited the city, only to witness the building up for sale. (See Airplane! clip again.)

I love working for both newspapers, but the second one covers most of the big acts that perform at the Luhr's Center in Shippensburg, Pa. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to interview music stars like Peter Noone, Robert Cray, Walt Parazaider of Chicago (such a nice man) and Rodney Justo, lead vocalist of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, to name just a few. Today Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night called me and we're scheduled for an interview tomorrow.

I still work regularly for a local monthly publication that is going strong and several regional magazines as well, so for now, I'm managing to stay busy.

This year gets a B- on the rating scale due to newspaper cut backs, but brights spots include a new food column and the invitation to two press trips, which were a lot of fun and a good learning experience.

For the new year, I plan on pitching to more national publications and continuing with this relatively new blog--which I hope to upgrade as time passes.

I am more than anxious for January 4 to get here because things grind to a halt during the holidays. Few folks are available for interviews and queries stay maddeningly stuck in the queue.

I did manage to get some work done during the past two weeks however and combined it with a stay at the Radisson Blu in Philly where we visited our favorite places like Rittenhouse Square, Liberty Place and diBruno Bros. In between, I paid a work visit to Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, Pa. The trip through Gratz alone was worth it with its rolling countryside and Amish buggies everywhere. I never saw so many hawks in one place either--too bad I couldn't get pictures of them.

Traveling through Stroudsburg, Pa

A plethora of buggies were spotted in and around Gratz, Pa

 Lobby of the Radisson Blu Warwick, Philadelphia

 

Longwood Gardens is a beautiful place and worthy of a visit. An orchid extravaganza is coming up in a few weeks and in summer the grounds are breathtaking. You can read more in the article I wrote for the Chambersburg Public Opinion here.

Meanwhile, here are a few pictures that didn't make the 'cut.'

Behold the Beauty of Bryn Athyn's Glencairn Museum

Located in Montgomery County in the bucolic borough of Bryn Athyn, is a spectacular residence-turned-museum that is home to an impressive collection of some of the finest antiquities in the nation.

The stately structure looms high atop a hill at the top of Cathedral Road, a castle-like Romanesque building that will make you question for a moment if you're been transported beyond our shores. 

Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pa in the winter

The Cathedral

The mansion, deemed "Glencairn," was once home to Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn and their eight children. Open to the public since 1982, the structure serves as a museum of religious art and history. The building houses thousands of works of art from Greece, Rome, Medieval Europe, ancient Egypt and the Near East and showcases one of the finest private collections of French Medieval stained glass in the country. On average, more than 21,000 guests tour the museum every year.

Just a few of the many beautiful stained-glass windows that adorn the interior of the Glencairn Museum

Following the Tenets of the "New Church"
The Gothic Cathedral that is located within viewing distance of Bryn Athyn's Glencairn Museum and the adjacent home named Cairnwood, were all built as a tribute to the faith embraced by Raymond and his father John Pitcairn.

John hailed from Scotland, arriving in the United States in 1846 and soon afterwards was baptized into the church whose adherents followed the teachings of Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenbord (1688-1722.) Swedenborg provided guidelines for having a relationship with God and bringing religion to everyday life.

John left home to work on the Pennsylvania railroad at a young age, starting out as a telegraph operator and rising to the rank of Superintendent. During the 1870s oil boom, he amassed enough wealth to co-found the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company.

Pitcairn later moved to Philadelphia and befriended Rev. Henry Benade, the first pastor of the "New Church" and the two traveled to Egypt and the Holy Land to share their message. During this time, Pitcairn and Benade transported more than 1,0000 artifacts, from pottery, to bronze statues and amulets, to name a few.

Antiquities that populate the Glencairn Museum

By the end of the 19th century, John was a wealthy industrialist and was able to purchase land in Montgomery County, building a home in Bryn Athyn, which he named Cairnwood. There he and his wife Gertrude raised three sons, with Raymond being the eldest. Raymond exhibited a love of architecture at a young age and pursued the passion throughout his life.

When Raymond married Mildred Glenn in 1910, the couple moved into Cairnwood and he embarked upon the ambitious project of building a medieval-style cathedral on the grounds for New Church practitioners to worship. The project took more than 14 years to complete and was dedicated in 1919, after which, Raymond turned his attention to the construction of Glencairn. Much of Pitcairn's collection of medieval Christian art, which is considered to be one of the nation's finest, served as models for the artists and craftsmen who worked on the Bryn Athyn Cathedral.

The Glencairn Collection
The 90-room, 11-story mansion's exterior is crafted from Massachusett's granite, greystone from Pennypack Creek and feldspar from New York. Approximately 8,000 objects are housed within, including an impressive collection of stained glass, of which Raymond was an avid collector.

Planning around his collection was of utmost importance to Raymond as he designed the dwelling and went to great lengths to ensure the pieces fit logically and naturally to highlight them to their utmost within the given setting.

The first thing guests will encounter upon entering is the five-story, impressive and imposing Great Hall, illuminated by the sunlight, which streams through the colorful panes of stained glass. The Hall, which once served as the family's living room, features the largest mosaic in the building with a rendering of the school seal for the Academy of the New Church, which was the Alma mater of both Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn. Medieval furniture, Persian rugs, sculptures and six, 22-foot-high, full-scale replicas of Chartres Cathedral windows remind visitors of how diminutive they seem in comparison.

One of the first rooms guests encounter

Where the family spent time, with the grandchildren putting on plays on the stage shown above.

Tour guides escort visitors to the children's bedroom, which are now art galleries and feature Medieval Christian and American Indian antiquities,along with pieces from ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, the ancient Near East, ancient Rome and Asia.

Guests will be guided to the fifth-floor chapel where the family worshiped and will view a magnificent mosaic depicting a scene from the Bible from the book of Revelation, large tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments in Hebrew and the Lord's Prayer written in Greek.

A trip to the observation tower is a must. Available to guests via elevator, the glass enclosure affords breathtaking view of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral and the Philadelphia skyline.

The observation tower

To learn more about Glencairn Museum and upcoming events, visit: http://www.glencairnmuseum.org/

A Christmas Visit to Jim Thorpe

If you live in Pennsylvania and are itching for a change of scenery, it's likely that Jim Thorpe, located about 75 minutes from Philadelphia and just 30 minutes from Allentown, is a good choice for a day trip.

The town of Jim Thorpe was originally known as "Mauch Chunk," a derivation of a phrase meaning "Bear Place" in the language of the native Munsee-Lenape Delaware peoples. This quaint little gem of an area is located in Carbon County, Pennsylvania and has been deemed the "Switzerland of America" by the Swiss Tourist board due to its mountainous terrain, attractive scenery and stunning architecture.

During the summer, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area for hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking and for leaf peepers, it's a stunning fall destination.

Tourists aren't as plentiful this time of year, but that's what makes it especially appealing to those who enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. Christmas shoppers can take their time strolling along the streets and viewing the many attractive homes and quaint shops that line Broadway and Race streets.  

Beth Beers and her mother operate a shop at 31 Race Street  called "Everything Nice Gift Shop," which features a wide variety of gifts, including games, home decor, candles and toys, to name a few. Beers meets people who visit from all around and is often amazed how far people travel. "This sleepy little town was on their list of places to see," she said.

Lodging Options Abound

For those who are interested in staying overnight, there are several choices in the heart of town including "Rosemary Remembrances II guest lodging," located off Trapp Alley. The studio apartment is equipped with everything you need to stay one night, or several days, including a refrigerator, stove, cabinets full of dishes and a dining table.

For those who prefer to stay at a Bed and Breakfast, The Times House on Race Street is elegantly appointed and centrally located. The building was home to "The Times-News," from 1927 to 1967. For Diane Prokop, a freelance writer who worked for two newspapers with the word "Times" in their names, the purchase was meant to be. 

The Times House Bed and Breakfast was once home to a newspaper business.

Another convenient choice steeped in history is the Inn at Jim Thorpe, which dates back to 1849. More information on the history of the Inn can be found here. 

Dining Suggestions
Dining options are plentiful around town and range from casual establishments like the Molly McGuire's Pub and Steakhouse, owned by the Behan family of Dublin, Ireland, to more upscale options like Moya and Tony Stella's Encore, which he operates from a mansion once owned by General Charles Albright, the lead prosecuting attorney of the notorious Molly McGuires.

Moya Restaurant at 24 Race Street

Encore is especially known for its elegant dinner fare, featuring lamb, veal, seafood and beef, with owner Stella often taking the reins in the middle of the dining room flambeing bananas Foster for some lucky customer.

Before departing, be sure to check out the absinthe room in the rear of the restaurant.

Absinthe served at Tony Stella's Encore

Musical Entertainment
For musical entertainment, look no further than the Mauch Chunk Opera House. The historic building opened in 1882 where the comedy Edgewood Folks was performed before a packed house. 

The old Opera House soon became a regular stop along the Vaudeville Circuit, with Al Jolson and May West performing regularly. It ceased operations as a performing venue in 1959 as audiences dwindled due to the popularity of television and movies. For years, the building was used as a warehouse, until the Mauch Chunk historical society purchased it in 1974 and set about bringing the building back to its former glory.

Mauch Chunk Opera House , which first opened in 1892

Today, music takes center stage, with a Grateful Dead tribute band slated for December 18 and a Springsteen Tribute Band scheduled for December 26, along with a New Year's Eve Dance party on December 31. Learn more about upcoming shows in 2016 here.  

A bit off the beaten path is Penn's Peak, which is also a well-attended music venue, with a gorgeous view, especially in the summertime. Learn more about Penn's Peak and upcoming shows here .

These few suggestions should keep you busy during your time in Jim Thorpe.You'll pass by the  historic Dimmick Memorial Library which is located in the center of town and dates back to 1890. Don't fail to stop in and take in the beautiful wood work.

Dimmick Memorial Library dating back to 1890.

The Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail are stories that should be told too. I'll post more about them at a later date since they aren't slated to reopen until May.