Seeing the Sights in Hawley

Hawley, Pennsylvania isn't a place that springs to mind when contemplating the Poconos, nonetheless it is worth a visit if you're headed that way. 

The small borough is situated at the northernmost end of Lake Wallenpupack in Wayne County and was founded in 1827 by Irad Hawley, the president of the Pennsylvania Coal Company during the days when coal was king.

My husband and I visited a few weeks ago for a short two-day getaway to enjoy the beauty of the area, from the waterfalls at the Ledges Hotel, to the art at the repurposed silk mill and the scenery at Lake Wallenpaupak.

Accommodations

The Settler's Inn, built in 1927

One of the first things you'll want to do while contemplating visiting the area is to select a place to stay. I can recommend both the Settlers Inn and the Ledges Hotel, both of which are conveniently located within minutes of various attractions.

Built in the 1920s as an Arts and Crafts Lodge, the Settlers Inn is situated on six acres of land surrounded by gardens and bordering the Lackawaxen River. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the award-winning, chef-owned farm-to-table restaurant and during the warmer months guests can grab a drink at a small bar around the corner from the check-in desk before strolling outside on the expansive deck. Once there, they can relax on the comfy chairs and take in a view of the elaborately landscaped grounds.

Later, guests can retire to their rooms and enjoy other amenities like jacuzzi tubs, microfiber robes, fireplaces and free internet.

A nearby sister property to the Settlers Inn is the newer Ledges Hotel, which features a stunning view of the river gorge falls, which guests can admire from their perch at the onsite bar and bistro known as "Glass."

Shots of the River Gorge Falls taken from the Ledges restaurant "Glass."

Guests relax at the bar inside "Glass."

Comfortably appointed rooms at Ledges feature local artwork and a sitting room in the main area also provides a view of the falls.

The sitting area also provides views of the falls.

Art, Retail and More

The Hawley Silk Mill is the largest bluestone building in the world.

Located adjacent to the Ledges Hotel is the Hawley Silk Mill. Built in 1880, the Mill has the distinction of being the largest bluestone building in the world. The former industrial site now houses Lackawanna College  and features a unique collection of shops, offering home decor, children's clothing, bath and body items, art, candles and gifts.

An artist's rendering of the silk mill hangs inside the building.

If you enjoy craft beer, be sure to head to the lower level of the silk mill where you'll find a nanobrewery called Hopping Eagle. Their lineup includes IPAs, Hefeweizen, Porters and even fruited beer, known as "sours," which are experiencing a spike in popularity in the United States.

Hopping Eagle Brewing Company is located on the lower level of the Hawley Silk Mill.

Before leaving the silk mill, be sure to visit the standalone building in front of the mill called "Cocoon Coffee House and Bakery." The cozy cafe was once home to the cocoons which supplied the silk for the mill. Today visitors can enjoy coffee crafted from custom-blended beans and pair that with pastries, sandwiches, soups, snacks and more.

The eatery known as "Cocoon."

Located just a mile away from the area is Lake Wallenpaupack, where you can hop on board a pontoon boat for a 50-minute cruise, during which you'll learn about the history of the region, along with details about the reservoir, which was created in 1926 by PPL for hydroelectric purposes.

Scenes along Lake Wallenpaupack.

If you're planning on visiting with a group, Lake Wallenpaupack Tours offers charters for groups of four or fewer on their Harris Sunliner Pontoon Boat. Charters come with a captain and prices start at $325.

Another attraction in Hawley that is fun for the entire family is Costa's Family Fun Park, which operates from mid-June through Labor Day and offers go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf, water slides, laser tag, bumper boats and more. 

Costa's Family Fun Park in Hawley features mini-golf and more.

Well that's about it, for now. This is what I call a "hit and run" excursion--a quick way to enjoy a short trip to another region for a change of scenery and a little fun as the summer begins winding down. 

 

Much to Explore in Bedford, Pa

If you love history and you're looking for something special to do on a long weekend, Bedford, Pennsylvania is sure to fit the bill, from a village that takes visitors back in time, to a museum that commemorates the construction of the original French and Indian War Fort built in 1758, to a hotel that was built to take advantage of the healing waters of the area.

My first recommendation upon entering town, however, is to stop at the Visitors' Center, which, you'll discover is larger than most and is full of pamphlets and helpful guides who can describe the many diverse activities available to those in the area.

One of the first things my husband and I did last time we visited Bedford was to take the 90-minute, self-guided tour, which combines walking and driving to visit various places.  Founder's Crossing, located on Juliana Street, is one of the first stops on the list and is home to an array of merchandise from home goods, to antiques and collectibles. Look down upon entering and you'll see a reminder of a store that once operated there.

G.C. Murphy once operated at Founder's Crossing.

Founder's Crossing carries home decor, antiques, collectibles and more.

Also, on the tour is the Anderson House. Built in 1815 for Dr. John Anderson by Solomon Filler, designer of the nearby Bedford Springs Resort, the courthouse and the art museum, the Anderson House is characteristic of the Federalist style of architecture.

The Anderson House built in 1815.

And no trip to Bedford would be complete without a glimpse of a piece of programmatic architecture, also referred to as mimetic architecture and even as "ducks." The famous "Coffee Pot" has been the site of many a selfie and was built in 1927 by David Koontz. It was slated for demolition in the 1990s, but cooler heads prevailed and it was saved and restored in 2004.

The Coffee Pot in Bedford, built in 1927.

After becoming familiar with the area on the architectural tour, you can continue your history lesson by visiting a living history site known as Old Bedford Village. Old Bedford Village opened in 1976 and portrays life in Pennsylvania from 1700 until 1899.

Old Bedford Village Welcome Center

Visitors are provided with a map upon arrival to help them navigate their way around the sprawling village. On the back of the map is a short description of the 40 buildings situated on the site, some of which are authentic and others which are reproductions. 

Old Bedford Village is especially attractive to families with children of all ages because they can take off and run from building to building, while learning from re-enactors who are skilled in commanding tots' attention.

Log homes like these are the first structures visitors see on the self-guided tour.

The first house on our stop was the Biddle House and inside was a re-enactor who explained the concept of Bedford Village and how it became a mixture of old and replicated structures to assist in aiding visitors to understand what life was like in the days of yore.

A re-enactor at an 18th-century log farmhouse moved from an area nearby called Dutch Corner.

The 8-square (sided) public school built in East St. Clair Township in 1851 by Quaker Nat Hoover.
It closed in 1932.

The Pendergrass Tavern

The Pendergrass Tavern is a recreation from a historical novel titled, Bedford Village. The original Pendergrass Tavern operated just outside the walls of Fort Bedford in the 1750's.

The volunteers/re-enactors are extremely dedicated to sharing their knowledge of history with all guests who visit. The gentleman above drives from West Virginia to share his passion. Everything displayed on the table is crafted by him.

The tin shop.

Children are invited to engage in various activities around the village. In the tin shop they can try their hand at making their own tin punch by choosing from a variety of patterns ranging from liberty bells to puppies and hammering away on the wooden blocks in the shop.

Families can visit Bedford Village Memorial Day Weekend through October 31, Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another educational site located in Bedford is the Fort Bedford Museum, built in 1958 to commemorate the construction of the original French and Indian War fort in 1758. Today the museum houses approximately 4,000 artifacts.

The Fort Bedford Museum houses thousands of artifacts.

In 2019, the museum decided to bring to life the story of "Indian Eve" Ernst, whom guests will learn about when they visit. "Indian Eve" spent nine years in captivity before being able to return to her hometown of Bedford. Below is a small, deer-hide covered trunk that she took with her when she was able to head for home. It was donated by the family.

Indian Eve's trunk manufactured in 1777.

A model of Fort Bedford.

The "Becoming Bedford" exhibit displays many relics of days gone by like the items shown below.

An early mail sleigh.

Another exhibit titled, "Cave to Empire," helps guests understand the clash of cultures that set the stage for the French and Indian War in the mid-1700's. 

Those interested in visiting the Fort Bedford Museum will find it at 110 Fort Bedford Drive. Hours and admission prices can be found at the website by clicking here. 

The Omni Bedford Springs

The history continues, only this time we skip ahead quite a bit to the Omni Bedford Springs. You may recall Dr. John Anderson who was mentioned earlier. Dr. Anderson was also responsible for purchasing the 20,000-acre property where the Omni now stands after learning about the eight mineral springs onsite. He then set about building bathing facilities for his patients there, offering them prescriptions for their ailments and housing them in tents on the property.

As "taking the waters" grew in popularity, Anderson decided to take the next step and erect a hotel for his guests. In 1816, Attorney James Buchanan visited the Springs for the first time, followed by Thomas Jefferson, who suffered from acute rheumatism. By 1842, the resort had earned luxury status. Frequent guests included Presidents Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor. Other dignitaries included Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. As the hotel gained a reputation as a retreat for the elite, it attracted top businessmen and industrialists, including such luminaries as Henry Ford and John Wanamaker, who maintained a suite on the first floor. 

Buchanan famously used the resort as his "Summer White House" from 1857-1861 and received the first transatlantic cable from England's Queen Victoria while staying at the Bedford Springs Hotel in the summer of 1858. 

Guests can explore the springs themselves. Of the eight springs on the property, three are capped: the Sweet Spring, the Sulphur Spring and the Crystal Spring. The Sweet Spring was used by the early hotel for cooking and washing and is marked by a lion's head sculpture. The Sulphur Spring, formerly known as the Yellow Spring, was used to treat moderate bleeding, constipation and chronic diseases. The Crystal Spring, located south of the resort, was once compared to the "Carlsbad of Europe." Part of a mammoth was also discovered nearby during an excavation.

The Iron Spring is one of eight springs on site.

Non-capped springs include the Magnesia Spring, the Limestone Spring, the Black Spring, the Iron Spring and the Eternal Spring. The Magnesia Spring, located behind the wedding grotto, was demonstrated to have many curative properties and was used to treat liver disease, malaria and stomach and kidney disease. The Black Spring is said to contain the most potable water and is responsible for the irrigation of the golf course. The effervescent Iron Spring contains iron and common salts and was used for blood and bone disorders. The Eternal Spring was discovered beneath the hotel during the most recent renovation. It feeds the indoor pool and the on-site spa. 

One courtesy that the Omni generously offers non-guests is the opportunity to explore the springs on the property. They are also encouraged to take advantage of any scheduled tours and are welcome to visit the restaurants on site as well.

Let's Go Shopping

In addition to Founder's Crossing mentioned earlier, there are many other shops in the walkable town of Bedford. One of the first shops I usually make while visiting is Bedford Candies. The small business located at 132 East Pitt Street has been making handmade, hand-dipped chocolates since 1929. The bright and cheery store was operated by the Sotirokos family for three generations before employee Tammy Wiley and her son Adam assumed ownership. She continues the daily tradition of making products onsite using old family recipes.

Bedford Candies run by Tammy Wiley and her son Adam.

Next up, is Pigeon Hill Studios on Juliana Street, for those who enjoy art. Below are a few works that commanded my attention while visiting.  I love how they repurpose horseshoes here. 

A stool crafted with horseshoes.

More local art.

Also located on Juliana Street is the Peppercorn Market where you'll find an array of jams, jellies, olive oils and more to purchase for yourself or a foodie friend. The owner is very friendly and so are her customers; we all ended up having a lovely conversation when I visited.

The Peppercorn Market carries an array of jams, jellies, olive oil and more.

Another fun shop for the foodie is LifeSTYLE, which carries everything from pasta, to Pannettone and pesto. One item that stands out to me now after I had a chance to get a good look at the picture below is the pasta made with hemp flour. Hemp flour is notable for being high in protein--a good choice if your goal is to increase your protein levels. I have yet to try it, but if any of you have, please let me know what you think. 

LIFeSTYLE carries an array of Italian specialties.

Other downtown shops include the BellaTerra Vineyards, Hebrews Coffee Company, KJ Seasonals and Juli's Wearable Art to name just a few.

BellaTerra Vineyards and tasting room below.

Juli's Wearable Art offers artisan and vintage apparel.

A Trip to the Art Museum

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) was founded in 1976 and operates the longest-running museum satellite system, with facilities in Altoona, Bedford, Johnstown, Ligonier and Loretto. It maintains a permanent collection of more than 7,500 works of local, regional, national and international artists. 

When we visited the Bedford location, the work of Michael Mosorjak was on display.  The Johnstown artist is skilled in working with oils and several of his pieces are shown below.

Middle Street, by Michael Mosorjak.

Red on Blonde, by Michael Mosorjak

Christmas Amaryllis, by Michael Mosorjak

Upstairs, the museum usually offers classes for the community. While I visited, a group of ladies were working on fiber art.

Fiber art class.

The SAMA is open from Wednesday to Sunday and admission is free.

Accommodations

The Golden Eagle Inn is within walking distance of most destinations.

Accommodations in the heart of the action can be found at the Golden Eagle Inn. Our room was bright, spacious and comfortable. Free breakfast is offered at their onsite restaurant, which is known for its excellent food. 

The room at the Golden Eagle.

These are just a few ideas you may want to consider on a trip to Bedford and are ideal for a three-day weekend. For more ideas, I'll invite you to visit the Bedford Visitor's Bureau website at: https://www.visitbedfordcounty.com/.

Art, Architecture, Magic and more in Pennsylvania's Lackawanna County

Some say all roads lead to Scranton and I have to say that is true, at least in my case. My great-grandparents on my fathers's side lived in Taylor and my great-grandpa Ignatz worked at Moffat Coal Company in the same town. I visited a few years ago and took the mine tour, imagining myself walking in Ignatz's footsteps.

Just this month, I returned again to the area to see what else Lackawanna County had in store for visitors. This time I was able to explore a train-station-turned-hotel, a Masonic lodge that was built in the 1920s, one of the oldest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania, a small town known for a special kind of pizza, several lovely wineries and a small, but special museum, where I learned quite a bit about a man who was famous for his death-defying acts--the one and only Harry Houdini!

Impressive Architecture

The Lackawanna Train Station is now a Radisson.

My husband and I booked a room at the Radisson located at 700 Lackawanna Avenue across the street from the local Visitor's Center. The striking structure, which became the jewel of Scranton, was conjured into existance by William Hanes Truesdale, President of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, who, in 1899, felt that it was time for the brick station to be replaced by something much grander. A competition was held and architect Kenneth Murchison was selected for the job. The New York architect was already known for train station design, having drawn up plans for terminals at Buffalo, Baltimore and Hoboken. Ground was broken in 1906 and the imposing structure made headlines as the one of the "most beautiful stations in the nation."

Shots of the striking marble lobby.

The barrel-vaulted Tiffany ceiling and siena marble are features of the Radisson lobby.

The last train left the station in 1970 and interest in the building waned until the early 1980s when it was eyed for redevelopment. A mere $13 million got the ball rolling. Today, it operates as a Radisson that impresses guests the minute they walk through the door with siena marble walls, a two-and-a-half story lobby, a terazzo-tiled floor and a barrel-vaulted Tiffany stained glass ceiling. 

To view another example of architectural excellence, we headed on over to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple located at 420 Washington Avenue. The Masonic Temple and Scottish-Rite Cathedral was inaugurated in 1930 when the first meeting was held in the building. Today its mission is to "rejuvenate a national architectural treasure as a regional center for the arts, education and community activity that is appealing to all," according to their website. 

Rooms where the Masons meet.

Books hide cleverly behind wood panels.

The Cultural Center is huge--at 180,000 square feet. It houses two theatres, meeting rooms, a grand ballroom and other rooms and is the work of architect Raymond Hood. Hood was famous for several New York structures, including the American Radiator Building, the Daily News Building and the RCA Building, now known as The Comcast building.

Beautiful ceilings are located throughout the building. "To the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe" is etched in marble.

The building has seen its share of weddings over the years, along with national tours of Broadway musicals and concerts featuring such diverse acts as Rob Zombie, Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow and Britney Spears. And, of course, it continues to serve as the center of Masonic activity within the region.

The interior is a sight to behold, with gilded coffered ceilings, marble for miles, stained glass windows, ornate woodwork and stunning archways. It's another Scranton jewel that never fails to impress.

Marble for miles and stunning archways never fail to impress.

The lower level features dressing rooms for touring acts and shows, many of whom have festooned the walls with their signatures, logos and more. As you see, the casts of some the shows can get quite creative and elaborate when making their mark on history. 

Acts and actors add their mark to the walls on the lower level of the cultural center.

This gem of a building isn't without its complications, however. Alexa Peregrim, Sales Manager, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, said that the non-profit center is undergoing a several phased, multi-million dollar restoration. "The problem is that we have to do it in increments as grant money comes in," she said. On the roster for the future is restoration work on the theater walls and ceiling, new stage lighting and sound reinforcement systems, replacement of the 75-year-old stage floor, updated dressing rooms and more so that this special place can continue to be used as a hub for the community to enjoy for years to come.

Lift a Glass to the Wineries

A trip to Lackawanna isn't complete without experiencing the wineries of the region. The Lackawanna County Wine Trail takes guests from Old Forge, to Scranton, Blakely, Scott Township and Jermyn.

The RiverView Winery view overlooking the river.

Our first stop was in Jermyn at the RiverView Winery, situated next to the Lackawanna Heritage Trail. This winery has nature to thank for providing guests with a beautiful river backdrop with which to enjoy their favorite vintage of varietal, whether it be Zinfindel, Chardonney, Gewurztraminer, or Moscato. RiverView also carries a variety of fruit wines, like mango, blueberry, pineapple and even caramel apple.

The next stop was the Case Quattro Winery in Peckville where guests can enjoy occasional live entertainment with their wine of choice. Case Quattro also offers foods like fig flatbread, homemade pizza and meatball sliders, to pair with their wines.

Case Quattro also features live entertainment.

The Capra Collina Winery in Blakely was the third stop. Capra Collina offers a wide variety of artesinal wines, from fruit wines, to dry reds and whites. Private tastings can be arranged for up to 60 people and the winery also offers a party room to rent. 

Capra Collina offers public and private tastings.

                                  

Our final stop was at the Mucciolo Family Wines shop in Old Forge. Mucciolo offers a variety of red, white and fruit wines, along with light fare like charcuterie, flatbreads and more. If you'd rather a cocktail, Mucciolo Family Wines has you covered there too. Try the Lavender Wisp; you'll thank me later. 

To have a look at the complete wine trail and the areas it encompasses, you can click on this link where you'll find the brochure.

Mucciolo's Tasting Rooms

Before leaving Old Forge, we stopped for some candy at Bella Faccia's Personalized Chocolates and Gifts. I highly recommend the peanut butter meltaways and am still steamed that I didn't buy more.

A stop at Bella Faccia's in Old Forge is a must.

A Different Kind of Pizza

Old Forge touts itself as the "Pizza Capital of the World," and if you've never tried it, it's a bit different, cooked in a rectagular pan and served in "cuts." 

Revello's Pizza dates back to 1967.

Two "cuts" of Old Forge White Pizza.

If you're watching your carb intake, beware. There is temptation around every corner--literally. Lackawanna County touts a whopping 160 pizza parlors! Pictured here is Revello's Pizza, which dates back to 1967 and was formerly named Pelosi's. If you'd like to give their pizza a try, visit their website; they ship. 

Pizza is not only delicious, but an affordable option, especially for families, so keep this in mind when visiting Lackawanna County. You can plan your vacation around the Pizza Trail, which takes pizza lovers to 62 pizzerias located in  Lackawanna County towns like Moosic, Old Forge, Scranton, Dunmore and beyond.

Thank You Mr. Everhart

Dr. Everhart depicted with a bird in one hand and an Audubon book in the other.

In 1905, Dr. Isaiah Everhart, a Civil War medic, Scranton physician and amateur ornithologist, specified in his will that his money would fund a museum to be built in Scranton's Nay Aug Park as part of the "City Beautiful" movement. The museum opened its doors in 1908, making it the ninth museum in the state of Pennsylvania at the time. Everhart's interest in our feathered friends may have inspired him to open the museum because of his large collection of taxidermied birds and other mounted animals.

Roseate Spoonbill

Pileated woodpecker.

Golden Eagle

Today, Everhart is the largest public museum in Northeastern Pa and features two floors of exhibits. Many specimens are showcased in the Fossil Gallery, the Rocks & Mineral Gallery and the Bird Gallery, which includes plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibian specimens, in addition to a collection of taxidermied birds mentioned earlier. Floor two contains a collection of fine art celebrating the artistic history of Northeastern Pennsylvania through works by both famous painters and sculpters and unknown folk artists. Dorflinger glass, located in White Mills, Pa, is also represented through a collection of glassware, as are landscapes of the region painted by American Impressionast John Williard Raught (1857-1931).

Primitive folk art used for a boot ad.

"Scranton Looking North" by John Williard Raught. 

"Take Out," by Scranton native Hope Horn, (1920-2001) Oil on Canvas

The Everhart Museum is open Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $5. Seniors 60+ and students admitted for $3. Children age 12 and under are free, along with military members and their families.

Learn More about the World-Famous Harry Houdini

The Houdini Museum, located at 1433 N. Main Avenue in Scranton, is a great way to enjoy a family outing, while witnessing a fabulous magic show and learning more about the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini. And who better to learn from than two individuals who are celebrities in their own right: Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz.

Dietrich and Brookz pose at Houdini's gravesite.

Dorothy and Dick manage the non-profit museum that was established in 1974 and are dedicated to all things Houdini. Visitors are treated to a two-hour extravaganza of entertainment that includes a film, a guided tour and a one-hour magic show performed by the couple, who have appeared on HBO, Mysteries at the Museum, TLC, and the History Channel. Dietrich is also known as the only woman to do the "bullet catch" stunt, by catching a 22-caliber bullet in her mouth--which is something even the great Houdini refused to do. She is also known for being the first female to escape from a strait jacket while suspended hundreds of feet in the air from a burning rope!

Dietrich is often called "The female Houdini" and is a font of knowledge when it comes to her favorite magician. She was so inspired by Houdini's story as a youngster and how he fled from home, that she, too, ran away (to New York) to pursue her passion for performing magic, which was discouraged every step of the way. Instead of becoming disheartened, she perservered, despite agents warnings that there wasn't a market to watch females perform magic, that is, unless she agreed to strip while doing it. Dietrich ignored the naysayers, stuck to her principals and made a name for herself in the magic world, while breaking another glass ceiling. She created an act where she did more tricks in three minutes than most magicians do in a half hour. Assisted by Brookz, she starred in the HBO special, World's Greatest Escapes, hosted by Tony Curtis, who played Houdini in the Paramount Pictures film "Houdini."

Dietrich's passion shines through as she points out Houdini artifacts and takes questions from the audience about the famous magician. Her eyes light up when she recounts a story about a well-attended seance where she tried to contact Houdini, showing a printing block that bears his likeness and how it mysteriously flipped over as she was making the attempt. (You can see it on the museum website.) 

Because of her passion for the magician, Dorothy was also instrumental in ensuring that the public had access to what is considered one of Houdini's greatest films--one that was lost for 96 years. Thanks to the couple, The Grim Game can now be accessed on the museum's website. Feel free to ask her about it when you visit. Dorothy and Dick have stories galore!

You can also purchase a game that the couple devised so that kids can learn more about the famous escape artist. Called Houdini-opoly, it's available at their museum and looks to be great fun, while also serving as a learning experience. The game can be ordered here.

Dorothy and Dick created Houdini-Opoly, an educational game, complete with trivia on the world-reknown escapeologist and his associates.

To learn more about the museum and how and when you can visit, please click here where it's all explained.

I hope these few suggestions inspire you to take a roadtrip to the Lackawanna County area, where there's a little something for everyone.