Visiting the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmittsburg

The golden statue of Mary, right outside the new visitors' center.

In 2017, I visited a beautiful landmark in Maryland I that I passed by for so many years. Almost every time I traveled through the area, I would marvel at the beautiful golden statue of the Virgin Mary gazing down from her perch from high atop a hill. For years, I wondered what lay beyond that hill, but never took the time to allay my curiosity. That is, until I decided that it was neigh time to discover the story behind the towering, gilded statue and whatever else might greet me at the top.

A cemetery along the road to the Shrine.

At the end of a winding road, I was rewarded with an up-close-and-personal view of the Blessed Mother and the breathtakingly serene retreat known as the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes located behind the statue.

A New Visitors Center

Only recently did I return to share the experience with my mother. It turns out that the fall weather was perfect to walk around, absorb the peacefulness and take in all the statuary, only something was different this time: The National Visitors Center. It turns out that we planned our trip a few months after the new facility was opened.

Grotto Director Bill Tronolone said that more than 893 families contributed more than $3.2 million to build the 4,000 square-foot facility.

Approximately 200,000 pilgrims visit the area each year and all religions are welcome at the Catholic Shrine, which serves as a quiet respite from the daily world--a place of worship, contemplation, prayer and devotion.

The History of the Grotto

This reads "Our mother of sorrows, pray for us.

The Grotto was created by a group of Catholics, who, in search of religious freedom, left St. Mary’s, Maryland in 1728 and settled in Emmitsburg and named the valley “St. Joseph’s Valley,” nestled in the haven of a place they named “St. Mary’s Mount.” Years later, a refugee from France by the name of John DuBois settled in the area and built St. Mary’s on the Hill church in 1807, the home of the current Grotto parking lot. A year later, he built St. Mary’s College located below the Grotto.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals is shown with a bird and a dog.

Throughout the years, the Grotto was tended by several stewards of note including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Charity, and the Rev. Simon Brute, who later became the first bishop of Vincennes, Ind.

Saint Sharbel

In the years that followed, collegians and seminarians of Mount St. Mary’s College continued the work of beautifying the Grotto and in 1965, Cardinal Shehan, archbishop of Baltimore, proclaimed it a public oratory. Monsignor Hugh Phillips was appointed chaplain and became known as the “restorer of the Grotto.”

Pope John Paul II

Phillips served Mount St. Mary’s in various capacities until he passed in 2004. He was president of the college, librarian and director and chaplain at the Grotto—which was his passion. “He is an important part of the fabric of the Grotto history. He served the Grotto and Mount St. Mary’s and enjoyed being with the visiting pilgrims,” said Brian Baldini, who was a graduate assistant at the Grotto when we first spoke in 2017.

The Grotto Today

The crucifixion of Christ

When visiting the Grotto, plan on spending at least 45 minutes on the property to view the gardens and shrines of St. Jude, the Virgin of the Poor, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Transfiguration of Jesus, to name just a few.

Take time to relax on the benches which are scattered throughout the area for visitors to reflect in silent contemplation and prayer.

And Mary pondered all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19

Onsite chapels beckon worshippers. “Our small one known as the Corpus Christi chapel contains a few pews and the Eucharist so people can come and pray,” said Baldini. The main chapel, called St. Mary’s Chapel on the Hill, also known as The Glass Chapel, was built in 1976 for visitors to celebrate mass while protected from the elements.

The Corpus Christie Chapel

The cave, which is the oldest part of the Grotto, features the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Beneath an overhang are a series of candles that visitors can light for loved ones. Wooden boxes hold monetary donations and many take the time to scratch prayers on the papers provided before lovingly folding them and inserting them in a separate wooden box. According to Baldini, prayers are collected often. “We get hundreds of thousands of them per year, if not more. People even send them in online. Those intentions are placed at the altar and prayed for at a weekly mass,” he said.

The Cave at the Grotto where visitors can light candles for loved ones.

Grotto water is also very popular and people bring containers to fill and take home with them. “It is water that’s been running down the mountain since Rev. John DuBois came here and it’s never stopped. It attracts many visitors,” said Baldini. The Mount St. Mary’s website remarks on the popularity of the Grotto water as well. “Many believe that its natural properties are cleansing and healthy for the body and soul; others believe it can heal. Although there are no documented miracles, many have reported favors and graces from drinking the Grotto spring water,” it reads.

Visitors can partake in the spring waters that some believe have healing properties.

Although the Grotto is located on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s College, it’s funded entirely through outside donations, benefactors and through other means like “naming opportunities” where loved ones are recognized and remembered on walkway pavers, plaques or benches.

Joseph, Mary and Jesus--The Holy Family.

So next time you’re driving through the Emmittsburg area, don’t just pass by the statue of the Blessed Mother. Drive to the top of the hill and take time to appreciate the divine beauty, history and reverential inspiration behind those who created and tend to this special place.

A beautiful overlook greets visitors.

If you go:

National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

16300 Old Emmitsburg Road

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Noon mass is held every Sunday, including Easter

Exploring Delaware Water Gap and Stroudsburg: Nature's Beauty and Small-Town Fun

My knowledge of Pennsylvania is vast, or at least I thought so. That is, until I stumbled upon some information while researching places where the fall foliage display is the most dramatic. It turns out that Delaware Water Gap, nestled in Monroe County near the Delaware River and known as the Eastern Gateway to the Poconos, takes the prize as one of the more-striking areas for viewing fiery fall foliage by foot, bike, kayak, or as in my case trolley. What surprised me the most, however, is that the small borough is also home to the oldest, continuously operating jazz club in the United States.

After touring Delaware Water Gap, I continued on to downtown Stroudsburg—a funky, friendly place where thrift shops co-exist with boutique shops and street art is intermingled with galleries. The walkable area attracts many a Delaware Water Gap visitor looking to shop, dine and perhaps take in a show.

The Trolley Tour

Pocono Day Trippers offers Trolley Tours in Delaware Gap

The easiest way to learn about Delaware Water Gap and its history is to sign up for a Pocono Historic Trolley Tour offered by the PoconoDay Tripper. When I visited, Pocono Joe regaled riders with tidbits about the area and how it was once the second most popular inland destination in the United States. On the tour, Joe also points out structures like the Castle Inn. 

The Castle Inn dates back to 1906.

Built in 1906, it once attracted many tourists seeking to escape the heat of the city and was the area’s first resort with running spring water and electricity. The tour also includes a drive through the Shawnee Inn Golf Resort, which was established in the late 1890s when a native New Yorker and business owner Charles Campbell Worthington made it his summer home. Over the years, the Golf Resort has hosted celebrities like Jackie Gleason and Arnold Palmer.

Riders will also hear how Fred Waring made his mark on the area. 

Fred Waring was a Penn State grad, a band leader and an entrepreneur.

Those of a certain age may have heard of Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, mostly due to Christmas albums that played in households once a year. Waring, a Penn State grad, brought to market an invention which helped revolutionize the American kitchen: the Waring blender. According to Pocono Joe, Waring was fond of using it to mix drinks for his musician friends.

Trolley Riders will also be able to disembark to take photos of scenic Buttermilk Falls, which flows down a series of rocky ledges and is a favorite spot for photographers, especially as the trees explode in a riot of color during the autumn season.

Buttermilk Falls is a scenic trolley stop.

We also stopped at a small church, which housed the Slate Belt Historical Museum and listened to an old Victrola. Now I understand why the old movies sound so "tinny."

We also saw this impressive carousel lion carved by a man named Charles Loof, who opened a carousel factory in 1880. After Loof died, this lion ended up, aptly, in a local Lions Club. You can read the story of this impressively carved lion below.

The story of the carousel lion at the Slate Belt Historical Museum.

Another stop on the trolley tour was a trip to a small town called Portland, where we picked up some chocolates at the Alexandra and Nicolay chocolate shop, and the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, which dates back to 1911.

The Shawnee Inn dates back to 1911.

The Shawnee Playhouse

The trolley also passed by the Minisink Inn, built in the 1740s on land purchased from American Indians. It has served as a stagecoach stop, general store, hotel and now a tavern.

The Minisink Inn.

The trolley trip takes between 1.5 and two hours and requires pre-registration on the Pocono Day Tripper website.

Peter Luck, owner, said, “It’s so rewarding when people tell me they enjoy the tour and our local history. It means everything to me.”

All That Jazz

The porch at the Deer Head Inn.

The Deer Head Inn is a Victorian style building with two stories of sprawling wrap-around porches, perfect for relaxing during warmer months as the music wafts its way outside. Built between 1853 and 1865, it was originally called the Central House and was renamed The Deer Head Inn in the 1930s.

The bar at the Deer Head Inn.

Jazz enthusiasts have been known to flock to the destination, especially for the annual Jazz Fest that is held the weekend after Labor Day. Those who are interested in staying awhile can choose from among eight rooms and two suites.

The stage at the Deer Head Inn.

Ian Carrig, nephew of owner Dennis Carrig, lists some of the jazz artists who have played at the club, including Stan Getz, Keith Jarrett, Phil Woods, Urbie Green, Nellie McKay and Nicole Glover, to name a few. Carrig works as chef at the establishment and turns out dishes like crab cakes, baked salmon, shrimp scampi, burgers, sandwiches and more.

Funky, Fun and Friendly Downtown Stroudsburg

Public art in downtown Stroudsburg.

Restaurants and small, independent shops are plentiful downtown.

If you like getting your shop on, look no further than downtown Stroudsburg, where you’ll find clothing boutiques, thrift shops and galleries tucked among eateries, bars and street art.

Grandpa Joe’s offers friendly service at their candy shop located at 730 Main Street. There you can find a wide range of candy, both modern and retro. 

Black Cow, Slo-Poke, Zagnut and Zotz are just a few of the candies available at Grandpa Joe's.

When I visited, they were handing out popcorn-flavored taffy and enjoying people’s reactions. (It was surprisingly good.) Not far from Grandpa’s is Carroll & Carroll Booksellers, an independent book store dating back to 1991 and selling new, used and rare books. 

And for antique lovers, there’s Olde Engine Works. Located at 62 N. Third Street, it’s one of the largest antique co-ops in northeast Pennsylvania.

If you work up a thirst while shopping, you may be interested to know that Stroudsburg is also home to Bovino’s Brewery, Stonehaus Meadery and the Raw Urban Winery and Hard Cidery, all on Main. Just outside downtown there’s the Mountain View Vineyard on Walters Road and the Eagles Rest Cellars at 188 Eagles Rest Lane. And for something a little different, there’s Sango Kura, Pennsylvania’s first and only sake brewery—but you’ll have to return to Delaware Water Gap to indulge in those libations.

You may also want to check out the historic Sherman Theatre, also located on Main. The theater dates back to early 1929 and today features comedians like Vic Dibitetto, (whom you may recognize as the man who does the “milk and eggs during a snowstorm” bit), musicians like Ace Frehley of KISS and various tribute bands, to name just a few of the acts that have entertained crowds just this year.

The Sherman Theatre dates back to 1929.

Whether you embark on a day trip, or stay a day or two, these suggestions should keep you busy as you explore eastern Monroe County—an area which offers a diverse array of experiences to cater to a wide range of tastes.

 

Discover Annapolis: History, Attractions and More in Maryland's Capital

Boats docked on Spa Creek in Eastport Annapolis with the Naval Academy in the background.
Courtesy: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Annapolis, which is the capital city of Maryland, is safe, walkable, historic and picturesque.  Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, it forms part of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and, as such, is convenient for those who want to visit either place, with Annapolis as their home base.

I recently visited the area for a short stay, during which time I was able to tour the the Museum of Historic Annapolis, the  Maryland State House, the William Paca House and Garden, and the world renowned United States Naval Academy. 

Visiting the Museum of Historic Annapolis

The Museum of Historic Annapolis

Guests can start their history tours with the Museum of Historic Annapolis located at 99 Main Street, where three floors of exhibits await to share the story of the people who shaped it, from the arrival of new immigrants, to the expansion of the Naval Academy and the development of new neighborhoods.

The museum also tells the story of segregation in the area. Guests will learn about John T. Maynard, a free black man who earned a living as a waiter at the City Hotel and became a prominent community leader. Maynard served as a trustee of the Stanton School on Washington Street and also as a church leader at mount Moriah A.M.E. Church, which dates back to the 1870s and now serves as the Banneker-Douglass Museum.  Guests will also learn about the Green Book, which listed places where African American travelers were welcome, like Carr's Beach, an entertainment and music venue that hosted the likes of such renowned entertainers of the day like Little Richard, Sara Vaughan, Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner, The Temptations, Billie Holiday and more. 

Carr's Beach hosted a litany of talented entertainers.

Knowledgeable staff at the Museum of Historic Annapolis will also be happy to answer any questions about additional historic sites, all located within a short walk from the museum, to help you make the most of your time in Annapolis.

Touring the Home of a Man Who Signed the Declaration of Independence

At the William Paca House and Garden I met up with a lovely tour guide/volunteer who escorted me around the property and pointed out various areas of interest relating to the gentleman who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

A view of the William Paca House from the garden.

William Paca was a member of the Maryland Senate from 1776-1777 and 1778-1780. He became Chief Justice of Maryland in 1782 and seven years later was elected Governor of the State. He was later appointed by George Washington as Chief Justice of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland--a position he held until his untimely death at age 59. 

His five-part Georgian Mansion was built in the 1760s and later was acquired by the Annapolis Hotel Corporation.  Renamed the Carvel Hall Hotel, it debuted in 1901 with 200 rooms. By the mid-1960s, developers were eyeing up the property for mixed-use development until Historic Annapolis, headed up by Anne St. Clair Wright and other local preservationists, stepped in to save the property and restore it to its original splendor using historical artwork and archeological excavations. Since then it has been recognized as one of the finest 18th-century homes in the country. In 1971, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Correspondence was likely written in this room.

The attractive dining room of the Paca house.

A kitchen area where game, fish and other foods were prepared.

The elegant and peaceful two-acre garden contains "rooms," known as parterres, where guests can walk among the roses, flowers, hollies and boxwoods on their way to the fish-shaped pond and the two-story summer house which is rented out for events and celebrations.

The summerhouse at the rear of the garden is rented out today for celebrations and other events.

Visitors should note that guided tours take place on the hour and half hour and take between 45-50 minutes. The William Paca House and Garden is located at 186 Prince George Street. Admission fee is $5 for a self-guided tour of the garden and $12 for a guided tour of the house. It is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission on select dates to the nation's active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. Learn more at the website here. 

Take a Free Tour of the Maryland State House

Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, with State House in the background.

                                        Courtesy: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Next up was the Maryland State House, the oldest state house in America in continuous legislative  use and where the Maryland General Assembly meets three months out of the year. 

The free, self-guided tour takes visitors from the 18th to the 21st century, beginning in the Archive Room where they can get the lay of the land, so to speak, with brochures and other helpful information. 

The lobby of the State House.

The dome was added between 1785 and 1794, is the largest wooden dome in America and was crafted without nails.

It was in the State House that George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1783. This notable speech is considered by historians to be the fourth most important document in American history, setting the precedent of the military being under civilian authority. Guests can find the speech in a display case in the Senate chambers. In between the chambers, in the so-called "stairwell room," visitors will see a silhouette of a person ascending the stairs to the second floor gallery.  That person is Molly Rideout, the eldest daughter of Maryland governor Samuel Ogle and recorder of Washington's resignation. At the time, females were not permitted on the Senate floor.

Molly Rideout ascends the steps to record proceedings.

The thoughtful layout of the State House ensures that guests will know they've left the 18th century when they cross a black band on the floor. Built between 1902 and 1905, the new part is called the Annex. It's here where the Maryland legislature meets for its 90-day session starting the first Wednesday in January.

Guests will see skylights in both chambers crafted by the talented Louis Comfort Tiffany.

In the Senate chamber, they'll encounter portraits of Maryland's four Declaration of Independence signers: Charles Carroll, William Paca, Thomas Stone and Samuel Chase, along with one of Verda Welcome, the first African American woman to become a Maryland Senator.

Maryland's Senate chamber.

In the House of Delegates chamber, guests will see former speakers of the House arranged in chronological order.

Maryland's House Chamber.

It's also important to note that the Maryland State House was the Capitol of the United States from November 1783-August 1784 and was America's first peace time capitol. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, the first State House in the nation to acquire that status.

This wall tells the stories of the Heroes of the Revolution, including Catherine Hoof Green, the only female pictured. She ran The Maryland Gazette after her husband's death. 

The State House is open every day from 8:30-5:00 p.m., except for Christmas and New Year's Day.

Touring the Naval Academy

A tour of the United States Naval Academy is a must during any visit to Annapolis. It's quite interesting to learn about what a rigorous program these young women and men follow in order to be a part of the over 4,400 students registered here. 

While on the tour, I learned many surprising facts. Did you know that the United States government covers the tuition of all students and that the Academy only accepts 8.1 percent of those who apply? In return, these individuals must prove themselves worthy every step of the way.

The Naval Academy will also accept those who cannot swim. "They'll teach you, but you'll have to prove yourself," said our tour guide, explaining that, in order to pass the naval swimming test, Plebes (what freshmen are called) are expected to jump into water wearing overalls and tread water for two minutes, then be able to swim more than 54 yards in four minutes without touching the sides or bottom of the pool before exiting from the deep end without assistance. See that extremely tall diving board? "Plebes are expected to walk off it with their hands crossed over their chests with their khakis on," explained our tour guide.

The Olympic-sized swimming pool in the Naval Academy training center.

Another interesting fact I learned while on the tour is that Bancroft Hall is the largest dormitory in the world and, upon acceptance, students forfeit all of their personal electronics. 

Bancroft Hall interior.

Bancroft Hall was named after Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, who founded the school in 1845. When Plebes enter the hall, everything for everyday life is provided, from cobblers for shoes, to tailors for clothes, salons for haircuts, stores for everyday necessities and banks for financial transactions.

During the tour, we also learned that H. Ross Perot, who passed in 2019, was a student at the Academy and quietly supported the school on the stipulation that his name not be placed on any of the buildings. Doing good things without recognition--more people should follow his example. 

In the photo below is the beautiful interdenominational chapel built in 1904. It seats approximately 2,500.  A window, which appears above the altar, shows Christ Walking upon The Water and was designed by Tiffany Studios.

The Naval Academy Chapel built in 1904.

The tour also took us to Dahlgren Hall, named for Rear Adm. John A. Dahlgren, inventor of naval guns and Civil War leader. It's the site of special events and also serves as a lounge for the midshipmen. Shown prominently in the photo is a full-sized replica of the Wright brothers 1911 Navy B-1 airplane.

Dahlgren Hall serves as a lounge for midshipmen and their visitors.

Another part of the campus features capacious officers' houses, which span 4,200 square feet and contain seven bedrooms and as many fireplaces. I, for one, would have loved to have taken a peek inside.

Officers' houses span 4,200 square feet and contain seven bedrooms and fireplaces.

These are just a few details from the tour we took that lasted almost two hours. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and a state-issued ID should you decide to go. Costs at this time are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $10 for children.

Get Your Shop On

There's no dearth of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants in Annapolis. Antique shops, in particular, are plentiful. Below are a few shots of the merchandise that I found interesting, particularly the photo of the tour guides which dates back to the 1950s. "They all came back to identify themselves," said the shopkeeper.

Silk Road Antiques located at 53 Maryland Ave.

Seen at an art gallery.

I thought this painting of a sailboat was beautiful.

Tour guides of 1959.

Painted shells seen in one shop window.

Accommodations

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn located conveniently within three blocks of the State House and within striking distance of places to eat and drink. Our room was spacious, with a safe for valuables, comfortable beds and a Keurig. 

The Capital Hotel

For a more boutique-like experience, there is the Capital Hotel, a thoughtfully restored building located on State Circle in the Historic District, which is thought to be between 200 and 300 year's old. It is comprised of six quiet private rooms with great views. 

Two of the six rooms located at the Capital Hotel

Visitors who stay can take advantage of the onsite restaurant and bar called the Parley Room. Guests have the opportunity to dine inside, or al fresco on the patio.

The Parley Room.

Well this pretty much sums up our latest experience in Annapolis. For the record, we stayed about a day and a half. There's so much more to do in the city, from food tours, to Segway tours, haunted tours and more, all of which I can recommend, having done all those years before this visit. This time I thought it best to learn more about the history of the area and I have to say we covered quite a bit of ground in a short amount of time.