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One Tank Trips : Pennsylvania’s Philly and Dutch Country
We had so much fun during our recent “One Tank Trip” to Old Town and Richmond, Virginia, that we hit the road north of our Maryland headquarters to the Keystone State, Pennsylvania.
Prior to going to PA, my only experiences in the State were elementary school trips to Dutch Country, overnight stays on press events to Philly, and one track event with Porsche at Pocono Raceway. This doesn’t exactly qualify me as an expert on the State, so off we went to check things out.
My intrepid road companion, Eden, my lovely 16-year-old daughter, rode “shotgun” in our 2008 Honda Accord Coupe for the journey. Our itinerary had been set by Cara O’Donnell working with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Tourism.
Philly is a great drive north from Maryland. I like the fact that you can take 95 North, and not the New Jersey Turnpike to get there. That means $$$ saved in tolls. About 90 minutes after leaving Automotive Rhythm’s Offices, we were there, and averaged about 30 miles per gallon in the sleek Accord Coupe.
Our first stop was the Franklin Institute. Established in 1824 and named after Benjamin Franklin, the Institute features outstanding displays on science and technology. We were drawn there to see “Real Pirates,” The Untold Story of the Whydah.” It’s the compelling tale of a real pirate ship that started out as a slave ship in 1715 and sunk during a storm in 1717. The display features an introductory movie that tells the story of the Whydah, and sets up the fascinating display that follows the movie. Eden and I had no idea that interracial teams acted as pirates on the high seas. “Real Pirates” features more than 150 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor wreckage, including its bell and massive anchor, gold and silver coins, cannons, jewelry, swords, pistols and personal belongings, all of which help shed light on a tumultuous period in history. This is a very cool display. To say I learned a lot is an understatement.
After leaving the Whydah display, Eden and I ventured around the rest of the Franklin Institute. You can ride a bicycle across a high wire, conduct experiments at the myriad hands on displays throughout the Franklin, or go to their train gallery and see real steam locomotives. These coal-fired beauties are works of art, and hearken back to the glorious days of rail transportation. What a great place for families to spend the day learning and having fun! www.fi.edu
Departing the Franklin, we drove around Philly in awe of the architecture in this great city. I’m not an expert on what period the architecture is patterned after, but some of the structures could not be replicated today at a reasonable cost.
We then drove along Broad Street to Temple University, a school Eden wants to attend, rich in academic and sports history, and right in the heart of the city. There are many other prestigious Universities in the Philadelphia area, including: Drexel, Penn, La Salle and Saint Joseph’s Universities.
We ended our tour of Philadelphia with a walk along South Street. The street ends at a pier with naval and historic tall ships, and begins with the opportunity to check out some of the most eclectic shops and boutiques in town.
Before we departed to Valley Forge, about 30 minutes away, we had a terrific dinner at “Parc,” a French restaurant at 227 South 18th Street, located in Rittenhouse Square. With indoor and outdoor seating, and accoutrements that made us feel like we were on the Champs-Elysées, Parc’s ambiance, great food, and beautiful people make it a “must visit” during your stay in Philadelphia. Thank you Parc for a great dinner! www.parc-restaurant.com
Giddy about our stop in Philadelphia, Eden was even more excited about visiting Valley Forge. Not for the history of the place as I was mind you, but because our hotel, the beautiful Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, was right across the street from the King of Prussia Mall, or “KOP” for short. KOP is the largest mall on the east coast, and one of the largest in the country. Large mall + 16 year old shopaholic = great time! www.kingofprussiamall.com
After spending hours at KOP, it was time to go to Valley Forge National Historical Park. This is a place to leave the car behind and enjoy almost 30 miles of trails and natural sites. There are guided tours available that take you back in time when the British were coming over the hills! During our 90 minute Trolley Tour, We stopped along the “Joseph Plumb Martin Trail” at a site were American troops were encamped. We came across two “reenactment” soldiers proud to pose in their period gear and with black powder rifles. Run by the National Park Service, part of the U.S Department of the Interior, Valley Forge National Historical Park captures a very proud time in our history, and is a must see in Valley Forge. www.valleyforge.org
But there are many other things to see as well! Close by are Longwood Gardens, created by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (and is sometimes referred to as the Du Pont Gardens) and offers 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; The Chaddsford Winery, where visitors can tour the winemaking and barrel aging cellars and picnic on the outdoor deck and grounds, is located in Chadds Ford, PA.; and Winterhur, which will immerse you in another time and place. There, you can rediscover America's heritage through its unparalleled collections of antiques and Americana and wander through the breathtaking beauty of the 60-acre naturalistic Winterthur Garden.
After dinner at Creed’s Seafood and Steaks, we went back to KOP mall so Eden could finish stuffing the Accord’s trunk with back to school goodies.
The next morning we headed to Lancaster in the heart of Dutch Country. You can tell you are getting close to Dutch Country when you see the ubiquitous “Black Buggies” plying the roadways. These buggies are a transportation staple for the Amish people who make their home there. After checking in at the Courtyard by Marriott, a wonderful property with plenty of family amenities, we hit the road full speed!
What a full day in Lancaster! We started in downtown Lancaster, checking out the trendy art shops along North Prince Street. We stopped in the Red Raven Art Company, home to some of Lancaster's more recognizable artists. And we visited the Christiane David Gallery, where art with a European influence can be found.
We then walked to the Lancaster Central Market, America’s oldest farmers' market, continuously operated since the 1730's. The 1889 market building is a Victorian gem, so bring your camera. The tradition of market today is more like an international whirlwind of foods from here and around the world. The aisles are filled with a wonderful harvest of choices from old world and new, from Amish, German, Greek, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Slavic backgrounds making a visit to the Central Market a memorable experience. Going to the Central Market reminded me much of going to Lexington Market in Baltimore as a child. We were a bit hungry, and there are so many stalls of fresh eats to satiate even the hungriest appetite. Call 717-291-4723 for more details on the Central Market. After leaving the market, we sat in a square near Central Market for about an hour, just absorbing the flavor of this fascinating town! It’s an mix of old country and new city that you must see when in Pennsylvania! Perhaps the best way to view historic downtown Lancaster is through a walking tour. The tours are about 90 minutes, and briefly visit over 50 sites that span 250 years of Lancaster history. Call 717-392-1776 for Walking Tour information.
After visiting Lancaster, we ventured to the Tanger Outlet Malls in Lancaster County. I was very pleased to find clothing and shoes in my size, as my tall, large frame is hard to outfit. I wear a size 14 shoe, which most stores don’t carry. The Rockport store at Tanger must have known I was coming. We left Tanger with a trunk full of shoes! www.tangeroutlet.com/lancaster
After a mandatory stop at Sonic, a fast food chain we don’t have in Maryland, we headed to Bird-in-Hand for an Amish Buggy Ride.
I admire the Amish people, who are among the nicest people I’ve ever met, and I’ve been to 49 countries in my career. We stopped at Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides and met owner Jack Meyer. Jack was as interested in what we do at Automotive Rhythms as Eden and I were in his lifestyle and culture. I showed Jack the latest issue of Automotive Rhythms Magazine, with the Maserati GranTurismo S on the cover. It’s a car he’d like to own if the wheels ever fall off his Buggy!
Our tour took us along private Amish roads for about four miles. You can visit Amish farms, schools, shops, and more on the tour. It was so nice to connect with Jack and his employees, who were quick with wit and a smile to make us feel incredibly welcome. Goes to show you that you can’t judge a person until you shake their hand and get to know them. We learned a lot during our short stay with the Amish people. www.amishbuggyrides.com
After visiting a few shops along Route 340, we headed to Plain and Fancy Farm Restaurant, also in Bird-in-Hand. The food is served “family style,” which meant we were at a table of ten folks we’d just met. What fun! We met people from Canada and across the States, and we discussed our experiences visiting Dutch Country. And the food at Plain and Fancy is off the hook! Plate after plate of delicious, home-style cooking was presented to our table, as much as we could eat! After you stumble away from the table, visit the shop at Plain and Fancy, with all kinds of hand crafted goodies and foods for you to buy. Thank you Darah of Plain and Fancy for a wonderful dinner! www.SpendTheDay.com
While on Route 340, head over to Intercourse to visit Kitchen Kettle Village. Pat Burnley, Lisa Arrell and their staff manage 32 shops and restaurants built around the nationally celebrated Jam & Relish Kitchen. Sample pepper jam, watch fudge being rolled and listen to “Banjo Jimmy” as he belts out a tune! www.kitchenkettle.com
Our visit to Pennsylvania ended in grand style. After dinner, we headed south to Strasburg to take a sunset ride on the Strasburg Railroad, America’s oldest shortline railroad (since 1832), aboard a real steam train! The 45 minute tour is hosted by a Conductor who fills your ears with the history of steam railroading in Pennsylvania. The railroad cars have been meticulously restored to the tune of several million dollars. You can even have dinner or a wine and cheese reception aboard the train. You’ll be served by folks in period costumes along the way. If you are heavy into railroading, just across the street is the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, with more than 100 locomotives and rail cars on display! www.StrasburgRailroad.com
When we returned to the Strasburg Depot, the Sun was setting on a wonderful day, and a terrific experience in Pennsylvania. Be sure to book your PA vacation now, as the leaves are changing and Mother Nature’s beautiful show is about to gain full steam!
Automotive Rhythms thanks the entire team in Pennsylvania that made our trip so memorable - K. Bailey Fucanan and John Golden of the Valley Forge Convention and Visitor’s Bureau; Joel Cliff of the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitor’s Bureau; and Cara O’Donnell of Tierney Communications and her staff!
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