Gallitzin Tunnels in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania

Hidden beneath the small town of Gallitzin, Pennsylvania lies an engineering feat many are completely unaware about. Passing the Allegheny mountains train bound was proving to be a difficult task for the engineers who were developing the railway systems. Many obstacles had to be overcome to manuever through this treacherous terrain. One of their final tasks to create a passage through these mountains was to construct tunnels. Getting through the steep grades in Gallitzin proved more difficult than anticipated, and the blasting began.

At an elevation of 2,167 feet the the New Portage tunnel was completed in 1854 and has been continuously in use ever since. A second tunnel, the Allegheny tunnel, with a length of over 1/2 a mile was also completed that same year. Eventually a third tunnel, named the Gallitzin tunnel was created to pass through the ridge in 1904. These tunnels were so dire to our transportation services that were guarded by armed security during the World Wars.

Railroad enthusiasts still flock to the rural area, and the adjacent park, to feel the massive power of the locomotives pushing their way through the mountains. Any given time of the day you will notice visitors on the overpass, cameras, and binoculars in hand just waiting for the raw power of a train engine to come roaring out of the tunnel and pass ferociously beneath their feet.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

Hidden away in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania lies one of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest engineering masterpieces. Nestled quietly over a waterfall in the Allegheny mountains, Fallingwater is a modern home full of peace and serenity. The water that flows steadily underneath could soothe the most savage beast. The neighboring trees house the beauties of nature, and the whistling sounds of the birds who make them their home.

The house was built for retail owner Edgar Kaufman Sr., a prominent Pittsburgh businessman and owner of Kaufman's department stores. He had commissioned  Frank Lloyd Wright to begin building a home for him in 1935. The home was to be built on a piece of property the Kaufman's had owned in nearby Fayette county. Initially the property was to be built facing the waterfall that flowed over Bear Run, or so that was Kaufman's idea for the home. Always the innovator Wright had other ideas, he decided to design the home over the waterfall, making it part of the home itself. He also incorporated the large boulders that were spread throughout.

The building of the home turned out to be a constant challenge for all involved. Wright and Kaufman had numerous conflicts during the construction. Kaufman at one point had hired engineers to give him a report on the structure of the property. After receiving the reports Wright threatened to leave the project, eventually the reports were buried inside of a stone wall within the home. There were various arguments between the the crews on maintaining the stability and structural support of the home. Eventually the home was completed in Fall of 1937.

The home embraces the nature that surrounds it.  Windows line what should be walls, boulders become pieces of furniture, stairways lead to the stream below.  Open air balconies allow you to breathe in the fresh floral aromas, while feeling the refreshing splashes of the cascading waterfall below. Walls inside the home consist primarily of stone and window panes. Sunlight finds it way through large panes of glass while the stone encompasses the home like a cavern.

Wright designed angled windows that wrap around the corners of the home, and open outward to allow airflow and the sounds of nature to embrace the home.  A majority of the furniture in the home is built permanently into the structure, and was designed by Wright himself. Many consider it to be Wright's greatest achievement. Others believe its a giant money pit. Either way Fallingwater is a place that needs to be seen firsthand. It has been listed on numerous architectural achievement lists, as well as one of the best places to visit in America.

Magic Gardens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of the most unique streets in America is South Street in Philadelphia. The sidewalks are the showcase for an array of characters and an assortment of unusual shops. With all the existing subcultures represented in the area, it's only fitting that in the hub of all this lies an artistic playground.

The Magic Gardens catches your attention from blocks away. The glimmering glass flickering in the sun attracts your eye to this unique adobe, hidden on a road of sideshows. The building is a collage of art pieced together with glass, bottles, marbles, broken plates, and about anything else the artist could get his hands on. But the true masterpiece lies within.

Opening these doors and passing through is almost the equivalent of following the rabbit down the hole. Except this is a different type of Wonderland. The interior walls are plastered in mosaics. Bright colors swirl around hidden images. Feelings of vertigo pass through as I extend my neck to look above me and follow the menagerie of colors that are blossoming around me. The colors may begin to blend into psychedelic imagery. There's another door inviting you back outside, but it's not the outside you were accustomed to. You pass through the looking glass, and proceed out.

Now you find yourself in a maze of mosaics. Bicycles extend out of walls. Porcelain dolls protrude through cement. Kitchen tiles, fine china, southwestern images, and poetry are all melded together, forming structures of art, and craftsmanship. The scenery is quite overwhelming. Every twist, turn, canyon, and cavern is a symbol of inventiveness. Your brain attempts to conjure the meanings of all the symbolism that is occurring. Words of inspiration from the artist are plastered in works of poetry throughout.

 Images of a three armed man are seen quite frequently throughout the establishment, these are the artist's representation of himself. Isiah Zagar is a mosaic artist who turned his established South street business into a work of art that continued to grow for decades. In 2002 after purchasing the property outright, the Magic Gardens officially became established. Since than the project has been committed to preserving Isiah's legacy as well as educate the community on mosaic and visual artistry.

In 2008 Isiah considered the Magic Gardens to be complete, a project he had begun nearly 14 years earlier. His hard work and commitment has been greatly appreciated throughout the community. A number of his mosaic pieces can be found throughout the city of Philadelphia. The Magic Gardens is certainly his masterpiece. A place that comes alive, brings hope to all, and will inspire many for decades to come.

Koziar's Christmas Village

Secluded away in the rural farmlands of Berks county Pennsylvania, lies one of the World's greatest Christmas attraction. Shockingly you may not even know it's there unless you're looking for it.

The Koziar's Christmas Village is open seasonally and consists of over half a million colored lights. The attraction began when the farming family who resided in the property began to decorate the home and barn. As years passed the decorations and lights began to spread further around the property. Word of mouth in the community spread quickly, and passerby's would congest the local back roads of the property. Eventually the family opened up the grounds of their property and allowed visitors to enjoy their light spectacle.

Today many of the dioramas and displays are within former chicken coops and other farm houses. The attractions are decorated to correspond with popular fairy tales, animated favorites, and various holiday themes. Some are quite stunning and awe inspiring, others kitschy cool, and some just WTF were they thinking. One of our personal favorites was the Christmas under the sea.

The village is consistently one of the top holiday destinations in the state and has also won National as well as International acclaim. Do your family and yourself a favor and pay a visit to Koziar's Christmas village. It's certainly an experience you'll remember forever.

Ziplining at Refreshing Canopy in Stevens, Pennsylvania

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Not much was said as we climbed the small knoll. We were trying not to become entangled within our harnesses and belts that were strapped upon us. My adrenaline was beginning to spike and so was my fear. We approached the set of steps up to the first platform. I was already walking a few steps ahead when we approached the stairs. The look on my daughter's face assured me I was more than welcome to go first. I proceeded up the wooden flight of stairs to the awaiting platform. Once up there, I watched every process as the attendant strapped my harness into the steel cable. I climbed another step and she opened up the gate. "Hold on!" My daughter exclaims. The attendant quickly replies "you don't have to." Not exactly the comforting words my daughter was looking forward to hearing. In my mind I'm thinking "don't worry I will." And off I went gently flying across the sky on a wire with my hands firmly grasped onto the handles. I quickly approached the next platform where I was immediately hooked onto another wire cable. From here I patiently waited to be reunited with my nervous daughter.

As she quickly zipped across the line I noticed a look of fear, as well as an adrenaline rush that placed a grin across her face. Now we had a decision to make. Head right for the more difficult obstacles, go left for the easier ones, or bypass them both and take the sky bridge. Since we're both fearful of heights we opted for the easier obstacles. Now another decision awaited me. Take the jump to the next platform, or use the swing and propel myself across. Part of me wanted to see if I had still had any of my long jumping skills left. Than I recalled "Nevermind" was also the hot new album in those days, I opted for the swing. Perhaps not the best decision. I must not have projected enough momentum because halfway across my swing came to a stand still. I outstretched my legs barely reaching the other platform and patiently pulled myself across. At this time my daughter decided she was taking the sky bridge.

She advanced toward the sky bridge and patiently walked her way across the swaying bridge. I proceeded through the various air obstacles, each proving slightly more challenging than the previous. I'm pretty sure the teenagers got a good snicker seeing a grown man with fear in his eyes. After surviving my way through the various rope and log obstacles my daughter and I rendezvoused at another wood platform.

 Again we had our harnesses transferred to another set of wire cables. After being securely fastened in, I dropped off the platform and went soaring through the sky. Zipping across the tree lines watching the changing colors of the various trees, seeing the world from a bird's eye perspective. After reaching the next platform I just got strapped to the next line and off I went. No more waiting around for my daughter, too much adrenaline was flowing now. The platforms were also getting smaller and smaller, while we were advancing higher and higher into the sky.

With every zip across the sky I could feel my tensions easing. My fear of heights and the unknown became less. The refreshing wind blowing across your face, as you fly through the air, makes the worries of the world seem a bit easier. The feeling of flying allows you a freedom I haven't felt. A moment of weightlessness, a sense of independence, and a feeling of being alive.

Bloody Springs Road Berks County, Pennsylvania

September 29, 1757 some locals in the area had been meeting at the home of the Spatz family. Harvest season was in effect and several locals were helping out the family. Picking, peeling, slicing, and canning various fruits and vegetables went on for several hours that day. As night began to fall the the neighbors began to depart for their homesteads, while the Spatz family prepared for a comforting night of sleep.

As the family began to slumber in their beds, the weight of their eyelids grew heavier with each passing minute. Beginning to find solace in their peace and comfort, they were awakened by the family dog making bizarre sounds. The youngest son  vaulted out of his bed to take a peek. Upon opening the front door he was immediately struck by a bullet in the leg. Hurriedly he staggered back through the doorway and hastily slammed and locked the door before the intruders could gain entrance. The family rapidly collected their rifles and ammunition, and began to return fire. The family quickly realized they were severely outnumbered and were under attack by a native tribe of Indians.

As the group attempted to formulate a plan of escape, the attacking Indians were one step ahead of them. The family homestead was set ablaze while the family was still quietly gathered inside. In desperation they retreated into the stone walled basement and fought back the flames the best they could, pouring the remaining cider they had stored onto the gathering blaze.

The family stayed squandered in the basement for several hours, keeping as silent as they could. When the sun began to rise along the horizon the household thought they had out waited their assailants. As they emerged from a small basement window they were noticed by a young brave who rapidly alerted the awaiting tribesmen. The outsiders swiftly returned and began to assault the family members. Two of the children were tomahawked and scalped. The wife was bludgeoned with a butcher knife. The father and another son had their lives spared but were taken into captivity.

During all the commotion the youngest son had retreated into the woods for hiding. The Indians gave chase but eventually returned to the massacres. Stealthily the adolescent returned to the bloody scene as well. He stayed hidden behind a log while the natives finished off their work. He watched in awe as his family was brutally murdered before him, while his brother and father were led off to captivity.

The road is named due to the fact that the local spring turned a crimson color due to the blood that flowed here. The entire area was a hotbed of violent battles that occurred during the French-Indian War conclusion.
Numerous residents on the street believe there's much residual energy left nearby. Neighbors have experienced unexplainable phenomena, such as cold spots within their homes. Doors and windows have opened and closed without any explanation. One long time resident felt the presence of someone pushing her down a flight of stairs. With so much violence and spilled blood in such a close knit rural community, it should come as no surprise that there may be still be some restless souls.

Check out more on Bloody Spring Road here!

Jim Thorpe Jail and the Mysterious Hand Print

If you find yourself on a road trip through Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania go directly to jail. It will be an experience you won't regret or forget. The old Carbon County prison is a stately castle of solitude, full of history and mysteries.

Constructed in 1871 the fortress housed 27 cells and housing for the warden. Originally the prison housed both men and women, but on separate floors. But those who chose to not follow order would face solitary confinement in the basement. The reformatory was designed to hold the lawbreakers of society. More specifically the Molley Maguires, a group of men who fought for better working conditions within the coal mining industry that dominated the area. Unfortunately the mining companies in these times controlled every aspect of their workers lives. They provided them with a general store and housing, both of which the company would profit from. Many of these men would eventually be accused of various crimes throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Charges would often range from arson, burglary, theft, to even murder. The corporations also controlled the detective agency which investigated the men. The police force who would arrest and detain the men, as well as the prosecuting attorneys who would have no problems building a case. The accused never stood a chance.

On June 21, 1877 a day referred to as "The Day of the Rope" four men were simultaneously hung from the gallows that were placed inside the prison. Within the next 18 months three more Molley Maguires would be hung within these walls. One of these men believed to be Alexander Campbell pleaded his innocence until his death. While being escorted out of his cell he slapped his hand onto the off-white wall proclaiming "this hand print will remain as proof of my innocence." Now many men in prison have declared their innocence since the beginning of incarceration. But for over 100 years now past wardens have cleaned, painted, and plastered over this hand print. Yet continuously in cell 17 you can see the mark of a man who demonstrated his innocence over 100 years ago.




You may also enjoy the Molley Maguire park, and this prison.
Prison is located 128 W. Broadway Jim Thorpe, Pa.

Dreibelbis Station Bridge Spirits Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

You don't have to take a road trip to Sleepy Hollow to get spooked by headless ghosts. Hidden away on the roads of rural Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania rests a covered bridge believed to be haunted by such a spirit.

On a blistery winter night in the mid 19th century a man was traveling home in his horse drawn sleigh. A fresh snow had just fallen and covered the hilly roadways. He cautiously traversed his carriage through the slick, white powder. As the man made the turn to cross over the covered bridge he realized the bridge was devoid of snow. Unfortunately he was too late to come to a halt. When his snowbound vehicle touched the dry wooden timbers of the bridge, the man's horse became frightened and careened the sled out of control. The horse rose to his feet, tossing the owner from the sleigh. During the commotion the man found himself entangled within the reins of the horse. The reins had forced a grasp around the gentlemen's neck, the force of the horse cleanly swiped the man's head from his neck.

Several local paranormal groups have investigated the area and acquired some interesting EVP's as well as photographs. It's believed that on later winter nights a headless being can be spotted bumbling his way around the bridge. Perhaps he's looking for his lost severed head, or maybe he's still trying to find his way home.

Other nearby spots you may enjoy.  Witchcraft Road   Crystal Cave   Dragons Cave

Constitution Drive Allentown, Pennsylvania

There's an unpaved road located in Allentown, Pennsylvania that has enough tales to make a horror movie. Constitution drive is a rural gravel road located within the city. The road stretches along the top of a hill with a view of the Lehigh river below. Descending the hill the area becomes more desolate and quite dense with trees. Your anxiousness is raised as you maneuver through hair pin turns with a steep drop to your left. The rumbling train blasting their horn does little to ease the tension. This train is one of the reasons tales are told about this mysterious road.

Several decades ago a local man was said to be walking his dogs along these tracks when a passing train struck the man. Instead of killing him, the man was severely maimed and lost one of his legs. The legend claims that the man was left there to fight for his life. His dogs patiently waiting by his side until he eventually passed a few days later.

Locals in the area believe the man and his dogs now haunt the area. Several witnesses have claimed to have seen dog prints in the snow with only one human foot print nearby.

 Glowing red eyes have also been spotted in the woods on darkened nights. Others have stated to hearing a loud a whistling sound emanating from the woods in every direction. The whistling noise has been known to be quite melodic and soothing,  as well as dissonant and disturbing. Several paranormal groups have investigated the area and have come up with EVP's as well as some unusual images.

Legless ghosts and red eyed dogs aren't the only things strange going on here either. Many travelers on the road have claimed to have seen a group of maniacal albinos that will terrorize you if you cross their path. They will throw stones at your passing car, and if you breakdown near their property you will surely meet a dreadful fate. The home they occupy is pretty recognizable on the road. It seems to be the most intimidating, a large sign warning you of attack dogs certainly keeps your guard up.

Fortunately while traveling this road one day I had the opportunity to meet the gentleman who owns this suspicious property of deranged albinos. He didn't seem maniacal and certainly wasn't an albino. He was however very friendly and filled me in on a lot of information on how this urban legend about albinos may have originated. He told me the gentleman who owned the property before him housed quite a number of pot bellied pigs. Travelers on the road late at night could easily mistake the pigs for mini albinos. There red eyes glowing through headlights would certainly startle any late night rider on this mysterious road. A few local DJ's added to the hype by telling their listeners about a story of albino people living in the area. This only brought more people and added more speculation.

He also told me how the nearby mountain springs had been used during the prohibition era to produce moonshine. Various undesirables in the area set up camps in the area during this time, while they created their illegal booze. These past activities as well as over hype by locals has led to the strange attraction of many to the desolate road. Sadly that also attracts those with devious intentions. Due to its close proximity to the city, as well as being quite barren. The area has had its share of problems with illegal dumping, but also burglaries, arson, and rape. As for any delirious albino people I don't believe you'll find any here, but that one legged spirit may still be out there whistling in the woods.

Video ride down Constitution Drive

"The Little Church" Chester County, Pennsylvania

At the turn of the 20th century millions of European immigrants were making there way to America for a better life for themselves and their families. Francisco Cannella, a native of Palermo, Italy had similar aspirations for himself and his family. Though didn't have quite enough resources to accomplish this. Not letting finances get in the way of his dream, Francisco headed off to America alone. He made a vow to God that if he would provide him enough to reunite with his wife he would attend church every day. Upon arriving in America, Francisco began working at a stone quarry and quickly raised enough funds to have his family moved to the United States.

He also vowed to keep his oath to God. Unfortunately this turned out to be more difficult than he had anticipated. The closest church to the Cannella family was located 9 miles away in Downingtown. The trek to the local sanctuary during the harsh Pennsylvania winters made this task quite difficult at times. Being knowledgeable in masonry and working in a quarry, Mr. Cannella did the next best thing. He built a tiny church on the corner of his property. Large enough for one to two people as well as a modest altar. For the next 24 years, until his death Francisco would attend his own church when unable to travel to Downingtown.

The church today is still owned by the Cannella family and is located near the Marsh Creek state park in Chester county. It's quite easy to drive by without even realizing you passed a church. It's windowless and looks like it could just be a storage facility or barn. There is a sign out front of the "Little Church" commemorating it's builder, a man who stood for what he believed in and wasn't afraid to follow his dreams no matter what they were.

Fredosaurus Rex Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

When most think of children's host Mister Fred Rogers they usually associate kindness, giving, friendly, and full of heart. These attributes are usually not associated with a Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur. Yet somehow these two figures became one unique treat for Pittsburgh. A Tyrannosaurus Rex decked out in a red cardigan sweater, holding two puppets, complete with a trolley car rolling up his back.

Fredosaurus Rex, as he became known, had been displayed in front of the WQED studios for many years. The studio was the flagship for Mister Rogers Neighborhood during its broadcast. Sadly after Mister Rogers death the station fell into a slow decline. Unfortunately the station has been recently relocated as well as Fredosaurus Rex. The residents of Pittsburgh are sure hoping he makes a return soon, and so are we. Not to be discouraged here's a video of Mister Rogers breakdancing. If this doesn't make you smile check your pulse!

Decker's Chapel St. Marys, Pennsylvania

One day while tending to his apple orchards, a gentleman named Michael Decker took a horrendous fall from a tree and sustained critical injuries. As a religiously devout man he made a vow to himself. If he returned to health he would construct and maintain a quaint rural chapel. In 1856 his promise came to fruition and has been attracting visitors ever since. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. The church measures in at 12 feet by 18 feet making it one of the smallest churches in the United States. But if you're in the area of St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, you'll find it's not easy to miss.

Straub Brewery St. Marys, Pennsylvania

Hidden away in the city of St. Marys, Pennsylvania remains one of America's oldest craft breweries. The Straub brewery traces its roots back to 1872, that's when brewmaster Peter Straub transferred into the town to work at the local brewery, 6 years later he would own the place.

Straub had always been immersed in the beer production field. Born in Germany the young man learned early the craft of hand making barrels and casks. Not long after he also mastered the art of brewing beer. As a young adult Peter moved from Germany to Western Pennsylvania where he honed his skills at several breweries in the area.

At Straub's brewery the beer was always barreled into wooden kegs and would be marked with a red band around them. Straub used this in an effort to let the consumer know which brand they were indulging in. This red band has remained a trademark of the brewery to this day.

After Peter's passing his sons continued their father's beloved process and helped keep the brewery running during the hardship times of alcohol prohibition. Today the brewery hasn't changed much in their process or recipe. They remain a regional macrobrewery specializing in craft brewing. Also one of the few breweries owned and operated by the original family. The brewery offers daily tours as well as tastings from their eternal tap. Straub is considered to be the last remaining users of returnable long neck bottles in the United States. How's that for recycling!

Ghost Town of Celestia, Pennsylvania

Traipsing through the endless mountains region of Pennsylvania can be a daunting task. Gas stations are quite rare, and poisonous snakes are quite abundant. But tucked away in these remote mountains a few hidden treasures can be found. Located near the county seat of Laporte in Sullivan county one man believed he found God's treasure.

In 1850, a paper maker from Philadelphia founded a town he believed to be a "City in Heaven." Peter Armstrong was part of a devout group of Adventists called millennialists. Seeking a wilderness exile for his followers, he founded the town of Celestia. Hidden away from the bright lights, and bustle of Philadelphia. The peaceful mountain community seemed to be the tranquil spot the followers needed to attain clarity. Armstrong believed highly in a passage from Isiah stating "And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains." He believed the end of days were coming, and took the passage quite literally. Convincing other members of the church to retreat with him into the woods, where they would be safe from the upcoming rapture. Armstrong got enough believers that they were able to eventually purchase over 3800 acres and create their own town for the apocalypse.

The town was laid out in a 9 block grid with the central spot reserved for a house of worship, as well as a place for Jesus when he returns to save them. The remote town was dotted with homes, a general store, and a sawmill as well. Quickly and quietly a community was forming. Devout members stayed true to their beliefs and prosperous times were happening. But the country was changing and war was on the horizon.

The peaceful town of Celestia got it's first wake up call from the World when a resident was drafted for the Civil War. The townspeople banded together and convinced President Lincoln they were a religious community who should be exempt from Military service. Armstrong also petitioned the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to consider them exiled from the state. He also transferred the deed of the town's property over to "Almighty God, and to his heirs in Jesus Messiah for their proper use and behoof forever."

Armstrong believed he had now secured his town from any outside intrusions. Sadly others took advantage of the community's kindness. Soon families seeking exemption from the draft, as well as easier living conditions, due to the kindness of the community, began to show up and exploit the neighbors. The issue became such a problem that Peter Armstrong had to establish another locality to weed out those with ulterior motives. But soon enough interest waned all together, and the townsfolk began doubting Peter and began fleeing the sacred grounds.

By 1876 the county authorities began to come after Peter Armstrong also, demanding money for unpaid property taxes. Mr. Armstrong believed he owed no taxes because he didn't own the land, God did. Needless to say the tax authority didn't find amusement in this and claimed him the heir to God's property. Eventually the land was auctioned off at sheriff's sale and was purchased by one of Peter's sons. For years the two kept attempting to rebuild the town and their dreams. When Peter died in 1887 only a few residents remained in God's town, shortly after the last neighbors left. Since then the endless mountains that attracted this commune have been quietly regaining the land. Maybe this is the return of God?