No. 9 Mine & Museum Lansford, Pennsylvania

Located in the heart of Anthracite coal country, lies a unique glimpse into a once operational coal mine. A job that requires a tough individual who's unafraid to get dirty, hurt, maimed, and even possibly killed. Coal mining is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, and here's a chance to see life just like they did.

Ducking our heads we climb aboard a rickety mine car. Steel mesh surrounded the carriage to protect our heads and hands. Slowly we disengaged and went down the bumpy tracks and descended into one of America's oldest deep coal mines. As we approached the darkness, flickering lights shine our way down the tracks. The passing flashes have a haunting effect on you.

 The guide slowly maneuvers the group down the wobbly railroad going deeper into the Earth. After coming to a halt we all feel a little more relieved knowing we survived the ride down. But here's where the true dangers lurk.

We exit the mining cars and it loudly races back up the tracks leaving us alone with our guide. We are trapped several hundred feet underground. We make our way through the mine which had been in operation from 1855 to 1972. Along the tour we learn of the dangers associated with mining as well as the history. A few stops are made on the trip. First you get a chance to admire an old mining elevator. Trust me you wouldn't wanna ride this. As well as an original mining car. And even a glimpse down a few hundred feet where another mining tunnel is located.

The group learned along the way about how mules and children played key roles in the early days of mining. Our guide even gave us a glimpse into the mining world without modern technology. It wasn't easy to see. The hazards of this profession are clearly pointed out to all as well, there's even a hospital located inside the mine.

Staying roughly 55 degrees year round it's a great place to visit in the Summer. Just as long as they don't try and put you to work.

Dragons Cave

Not too far from the tourist friendly Crystal Cave, rests another grotto, but with a much darker history. Part of the same system of caverns as Crystal Cave, this one is not quite as tourist friendly. Due to it's natural opening in the Earth, this cave may have been used for thousands of years.

The Dragon's cave is one of the oldest known caves in the state of Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Virginville, the cave has been on maps since the 1770's. And since then the cave has had it's problems. Initial adventurers into the cave would often have to be rescued. One such group was found in a frenzied panic after losing light and being trapped for hours in the darkness. The cave attracted visitors from as far as New York and Philadelphia. However this all became overshadowed when the much larger Crystal Cave was discovered nearby. Crystal Caves marketing strategies and sheer size difference quickly made Dragon Cave irrelevant.

Many believe the cave is named for a large formation located inside resembling a dragon. But others believe the name was given for a different reason. An old folk tale dating over 200 years; tells the tale of a young Native Indian who had fallen in love with a European settlers daughter. The man's family forbade the relationship and refused the two to ever speak again. In a haste the two young lovers ran off to die together in a nearby cave. Before parting from the tribe, the young Native told several friends to keep on the lookout for a dragon flying over the Blue Mountains. The dragon would come to the place where their young bodies would rest in eternal peace.

Crystal Cave

There's no better place to beat the heat on a hot summer day than in a dark cool cave. Crystal Cave, located in rural Berks county, Pennsylvania, draws more customers than any other cave in the "Keystone State." In fact it's regarded as the most popular natural attraction in the state. Since May of 1872 the cave has attracted millions of visitors. It was not only the first show cave to open in the state, but is also one of the earliest tourist attractions to operate in Pennsylvania. Astoundingly the cave had only been discovered slightly more than 6 months before becoming an attraction.

In November of 1871, William Merkel and assistant John Gehret were blasting for limestone to be used on the Merkel farm. The two men however made a more remarkable discovery. The two men stumbled upon a small opening in the side of a hill near the Merkel farmhouse. Digging away the exposed dirt, the men made an opening large enough to peak their curiosities. Once inside the cavernous hole the men discovered blackness.

Encouraged, and with word quickly spreading about their unusual find, the men quickly made plans to follow up with the proper equipment. A few days later John Gehret along with some daring neighbors returned outfitted with lanterns, ropes, torches, and ladders. What they discovered had astonished them. Resting on a farm in rural Kutztown was a cavern dating back millions of years.

A few weeks later another group of explorers went back to explore more of the cave. While inside they became fixated upon the diamond-like crystals that had adorned the inside walls of this mountain. Flabbergasted by their extraordinary discovery the men quickly had these crystals examined by an expert jeweler. Only to be disappointed that they hadn't discovered diamonds. However discouragement didn't last long, as the men had learned the size and depth of their discovery. The cavern became known as the "Crystal Cave."



As word spread about the cave's discovery, so did the interest in seeing it. Within months the cave had been visited by dozens of unknowing neighbors who were quietly putting the natural formations in quick danger. A local neighbor who had a passion for Native American artifact collecting as well as geology purchased the property from the Merkels and immediately placed wooden planks over the caves opening.

Almost instantaneously after receiving the property Samuel Kohler began plans for a cave tour. Laying wooden stairs with railings, as well as boardwalks along the inside. He then began to give structures within the cave names. Choosing animals that the formations often resembled. Using candles and laterns to illuminate the interior of the cave. Mr. Kohler soon began his tours.

On May 25th 1872 the Grand Illumination of Crystal Cave occurred. Admission was twenty-five cents. From that point on the cave became one of Pennsylvania's first tourist attractions. And has remained relatively unchanged since then...well except the price.

Route 420

There's a small highway in Pennsylvania that has garnered lots of attention from a certain subculture. This simple highway runs less than 6 miles through Delaware county. Located within miles of the Philadelphia International airport and I-95, the route is often traveled. But the popularity of this road is due to it's route number. 420 has become synonymous with the marijuana community as a slang term for a time to smoke. Needless to say the signs have disappeared quite often in the last few years. Lucky for us we were able to get at least a few pictures.

The Historical Mystique of Radnor, Pennsylvania

In 1684 a group of Pennsylvania citizens approached William Penn about constituting a tract of land for themselves. The 40,000 acres they wished to have would be used for a separate county where only Welsh would be spoken. They received what they asked for, yet refused to set up any governing bodies. Their small Welsh community quickly and quietly faded away. The township of Radnor, located along the main line to Philadelphia, was once originally part of this Welsh tract. Today they still continue to honor their lost legacy through a few odd memorials.

When the I-476 turnpike decided to route through the suburban township of Radnor, the locals vowed to not let it destroy their hometown heritage and charm. They instead used the opportunity to beautify, as opposed to vilify. The township agreed that this was a perfect time to help exemplify the towns mysterious past.

The township had a massive 23 foot high cairn placed on top of a local hilltop, allowing passing vehicles to get a glimpse of a wondrous secret. Large cairns are located throughout most of Wales, many dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze ages. Nearby a extravagant dragon made of stone was constructed along the highway as well.

Though what the municipality decided to do at Unkefer park seems to be the most mystical. A circle of stone monoliths was constructed. These large boulders were unearthed while highway construction was being done. The township wanted to make use of the massive rocks instead of having them hauled away, which may have cost them more. As mystical as these attractions seem they are all part of this towns rich history.

Syracuse, New York Shot Clock Monument

March madness is coming upon us! A time when even those who know nothing about sports have a chance to be the office hero. The annual college basketball tournament definitely generates a buzz around the country. Folks everywhere are filling out several brackets in hopes of picking all the unpredictable upsets that occur every year. All this excitement is certainly more prevalent in college towns, particularly those schools who generally have outstanding basketball programs on a consistent basis. One city that fits this bill perfectly is Syracuse, New York.

The whole city seems to be on hold whenever their beloved Orange are running the floor. The citizens all adorn navy blue and orange apparel. They take their basketball very seriously here. And they should, a former owner of the previous NBA team, the Syracuse Nationals, helped to revolutionize the modern game.

In 1954 the Nationals owner incorporated using a 24 second shot clock during a scrimmage. He used a formula he created based solely on box scores of NBA games. Through the 1950's the league was in general suffering from lack of attendance due to teams acquiring a lead, than continuously passing the ball to run the clock down. The NBA adopted the clock for the 54-55 season resulting in higher average scores and eventually larger attendance.

Today in the Armory Square section of Syracuse a 24 second shot clock is running constantly, as well as a plaque commemorating the clock which would drastically change the game of basketball forever.

 If you have ever visited Syracuse in the winter months when basketball season is in effect, you'll barely see anyone in a city of over half a million. Of course if you find yourself outside during this time, you to will be looking to get back in, at least to get out of the cold!

Turkey Hill Experience

Suffering from a case of cabin fever, we hopped in the car one weekend and headed west on the highway. Our destination was a day indoors enjoying the Turkey Hill Experience. The recently opened tourist destination has been giving families a chance to learn more about the local dairy, and also it's importance with in the community.

After purchasing your tickets you ascend the staircase and begin your experience. You initially learn the history of the local dairy and the family that started this corporation. Learning along the way how the family utilized the local farmers, as well as changed their strategies as our nation grew and demanded more convenience. Following the history lesson the tour begins to become a bit more hands on.

The next area consists of an old delivery truck; with an operational horn, a cow you can test your milking skills on, as well as interactive phones retelling delivery stories from decades past. Also included in the interactive area is a small theater which shows a short film giving you insight into the local factory. Various hands on games, activities, and  playthings. But best of all are the infinite samples you can try. Test your taste buds with their delicious ice creams, while you wash it all down with refreshing iced teas.

One of the coolest activities the Turkey Hill Experience offers is the chance to create your own flavor of ice cream. You get to add your own mixing's and toppings. Creating something completely outlandish and possibly nauseating, or create a special flavor you always wanted to see. Not only do you get the chance to create your own new flavor, but you also get to design the packaging for your brilliant idea. Best of all you even get the opportunity to create your own commercial to help advertise your new crazy concoction.

You can check out my flavor and commercial here.