Roadside America Shartlesville, Pennsylvania

Roadside America is one child's fascination taken to an extreme.

The airplane hangar-size building is filled with numerous trains, buildings, houses and miniature villages. Most of these piece have been hand carved from wood.

Walking inside Roadside America is quite astonishing: there's not really words to describe the feeling you get upon entering. It leaves you speechless.

The place definitely has a homey feeling and makes you feel like you're in the simpler times of Ozzie and Harriet.

For more information and more quirky "outta the way" places, be sure to check out the Outta the Way zine! (Vol. 4 is available today! Contact us to reserve a copy.)

Roadside America's Parking Lot Vol 4

A few imposing individuals protect the parking lot of Roadside America in Shartlesville, PA: A pair of Amish folk who look like they're right out of American Gothic. The Amish man's enormous hands look like he's ready to scoop you up as a snack.

The stranger thing is that these Amish giants are greeting you to a miniature village.

Also in the parking lot is an odd looking varmint-type animal looking to scavenge any leftovers the giant Amish couple may leave behind. It's hard to tell what's odder, these statues in the parking lot, or what lies inside Roadside America itself.

Check out next week's blog when we will show you what's inside of Roadside America.

Carmen and David's Creamery

What better way to cool off on a hot summer day then with some ice cream?

At Carmen and David's Ceamery on Prince Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, across from the Fulton Opera house, they offer some of the best ice cream we've ever had!

They specialize in different flavors and cones, as well as the normal chocolate and vanilla. All of the ice cream is made in house by David.

The shop is very comfy and even includes a fireplace. It has lots of chairs and couches to watch the passersby on the street. With their strong local ties and unique flavors (i.e. Peanut butter Cap'n Crunch), it's not difficult to tell why they get the Outta the Way approval.

25 North Prince Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Jerry's Market (The Blob)

In July's zine we are taking a Blob Tour. Though the Jerry's Market scene played a key part in the film, we omitted its presence from the zine as it is now part of a strip mall.

During the film Steve and Jane hid from the blob in the walk-in freeze and made a shocking realization that helped to save us all.

At the time of filming, Jerry Fahringer owned 2 markets: 1 in Phoenixville and 1 in Royersford, which was used for filming. Though difficult to identify today as it has changed such much over time. What you are looking for is New Lewis Road Plaza in Royersford. Today it is mostly the Sly Fox Restaurant and Brewery. The meat freezer Steve and Jane run into is apparently now the microbrewery. Cheers to that!

Located at Lewis Road and Oak Street in Royersford, PA.

The Blob in Chester County, Pennsylvania

Outta the Way

Vol. 3: The Blob Tour!

Is now available!

Contact us to get your copy. $3 each online, or $2 at the B.B. Bellezza booth at Building Character

342 N. Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

We're on the Savvy Grouse again

We are on the Savvy Grouse again! See our post about Centralia!

Happy Indie Day!

Looking for a way to celebrate your Independence? Well, there should be no shortage this weekend: from reenactments at Gettysburg to one of the oldest continuous fireworks shows in Lititz.

One of the bigger celebrations will take place in our own capital of Harrisburg from Friday, July 3 to Sunday July 5th. The riverfront will be crowded with various vendors, concessions and musicians. The annual Music Fest features loads of up and coming local bands as well as more established artists. Asia is headlining this year.

The 3-day festival features 6 stages and music covering all genres from rock to county to classical and everything in between.

If you are looking for a conscientious rapper with talent, we recommend E-Will. He'll be performing during the Hip Hop Hour on Sunday, July 5th at 7 p.m. Besides having something to say, as opposed to most hip hop artists these days, he's a personal friend of Outta the Way's.

Fireworks are held all 3 days of the event, so as we struggle to balance our state budget, we can see our tax dollars literally go up in smoke. Hey, at least it's free.

Music Fest runs from Friday, July 3 through Sunday July 5th; 12 noon - 10 p.m. each day.