Chocolate World - Hershey, PA

Opened in 1973, Hershey's Chocolate World has been entertaining folks for over 35 years now. Originally built as a replacement for the actual plant tour, which became too overwhelming for the factory, the chocolate tour allows you to experience firsthand all that is needed to make the delicious chocolate from the begining stages of cocoa beans, to the finished product rolling off the line.

The tour has gone through numerous changes throughout its years, including a $4.5 million update in 1988 with a robot as your host. The last change occurred in 2006 when several scenes were replaced with singing animatronic cows. Today there are still parts of the ride that have changed very little.

One of the best things about the Chocolate Tour is it's absolutely free. Let's hope Hershey continues on with this tradition and gives many more families the chance to experience this musical ride in Chocolatetown U.S.A.

Longest Covered Bridge in the World

In volume 9 of Outta the Way, we take you on a tour of the Lancaster County Covered Bridges. At one time Lancaster had the longest covered bridge in the world. Built in 1814, the bridge spanned over the Susquehanna River between the towns of Columbia and Wrightsville. The bridge was 5,690 feet long and built mainly of wood and stone. Tolls for the bridge at the time were $1.50 for a wagon and 6 horses or $0.06 a person.

It stood for 14 years before being destroyed by ice and high waters on February 5, 1832. In 1834 a second covered bridge was opened, using as much as they could salvage from the first bridge. The bridged was later burned during the Civil War by Union militiamen to prevent Confederate soldiers from advancing into Wrightsville. Afterwards the Columbia Bank and Bridge Company appealed to the Federal Government for reimbursement of damages sustained, but none were ever paid.

A third covered bridge was constructed in 1864, this time of stone, wood and steel. It was eventually destroyed by a hurricane in 1896. After the destruction of the third covered bridge, the idea was scrapped and a forth bridge was built. This time steel trusses were used. It was designed to withstand all the previous elements which had been so disastrous. This bridge eventually became used as strictly a railroad bridge until 1958. In 1963 the bridge was dismantled for scrap. The stone pieces still stand today just North of the Route 30 bypass, still offering us a glimpse back into the past.

The Howard Tunnel

Just outside the small town of York-New Salem, Pennsylvania, along the York County Rail Trail lies the oldest continuously running railroad tunnel in the world. The Howard Tunnel, named for the young man whose idea it was to build the tunnel through a small mountain. The tunnel was built during the years of 1836-1837 and opened up in 1838. The 370 foot tunnel expanded to two rail lines in the 1870's.

On a somber note, the tunnel has seen 3 Presidential Funeral Processions. Presidents Lincoln, Harding and McKinley's bodies all have passed through the tunnel.

Abandoned Foust Distillery York County, Pennsylvania

A few miles outside the small town of Glen Rock are the remnants of the town that could have been. The town of Foustown came to be because of the booming Faust distillery, which at one time produced 3,000 barrels of whiskey per year. The town acted as housing for the employees, a railroad station, a town square with an elaborate water fountain, as well as telephone service - extremely rare in the late 1800's.

Prohibition of the 1930's put a damper on the distillery and the small town and they have both since gave way to the ruralness the distillery and town tried to escape.

{For even more information and directions to Foustown, check out the Outta the Way Zine, Volume 7: Southern York County, Pennsylvania}

Brandywine Battlefield

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza

Not only is the Chadd's Ford area home to Devil's Road, one of the most sinister roads in Pennsylvania, but it is also the heart of the Brandywine Battlefield.

General Washington and Lafayette both had headquarters located in the area. The battle took place over a 10-square-mile area. The British had maneuvered into the Chadd's Ford area by way of Kennett Square in order to attack the City of Philadelphia.

The final conflict in the battle occurred near the Birmingham Friends Meeting House. As with all historic battlefields, and this one is no different, the whole area is said to be very active with spirits.

Devil's Road in Pennsylvania

Devil Road
Originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza

Near the Delaware state border lies a road full of disturbing tales. Local Folklore states that at one time the devil was summoned on to this road and then let out such a piercing scream that all the trees grow in odd formations now.

The road is also thought to have a home known to hold occult practices or even possibly the inbred children of a wealth prominent family in the area. Of course, this is all speculation.

This are is quite beautiful. It has been used in the movie "The Village." There are a lot of tales involving KKK meetings, Satanists and even black truck chasing people off the road.

The latest edition of Outta the Way has more information and directions to this difficult-to-find road.

Byrnesville

South of Centralia, lies a real abandoned town: no residents, no homes, not much sign of a town at all anymore. Brynesville was founded in 1856 and was named after the local Byrnes family. The town was used to house employees of the local coal mine that was nearby.

In 1865 homes started to be built in the area of upper Byrnesville. There wasn't much to the town other than an elementary school, which dissipated in the early 1930's. The nearby towns and Ashland and Centralia were much larger and used for shopping and church purposes.

During the 1980's, fire and gases from the Centralia mine fire spread to the town and the federal government relocated the townspeople. At the time there were 75 people and 29 houses. The last resident was moved out in 1996.

There are a few remains of the town. Most noticeably is a large wash house used by miners to clean up after work. The wash house is now overgrown with weeds and graffiti and the roof is collapsing, offering a grave reminder of a town that was started and destroyed by the coal industry.

Centralia, Pennsylvania

Wanna visit the real Silent Hill? The Pennsylvania town of Centralia is the inspiration for the town used in the video game Silent Hill. While visiting it's not difficult to see why.

This place is a modern-day ghost town and with only 7 people still living there and that number dwindling, it won't be long before it's abandoned.

The U.S. Government claimed eminent domain on the land as there is a fire burning under the town. You can see smoke and gases protruding out of openings in the ground. Even the main route through the town was rerouted because the macadam and asphalt split open, leaving large open seams with smoke billowing out between cracks in the graffiti-covered road.

You definitely feel eerie walking this scary stretch of road. You keep feeling like a car is going to come up behind you anytime. Also maybe it's the angle of the road or the smoke inhalation, but we all felt a little vertigo while walking this barren road through hell.

(For more information about visiting Centralia, check out Volume 5 of the Outta the Way Zine, available in our Etsy Shop.)

Miner Monuments

Located at a Minersville, Pennsylvania Turkey Hill stands a statue honoring those who have labored and risked their lives in the Anthracite Coal Mines of the area.

Located at the Rt. 901 and 209 intersection, stands a monument remembering the local miners of nearby Buck Run. It sits in the front yard of its owner, who built the whole thing at his own expense. Showing a miner exiting a a coal mine with his mule and wagon the same way it was done a century ago.

There's an extraordinary amount of detail done here: the miner's hat is even lit. There is also a large chunk of coal next to the shaft.

With the extensive work and authenticity done on these pieces of art, all Outta the Way can do is just tip our miner's hat giving approval.

Centralia/Coal Country, Pennsylvania

Volume 5 of Outta the Way is now available! You can get it on Etsy or get it in person at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER-342 N. Queen St., Rear, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

We also have limited edition mini-zines available while they last!

Horrors at Dreamland Park

The Dreamland Park, north of Reading is a defunct amusement park. Closing in the 1950's, the park is more synonymous with horrors than with children frolicking and laughing.

Along Pricetown road in Rascombmanor township lies the remains of the Dreamland Amusement Park. Opening in the 1930's by a gentleman named Ralph Kreitz, Dreamland had all the necessities for a fun time, young or old. Buildings were set up with gambling devices and card games. Also were some children's rides, a rollerskating rink, and a theatre for concerts.

Mr. Kreitz owned and operated the park until it's closing in the 1950's. The park should have just become a forgotten memory of a failed dream. However on a hot August night in 1969 a young couple was parked along nearby Skyline drive. Surely admiring the nearby Pagoda, along with the beautiful view of the city below. But things were about to take a dark, horrendous turn.

Two Pagan gang members approached the vehicle and forced themselves inside. They than forced a young Glenn Eckert (20) and his date Marilyn Sheckler (18) to drive them to a train station in Leesport, Pennsylvania. There they were confronted by two more members of the notorious motorcycle gang. The four Pagans commanded the youth into an awaiting box truck. They drove the couple along the back roads of Berks county, each taking turns brutally raping the young woman. According to the police reports at approximately 2:00 A.M. the gang took the pair to Dreamland Park and murdered them. 

After several months of searching, their bodies were discovered on October 23, 1969. The duo was found in the woods surrounding Dreamland Park. Marilyn had been bludgeoned to her death, while Glenn suffered gunshot wounds. The trial began the following Summer after the gang members began turning on each other. Two of the men were convicted of the murders. 

Today there are a few buildings lying in ruins in these woods. "No Trespassing" signs litter the area. Nearby neighbors and the new owner are weary of trespassers, and with the history surrounding the area. Could you blame them?

Sounds more like a nightmare than a Dreamland.

Pagoda of Reading, Pennsylvania

The Pagoda in Reading, PA is obviously not the normal architectural design you'd expect to find in the area. Inspired by a Philippines postcard and built in 1908, it was to be used as a hotel. The hotel was denied a liquor license and never succeeded. The Pagoda was then sold to a prominent businessman in the area. One year later it was sold to the City of Reading for $1.

Before telephones and television, the Pagoda acted as a message service. The lights on the Pagoda acted as Morse code for the townspeople below, offering news and sports updates with the flashing of the lights. The Pagoda stands 72 feet high and sits 886 feet above the City of Reading.

Berks County,Pennsylvania

Volume 4 of Outta the Way is now available! We feature Berks County.

The intro:

This month will stir up the supernatural on a covered bridge, visit a miniature village, see the view that inspired it, get a taste of Japanese culture and learn how a Dreamland became a nightmare. So prepare to get outta the way, we're going outta the way!

Contact us or go to Kim's Etsy Store to get your 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!

BUiLDiNG CHARACTER - Lancaster, PA

{All photos from BUiLDiNG CHARACTER's website.}

Looking for a doorknob for your 1860's Victorian home, a Boy's Bathroom sign for your door, the door itself, an original piece of art, or maybe just a spot to check out local independent films and musicians? Welcome to BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, an architectural salvage store and art market.

Home to a slew of local artists, ranging from jewelry, photography, high school art, to egg decorating, as well as a little bit of everything else in between. anks to BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, these artists are able to display their works without the high overhead, which helps consumers afford a one-of-a-kind piece of art they may not normally been able to.

Also within BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is an architectural salvage store. For anyone who owns an older home and wants to keep an original look, or just wants a unique look, this is the place for you. There are things you won't find anywhere else.

From the BUiLDiNG CHARACTER website: "BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is a 6,000-square-foot collection of architectural artifacts, antiques, historical building materials, functional memorabilia, local art, artisan studios and one of the city's most unique and alternative assembly spaces for music and workshops."

BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is located within the former Lancaster Storage Company, and some of the booths at the art market take advantage of the old storage garages.

If you hear a strange creak, or experience something moving for no reason, don't be alarmed. That's just Chester. Yes, BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is also haunted!

With Marty and Tony's (owners) positive involvement in the community and their willfulness to help independent artists, BUiLDiNG CHARACTER gets the Outta of the Way approval!

BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is located at 342 N. Queen Street, Rear, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It's open daily at 11 am.

There are all kinds of events that take place at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER. If you can't make it in person, be sure to checkout their website, or pick up a few items in the BUiLDiNG CHARACTER eBay store.

Foil Horse and Buggy

Foil horse and buggie
Originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza

If you were on Prince Street in Lancaster, PA Friday night or Saturday, you probably saw this. Well, how could you miss it?

Outta the Way stopped for a photo and tried to get the story from bystanders, but the only response we could get was, "No one is supposed to know" who did it.

According to the newspaper, it is in front of our Mayor's home and Mayor Gray thinks it is the work of guerrilla artists and the mayor's office of special events. They expected it to be removed Saturday night.

We don't know who did it for sure, but it certainly was a sight to see, and very weird. There were even foil horse droppings!