Father's Day in Berks County Pennsylvania

For the upcoming June zine we're gonna celebrate Father's day. As we climb the mountains in Berks and Schuylkill county, we'll show you some Outta the Way places every Dad would enjoy. First we'll take you to a sporting goods store that's sure to impress any outdoorsman. Even if Dad's not a hunter, he's sure to be impressed by all the animals on display, and by what I can only describe as a hierarchy to taxidermy. With deer mounts surrounding the walls, some as massive as 30 point deer. They are certainly see to believe.

Afterwards we'll climb higher into the mountains to a sanctuary specializing in raptors of all sizes. Overlooking the beautiful vistas of the mountain you'll be spotting hawks, eagles, and other large birds of prey. Besides being a conservation area for these magnificent birds, the area also has quite a horrid past. Even if your father enjoys ghost hunting this is a place you'll wanna visit.

Finally we'll stroll up into Schuylkill county and visit America's oldest brewery. Here Dad can take a tour of this historic beer making facility and learn how this wonderful beverage is made. Later he can wet his palette with their variety of free samples, even Root beer if so desired. All this should make for a great outta the way day for Dad and the entire family. So get outta our way, we're going Outta the Way!

Shoofly pie, Ice cream & beer! Vol.9

Shoofly pie
Originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza

While traveling the highways and by-ways of Lancaster county, searching the covered bridges. We encourage you to visit these local favorites.

Located along route 30 in Ronks, you'll find America's best shoofly pie. What trip to Amish country would be complete without this sweet treat. Since 1946 Dutch Haven has been dishing out this local favorite. If you have any doubts it's the best in America, they'll quickly put those to rest once you taste the free samples. Finding Dutch Haven is easy, just look for the big windmill. Walking out without a pie, that's about impossible.

If your sweet tooth is still craving, you can take a step back into time at the Strasburg Creamery. Resembling a Victorian era ice cream parlor,the creamery is a family favorite. Besides all the nostalgia, they dish out some of the best ice cream around. Whether your having an apple dumpling sundae, or the homemade E.T. special in a handmade waffle cone, no sweet tooth will leave unsatisfied. The creamery is located on 1 W. Main st. Strasburg, Pa.

After all those treats you may need something to wash it all down with. Located on Main street in Conestoga lies the Spring House Brewery. Basically a one man brewery with quite a following. Is there a better way to wash down shoofly pie and E.T. ice cream than with a Kerplunk chocolate stout? In the mood for something less sweet? Spring House offers the Seven Gates Pale Ale. The beer is named for a local urban legend.(see Outta the Way Vol. 2) At Spring House they're also brewing up a red ale, summer ale, a double IPA, and the more unique coffee stout. The hours of the brewery vary, though it is open most Saturday afternoons.

All of the places mentioned you will pass if you take the covered bridge driving tour provided in Volume 9 of Outta the Way.