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.

American Visionary Arts Museum Baltimore, Maryland

 Visionary art is often described as art that crosses boundaries. The artists rarely have any formal training, yet create personal visions for themselves that manifest into some of the most unique and creative pieces of work. No museum is more proud of these artists and their accomplishments than the American Visionary  Arts Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. 

The museum itself was the creative vision of a non artist, but a woman with a passion for helping people. While working with psychiatric patients in a local hospital, Rebecca Hoffberger, became enthralled with her patient's artwork. She chose to focus on the patients strength as people, as opposed to the weaknesses that got them there. On a trip to Switzerland she visited a folk art museum and was inspired to create a home for the outsider art she so adored back home in Baltimore. Several years, numerous petitions, and millions of dollars later she would witness her dream come to fruition.

In November of 1995 the museum opened to the public. It's first two visitors were a pair of visionary artists. You could even say the building itself is a piece of art, and difficult to miss. Just look for the large shining mosaic, located only blocks from the busy harbor. The outside is a spectacle of glass, mirrors, and other mediums patterned together to create a unique building, and a piece of art. Surrounding the grounds of the museum, artwork is abound everywhere. Kinetic sculptures dot the skyline, hands protrude out of the building, mammoth birds nests hang above, and trees sprout out of the concrete.

Once inside there's a plethora of raw art to be found everywhere. The museum has a revolving permanent collection that consists of over 4,000 pieces. The day we visited we encountered sculptures made of matchsticks, unusual collages, and varying degree of unusual works of art. The museum is consistently changing their displays to feature the variety of art they own. Giving each one of these unique artists a chance to shine for a period of time. In fact that artwork at the museum is so much on the move that some actually does. Every year the museum hosts a kinetic sculpture race. Artists create movable pieces of art that race 15 miles through the streets of Baltimore. Several past winners are housed within the walls of this unusual art museum.

While in the museum it's hard to grasp a few pieces. Some of them are so complex in such a simple way, it becomes difficult to comprehend. Others are some of the most amazing works of art I've seen. But all are completely ingenious. It can quickly become quite difficult to realize these amazing pieces you're looking at were created by farmers, housewives, prisoners, psychiatric patients, not trained artists.

The museum and the pieces of art housed within, show there is a creative side in everyone of us, we just need to find a way to unleash it. That there is a uniqueness in all of us that needs to be released. A way against the normal, that can be an inspiration for all.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium Atlantic City, New Jersey

Strolling along the boardwalk in Atlantic City is like being in an giant adult funhouse. Flashing bright lights, strange motifs, and kitschy decor is found everywhere. It's very easy to get caught up in the glitz and instant gratification. Casinos designed to make you conjure up images of being in an exotic location. And just as quickly as you become immersed in all this action, you realize its all an illusion.

As my dreams of instant millions flutter by with every pull on the slot handle, every card that passes my hand, or every spin on the red and black wheel. The mirage is unveiling itself. I'm not in the wild west, a Mississippi delta showboat, a palace built by Caesar, and no where near the actual Taj Mahal. It's all a fantasy. I'm being bamboozled, the only ones making millions are those collecting my change from the machines. Dazed and hazed I follow the psychedelic carpet searching for light from a natural source and not a neon bulb. Back out onto the boardwalk I become refreshed with clean air and sunshine. The salty ocean air breathes life back into me, opens my senses, reality begins to come back.

As the wooden 2x4s pass below my toes, I recognize a building with the Earth crashed in on it. Seems fitting in a town where so many peoples own world's came crashing in on them. Loss of homes, jobs, and life savings all for the dream of the big jackpot. But I also see a shark hanging out front, and a Statue of Liberty replica. I need a reality check, I head inside the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium.

Entering the doorway, I see the world's largest tire conveniently placed next to the world's smallest car. There's even a Michael Jordan sculpture, made of Michael Jordans. I even find myself next to a life like statue of the tallest man to ever live. My 6'2" stature pales in comparison to the man who stood over 8 feet tall. Moving along I become greeted by other strange characters. The "crocodile man" flashes a horrific smile, and a man dubbed the "unicorn man" vacantly stares into the ether. Around the corner a bevy of creatures awaits me. Animals with extra limbs are quite prevalent, while other rare oddities are spotted about. The furry fish hangs proudly like a trophy trout, a Fiji mermaid glares at you behind glass, and the Garden States most notorious creature, the Jersey Devil, is even featured. Surprises are hidden around corner of this place. Optical illusions are placed all around, keeping your brain on edge so you realize not all is what it seems.

Along the way I find numerous strange items, such as a vampire killing kit (I totally want one) a shrunken head, as well as  numerous medieval weapons and torture devices. Tribal pieces from rituals and rites of passage are predominantly placed throughout the obscure museum. Displayed proudly about are also several pieces of varied artwork. Clothing made from bottle caps, art designed using jellybeans as a medium, sculptures made of nails, and structures built from matchsticks. There's even wax figures of unfortunate people who survived seemingly impossible mishaps.

Exclusive to the Odditorium in Atlantic City is a masterwork of craftsmanship, dedication, and obsession. New Jersey native George Tamasco dedicated 30 years of his life hand carving a french chateau replica, complete with 21 rooms. Including a cathedral, a parlor room, a kitchen, and even a billiards room. The attention to detail is painstaking. Experts from around the world have been marveled by the meticulous handwork and artwork of this relatively unknown artist. It's truly something that needs to be seen to completely appreciate the complexity of the piece.



What I found to be the strangest thing about the Odditorium, is that in a town like Atlantic City where everything seems to be an illusion. A false dream dangled right before your eyes, I had to come here to find a piece of reality.

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.

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.

Mysteries at the Indian Echo Caverns

There are many strange mysteries associated with the Indian Echo Caverns, located near Hershey, Pennsylvania. In 1919 a couple of local youths in the area were exploring the cave, when they stumbled upon a mysterious box, decorated with strange designs. The contents inside proved more mysterious. Inside the box the boys discovered random coins from throughout the World, some possibly minted as early as 480 B.C.  Also included was some jewelry, moon rocks, and instructions on making diamonds from lightning. (BTW it doesn't work!)  The young man who discovered this intriguing chest held onto it for many years until he decided to share his discovery with others. Eventually the proprietor of Indian Echo Caverns purchased the abstruse trunk and it is now on display in the gift shop.

If these young men had been exploring the cave a hundred years before they may have encountered quite a surprise if they bumped into William Wilson. Between the years of  1802-1821 William made the caverns his home. After his sister was executed for the murder of her two children, the man began to seclude himself from society. It's believed a pardon was granted from the state to William's sister, but he was unable to deliver it in time to halt the execution.

 From that time on Wilson went into a state of delirium, withdrawing from society and retreated into the caves to spend the last decades of his life.  It's believed he kept an account of his life spent in the cave and the stories have been published in the book "The Pennsylvania Hermit"  Read book here.

The mysterious box the young men discovered is not believed to have been left behind by Mr. Wilson. But some believe William Wilson may have left something else behind...his spirit. In several neighboring counties where Wilson lived previously. his spirit has been seen on horseback galloping to the local jailhouse. His sister Elizabeth is believed to haunt the areas around the cave, though it's believed she was never in the cavern. While clearing trees to make room for a parking lot, several workers claimed to witness a young female spirit wandering nearby. These tales may seem like modern folklore, and perhaps its not the spirit of Elizabeth or William Wilson. But long before either of these tales came about, the Susquehannock Indians who occupied the cave were awfully dreadful of the Rainbow room. Even to this day over a dozen witnesses have spotted the apparition of a Native American man holding a severed head.

Woodward Cave

Secluded away in the hills of Millheim, Pennsylvania sits another of Mother Nature's most beautiful places. I find myself enthralled while inside caves. Something about the fact that you're in a place that has been possibly enjoyed since the beginning of man and yet will still continue to grow after we all pass.

 Since 1926 the Woodward Cave has been fascinating travelers from all over the world. The cavern is one of the largest in the state and consists of 5 large rooms. Woodward cave is often referred to as "the Big One", due to its massive size and cathedral ceilings. Rooms such as the "Ballroom" are large enough that it's been used to host functions within the cave. Another room measures over 200 feet in length. The cave also features one of the largest stalagmites in the state.

Besides the stalactites, and stalagmites you find in other caves, the Woodward also offers a glimpse at cave icicles, cave bacon or ribbons, cave coral, and the rare helictites. They also boast formations resembling a lion, and a camel sitting down. Both remarkable examples of millions of years of Mother Nature at work.

Aside from all the beauty and mysticism the cave has to offer, the grounds are also available for camping. Cabins are nestled throughout the property offering a quaint, quiet stay in a serene location. The cave doesn't get nearly the tourist traffic most others receive. In my opinion this doesn't diminish the attractiveness the cave offers, it only adds to it's natural intrigue.

Ghost Tour of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

The light from the porch illuminated onto the tall gentleman who was standing nearby. The light cast his shadow directly in front of us, imposing a shadow of blackness as we approached the steps. Upon climbing the incline, he stepped to us with a somber greeting. We paid our fee and he took a seat. As we waited for others to arrive, we spoke briefly with the gentleman. His eyes casting out of the large brimmed hat he was wearing. His attire consisted of period dress for the time of the early 19th century. As the rest of our tour arrived the imposing gentleman arose and spoke out in his baritone voice. This was to be our guide for the evening. He grabbed his trusty lantern and we followed him into the cobblestone streets of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.

As we meandered throughout the hilly town, we stopped at several local landmarks thought to possess supernatural entities. The tour consisted of a visit to an old tavern haunted by spirits who never left. While in operation, the owner would often hear the sounds of someone falling down stairs. There were several accounts of unidentifiable phenomena that had convinced the owner the place was inhabited by lost spirits, from a period long passed. Since the closing of the establishment it has been rented out to several tenants, who don't seem to hang around very long.

 We also paid visit to a cave that was used as a secret lab for a doctor who conducted some very controversial experiments. An old hotel where some strange happenings have been occurring for over 100 years. As our guide led us to these destinations he told tales of grisly happenings that had occurred in the premises, as well as the strange events that had been taking place ever since. He would also throw in his own thoughts as to why he believed these haunting's had been happening.

One of the most disturbing tales he told, was of a former slave who had helped John Brown during his overtake of the federal armory in town. The bloody and beaten man was dragged through the streets of Harper's Ferry. The angry mob brought the battered man to an area known as hog alley. This had been a gathering place of the hogs who scavenged through the town, feeding on the trash that was not properly discarded. The hungry hogs aggressively tore the defenseless gentleman apart and quickly devoured  the carcass. Though the former slave was a criminal in the public's eye, it was later revealed that the only reason he helped John Brown during his raid on the armory, was so he could purchase his wife and children back, who were being held as slaves elsewhere. I found this particular tale to be quite disturbing, the mental images created in my mind and the sympathy I felt for this gentleman have still remained with me.

                                                          Hog Alley
                                                 
There were numerous destinations on the walk. The town is full of history and violence making it one of the best destinations for ghost tours. Several places we visited on the tour gave me a sense of something abnormal occurring nearby. My hairs would stand up on end, and I would feel a sense of an unnatural presence close. One particular place where I felt this the strongest, also consisted of a mass of orbs when photographed. Orb's are not something I'm 100% confident in, but I don't automatically dismiss their presence.

The tour was done fantastically! Our guide was a walking historian, he had mentioned to us that he also worked in Gettysburg and Antietam. He was a perfect mixture of mystique, knowledge, humor and eerieness. The ghost tour at Harper's Ferry has been rated as one of the best in the country. It's not difficult to see why, situated in a charming town still lost in a history of violence and bloodshed. And a tour guide who gives you just the right amount of giggles, thrills, and chills.

Gravity Road: Bedford County Pennsylvania

Looking for a place to defy gravity? Located on the back roads of New Paris, Pennsylvania lies one such spot. On Gravity Hill Road you can watch balls, bottles and liquids roll uphill. If you’re brave enough, you can put your car in neutral and roll right up the hill with it.

Gravity hills are located throughout the world. They are located in Barbados, Scotland, Portugal and Korea, as well as hundreds of other locations. >Though most don’t advertise theirs as a tourist stop as much as the County of Bedford. The Visitors Bureau offers maps, t-shirts, bumper stickers and even hats advertising the location.

The apparent finding of this particular spot seems pretty likely.Shortly after World War II, the local postman put his automobile in neutral while he sorted the daily mail. What an amazing surprise he got when he then realized he rolled up the hill.

So how is all this possible? Is it a magnetic pull, an optical illusion, a lack of gravity or spirits pushing you back? We think we know the answer but suggest that you just give a visit and decide for yourself.

More on Gravity Road and other nearby Outta the Way spots