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.

America's Coolest Small Town: Lititz, Pennsylvania

Wow! So recently my hometown of Lititz, Pennsylvania was named America's coolest small town. Something most our residents already knew, but it's nice to have an official honor to go with it.

So what makes Lititz so cool? For starters Lititz is home to a lot of firsts. The first all girls boarding school was started in 1746 and still rests on Main street. Also on Main street is the first hard pretzel factory in America. Other local local sweet spots dot the small town including Candyology, Cafe Chocolate, and of course the famous Wilbur chocolate factory.

Many other specialty shops that line the streets include a few thrift shops, a fair trade store, a market specializing in exotic meats, as well as a British pub. Also nearby is a wolf sanctuary, as well as the picturesque Lititz spring park. There's plenty to keep you busy in this tiny town, but it's not necessarily our unique shops that make us so cool.

Most will tell you what makes this town so cool is it's community. The folks in this town support their town and their local business owners. Lititz holds 2nd Friday celebrations every month where the shops stay open longer and musicians line the alleys and parking lots. Lititz certainly isn't the first town to do this, but the community really gathers around and shows their support no matter what the weather conditions.

Several annual festivities are quite popular around town and gather rather large crowds. The Chocolate Walk, Independence Day celebration, and the recent Fire & Ice festival, are just a few of the popular events you can find around town.

I'm sure there will be much debate about who's the coolest small town in America. Even I will admit I felt I've visited cooler small towns, and I will certainly be searching out the other contestants in the contest. But without the community's support and continued dedication to helping make Lititz so cool, we wouldn't even have this little title to boast. Now the next time I'm Outta the Way and someone asks where I'm from I can tell them Lititz, you know the coolest small town in America!

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.

Indian Echo Caverns

Tucked in the hills of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, lying next to the Swatara creek is a natural made attraction that's been enjoyed for centuries.

It's believed the early Susquehannock Indians who settled in the area were the first to discover the Indian Echo caverns. They would use the cave as refuge during harsh weather. The cave would also be used to store food during the warmer months. The tribe vanished from the area during the 1670's leaving the caverns unoccupied. During the next century saw an influx of European trappers.It's believed these men discovered the cave during their journeys of the northeast sections of the United States.

In 1929 the cave opened up for commercial tours. At first thousands came in droves to catch a look at the beauty of mother nature, sadly the great depression was looming around the corner. The cave fell on hard times and was purchased by the bank. However in 1942 a nearby Hershey resident purchased the property and the family has maintained it since.

The cave consists of several large rooms and also narrow passageways. Red lights line the areas where you may to watch your head. And during our tour they turned off all the lights and illuminated a room with just the brightness of an old torch. Offering you a glimpse into how travelers in the past viewed this wondrous creation.

Indian Echo is a cave full of amazing features. Sometimes even appearing otherworldly.  Goliath stalactites, massive formations, constant growth, crystal clear lakes, and stunning natural colors all make up this beautiful subterranean area. Let's hope it's enjoyed for many more centuries to come.

Zion Hill Cemetery Columbia, Pennsylvania

Hidden under the route 30 overpass in Columbia, Pennsylvania. Tucked away in a small wooded area, some of the weeds and grass overextend the grave sites. Sadly, this lost memorial garden has had better years before it, but it's a place every American should visit and pay tribute.

Resting below the grounds are the remains of dozens of African-Americans including many who perished in the Civil War. Most of these brave men fought on the Union side with the 54th Massachusetts regiment. The valiant men wanted to prove they were equal to the task of fighting for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. One of these heroic men, Stephen Swails would become the first African-American officer in U.S. history. These courageous troops battled Confederate troops that began to invade the bridge spanning the Susquehanna river between Wrightsville, and Columbia, Pennsylvania.

One of the most famous buried here is Robert Loney. Mr Loney was at one time a conductor on the Underground Railroad. He helped escort escaped slaves across the nearby river. Freedom for African-Americans meant a great deal to Robert. His family was one of the first group of freed slaves. His passion for all men's freedom is evident in the way he would risk his own life in order to help others escape a life of captivity. If he were to be captured by those south of the Mason-Dixon line he could be escorted back into slavery. Robert Loney eventually joined the Union troops and fought along side his friends and neighbors in hopes of bringing freedom to all.

The wooden crosses and memorial stones that scatter the area are a constant reminder for us all to remember those who came before us and fought for the freedoms we all have. The grave site is taken care of by local Boy Scout groups, church leaders, paranormal groups, and Park Rangers. All showing devotion to the brave African-American men and women who endured through hardships most of us could never fathom, yet rose up to defend the freedoms of millions for centuries to come.

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.