Archbald Pothole State Park

Pennsylvania is a state known for having some of the worst roadways in the country, so it's only fitting that the state has a park featuring a colossal pothole. Though this one isn't quite like the normal potholes that dot the states highways and byways. The Archbald pothole dates back  over 15,000 years ago. The hole formed during the Wisconsin glacial period, resulting in a 38 feet deep hole in the surface of the earth.

The geological wonder was first discovered by a coal miner in 1884. The miner used a blast of explosives to extend a mining shaft. The resulting blast culminated in tons of water and rocks falling into the mine and jeopardizing the lives of many. After recouping from their near death experince the men were ordered by a supervisor to clear all the debris away, they soon realized their vertical shaft was a geological gem. After being used as ventilation support for the miners the area was fenced off and has since served as a tourist attraction. In 1914 the large pothole was deeded over as public property, since than the county of Lackawanna and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania have maintained the area. This is a task easier said than done, it seems several residents take out their dislike of potholes by throwing their trash and debris into the large hole. I can't help but wonder how many garage receipts are down there for alignment jobs on vehicles.

Community Bridge Frederick, Maryland

As you approach the community bridge in Frederick, Maryland you notice the natural beauty that adorns this structure. Ivy has begun to crawl up the old stone walls. The rock from the walls have colored and weathered over the years giving each a unique look. But the closer you get, the more you notice something amiss. This old stone structure is actually a piece of art. The artist spent 5 years creating the mural using ideas from 100's of local residents. The artist used an art technique called trompe l'oeil, which means "deceive the eye." In September 1998 the artist unveiled his work of art to the community. Since then the locals have embraced their bridge, while the tourists have been being tricked into admiring art.  Learn more about the artist here.

GIANT Slide Mt. Tabor Park Rocky Ridge, Maryland

Several years ago while traveling through Northern Maryland we made a side visit to the Rocky Ridge municipal park. The community park isn't particularly large, but it sure packs a punch. Unfortunately the day we visited their main attraction was under restoration. To bear our disappointment we rode the old time merry go round, that has certainly been removed from almost every other park in the country. Since that time my daughter has been consistenly reminding me that we need a revisit.

A few weeks ago I made sure to put a trip together that would involve a stop at the Mt. Tabor park in Rocky Ridge, Maryland, and just in case I grabbed a couple towels before we left the house. When we arrived in the parking lot everyone was quite excited but didn't wanna show it. We quickly and quietly scarfed our lunches down under a shady pavillion, than we made the dash to the big red slide. This slide isn't anything like your normal sliding board. It towers 35 feet in the air, and consists of a 100 feet sliding surface that mostly resembles old bowling lanes, with small ramps built in. We grabbed our towels and rushed off to the top, placed myself on the edge and was face first in a pile of sawdust in no time. Pretty soon my daughter and I were racing each other, while trying not to abuse ourselves too much. Burlap sacks are usually located at the foot of the slide, but we found we accelerated much quicker using the smooth side of a beach towel. Some younger visitors opted to go without anything. I wouldn't recommend this as I ended up with a nice brushburn on my elbow just from rubbing the wooden surface accidentally while racing. That also ended my turns on the slide, as the park crowd was now quickly gathering. As we headed to the car we had smiles on our faces, brushburns on our bodies, the memories of our adventure, and hopefully some cool scars to prove it!

Fork in the Road Centerport, Pennsylvania

If you find yourself at the fork in the road in the tiny town of Centerport, Pennsylvania, which way will you go? If you're like us you'll choose the road that gives you the quickest opprotunity to turn around and get a photo. At the intersection of Main st. and Centerport rd. you'll find a large 8 foot fork.

Suspiciously the fork just appeared in 2004, leaving borough officials and townsfolk confused. After some investigative reporting a local resident came clean. The small concrete island is an old family property, that he felt needed a bit of charm. The man has no plans of removing the giant fork anytime soon., the residents and myself couldn't be more pleased.

Fulton Steamboat Inn

As you travel past the commercial outlets along route 30 in Lancaster, you may have spotted the famous Steamboat Inn, a victorian style hotel located in a steamboat. So now you may be wondering, why a steamboat? It's due to the fact that Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat was born nearby. So it's only fitting to have a steamboat hotel to honor him? Right!

Aside from the kitsch of the place, it's a very fine hotel with spacious rooms, king sized beds, and flat screen televisions. Not to mention the fine dining thats available in the immaculate restaurant.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Lancaster that's a little more unique than the Holiday Inn, Outta the Way would recommend a stay at the Steamboat Inn, or the Red Caboose Motel. Even if you don't check in to these two unique lodging establishments, be sure to check them out!

Red Caboose Motel Strasburg, Pennsylvania

The Red Caboose Motel is appropriately located near the famed Strasburg railroad, and is home to a number of retired railroad cabooses. In 1969, Donald Denlinger a museum president, attended an auction with a friend in nearby Mill bridge. On a whim he threw in a lowball bid on some railroad cabooses. Well, needless to say he ended up the proud owner of 19 N-5 cabooses, each weighing in at 475 tons.  As winter approached he needed to move these behemoths. Not wanting to spend the additional dollars that would be needed to move these mammoth machines, he got the brilliant idea to transform them into motels. An idea so crazy it may work.

Through tireless efforts and an immeasureable amount of work, he made all of the cabooses livable. After wiring electric and adding other amenities such as potbellied stoves and bunk beds, his project was finally completed.

While he was the owner, Mr. Denlinger was known to wear a conductor's outfit while he greeted and assisted guests. He also did extensive research on each caboose and placed historical information on each caboose to enlighten visitors even more.

Today the Red Caboose is under new management but still carries the same flair, all of which is topped off by the victorian decorated dining caboose that still serves three meals a day.

Chocolate Clock at Premise Maid Shoppes

Everyone loves chocolate! Being in the state of Pennsylvania puts us in close proximity to a number of fine confection manufacturers. People worldwide know of Hershey's chocolate, but some of the best chocolates in the state are found in small manufacturing facilities that dot the state. The Premise Maid candy shoppes are a great place to find delicious sweets while in a unique location. The company was established in 1979 with the promise that all chocolates would be made and bought on the same premise, hence the name. The family tradition has since continued, passing on the original values, as well as the family recipes.

Today the shoppes are located along route 222 in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania. The shoppes are contained in an old historic property that dates back to the civil war era. The shoppes strived to keep the original look, adding even more charm to the family business. Besides all the numerous candies, sweets, and treats the shop has to offer, they also boast a unique roadside attraction. Inside the store is a full size grandfather clock made entirely of chocolate. Is there a better way to enjoy a lazy day than eating sweets, while watching time never slip by on a chocolate grandfather clock?