Living in the Empty Nest: Pennsylvania

Showing posts with label Pennsylvania. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Hawk Mountain - Kempton, Pennylvania

South Lookout view

October is migration time for us here in Pennsylvania, living next to Hawk Mountain we get amazing sightings this time of year. If you have any interest in birding, hiking, or just enjoy being outside you need to make a visit. Their website is filled with information, friend them on facebook and they will keep you up to date on bird counts, events, and wonderful seasonal pictures. http://www.hawkmountain.org/ We are lucky enough to live close so visit often, it is a place for all ages as you can see in these pictures. Check their sites for seasonal events & programs. The Appalachian Trail cuts through these Mountains also, the photos below show the "Pinnacle" a famous land mark on the trail. The views from there are also worth the hike be aware that hike it is more of a workout and very rocky terrain. You definitely need some fitness level and agility.

North Lookout

Nice view of the train tracks going North.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Stony Run Hotel

Stony Run Hotel
2409 Route 737
Kempton, PA 19529 (Under New Ownership)

This is a small town on the east side of Hawk Mountain, we live on the west side so were surprised we hadn't found this spot sooner. From route 78 you can take the Kutztown exit north follow 737 right to Stony Run (see map link below). They serve traditional German/Austrian food with a long menu of choices. They do have a lot of other offerings that I have tried and enjoyed but I seem to go back to the German offerings. Stony Run is owned and operated by a German couple, he is in the kitchen making each order and she has prepared all the desserts. The staff has always been friendly and quick to wait on you. There is a combination plate that is quite popular, Austrian Bauernschmaus it is selection of some of the most popular items. My choice is the Pork Schnitzel with Spaetzle, the homemade Spaetzle is amazing. They offer a long list of Austrian/German Beers along with many other choices. There is a full bar for other drinks. The homemade desserts are a must try. The Strudel made with apples or in season rhubarb is a favorite. This night we tried the Rhubarb Pie, you won't be disappointed with their dessert. This is a fun spot to try, homey atmosphere, a little something different for dinner out.

Pork Schnitzle with Spaetzle

Rhubarb Pie

Map to Stony Run

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Knoebels

Original main entrance.

Knoebels

http://www.knoebels.com/

This is a spot everyone loves. Located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania easy access from routes 80 & 81. Check out their website and plan a visit. Everyone, all ages will have a good time at this amusement park. They add new rides, have great roller coasters, but often it is the old rides that have been around for many years that everyone still loves. The food choices are endless, if you live nearby it is a fun place to go just for dinner out. The park lit up at night takes on a wonderful look with all the lights on the rides. They have different ways of purchasing tickets, you can get an all day hand stamp or individual ride tickets, but there is no admission price to just be there. This allows grandparents to watch the kids having a great time when they don't want to ride. There is shade from large old trees, benches all over, and even some rides everyone can go on. A couple of old trains, Merry go Round, and the famous motor boats. Knoebels officially began with a large pool and Merry go Round in 1926 and although grown in every direction those are both still some of the most popular areas. It was called the crystal pool, the water is so refreshing it comes from nearby streams & filtered. They offer campgrounds, a large number of pavilions for group outings where gas grills & refrigerators are available. You can bring in your own picnic or they'll cater it for you. I don't know of another place with such atmosphere or service. In the parking lot you will see license plates from all over, definitely worth a visit! For us having gone since we were kids, then lived near it for a few years and now just about an hour from it there are lots of memories.