The Wandering Disciple

Walking up to the pathway to this mansion in Lancaster Township, you can see the elegance. In fact, the mansion almost looks fit for a president. Well that’s because it is the home of former President James Buchanan. Known commonly as Wheatland, the home served as the home to Buchanan from 1848 until his death. From the elegant mansion Buchanan served as the ambassador to Great Britain and as President of the United States.  Today Wheatland is part of the LancasterHistory museum. As part of your visit to the museum, you can learn about our country’s fifteenth president and get an opportunity to get an inside look at his home which hosted some of the most influential people during the period.  Taken: July 14, 2023 at LancasterHistory (Lancaster, PA)

For almost 100 years, the Landis Valley House Hotel was the crossroads of Lancaster County. From its strategic site in Landis Valley, the hotel was the center of life in the valley. But it was much more than just a lodge, it served as a restaurant, bar, post office, livestock auction, polling place and many more social functions. It was even the site of a shooting duel in 1886.  It was built in 1856 by Jacob Landis Jr. It served as a lodge up until 1930 when it became a restaurant. It would eventually be bought by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and is now on display as part of the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum.  Taken: July 14, 2023 at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (Lancaster, PA) 

Perched atop the south end of Mount Penn, the Reading Pagoda has stood as a symbol of the city for over a hundred years. The Pagoda was built in 1907 to become the centerpiece of a luxury hotel. But the hotel never materialized and the Pagoda was gifted to the City of Reading in 1911.   Today it stands tall above Reading as a symbol of the city. You can see the Pagoda high above the hill from throughout the city. Or you can take the drive up Skyline Drive to the Pagoda and take in the panoramic view from the Pagoda and its adjacent park.  Taken: July 13, 2023 at Reading Pagoda (Reading, PA)

Fans of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World may see some resemblance with this historic mansion in Jim Thorpe and the popular Florida theme park attraction. The exterior Harry Packer Mansion was the inspiration for the Haunted Mansion ride. But unlike the Florida attraction, you don’t need to become the thousandth haunt to spend a night in the mansion, the Harry Packer Mansion is now a popular bed and breakfast.  Built in 1874 by renowned architect Addison Hutton, the mansion features Victorian-age furnishings throughout the home. It was gifted to Harry Packer by his dad, Asa Packer who was a railroad magnate and eventually a political in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.   Taken: July 13, 2023 (Jim Thorpe, PA) 

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway sits in the station in downtown Jim Thorpe awaiting its next excursion into the wood. Operated by the Reading and Northern Railroad, the scenic train ride takes visitors along into the Lehigh Gorge State Park for a journey along the Lehigh River.  The train operates on the historic rails of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The Central was one of two railroads that serviced Jim Thorpe in late 1800’s and early 1900’s. While the Central and its competitor Lehigh Valley Railroad have given way to modern railroads, the tracks still remain in operation connecting Jim Thorpe with the east coast via rails.  Taken: July 13, 2023 at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (Jim Thorpe, PA) 

In the tribal language of the Sac and Fox, Wa-Tho-Huck translates to “path lit up at night by a bolt of lightning”. This was the name given to a gifted athlete who would later be known as Jim Thorpe. Born in Oklahoma, Thorpe would become a three-sport athlete and an Olympian.  Following his death, his wife at the time made an agreement with Mauch Chunk to have Thorpe buried there and the town name was changed to Jim Thorpe. As part of this agreement, a memorial park was dedicated to Thorpe where is body was laid to rest. Today the park is filled with monuments dedicated to him including this once called “The Spirit of Thunder and Lighting” which pays tribute to his Indian heritage.  Taken: July 13, 2023 at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park (Jim Thorpe, PA)

The Keystone State is home to over 180 waterfalls and a bunch of them are found within the Poconos. Located in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, the Poconos are home to some of the best waterfalls in the state including the largest one found in the state. This is Dingmans Falls located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.  Dingmans Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. It rises 130 feet above the hiking trail along Dingmans Creek. It is one of eight major waterfalls that can be found in the Delaware Water Gap NRA and one of two waterfalls found on the Dingmans Creek hiking trail. Taken: July 13, 2023 at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Dingmans Ferry, PA)  Photo of the Day: July 25, 2023

When followers of the Bohemian Reformation settled the Moravian settlement in Bethlehem, the need for higher learning soon followed. They founded a girls school in 1742 which would eventually lead to the Moravian College and Theological Seminary in 1807. Today the Moravian College is an accredited university featuring a vast collection of degrees.  With roots dating back to 1742, Moravian College is the sixth oldest college in the United States. You can stroll this historic campus and the nearby Colonial Industrial Quarter to get a glimpse into early Moravian life in the region.  Taken: July 13, 2023 (Bethlehem, PA)

These giant skeletons of industrial power still lurk along the banks of the Lehigh River providing a glimpse back to a forgotten era when steel drove the nation’s industrial revolution. This is the remnants of the Bethlehem Steel Company, one of prominent steel producers in the country. American icons like the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Hoover Dam and much more were constructed using steel from Bethlehem Steel.  Bethlehem Steel closed its doors in 2003 and remnants of this thriving industry are still visible along the downtown riverfront. While it is slowly being lost to urban decay, some of it has been repurposed including the National Museum of Industrial History and the SteelStacks entertainment venue.  Taken: July 13, 2023 (Bethlehem, PA)

Docked permanently in the Camden waterfront is a New Jersey war hero. The USS New Jersey, affectionately known as Big J , is the most decorated Iowa-class battleship in the US Navy. Commissioned in 1943, the Big J saw almost 50 years of service and earned 19 battle stars.  Today the USS New Jersey is a maritime museum dedicated to the history of the ship and the sailor that served on her. You can take several self-guided tours that take you from the bridge to the engine room and everywhere in between.  Taken: July 12, 2023 at Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial (Camden, NJ) 

As you stroll the Camden waterfront, the City of Brotherly Love sits just across the Delaware River. One of the best views of the center city Philly skyline can be found along the walking paths of Wiggins Waterfront Park.  The Camden Waterfront is home to the Adventure Aquarium, Camden Children’s Garden, Battleship New Jersey and much more. This waterfront oasis is also a great place to take a walk along the river and enjoy the views.  Taken: July 12, 2023 at Wiggins Waterfront Park (Camden, NJ) 

A hippo keeps cool by dipping in a pool of water at the Philadelphia Zoo. Animals of the zoo take a break from the heat of summer by going swimming, taking a nap in the shade or sometimes just hanging out in their air-conditioned exhibit buildings.  Chartered in 1859, the Philadelphia Zoo is the nation’s oldest zoo. The zoo features over 300 species of animals spread among 42 acres in urban Philly. Taken: July 12, 2023 at Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia, PA)

As the sun sets over the city of Philadelphia, the lights shine bright in the seat of American independence. Here in the shadows of Liberty Bell Center, the Liberty Bell shines bright as a symbol of American freedom.  The Liberty Bell was once atop Independence Hall and was rung to announce important moments in colonial history. Today the historic Liberty Ball is housed in the Liberty Bell Center located across the street from Independence Hall.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia, PA)

When America declared its Independence from Great Britain, the newly founded country had an uphill battle in the fight from freedom. A militia of farmers and tradesmen were forced into battle against the refined army of Great Britain. But that changed on the fields of Valley Forge where General Washington and Prussian officer Baron von Steuben transformed the disheveled militia into a unified army that would later defeat the British.  Today these fields are preserved as the Valley Forge National Historical Park. Here you can take the encampment tour and learn about the Valley Forge encampment and how they trained and overcame adversity and difficult conditions over the Winter of 1777.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at Valley Forge National Historical Park (King of Prussia, PA)

Walking the halls of Eastern State is part eerie and part humbling. The giant walls of the prison houses some of the most notorious inmates as the state attempted to reform them through isolation. Confined to a small cell with just a skylight connecting them to the outside world, inmates spent their sentence alone hopefully spurring a change in character as they served out their sentence.  The massive prison was almost lost to urban decay but today it is protected by the National Register of Historic Places. Some areas have been restored to show what life was like in the prison during its operations.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (Philadelphia, PA) 

As you stroll the grounds of one of the country’s most historic cemeteries, you will come across a gravesite covered in pennies. This marks the final resting place of Ben Franklin. Visitors from across the globe visit Christ Church Burial Grounds in Philadelphia and honor Franklin by leaving his namesake penny on the marker in tribute.  Franklin isn’t the only prominent figure buried at Christ Church Burial Ground. The cemetery is the final resting place for four other signers of the Declaration of Independence, government officials and military heroes.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at Christ Church Burial Grounds (Philadelphia, PA) 

As the new nation sought to obtain a new identity, it was determined that a new flag would be needed for the United States of America. A secret committee headed up by George Washington reached out to a local Philadelphian upholster to turn a vision into a flag. Betsy Ross helped create the Grand Union flag which would be hoisted over the Continental Army base in Prospect Hill on January 1, 1776.  Today the story of Betsy Ross lives on at the Betsy Ross house in historic Philadelphia. Here you can get a glimpse into the life of Betsy Ross and learn about her and her work in this historic home.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at Betsy Ross House (Philadelphia, PA)

When the colonist declared freedom from Great Britain, a war for independence was spawned putting the fledgling country against Great Britain. The conflict started with the Battle of Concord in April 1775 and raged for eight years before the British surrendered in Yorktown on October 19, 1781. Today the story of the American Revolution is told in the Museum of the American Revolution in downtown Philadelphia.  Located just steps away from where the Declaration of Independence was ratified, the museum tells the story of the American Revolution from Colonial America through post-revolutionary period.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at National Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia, PA) 

Here in this elegant brick building in Colonial Philadelphia, a group of American patriots met to declare independence from tyranny. The founding father penned the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution giving birth to a new nation and charting a course to maintain independence through the future.  Today you can walk the footsteps of George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Hancock and more as they changed history. Independence Hall and adjacent historical buildings have been preserved as part of the Independence National Historical Park.  Taken: July 11, 2023 at Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia, PA)

Philadelphia is filled with iconic sites. There are historical and cultural sites spread through all parts of the city. One icon that spans decades is the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On these steps, Rocky Balboa trained for his fight against Apollo Creed in Rocky I. Today fans of the movie franchise stop at this Philadelphia icon to recreate this famous scene from the movie.  But the museum is known for more than its connection to Rocky. It is home to a world renowned art collection spanning 2,000 years. It features works from Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and many more.  Taken: June 11, 2011 at Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA)

When you venture off the interstate highways in Lancaster County, traffic jams take on a different appearance.  Miles and miles of gridlock is replaced by much slower traffic in the form of tractors and horse and buggies.   Lancaster County is home to the largest Amish community in the country.  Over 43,000 Amish live in the area and the population continues to grow.  Known for their strict beliefs, Amish do not drive modern cars and rely on horse-drawn transportation to get around. Taken: July 10, 2023 (Kinzer, PA)

Avelo Flight 564 banks over the Delaware River and the Delaware Memorial Bridge as it turns final for Wilmington Airport. Flight 564 brought us from Fort Myers to Wilmington for our week vacation in Pennsylvania.   Avelo Airlines is a newer low cost airline in the United States. Beginning operations in 2021, Avelo services forty-four destinations from five bases.  Taken: July 10, 2023 (Pennsville, NJ)

Reading, Pennsylvania: For our 2023 summer vacation we embarked on a trip back home to Pennsylvania. While I have now lived in Florida longer than I lived in Pennsylvania, the Keystone State still runs in my blood. But its been a while since I have been back home, almost 18 years to be exact. We have a lot in store for this trip with visits to Philly, Lancaster County, Jim Thorpe, Gettysburg and much more.  Our trip began with a short drive south to Fort Myers for our flight northbound. When planning this trip, the airfare component was ridiculously expensive! When we looked at direct flights from Fort Myers to Philadelphia, airfare and baggage was almost $600 a person. We had almost reverted to driving when we decided to check out Avelo Airlines, a low cost carrier that started operations about a year ago. I have seen them operate around the airport but didn’t know much about them but when we priced them our party of three could fly for the price of one ticket on the legacy...

An Avelo flight pushes back from the gate at Southwest Florida International Airport ready to take a plane full of passengers on their travel adventure. Avelo will be taking us on our next travel adventure as we prepare to embark on a trip to eastern Pennsylvania.  Be sure to check back in the coming weeks as we bring fresh content from Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Harrisburg and more.  Taken: November 3, 2022 at Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers, FL)

Step right up and try your hand at a game of skill and see if you have what it takes to walk away a winner. Fairs and carnivals are a staple in US culture and so are the midway games. These games give you an chance to win prizes ranging from a small toy to a large oversized stuffed animal.  This midway is from the Florida State Fair. Held annually in Tampa Florida, the state's fair host about 300,000 people each year.  Taken: February 18, 2012 at Florida State Fair (Tampa, FL)

As you wind through the ride queue at Toy Story Mania, memories of your childhood come to life in larger than life form. Childhood favorites like View Master, Candyland, Lincoln Logs, Barrel of Monkeys and many more can be found along the ride line.  Toy Story Mania was opened in 2008 as the first attraction in the Pixar themed area of Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Hop aboard the ride vehicle and join Buzz, Woody and all your Toy Story friends on a fun trip down the carnival midway to see who can get the high score on the midway games.  Taken: January 28, 2012 at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

One doesn't have to be a bird to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Sarasota bayfront. Each on of the high-rise condominiums provide a stunning aerial view of the bay and beyond.  This view comes from One Watergate. located on the northern end of the bayfront, the view here features John Ringling Parkway, Bayfront Drive, Marina Jack's and Bayfront Park.  Taken: February 1, 2012 (Sarasota, FL)

Come along and take a journey with everyone's favorite dragon. Join Figment on a playful exploration of your senses and be prepared to laugh as you wind your way through the Imagination Institute and learn how one little spark can light up your imagination.  Journey into Imagination with Figment is a family ride at Epcot. Located in the Imagination Pavilion, the seven minute ride has been entertaining guests since 2002.  Taken: January 7, 2012 at Epcot at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

Fireworks light up the sky to celebrate the nation's independence on the Fourth of July. Independence Day pays tribute to the nation gaining its freedom of British rule on July 4, 1776. Skies across the country light up with colorful fireworks displays to celebrate our freedom.  From our family to yours have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!  Taken: October 13, 2017 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL)