Gondolier Wall Mural Street Art in Wildwood

When we travel we like to search out outdoor wall murals and various forms of street art, especially here on the east coast. Over the years we've discovered some amazing artists like David Dunleavy, Wyland and several others.

While on a trip down to Wildwood and Wildwood Crest in New Jersey, we stumbled upon the Gondolier Motel at 5701 Ocean Avenue in Wildwood. No, we didn't stay here, but while walking by their motel we spotted an amazing wall mural that you just have to see!

The Gondolier Wall Mural appears to have been painted on cement and is featured on one of the motel's exterior walls. It's quite large in size and is extremely colorful, so you can't miss it when passing by. In the lower right corner you'll find the artist's signature MG SIGNS.

The scene depicts a docked Gondolier sitting on the beautiful blue water. The predominant colors are various shades of blue, red, beige, white, black and then a few different accent colors. The perfect wall mural to go along with the Gondolier Motel.

Other than that, I really don't have any information on this wall mural other than what's stated above. I believe it might be the first one that we've ever seen by MG Signs, but I'm not positive about that. You can find other wall murals and street art features that we've documented over the years, right here on our travel blog.

Hiking at Bushkill Falls in the Pocono Mountains

Bushkill Falls is located in northeastern Pennsylvania in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. The park is comprised of 8 privately owned waterfalls and opened to the public in 1904. Bushkill Falls as often referred to as the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.

The 8 waterfalls are: Bushkill Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls, and three unnamed falls. The tallest waterfall is over 100+ feet tall. Within the park you'll find the waterfalls and over 2 miles of hiking trails and walkways. Some of the trails are rated "easy" to walk and other's are for more "experienced" hikers.

When you arrive at the park you'll want to purchase your tickets at the Entrance Building. This is where you'll also find their wildlife exhibits and pick up a park map. If you arrive after the building closes, you can purchase tickets at the Main Stand. Admission ranges from $8.50 to $16.50 per person. Children 3 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. The park is closed December through March.

In addition to hiking you can rent a paddle boat, go mining for gemstones, play miniature golf, visit the children's playground and/or pay for a fishing permit (during fishing season). On the grounds you'll find picnic tables (bring your own lunch), a Snack Bar (where you can buy hot & cold foods/beverages) and the Fudge Kitchen where you can purchase some sweet treats.

You'll find four shops where you can pick up your favorite souvenirs, gifts to take home, t-shirts, hats, hiking gear and make sure you visit the Trading Post for some great Native American items. There are plenty of shopping opportunities to explore.

You can learn more about Bushkill Falls by visiting their official website online or by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.  Looking for additional information? Give them a call at 1-888-287-4545.

Breakfast at the Historic Highspire Diner

The Highspire Diner is located on 2nd Street in Highspire, Pennsylvania. It's a small hometown diner that opened for business in 1953 and still retains its 1950's charm. You'll find it open for business 7 days a week on Monday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 AM to 2 PM and on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Like most diners these days, they ONLY accept cash, no credit cards with the majority of their menu items being priced under $10.00. They offer the classic breakfast, lunch and dinner options that you typically find at a small hometown diner, with a generous kid's menu.

Here are just a few examples of their menu items:

Breakfast: Eggs, Home Fries, Sausage, Bacon, Pancakes, French Toast, Steak & Eggs, Omelettes, Grits, Cream Chipped Beef over Toast, Scrapple, Waffles, Corned Beef Hash,  Bagels, Muffins, Coffee, Milk, Juice.

Lunch & Dinner: French Fries, Onion Rings, Chicken Wings, Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers, Hot Soups, Chili, Fresh Salads, Roast Beef, Roasted Turkey, Meatloaf, Grilled Chicken Breasts, Hot Sandwiches, Pies, Cake, Ice Creams and a variety of Fountain Drinks and Milkshakes!

Local Specialties: Rope Sausage and the Famous Sideliner.

On the day we visited we enjoyed their breakfast. Our order was quickly taken and within 15 minutes was on our table. Everything that we tried was delicious, the type of food you would prepare in your kitchen at home. You can choose to sit in a booth or at a counter with stools, of course this will depend on how crowded they may be on the day that you visit.

We enjoyed looking around the diner and seeing all of their retro 1950's decor. It reminded me a lot of the things that I used to see as a child in my grandma's house. A beautifully decorated diner that is extremely clean! We really enjoy visiting small hometown diners like this!