Visiting Patchwork Farm Alpacas in Selinsgrove

During the weekend we're always looking for something new to do outside of the city. We've got two young grandchildren and visiting zoos, wildlife parks, farms and kid-friendly museums are always at the top of our list. When we're looking for things to do with the kids, we try to keep the travel time down to less than 2 1/2 hours each direction.

A couple of weeks ago we loaded the grandchildren up into the car and took a day trip up to Selinsgrove in Pennsylvania. We've driven through Selinsgrove many times, but have never taken the time to explore it, until now.

Tucked away in Selinsgrove you'll find Patchwork Farm Alpacas located on 2908 Middle Creek Road. It's a short distance off of routes 11 & 15, which is the route we took coming up from the Harrisburg and Hershey area. Our total drive time was roughly one hour.

The Alpaca Farm is open year-round to the public. You'll find that they're closed on major holidays and on Sunday and Thursdays. On-site you'll find an Alpaca Gift Store where you can purchase a variety of Alpaca clothing items, blankets, children's toys, jewelry and other items for your home or to give as gifts. If you're interested in buy Alpacas, breeding them or boarding them, they offer those types of services too.

They welcome the public to visit the farm for FREE. There is a donation bucket that you can leave a donation in (I highly recommend that you do) and if you want to feed the Alpacas, you'll have to leave a donation for food pellets. Please don't feed them anything else, other than what they're supposed to have!

We spent about 35-40 minutes visiting with the adorable animals on the farm. We did leave a donation and my grandchildren enjoyed feeding them the pellets. We found that they were extremely friendly animals and I think they enjoyed being "fussed over" by all of the visitors who were there. It was nice to get out of the city, take a drive and visit with the Alpacas.

You can learn more about the Patchwork Farm Alpacas by visiting their official website online or by connecting with them over on Facebook.

Barnett's Fort Historical Marker in Linglestown

For the past few years we've been driving around the state of Pennsylvania and documenting some of the historical markers that we come across. The information contained on these historical markers document our forgotten past. Thousands of people pass by them on a daily basis and don't even give them a second look. Well, we're trying to change that, by documenting them here on our blog.

The Barnett's Fort Historical Marker is located near Linglestown Pennsylvania at the intersection of route 39 and Pikestown Road. There is a little pull-over place where you can pull over (safely) on the side of the road. I was able to easily get out of my car, walk right up to the historical marker and photograph it.

Barnett's Fort

North at the head of Beaver Creek, Joseph Barnett's loghouse was a frontier refuge in 1756-63 against Indians raiding the frontier. His son William was stolen by Indians in 1756 and not recovered until 1763 by Col. Henry Bouquet.

By: 1947 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

I don't believe the log house exists any more as I didn't see it, nor any remains of it. I think this historical marker is just there to document the past history about it. It's located right near a wooded area with some residential houses nearby. You can easily find it if you want to document it, but other than the historical marker, we didn't see anything else to go along with it.

Photo Credit: The Historical Society of Dauphin County

We did find some historical information about Barnett's Fort and his House online that's courtesy of the Historical Society of Dauphin County.  I highly recommend that you visit their website if you want to read the story and to learn the history about it. It's a very interesting read and puts the historical marker information into proper context.

Take a Leisurely Walk at Beautiful Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg

Italian Lake is located in the uptown section of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. If you're unfamiliar with the area, it's a public park located on 3rd and Division Streets. It's right across the street from the former William Penn High School and within a short walking distance from the Zembo Shrine.

The park consists of 9 1/2 beautifully landscaped acres which encompass Italian Lake and the surrounding botanical gardens. The south-end of the lake has a beautiful bronze sculpture and water fountain titled "Dance of Eternal Spring" which features the three muses of art, music and dance. You can get the best views of the bronze sculpture by walking down along the east or west sides of the lake.

Near the main entrance to the park you'll find the official welcome sign and historical marker. The Italian Lake historical marker is quite a lengthy read, but it will give you the overall history of the lake and park. Included on the marker are two old photographs of the site, to show you how it has changed over the years.

There is a paved walking path that surrounds the entire perimeter of the lake for visitors to enjoy. Along the path you'll find park benches where you can sit down and enjoy the view. If you're lucky, some of the park's residents may come up to you for a visit. During our visit we saw numerous ducks, geese and swans who call the lake home. While they're used to people, they do recommend that you don't touch them or feed them!

On the east side of the lake you'll find an area where they hold concerts and events during the summer months. There are benches, a small stage, a concession stand and restrooms. Parking for these events is located along the street running east of the lake. Just be forewarned, during events that area gets parked up pretty quickly, so you may need to park elsewhere and do a little bit of walking.

If you walk down to the opposite end of the lake you'll see a beautiful Japanese-style bridge. This bridge attracts a lot of visitors, especially from people who are looking for beautiful photographs. We spotted a wedding party up on the bridge the day that we were there. One of the locals who lives across the street told us that a lot of brides and grooms, people who are looking for family portraits, high school homecoming and promo photos, etc. come to Italian lake to get their professional photographs taken.

In our personal opinion, the best time to visit Italian Lake is during the late spring and early fall months. In the springtime you'll see a lot of spring flowers in bloom and birds flying around. During the early fall season you'll see the birds and you can enjoy some of the area's colorful fall foliage. Plus, the temperatures outside are just more enjoyable!

This is a public park, so admission is FREE and you can find free parking nearby. It's a great little park that's nestled in uptown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

5 Things Everyone Should Know About the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge

Each year, around 10 million people visit the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. Whether vacationing with their children or enjoying time on their own, most are searching for unforgettable memories while visiting the area. One place that should be at the top of everyone’s list is Alcatraz East Crime Museum, a new attraction on the Parkway that provides both an educational and entertaining time, and includes information and activities for the whole family.

“We’ve had an amazing response since opening our doors in December,” states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East, “We have something for all ages, and most families spend 2-3 hours going through the exhibits. Guests walk away saying they knew they would love it, but it was better than expected, and that makes us feel very proud.”

While visitors to the area enjoy taking a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains while visiting this vacation destination, Alcatraz East offers a break from the outdoor activities. Here are 5 things everyone should know about Alcatraz East Crime Museum when visiting the Pigeon Forge area:

1. America’s Favorite Subject. With all the movies and TV shows related to the topic of crime, this is a must see. The museum features five themes that give visitors a glimpse into notorious crime history, forensic science, law enforcement, our justice system and pop culture. There are over 100 interactives throughout the museum, providing visitors with a hands-on experience.

2. It’s Not About Alcatraz. Although it’s part of the name and the famous prison inspired this attraction, Alcatraz East is a crime museum, featuring an in depth look at American crime history, with artifacts from different eras and topics. The one-of-kind building was designed as a combination of Tennessee’s first state prison from 1898, and guard towers inspired by the Alcatraz lighthouse in California. The two-story building offers over 25,000 square feet of exhibit space.

3, One-of-a-Kind Artifacts. From white-collar crimes to Old West gunslingers, the museum features original artifacts from Jesse James to Whitey Bulger. Things to watch for include the famous O.J. Simpson chase white Bronco, John Dillinger’s death mask, Al Capone’s rosary, a submachine gun from the movie Scarface, Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle. Tennessee is well represented, with objects such as the Old Smoky electric chair and moonshine stills as well as notable Dr. William Bass, highlighting his achievements- which advanced forensic anthropology.

4. Interact with the Museum. Kids (and their parents) can have fun and learn at the same time through the museum’s Top Detective Challenge. Follow clues throughout the museum to solve the crime of a stolen artifact, and receive a prize if you crack the case! There is also an opportunity for parents and kids to enjoy the thrill of The Heist Laser Maze (think Thomas Crown Affair!).

5. Temporary Exhibits. Beginning mid-May, Alcatraz East debuted the first of its temporary exhibit programs, which will be an annual rotation in two areas of the museum. Through April 2018, “Ivory, Tortoise Shell & Fur: The Ugly Truth About Wildlife Trafficking will reveal how endangered species are effected by poaching and what the public can do to help end the practice.

“Every year, families make lifetime memories here in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area,” states Vaccarello, “We are happy to now be a part of those memories, giving them a look at history, crime prevention, while having an interactive experience.”

Alcatraz East officially opened December 16, 2016. The new crime museum is located at the entrance to The Island, at 2757 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, near the Margaritaville Hotel and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.

The 25,000 square foot museum is designed with a jail façade, has a star-studded board of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial.

General admission tickets are $14.95 for children, $24.95 for adults. Group ticket sales are available. The museum will be open 365 days per year, from 10 am to 9 pm, with the last ticket sold 60 minutes before closing. Please visit the Alcatraz East website to learn more.

Visiting Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County

Bald Eagle State Park is located in Centre County Pennsylvania and covers 5,900 acres. The Allegheny plateau is to the north of the state park and the ridge & valley area is to the south. It's a large park that draws in thousands upon thousands of visitors every year.

When visiting, you'll find in-season summer activities like boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping. During the winter season you'll find ice fishing, sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, hiking, etc. This state park has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age or ability.

Inside the park you'll find the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and Dam, which was formed by damming up the Bald Eagle Creek and smaller waterways. This reservoir and waterway covers approximately 1,730 acres. In regards to elevation, it's 958 feet above sea level and was founded on July 4th, 1971.

You'll find an on-site marina where you can rent docking slips daily or seasonally. If you plan on doing any type of boating, you'll want to check in with the marina to find out what's allowed and what's not. You'll find 6 boat launches within the park that are open 24 hours a day that offer parking and public restrooms for guests to use.

Recently we had a brief visit to the Bald Eagle State Park and didn't get to see as much as we would like. When we arrived the weather was beautiful but within 2 hours...some strong storms came through and we had to pack up and leave. Sigh.

We did enjoy our picnic and were hoping to enjoy the beach for some swimming, but thanks to the storm, we didn't make it that far. The sandy beach is open for swimming and activities from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend every year. The beach area includes restrooms, a snack bar, playground and parking is located nearby.

We're planning another visit in the near future up to Bald Eagle State Park and hoping to enjoy a nice picnic and some hiking on our return visit. They have several "marked" hiking trails for you to enjoy. Some of these trails offer easy walking and other's are more advanced.

If you plan on staying overnight, there are campgrounds nearby. The Russell Letterman Campground has close to 100 modern camping sites, a few cottages, hot showers, restrooms, a playground for the kids and activities for guests to enjoy and is located in Howard, Pennsylvania. There are other campgrounds in the area too!

You can learn more about Bald Eagle State Park by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources online. In addition, we'll be following up this post with another one once we complete our upcoming visit.

6 Things to Do Over a Long Weekend in Phoenix

You're in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, for a long weekend, and a plethora of possible activities stretches before you. Phoenix is full of lots of culture, art, and outdoor activities that will make your weekend fly by. Fill up on memories and fantastic photos when you explore the outdoors via inner tube or hot air balloon or when you visit major cultural attractions. Here are some ideas to help you plan your getaway to this exciting city.

Do a First Friday

Image via Flickr by _jket

On the first Friday of each month, downtown Phoenix hosts a First Friday extravaganza, which happens from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local venues, cultural hubs, galleries, and performing arts spaces open their doors and let thousands of people visit. You can take a trolley or walk between these spots, visit retail establishments, and, of course, pop into a restaurant for dinner and drinks!

Tube the Salt River

If you're in Phoenix over the summer months, visit Salt River for a tubing excursion. Hop in a tube and float down the river for as long as you please, from a short two-hour trip to a long five-hour trip. You can bring booze and friends, and you'll see gorgeous sights along the way, like the Tonto National Forest.

Visit the Musical Instrument Museum

Discover a museum unlike any you've ever visited before. The Musical Instrument Museum is one of Phoenix's most popular stops. There, you can see musical instruments from all around the world, some of which you've definitely never heard of. Galleries are arranged by geography, so you can feel like you're traveling the world as you explore the way different cultures make music.

See a Basketball Game

See the Phoenix Mercury or the Phoenix Suns play pro basketball at the Talking Stick Resort Arena while you're visiting Phoenix. If basketball isn't your thing, the arena also hosts lots of concerts, so you're sure to find something amazing to view while you're there. The arena itself is in the downtown entertainment district, so once your show or game is over, you'll find great nightlife spots.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Several companies will take you on an astounding hot air balloon ride over Phoenix and the surrounding landscape. Check out Rainbow Ryders or Hot Air Expeditions when you're looking to book your ride. Do a ride at sunrise or sunset for gorgeous views and photo opportunities, or splurge on a private ride for a romantic date.

Tread the Scottsdale ArtWalk

If your long weekend includes landing on Thursday evening, then head to nearby Scottsdale. Every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the galleries of downtown Scottsdale open their doors for free gallery shows at the ArtWalk. Walk along Main and Marshall streets to view masterpieces from local artists. You can take carriage rides if you wish, and you'll love the diverse range of people you see while you're there.

Enjoy a long weekend in this hub of the American Southwest. Whether you're exploring the outdoors or enjoying air conditioning indoors, you're sure to enjoy your time in Phoenix.

Learn More About America's Beloved President Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg

When it comes to past presidents...Abraham Lincoln was and will always be my favorite president of the United States. He was born on February 12th, 1809 and died on April 15th, 1865 when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. He was the 16th President of the United States from March 4th, 1961 through April 15th, 1865.

If you're a fan of President Abraham Lincoln, you've got to visit Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. You'll find all kinds of Civil War era attractions that are geared towards our beloved president. You can learn about his birth, his political career and his death. In case you didn't know, he was part of the Whig Party and then moved into the Republican Party. 

My wife and I enjoy visiting Gettysburg a few times every year and today I wanted to share some of the President Lincoln historical facts, statues, memorials, etc. with all of our readers. All of the ones that we're featuring are part of the exhibits located at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum.

Before you enter the museum you'll find a beautiful statue of him sitting on a bench that leads up to the entrance. This bronze statue aka sculpture was done by StudioEIS in Brooklyn, New York. It was a gift from Robert H. Smith and presented the museum on November 19th, 2009 

Located to the left of the sculpture you'll find a large boulder which has a plaque on it with the wordage of Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address. If you're looking for the official Gettysburg Address spot and historical marker, you'll find that located on the top of a hill in Soldier's National Cemetery which is a short drive away.

Once you're inside the museum you'll find all kinds of different historical exhibits that are dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln. They have a little bit on his early life, a lot of exhibits and information on his role during the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg and then they have a few exhibits that cover his assassination and death.

You can learn about the Emancipation Proclamation that he signed, the famous Gettysburg Address speech and you'll see replica's of his assassination newspaper announcements. The museum has an extensive collection of Lincoln memorabilia, so if you're a fan of his, a presidential or a civil war history buff, you'll find plenty of exhibits and information to sink your teeth into.

As you can see, there is a lot to see and learn about President Abraham Lincoln when you visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Today we wanted to just give you a sampling of the things you'll see and learn during your visit. 

Art in the Wild at Wildwood Park and Olewine Nature Center

The Wildwood Park and Benjamin Olewine Nature Center is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It's right off interstate 81 and within walking distance of Harrisburg Area Community College. If you need GPS coordinates: Wildwood Park 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA. 17110.

Every year we like to visit the park and nature center with our family. Admission and parking is 100% free. However, if you want to leave a donation, you can do so at the nature center in the gift shop area. There are several parking lots that you can utilize, but in our opinion...the best parking lot to use is the Nature Center Lot.

Once you arrive you'll want to pick up one of the free maps or read the on-site map board to decide which route you would like to take. All of the routes (trails) are marked. Some are paved walking trails and others are wooden boardwalks. There are a few unpaved trails too. You can take baby strollers on most trails & boardwalks and a few are handicap accessible too.

Description of Nature Trails:

Towpath Trail is an easy, level trail that is approximately 1 mile in length.

Wildwood Way is a moderately difficult trail with several long hills. It's 2.1 miles in length.

Delta Boardwalk is an easy, level trail with a wooden walkway that is 0.4 miles in length.

Meadow Trail is a grassy trail that loops through an open meadow that's 0.2 miles in length.

North Boardwalk does not connect with any other trails and is 0.4 miles in length.

East Shore Trail is moderately difficult dirt trails that is 0.9 miles in length.

Tall Timbers Trail is a difficult dirt trail that drops from a ridge that is 0.25 miles in length.

Fox Run Trail is a primitive dirt trail that loops through wet woodland and is 0.25 miles in length.

Recently we went down to the Wildwood Park and Nature Center to enjoy the "Art in the Wild" program that runs from April 8th, 2017 through October 31st, 2017. The theme this year is "transition". All of the naturally inspired art is trail side, so you'll see it was you're walking around on the trails. Each piece is named and numbered.

We were able to pick up a trail map at the Nature Center that shows you were all of the art pieces are located and on which trails. I highly recommend you pick up that free map guide, so that you can find them all.

All of the art was conceived with goals of presenting quality outdoor art using natural materials. The works are composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood's nature setting. This year (2017) marks the fifth edition of the art event and I'm really looking forward to seeing it again next year.

There are 15 pieces of artwork in this year's show. Some of them were made by High School Seniors and other's were made by adults who live in the area. The map that you can pick up (free) will give you some information about each of the artists.

There are judges who judge each of the featured pieces of artwork and prizes are given out to first place, second place and third place. Then there are the People's Choice Awards where we (the public) can vote on which pieces are our favorites and prizes are awarded for those too.

Today we wanted to feature this annual Art in the Wild event at Wildwood Park and Nature Center as this year's event will be closing on October 31st, 2017. You can see some of the photographs that we took during our visit of the trails and some of the natural artwork that we spotted along the way. As a family...we had a great time and are looking forward to the art event in 2018.

Willow Hill Covered Bridge in Lancaster County

I grew up Perry County Pennsylvania and as a child...I can remember my family taking road trips around the state and we would often pass through covered bridges. As a child, I didn't give much thought to those old wooden bridges, but now as an adult...I really appreciate their construction and beauty.

The three covered bridges that I'm most familiar with are the Fort Hunter Covered Bridge in Harrisburg, the covered bridge in Newport and the now defunct covered bridge in Delville (lost to fire a few years ago).

On a recent trip down to Lancaster in Pennsylvania we came across a few of the covered bridges located in Lancaster County. Today, I'm sharing a few photographs with you of the Willow Hill Covered Bridge that sits right alongside route 30...a major route that runs through the county.

Fun Fact: There are currently less than 30 registered covered bridges in Lancaster County.

This wooden covered bridge was built in 1962 by Roy Zimmerman from parts from two old previous bridges. It measures 93 feet long by 15 feet wide. On the day that we visited, I was able to walk entirely through the bridge which was really nice to experience.

It's painted in the traditional barn red color with white trim. The roof is done in a black/gray type of coloring. As I was walking through the bridge I noticed that the interior was left in a natural state. It's a single span, so only one vehicle can go through at a time and there are two small window openings on each side of the bridge.

Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing some more photographs with all of you on some of the other covered bridges that we saw during our little road trip around Lancaster County. If you're a covered bridge fan, you definitely need to come see the 25+ that we have in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Reasons to Visit Montego Bay

Montego Bay is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean. Situated on the northwest side of Jamaica, it offers incredible views of the waters to the north and mountains covered in trees to the south. Both land and sea are lush, as the waters are filled with beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling, and you'll see incredible flora on the shores. There's plenty to like about Montego Bay that'll have you returning again and again for an incredible experience.

The Beaches of Montego Bay

Image via Flickr by Gail Frederick

Montego Bay is full of public and private beaches, but some of the private beaches are accessible if you pay a small fee. One such private beach is Doctor's Cave Beach, which is a short drive from the airport. The advantage of paying an entry fee is the ability to enjoy the clean, white sand with plenty of space for lounge chairs.

Dump-up Beach is another pretty beach despite its unappealing name. It got this name from an expansion project back in the 1970s. It's owned by the government and is open to the public. It's also known as a local hangout, which means you're more likely to experience some local flavor here.

Spending a Day in Montego Bay

Jamaica is home to more than just sandy beaches. To plan a day in Montego Bay, you should explore a little further. The area's history goes back hundreds of years, and remnants of its days as plantation country dot the landscape. Rose Hall and Bellefield Great House are two that offer tours of the mansions and the surrounding landscape. For a more immersive experience, check out Good Hope Estate and explore amenities like river tubing and zip-lining.

Animal Farm and Nature Reserve is home to native birds and animals and a biogas generating plant. It has an aviary where visitors can hand-feed the residents, along with an herb garden with plants that are labeled with their uses.

When nighttime rolls around, head over to Glistening Waters' Luminous Lagoon for an experience you can't see during the day. The lagoon is full of phosphorescent microscopic organisms that glow when they're disturbed. The organisms glow with a blue light and make the water glow. Don't miss this!

Golf with Incredible Views

Duffers will find plenty to love, thanks to the plentiful golf courses found in and around Montego Bay. The greens are beautiful and have mountainous backdrops on one side and views of the sea on the other. Check out the links on the White Witch Golf Course located at Rose Hall. It gets its name from local legend and historical plantation owner Annee Palmer. It's the top-rated golf course in Jamaica, and it challenges players with its rolling links.

Montego Bay is the jewel of Jamaica with its historical sites, white sand beaches, and outdoor activities. It's a place to unwind on the beach, explore the nature reserves, do some hiking, or simply take in the beauty of the Caribbean.

How to Make a DIY First Aid Kit for Traveling

How many of you are prepared for life's medical emergencies that may come your way when traveling? I know for myself personally, I'm prepared as much as humanly possible.

When we travel it's important to take along a First Aid Kit that's packed with medical items that you may need if you come down sick or have a minor accident. Having some supplies on-hand can help ward off trips to the local drugstore, clinic and/or emergency room. In some cases, you could even save a life...by having some of the basics on-hand for emergencies.

Two years ago we decided to put together our own first aid kit and let me tell you, it has come in handy at least a half-dozen times over the past two years. You can use a plastic container with lid or a small travel bag to hold all of your items. Some of the items on our list will depend on the ages of the people you're traveling with and any medical conditions that they may have.

DIY First Aid Kit for Traveling

10-12 Band-Aids
6 packs of 4" by 4" Guaze
1 Roll Medical Tape
Small Scissors
Tweezers
Mini Flashlight
Metal Nail Clippers
Thermometer
Fever Reducer
Pain Reliver
Anti-Itch Cream
Heartburn Medication
Anti-Diarrhea Medication
Benadryl (for allergic reactions & allergies)
Antibiotic Ointment or Cream
Aloe Gel (for burns & sunburns)
2 Disposable Heat Packs
2 Disposable Ice Packs
2 Pair Disposable Gloves
10 Cotton Balls and 10 Cotton Swabs
2 Packs Travel-Size Tissues
Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer
Cotton Washcloth
Zipper-Close Plastic Baggies (to organize items & to keep them dry)

First Aid Kit - Stored in Caboodle Bag

Prescription Medication: You'll want to pack enough prescription medication to last for your entire trip, plus for 3 full extra-days. If you get stuck out of town, you'll want a few days of extra medications to get you through.

Medical Information: We made a list of our important medical history and printed it out onto cardstock. On the reverse of that card we included a list of our preferred hospital, doctor's phone numbers & an emergency contact name. We then laminated the card and keep it tucked inside our first aid kit.

Current Medication List: If any member in your traveling party takes medication on a regular basis, you need to make a list of the name of the medication, dosage and prescribing information. We make a new list every time we travel, since medications can change on a regular basis. Keep it updated!

Once we return home from traveling...I go through our first aid kit to see what was used and what needs to be replaced. Before we leave for our next trip, I go through the kit again and see what needs to be replaced. You always want to double-check expiration dates on medical products and replace them as necessary. In addition, you want to leave as many products that you can in their original packaging, especially medications which will help you get through checkpoints with ease.

Everhart Covered Bridge at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park in Harrisburg

The historic Everhart Covered Bridge is located at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Although this is its current location, it was originally located at Little Buffalo Creek in Perry County and was built in 1881.

The covered bridge was scheduled to be demolished when Margaret Wister Meigs purchased it for $70.00 in 1940 to save it. The bridge was then dismantled and moved to Fort Hunter Mansion, right in the front yard. In 1980 the bridge was once again dismantled and this time it was put into storage for several years. Once Fort Hunter Park was constructed, it was moved to it's current location on the property.

To see the bridge you'll want to head to the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park in Harrisburg. Once there, you'll find two large parking lots. The one parking lot is located in front of the mansion and right along the Susquehanna River. If you park in that lot, you'll have to take the crosswalk to get across Front Street and into the other area of the park.

The second large parking lot sits right behind Centennial Barn and that's where you'll actually find the Everhart Wooden Covered Bridge. You'll want to park your car and just follow the marked path's or sidewalk up to the bridge. It's a short, easy walk. Right before the bridge you'll find the historical plaque that gives you the history and information about the bridge.

Here's what it says:

The Everhart Covered Bridge was built in 1881 to span the Little Buffalo Creek in Oliver Township, Perry County. Mrs. Margaret Wister Meigs, the preserver of the Fort Hunter purchased the bridge in 1940 for $70. saving it from demolition. She moved the bridge to this property placing it directly on the ground of the mansion's front lawn. In 1980 during the park development the bridge was dismantled once again and placed in storage. Upon examination for reconstruction, experts discovered many rotted and ruined structural elements, the result of two dismantling and forty years of resting on the ground. These elements however, proved invaluable in the recreating the current bridge.

On the information plaque you'll also see two photographs of the bridge, a copy of the cartoon of Mrs. Meigs that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1941 and a copy of the sales agreement. It's worth the stop to read all of the given information.

This is a dry land bridge, meaning that it doesn't span across any type of waterway and it's only open to foot traffic. It's 36 feet long and you'll see two windows on each side. There is a sign hanging inside the bridge that states the following quote:

"If you would have your wish come true, The Covered Bridge you must go through". - Margaret Wister Meigs, 1941

We had the opportunity to check out the Everhart Covered Bridge while spending some time at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. If you want to take a tour of the mansion, you'll have to pay a small admission fee for that. Otherwise, we were table to walk around the Mansion's gardens for free, let our grandchildren play at the playground for free and just enjoy being outside and walking around their beautiful walking paths.

Throughout the year the Dauphin County, Parks and Recreation Department (they own and operate Fort Hunter Mansion and Park), host various events which are open to the public. Some of the events are free to attend and with other's there is an admission fee. You can learn more about it by visiting their website online.