Shenk's Mill Covered Bridge in Lancaster County

Shenk's Mill Covered Bridge is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and was built in 1855 by Charles Malhorn and Levi Fink. It's owned and maintained by Lancaster County. You'll find it located on Erisman Road, not far from Spooky Nook Indoor Sport's Complex if you're familiar with the area. Officially it's in East Hempfield and Rapho Townships.

When approaching the bridge you'll find a small pull-off area where you can park your car and walk up to the bridge. At the one approach you'll find the official marker that will give you history on the bridge and it's builders. The bridge spans across Chiques Creek and is officially called the Big Chiques #4 bridge. In 1980 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The bridge is 96 feet long, 15 feet wide with a clearance of 10 feet 6 inches in height. It's a single span bridge done in the Double Burr Arch Trusses design. Like the majority of the covered bridges found in Lancaster County it's painted in the traditional barn red color with white approaches. It's one of only three bridges in the entire county with horizontal side boards. I personally like the built-in widows that allow you to see the Chiques creek flowing underneath it.

Inside the bridge you'll find the official metal marker plaque that gives you the county information for it. You'll find it tacked up on a post by the window at the one end. When entering the inside you do need to be careful of the approaching traffic. There's really no room for pedestrians to be on the bridge while a vehicle is trying to pass by. If you're traveling with someone...have them be the lookout while you enter and vice-versa.

The Shenk's Mill Covered Bridge was our third stop on the covered bridges tour through Lancaster County. Our first stop was the Forry's Mill Bridge and our second stop was the Seigrist's Mill Bridge. The later two bridges only sit one mile apart. You can learn more about those two bridges in our Covered Bridges section right here on the blog.

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A Hidden Gem: Schiavoni Park in Hummelstown

Schiavoni Park is located in Swatara Township and is named after Mario and Clorinda Shiavoni. The park was built in 2013 and is open 7-days a week from dawn to dusk. If you're unfamiliar with the area it's located at 9060 Bridge Road in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. It's part of the Swatara Water Trail and you'll find a map about the trail located at the trail entrance.

You'll see signs at the entrance of the park. Once in you'll find plenty of free parking in the parking lot. There is no running water but several porta-potties are located nearby. On the other side of the parking lot you'll find park benches and trash cans if you wish to bring along a brown bag lunch.

The park is popular with locals for walking and jogging. It runs alongside Swatara Creek and you'll find an area right off of the parking lot that has a boat entrance for those who wish to bring along their kayaks and/or canoes. Fishing is permitted. You can walk your dog in the park as long as it remains leashed.

There are two black-top paved trails for you to walk. The first one is the Shiavoni Trail that loops around for a total of .4 miles. The McNaughton Park Trail loops around for a total distance of .8 miles. Both are clearly marked and the trails are maintained throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. During the winter they don't do any snow removal.

We found both trails to be an easy walk. They're paved so those who are disabled and in wheelchairs can enjoy them too. On hot summer days there are shaded areas along the way that you can use to help stay cool. There are a few park benches that you can sit on and people watch if you prefer that.

You'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and bring along a bottle of water. We recommend applying sunscreen and bug spray before you head off for your walk. You're walking along a creek area...so bugs can be bad on certain days. The bugs aren't too bad as long as you stay on the trails and away from the Swatara Creek.

Along the Shiavoni Trail you'll find a professional disc golf course. There are a total of 9 baskets (par 3) and is enjoyed by novice and professional players. You can bring along your own discs or pick up discs at the local bike shop which is within walking distance from the park. Please be aware of the walkers and joggers who are also enjoying the area.

If you're in the area and looking for something free to do...check out Schiavoni Park. You can take a leisurely walk, jog, play a round of disc golf or bring along your own kayak and canoe for some fun out on the water. A nice hidden gem in Dauphin County.

Spend the Day at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

The National Aquarium is located in Baltimore, Maryland at Inner Harbor. It's open 7 days a week with varying hours of operation. You can find the current schedule outlined on their website, subject to change. Admission price ranges from $29.95 to $39.95 per person. Paid parking is located nearby.

You'll want to allow at least 2 hours in your schedule when visiting the facility. They recommend that you arrive at least 90 minutes before closing time. If you're traveling with little ones...please note that strollers are prohibited. You can obtain a child carrier for guest use at the Stroller Check. Furthermore, you want to limit bringing bags into the facility. Please secure your bags before entering due to security reasons.

The exhibits are broken down into several different types of areas: Amazon River Forest, Atlantic Coral Reef, Blacktip Reef, Jellies Invasion, Shark Alley, Living Seashore, Maryland Experience, Atlantic to Pacific and more! You can visit all of them or pick and choose what you want to see. If you're visiting for the first time we recommend that you see them all as each one is unique and different.

They have a beautiful exhibit called "Living Seashore" which is a hands-on exhibit where you can touch jellyfish, snails and other animals. This is the ONLY area where you are permitted to touch the animals...so please remember that as you are visiting. In addition, you are NOT allowed to tap or beat on their aquariums or walls to get the animal's attention. You're not permitted to feed them. Please be respectful.

One of my favorite exhibits was the Upland Tropical Amazon Rain Forest where they had several different kinds of tropical birds, an adorable & furry sloth, golden lion tamarin, a few frogs, a gorgeous yellow-footed tortoise and more. I'm a big fan of primates and I really adore sloths, so this was definitely one of my favorite areas to explore.

Our family tries to visit the National Aquarium twice a year. We always see something new and every time we go it's a different experience. Just last month we took our two grandchildren (age 5 and 11 years) along with us and they had a great time! Matter of fact, they're already asking when can we go back!

After you're done visiting the National Aquarium you can walk to other nearby attractions. You can rent a paddle boat, take a dinner cruise, visit the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, take in an Orioles baseball game, enjoy a nice dinner with drinks on the waterfront, do some shopping, etc. There are a lot of great things to see in Inner Harbor.

Siegrist's Mill Covered Bridge in Lancaster County

The Siegrist's Mill Covered Bridge is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and was built in 1885 by James C. Carpenter. The builder built a total of nine bridges across Lancaster County with five of them still remaining today.

You'll find it located on Siegrist Road in Rapho and West Hempfield Townships. It's owned and maintained by the county and is officially called the Big Chiques #6 Bridge since it spans the Chiques Creek. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

It measures approximately 100 feet in length, 15 feet wide with a 10 foot 0 inch clearance. The bridge has a single span and is in the Burr Arch Trusses Design with the deck made from oak planks. It looks a lot like other bridges found in the country due to the traditional paint color of barn red with both approaches painted in white.

At the one approach to the bridge you'll find the historical marker which gives you some of the history on it. It's approximately a 5 minute read if you're interested. Inside the bridge you'll find the official county plaque that gives you a little bit of information on it. You'll find it tacked up on an inside wall near the approach.

When visiting this one we had to pull off to the side of the road in a patch of knee-high weeds. There was no official pull-off area, so you do need to be careful. We had to be mindful of traffic (not a lot of it) but it's hard to see if anyone is coming if you're standing inside the bridge. We found it best to have one person stand outside keeping an eye on approaching traffic.

The Siegrist's Mill Covered Bridge was the second stop on the Lancaster County Covered Bridge tour with the Forry's Mill Covered Bridge being the first. You'll find Forry's Mill located less than one mile away, so while you're there...take the short drive to see that one too.

Interested in learning more about Pennsylvania's covered bridges? You can check out our Covered Bridges section on our travel blog to learn more! We're on a mission to visit all of them in our great state and will be documenting them on the blog for our readers to enjoy.

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The Wildwood Water Towers Get A New Look in 2020

We travel down to North Wildwood in New Jersey several times every year. In our honest opinion, it's the prettiest and BEST coastal town in South Jersey! You'll find clean and FREE beaches that are family-friendly. If we had to choose our favorite spot it would be in North Wildwood on the beach hind the historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.

While driving around the island we noticed that the Wildwood Water Towers got a new face lift in 2020. You can see many of them from blocks away and all of them can be easily photographed for your waymarking records. We love the new updated look. Fun and colorful!

One common theme on advertising and messaging in the Wildwoods is the colorful beach ball. You'll see that image on all kinds of things! You'll find beautiful beach ball street art in front of the Convention Center, at Byrne Plaza and at the entrance to the boardwalk in Wildwood Crest.

The Wildwood Crest.org water tower is an exception to the rule. It just has their logo painted on it in primary colors of orange, red and blue. It would be nice if they would add the beach ball motif to it, so that all of them coordinated together. Just my two cents on that!

Fall Apple Picking at Strite's Orchard Farm Market

Strite's Orchard Farm Market and Bakery is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Established in 1843, it's the largest Farm Market in Dauphin County and is open year-round. The farm market offers fresh, in-season fruits, vegetables, locally sourced meats, cheeses, eggs, milk, candy, honey, condiments, pantry staples, and freshly-made items from the bakery.

During the Fall season they offer apple picking, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower picking, hayrides, etc. You can find a list of events posted on their website and check out their Facebook page for frequent updates. Don't have time to shop the market? You can now order online and pick up at the store.

Ten years ago we started a family tradition with our grandchildren. Every year we take them out Strite's for the fall festivities. We will go out one weekend to go apple picking and another weekend for the corn maze, the pumpkin patch and a hayride. Last weekend we all went apple picking and picked two bags of apples.

When visiting the orchard we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for current weather conditions and bring along a bottle of water. You should apply sunscreen and bug spray before heading out into the field. Due to Covid-19 they recommend you wear masks or facial coverings, so bring those along too. You can't enter the farm market without them.

The U-PICK field is located about 150 yards down the road from the Farm Market. You'll drive down, park in the designated area (a field). You'll see a canopy tent in the parking area and that's where you'll pay the admission fee and be handed a bag. You can mix-n-match the type's you like. One bag cost $20.00.

Head out into the field via the market path. As you walk along you'll see signs out which designate the type of apple that is located in that specific area. We found that the best apples were way out in the field and were "less" picked over. You have more choices to select from the further you go out.

We spent an hour out in the field picking apples with the grandchildren. They had a great time running from tree to tree looking for the biggest and best apples. It was nice to be out in the countryside and breathing fresh air...even on a cloudy day.

Looking for a treat afterwards? Head down to the Farm Market for Hershey's Ice Cream! They have several varieties available and it's located at the front of the market. You can quickly go in...get your ice cream and leave. No long lines or crowds! 

Spend the Day at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located in Halifax, Pennsylvania. If you're traveling from the Harrisburg area, it's about a 30 minute drive up Route 322. You can find complete driving directions from all over Pennsylvania on their website.

Due to Covid-19 there are a few park changes. There Safari Tour is open but the Safari Buses are cancelled for the season. You'll now take the drive-through safari tour comfortably sitting in your own vehicle. I personally like the change! Face masks are recommended and are required in certain areas of the park. Please bring them along with you.

Throughout the month of September and October the park is open on weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed weekdays. During the summer season the park is open 7 days a week. The Safari Tour costs $7.00 per person. The admission to the zoo exhibits and petting zoo costs $8.00 per person. Children age 2 and under are free. Parking is free.

During your visit you'll encounter many different species of animals. There are ostrich, giraffes, black bear, bengal tiger, camels, zebras, peacocks, monkeys, sloth, alpaca, american alligators, all kinds of different snakes, turtles, red kangaroos, buffalo, deer, various birds, etc.

At the petting zoo you'll encounter alpacas, goats, llamas, fallow deer, etc. You can feed some of them treats but ONLY treats that are provided by the facility. Feeding the animals will be an additional fee for food and treats. Please be aware that the petting zoo area can get crowded and rowdy with a lot of young children running around. Please keep an eye on your kids!

The park has four concession areas where you can purchase a variety of food and beverages. You'll find burgers, hot dogs, french fries, subs, hot & cold sandwiches, ice cream and more! You're welcome to bring along your own picnic-style lunch too. There are picnic tables located in their outdoor pavilions that are open to the public. First come, first serve.

You can learn more about Lake Tobias Wildlife Park by visiting their website online. You can connect with them on Facebook.Check the website for special family-friendly events and educational outreach information.

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Picking Sunflowers at Strites' Orchard Farm Market in Harrisburg

The fall season is here and many of us are looking for outdoor activities to do with our families. Hayrides, visiting the pumpkin patch, running through corn mazes, sunflower picking, haunted houses, etc. Central Pennsylvania has a lot of family-friendly Autumn activities for you to enjoy.

Strites' Orchard Farm Market and Bakery in Harrisburg, Dauphin County has their sunflower patch open for business. There are several different patches located on the farm that you can choose from. We like the one located a few yards away from the corn maze. It seems to have the best sunflowers this year.

You'll follow the signs to the U-Pick area and park. Head to the canopy to pay your admission to either the corn maze or to the sunflower patch. If you forget to bring along pruning shears or snippers, they will lend you a pair to use. Each one that you pick will cost you $1.00.

Sunflower Picking and Drying Tips:

1. It's not about size! You want to look for flowers that still have their leaves attached. The larger ones droop quicker and shed their petals & leaves sooner. Go for small or medium sized flowers.

2. Avoid flowers that look diseased or have bugs all over them. Yes, you'll encounter a bug or two, but don't select blooms that are infested.

3. When you snip it off of the stalk you want to allow at least an 8" stem. Cut the stem at an angle and not straight across.

4. Carry your flowers by the stalk to pay for them and to your vehicle. You want to lay them down flat inside the trunk of your car with the face of the flower facing up. Lay in a single layer, not on top of one another.

5. As soon as you get home you want to inspect them closely. Pick off any bugs. Cut a 12" to 18" piece of twine or string. Tie it around the end of the stem/stalk with a small hanging loop. You need to hang them upside down for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dry and dark place to let them dry out.

6. Take a paper lunch bag and place it over the head of your flower. Secure it with string or with a rubber band. This bag will help to keep things dark, bug free and will catch any sunflower seeds as they dry and fall out of the head of your flower. Yes, you can clean and eat them later on!

7. Once your flowers are thoroughly dry you'll want to lightly spray them with a clear spray sealer to help preserve them. Take them outside and lay them flat. Spray with the sealer. Let dry for 1 hour, flip over and spray the other side. Once dry bring them indoors and use in your Autumn decorating projects.

When visiting the Sunflower Patch at Strites' Farm Market you need to plan ahead. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, bring your pruning shears or snippers, and make sure you bring along some bug spray! You'll be out in the field of a large farm!

Forry's Mill Covered Bridge in Lancaster County

One thing that Pennsylvania is known for are the beautiful covered bridges that criss-cross this great state. They serve the purpose in helping travelers cross rivers and creeks in their horse & buggies or automobiles. Over the decades many of them have been taken down or replaced with modern bridges while others have been lovingly restored.

Forry's Mill Covered Bridge is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It spans Chiques Creek and was built in 1869 by Elias McMellen. It's located in Rapho/West Hempfield Townships and is located on Bridge Valley Road. It's just one of many covered bridges on the Lancaster County Covered Bridges tour.

The bridge is county-owned and maintained and is officially known as the Big Chiques #7 Bridge. Measuring 103 feet long, 12 feet 10 inches wide, with a clearance of 11 feet 6 inches. Painted in the classic barn red color with both approaches painted in white. It has a single span and done in the double Burr arch trusses design.

You'll find an official historical marker located alongside the road that contains information and history. The interior of the bridge contains another plaque that you can read and photograph. In 1980 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

When visiting the safest place for you to park is in the pull-off area located in front of the small sewage treatment facility that sits near one approach to the bridge. Park your car and walk up to the historical marker to read it. You do need to pay attention to others who are traveling on the road as we saw some people flying by and not looking out for pedestrians and sight-seers.

We really enjoyed seeing the Forry's Mill Covered Bridge and spent about 20 minutes at the site. It was the first stop on our Lancaster County Covered Bridge Tour. Less than a mile away is the Siegrist's Mill Covered Bridge which was our second stop.

Over the next few months we'll be traveling across the state of Pennsylvania to check out additional covered bridges and sharing that information on the blog. You can check out our covered bridges section to learn more and to follow our adventure.

Family-Friendly Accommodations at Aloha Oceanfront Motel in North Wildwood

The Aloha Oceanfront Motel is the perfect place for families to soak up the sun at the Jersey Shore.  You'll find 1 and 2 bedroom oceanfront and ocean view suites, a heated swimming pool, large sundeck, on-site game room, daily housekeeping services, laundry facilities, wireless internet access and free off-street parking (one spot per unit). #AlohaWW

Family-owned and operated...management is always on-site. The check-in process is fast and easy, along with check-out. All of the motel staff is friendly and we always see them walking around with a smile on their face. The staff goes out of their way to make sure your visit is a comfortable one.

At the motel you'll find comfortable and spacious 2-bedroom ocean-view suites that include a living room area, kitchen, bathroom and 2 separate bedrooms. In the living room you'll find a sofa (pulls out to a sofa bed), love seat, bureau and flat-screen TV. You'll find a table with chairs for your dining pleasure.

In the kitchen area you'll find a full-size refrigerator, plenty of cabinet space, microwave oven, coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cookware, utensils and a cook-top stove. One of the things I've always appreciated about the kitchen is that they think of all of the little things you may need during your stay. Large bowls, large pots & pans, can opener, serving spoons, cutting board, etc.

The bathrooms are exceptionally clean! I love that they're always stocked with fresh bath linens and an adequate supply of them! Unlike other hotels...they make sure your entire family has all of the bath linens that you'll need. I was really impressed with the elegant little touches like perfectly folded towels, bath mats, fan-folded wash cloths, rosettes on top of the toilet paper rolls, etc. Presentation is everything!

You'll be comfortable when you sleep thanks to the 2 separate bedrooms which are perfect for families traveling with children or for 2 adult couples. Each bedroom is spacious with plenty of room for you to walk around the bed, get dressed/undressed or just relax after a long day. The beds are comfortable and pillows are abundant.

One of my favorite places to hangout while visiting the Aloha Oceanfront Motel is the sundeck. It faces south and you get breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It's large in-size and there's plenty of room for all of their guests. There are a couple of umbrella tables & chairs up on the sundeck which is a great place to enjoy a meal.

The heated swimming pool (heated to a comfortable 82 degrees) is my second favorite place to hangout. There's a kiddie section for children at the low end of the pool. You'll find plenty of lounge chairs around the perimeter of the pool along with umbrella tables & chairs. You'll often hear music playing from the stereo system as you sit poolside for the day.

If you're looking for something to eat you'll find delicious hot breakfasts and lunches at the Aloha Coffee Shop and Cafe. Everything is made-to-order to your specifications. The menu has all of your classic breakfast & lunch offerings, and everything is affordable.

Aloha Oceanfront Motel is located at 210 JFK Beach Drive in North Wildwood, New Jersey. You can visit their website to learn more about them and connect with them on Facebook.