My journey across country started in Pennsylvania. The state itself has ample attractions and plenty to do but I have spent a lot of time already exploring and my main goal was to make a few stops and frankly just drive on through. Plus every road trip needs to start somewhere.
My first stop was centered around rewriting a wrong. And if you know me, then you know I love visiting World’s Largest Objects. The routine, is every time I visit one, I take a photo with the object to commemorate the visit. But about five years ago, when visiting the World’s Largest Shoprite, I took a photo like normal. But in my haste of after trip processing, I completely lost said photo. I have visited this shoprite several times since but each time I have forgotten to take another photo. Well not this time buddy. I made sure grab that pic right away! (and look! I didn’t loose it this time!)
After securing a great photo, I then headed inside to secure some fresh snacks. Every good road trip needs snacks. Little did I know at the time, cucumbers were going to be a staple of my snacking diet. A hardy refreshing vegetable that wouldn’t spoil right away in my van.
Feeling satisfied I chugga-chugged off to my next destination. A trip to good ol’ Steamtown, USA, where I had the pleasure of seeing the World’s Largest Operating Steam Locomotive.
What is Steamtown, USA you ask? It is the destination for all train lovers alike as it occupies 62 acres of train-y goodness and features a museum, historic houses, and a whole train yard for you to explore! Located right in the heart of downtown Scranton.
Now this historic and operating train yard, doesn’t normally house the World’s Largest Operating Steam Locomotive, also named Big Boy No 4014. But for a special event, Steamtown USA, hosted Big Boy No 2014 for 17 days. No 2014, made an epic journey across the United States, from California, all the way to the East Coast for the very special celbration of America 250! The final stop, was in Philadelphia for the 4th of July celebration!
It was truly an honor to go visit while this incredible feat of engineering while it was in town. If you’re interested in learning more about my visit with Big Boy No 2014 or Steamtown, USA, check out my article here.
After wrapping up my train-filled afternoon, I took a short drive over to the World’s Largest Glacial Pothole. I knew nothing about the glacial pothole or why it exists before going there. I just sort of expected a large hole in the middle of the ground. And that’s essentially what I saw. The entrance to the pothole was right off the side of the highway and consisted of a large parking lot that lead up to a picnic area that surrounded the pothole. I didn’t see any trails coming or going from this area of the park. So if you’re here, then it must be for the love of the giant pothole…which is what I told myself when there were about 5 creepy cars hanging out in the parking lot, with people just sitting inside them. Yep, they just love a good pothole.
I did not linger long but it was a challenging photograph to get. The pot hole was very large (shocker) and since it was a hole I could not just simply run straight to the other side, because you know, gravity. My typical setup to take these photos is simply my camera on a tripod. I set a timer which allows me a 10 seconds to get where I need to pose where it will then rapid fire for 10 quick photos. So it did take multiple attempts to get an acceptable photo. And I did this all while, looking over my shoulder to make sure the glacier loving car dwellers stayed in their cars and weren’t trying to pull something funny.
I had to do some digging but if you want to learn more about the glacial pothole and how it came to be, click here.
When I wrapped up my photoshoot and climbed back in the van, I put my next stop in Western Pa. I had several hours of driving ahead of me so I cranked up the tunes and let it ride down the highway.
As I was getting closer to my next stop, the World’s Largest Yogi Bear Statue, I saw a sign that peaked my interest. It read simply, Punxsutawney Exit 97. No way. I didn’t even think about it when I was doing my planning but I was like am I really near Punxsutawney??
As a Groundhog’s Day lover, I began to get excited. I’ve wanted to join in on the festivities for years.
I didn’t have much service in this area of PA, and I don’t use my phone while driving so I had to wait until I made it to Yogi to find out how close I was. And YES I was only 30ish minutes from Punxsutawney, so obviously I had to make the detour.
It was around dinner time and as I drove into town. I parked on the outer edge of town because they have these cute 6 foot groundhog statues scattered around town! I took a few photos along with checking out some of the shops as I made my way towards central square. To my surpsie, when I got closer, I was greeted by a large town fair! It was the weekend before fourth of July and the whole community had gotten together for live music, vendors and rides. I love a good carnival and to add to it, of course it was groundhog themed!! I think stumbling across a fair made my visit even more magical. Every day is a party in Punxsutawney!
After getting distracted by all the shinny lights, it was off to go see the One, the Only, Mr. Punxsutawney Phil. Pennsylvania’s MOST famous ground hog. Luckily for me and everyone else on this sweet sweet planet, Phil’s burro is right in the center of town with a viewing window so you can visit him any day of the year, outside of the normal celebrations. So you can ligterally walk right over to Phil and Phyllis’s Sweet to say hi. And if you’re uncultured, Phyllis is Phil’s wife.
Here, you can stop by. Chat with the fam. Have a cup of tea, if you bring your own. And truly get to know Phil.
When I came across his burrow, I was star struck. He lay resting in a very cute manner, it was like Santa, this is his off season.
Once he noticed he had visitors, he welcomed me with open paws. We got to chatting and not going to lie, Phil let me in on some of the town’s government secret’s, but unfortunately I cannot fill you in on the details dear reader. As loose lips, sink ships.
But I do suggest, that you make your way over to Punxsutawney and talk with Phil, himself. And if you’re worthy, maybe he will share with you some of the secrets he shared with me.
Of course, there is so much to say about Phil, my visit, groundhog’s day itself and the mystery around the club that runs the events. But unfortunately the sun was setting and I had to say my goodbyes to both Phil and Phyllis. Don’t worry, I’ll be back sometime soon to visit!
