Pennsylvania & Beyond Travel Blog

Deborah Jacobs Welsh 9-11 Memorial Marker

2026-03-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

We enjoy traveling...especially taking road trips across our great country. During our road trips we like to visit small towns across America and check out things that are off the beaten path. Things that most travelers don't seek out...like memorial markers, old cemeteries, town clocks, historical markers, statues, walking trails and parks, small diners, and so forth.

A few months ago we were down in North Wildwood, New Jersey visiting the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. It's a beautiful victorian era lighthouse that is still in operation today. You can read all about the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse on our travel blog.

Behind the lighthouse there's a botanical garden with walking trails. There are flowers, bird houses, bird baths, a small butterfly garden, etc. that are 100% free to visit. Head to the back of the garden and up the path towards the North Wildwood Seawall. It's a short, shaded walk.

Once on the seawall you'll find wooden benches and 2 wood rowboats (perfect for family photos). In my honest opinion, this is the prettiest part of the Wildwood island. You get stunning views of Hereford Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. A great little area for birdwatchers too!

Facing towards the Atlantic Ocean you'll find the one bench in honor of Deborah. Here's the information on the memorial marker honoring her.

God's Beauty Surrounds Us - In Loving Memory of
Deborah Jacobs Welsh
Flight Attendant - United Flight 93 9-11-2001
With Love From Her Friends

What happened on September 11th is something we must never forget. We need to teach our children and grandchildren what happened that day. The people that died that day are heroes and must never be forgotten. If you're going to be visiting the lighthouse...stop by and pay your respects to Deborah Jacobs Welsh while you're there.

Sarah Sinfield Civil War Nurse Historical House and Marker

2026-03-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sarah Sinfield was Civil War Nurse who lived in Dunkirk, New York, along the shores of Lake Erie. Her husband William was a veteran of the Civil War and an assistant keeper at the Dunkirk Lighthouse from 1874 to 1885. According to the historical marker, she was awarded Pension for her devoted service.

The historical marker and house sits on the Dunkirk Lighthouse property. You can see the house in our included photograph. It has now been turned into the Walter C. Ryan Maritime Building.

During our visit the Maritime Building was closed, so we didn't get to in there. However, we did get to tour the lighthouse grounds, the outside exhibits and take a tour of the Dunkirk Lighthouse. You can check out my previous post on all of that.

Since we document historical markers on the travel blog, I wanted to include the Sara Sinfield Civil War Nurse historical marker and home in our documentation. You can visit the Dunkirk Lighthouse website to learn more.

Milton S. Hershey Water Fountain and Historical Marker Inside Hersheypark

2026-03-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you've been inside Hersheypark I'm sure you've seen the famous Milton S. Hershey water fountain and historical marker. It's located near the front entrance inside the park's gates. Every time we go to Hersheypark we like to take family photos with it. Heck, we're not the only ones...thousands of people take family photos around the water fountain.

Today...I wanted to share the information that's printed on the historical marker in front of the water fountain. I'm surprised at the thousands of people who walk by it and never take a minute to read it.

Milton S. Hershey 1857-1945

Milton S. Hershey founded the world famous Hershey's Chocolate Company in 1903 and built a town around it for his employees complete with homes, schools and cultural and recreational opportunities.

In 1907, Milton S. Hershey founded Hersheypark as a picnic and pleasure ground for his workers. Over the years the park has grown into a world class theme park, proudly maintaining and honoring the vision of it's founders.

Milton and his wife Catherine founded a school for orphaned boys in 1909. Today the Milton Hershey School provides an education and a home to thousands of disadvantaged children.

Small Town Art - Manheim Made By Hand Wall Mural

2026-02-28T08:00:00.035-05:00

Painting kindness rocks and seashells is a popular hobby around the world, especially here in the United States. In our family, we have 3 that actively paint rocks and shells and leave them every where we go. It's a way to pay-it-forward and to bring smiles to the faces of strangers who find them. It's an inexpensive hobby which allows you to be creative in making your own artwork.

While passing through Manheim, Pennsylvania we stumbled upon the Manheim Made by Hand Wall Mural and were pleasantly surprised to find out that it's also a place where the community can come to leave their painted rocks! In our case...we left 2 painted seashells and 3 painted rocks. They also have unpainted rocks that you can take home, paint and return them. All are placed in the rock bed located beneath the mural.

The wall mural was painted by Jason and Katherine Horst. You'll find it on the side of the building located at 38 S. Main Street in Manheim. You don't need to be a professional artist to participate in this project, everyone is invited! What a really fun and cool projects that the community and those passing through can participate in.

On the day that we were there it was difficult to get a nice photograph of the wall mural and the painted rock bed located below. Parked cars always seem to get in the way! We plan on visiting again to leave more painted rocks and to get better photographs. Check it out if you're going to be in the Manheim area.

McAllister Tavern Historical Marker in Hanover, York County

2026-02-21T07:30:00.027-05:00

How many of you just drive by or walk by the historical markers that you see while traveling without taking a look at them? We used to be guilty of that! About 12 years ago we started looking for them in our own hometown and when we travel. These historical markers contain bits and pieces of accurate historical information that you often don't find in a history book.

While on a road trip through Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania we came across the McAllister Tavern historical marker. Here's the information.

McAllister Tavern

Here, along the Monocacy Road, Richard McAllister erected a two-story log building and opened a store and tavern. In 1755, Benjamin Franklin was a guest at the Tavern. Old building was razed in 1950.

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

You'll find it located on Baltimore Street in Hanover, York County. You can easily pull over along the side street. Park and get out to photograph it for your waymarking records. While you're here...check out all of the Pennsylvania Historical Markers that we've documented so far.

Beautiful Victorian Homes in Historic Cape May

2026-02-14T07:30:00.036-05:00

Cape May sits at the most southern tip in the state of New Jersey. This coastal town draws in millions of people from around the world every year. It's one of the most popular Jersey Shore destinations. Unlike some shore towns...Cape May has something going on year round. Yes, the tourists flood the area during the summer season...but you'll find fun things to see and do in the wintertime too!

We visit Cape May several times every year. It's such a quaint place to visit. Beautiful white sandy beaches, boutique style shops for shopping, fine & casual dining restaurants and no retail chain stores! 99% of businesses are locally owned and operated.

When we're in Cape May we enjoy checking out all of the beautiful victorian style homes. You'll find them along the beachfront, in and near the downtown business district and throughout other areas too. Pink, purple, white, mint green and other fun colors abound!

The majority of the Victorian homes are quite large in size. I love checking out their front porches and all of the rocking chairs and seating that they have. Some of the victorian homes have been turned into Bed and Breakfast Inns, so if you've always wanted to stay in a Victorian home...now you can!

While on our last little trip down to Cape May we took several photographs of some of the Victorian Homes that we had the pleasure of seeing. This will give you a good idea of the type's of homes you'll see when you visit too! Best way to see them...find a good parking space and get out and walk! The streets are busy and narrow...so go on foot!

Together We Create Wall Mural in Harrisburg

2026-02-07T07:30:00.028-05:00

My wife and I enjoy seeing outdoor street art, statues, military memorials and wall murals. We seek them out when we travel and at home. When it comes to the outdoor wall murals...the majority of them are painted by local artists and companies in the area.

While doing a few errands last month we stumbled upon the Together We Create outdoor wall mural located on the back of the JPL building in Harrisburg. We live in the area and never knew the wall mural was there! It's signed by the artist in the lower left corner.... Rook 21. I'm assuming it was painted in 2021. I couldn't find any information about it online.

You can find the wall mural on the back of the JPL building located at 471 JPL Wick Drive in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. If you're familiar with where Community Aid is...the building and business is located nearby. You can pull into the parking lot to check it out and photograph it. It's a really nice and still very colorful outdoor wall mural.

Wildwood Catholic Academy Historical Marker

2026-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

For the past 12 years we've been documenting the historical markers that we come across during our road trips across America. Millions of people pass by them every day and don't give them a second look. We're here to change that. These historical markers contain information about the local area and are a great learning experience. Especially if you're into our country's history.

While on vacation in North Wildwood, New Jersey we stumbled upon a new historical marker that was recently put in by the city of North Wildwood to mark the history of the Wildwood Catholic Academy. Here's the information.

City of North Wildwood 1917-Present

Wildwood Catholic Academy

Ground was broken on August 18th, 1947 for the county's only Catholic high school, originally to be called St. Ann's High School. Bishopb Eustace and Monsignor Quinlan blessed the cornstone on July 11, 1948. Students entered Wildwood Catholic High School that fall. Additions were dedicated in 1959 and 1999. Cape Trinity Catholic School began sharing space in the building in 2010, and in 2020 the High School and Cape Trinity combined to form Wildwood Catholic Academy.

You can check out the Historical Markers Historical Markers section on our travel blog to see more markers that we've located during our travels. There are several of them located on the Wildwood island.

Heintzelman House Historical Marker in Manheim

2026-01-21T12:46:00.041-05:00

Over the past 15 years we've been documenting all of the historical markers that we come upon across the great state of Pennsylvania. In case you didn't know...there's an official Pennsylvania historical marker trail that you can follow. Millions of people pass by these markers every day and never give them a second thought. We're trying to change that!

These markers contain important historical information related to that specific area, a person who lived in that area at one particular time, a battle that may have taken place there, pertain to an old business and all sorts of other things. Today's marker is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

You'll find it located in Manheim, Lancaster County at the intersection of South Main Street and Logan Avenue.

Heintzelman House

Birthplace of Maj. Gen. Samuel P. Heintzelman, September 30, 1805. A veteran of the Mexican War and the Civil War, he died May 1, 1880, at Washington D. C. and was buried at Buffalo, N. Y.

Erected in 1962 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Maj. General Samuel P. Heintzelman was an 1826 graduate of West Point and was a veteran of 2 wars: the Mexican War and the Civil War. He had a lengthy career in the military.

Check out all of the Pennsylvania Historical Markers that we've documented here on the Pennsylvania Travel Blog. You'll always learn something new when you take the time to read them!

Charlie Kirk Banner on a Barn in Lancaster County

2026-01-14T07:00:00.018-05:00

It's been several months since the murder and death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. We are big fans of listening to his podcasts online. We had always hoped to see him speak some day in person. Well, that will never happen now.

A few months ago we were passing through Lancaster County on route 30 when we saw this large Charlie Kirk banner on the side of a barn! It really grabbed our attention. We safely pulled over alongside the road and snapped a quick photograph of it. Matter of fact, several other people were photographing it too.

No matter what side of the aisle you're on and no matter what your political affiliation is...political violence or violence in general is NEVER EVER acceptable. EVER. Let me repeat that. It's not acceptable for any reason! I won't turn this post into a political rant but did want to state that.

If you're going to be driving on route 30 through Lancaster County you can look for the banner. It's after you get past all of the outlet malls and tourist attractions. Route 30 is heavily traveled, so you do need to be careful if you intend to pull off the road to photograph it.

The Historic Williams Grove Carousel House in Cumberland County

2026-01-07T08:00:00.071-05:00

The historic Williams Grove Carousel House is still located on the now defunct property of the Williams Grove Amusement Park located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. As a small child...I remember many visits to the amusement park during the summertime seasons. It was one of my favorite amusement parks from my childhood. For local families...it was affordable compared to others located throughout the state.

Below you'll find some of the history of the Williamns Grove Carousel House taken from the historical marker located nearby. Here's the information.

In 1850, the Williams family began hosting picnics on their farm along the Yellow Breeches. This along with the completion of the Dillsburg & Mechanicsburg Railroad in 1872 led to the Grangers Fair taking place yearly on the property. During World War 1 the property was sold to Charles Markley in 1918. Unable to revive the operations of the Williams Grove Picnics, it was sold to the Richwine Family in 1924. The Richwines converted the land into the Williams Grove Amusement Park. In 1928 the Carousel House was built for the carousel the family acquired. The Richwine family is of great significance to WGHSEA as they allowed our organization to use what are now the Association's grounds from the late 1950s until 1971 when the park was purchased by Morgan Hughes. Mr. Hughes allowed WGHSEA to continue to use the land. In 2006 Mr. Hughes announced the closure of the park. The opportunity to purchase our 90 acres from Mr. Hughes came in January 2007, 1 year prior to his passing.

Despite the park closing in 2005, the many floods that have ravaged the park through the years, the Carousel House has stood tall and virtually untouched for the better part of 100 years. Williams Grove Speedway, Inc. donated this magnificent structure to our organization for preservation.

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. This project was financed with a grant from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Note: You can double-click on each image to have it open-up in a new browsing window and in an enlarged size. This will allow you to see all of the smaller details while keeping our travel blog mobile-reader friendly. Thank you!

Baron Stiegel Famed Glassmaker Historical Marker

2025-12-28T12:45:00.028-05:00

You'll find the Baron Stiegel historical marker located on N. Main Street in Manheim. It's in the park at the town square. You can find several places to park to get out and photograph it for your waymarking records.

Baron Stiegel

The famed glassmaker and ironmaster of colonial days founded Manheim in 1762, and set up his glassworks in 1764. He gave land for the Lutheran Church which still pays his heirs one red rose a year.

Erected in 1947 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

You can check out all of the Pennsylvania Historical Markers that we've documented so far on the Pennsylvania Travel Blog by visiting that section on our website.

Hollabaugh Bros Fruit and Vegetable Farm in Biglerville

2025-12-21T08:00:00.024-05:00

We enjoy taking road trips all around the great state of Pennsylvania. When we're on a road trip we like to get off the main highways and explore the back roads in the country. One thing that we really enjoy seeing is old barns located throughout the state. Not only the barns that are located on the farms...but the art that is on the walls of that barn! Hello barn art!

While traveling through Biglerville in Pennsylvania we came across the Hollabaugh Bros Fruit and Vegetable Farm. Check out their beautiful red barn and the wall mural on the side of it. The fruit and vegetable farm has been in operation since 1955.

As you drive along the back roads in that area you'll see all kinds of farm land and fruit orchards. We could see the fruit trees, grapevines, vegetable gardens, corn fields, etc. that surround that barn and go on for several miles. Since we love seeing old barns and the barn art...we had to grab a quick photograph of this one.Nice!!!

A Visit to Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor

2025-12-14T07:30:00.064-05:00

Looking to get out into nature? Enjoy peace and serenity? If so, you'll want to visit Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor, Pennsylvania. This is a privately owned park that is open to the public from dawn to dusk. You'll find it located at 2155 Fox Gap Road in Bangor. The park is free to visit.

What you should know before going:

* Dogs are permitted as long as they're leashed.
* Wear comfortable walking shoes.
* Dress appropriately for the weather.
* Bring along bug spray and sunscreen.
* Bring along a water bottle.
* Photography is permitted for personal use ONLY.

You'll want to vist the Columcille Megalith Park's website before you go. You'll find driving directions, a park map, guidelines for visiting the park, a schedule of events and more.

All of the trails are unpaved and uneven. Be prepared to do a lot of walking! You want to stay on the trails as much as possible. You're not permitted to climb onto the rocks, fly drones, leave trash/garbage behind and noise is kept at the minimum. No smoking within the park. This park is for reflection, quiet, praying, etc.

The park is situated on more than 20 acres with 90 stone settings strategically placed throughout the park. The backdrop to the park is the beautiful forest of trees, vernal ponds and sheltered dells. We visited during the late fall and the trees had already lost the majority of their foliage. The next time we visit I would love to come when the foliage is at it's full peak. I bet it's beautiful.

Skyy Lane Resource Center at the park is also the visitor's welcome center. Inside you'll find various resources on the history of the park, crystals, rocks and other items are available to visitors for a donation. It's located in the lower level of the house by the pond. It's open during regular park hours.

We were up in the Pocono Mountains for the weekend and visited Columcille Megalith Park while we were there. We had never heard of it until another guest at the resort where we were staying had mentioned it. I'm so glad that we took the time to visit. Going to be in the Poconos area and looking for something to do? We highly recommend that you visit Columcille Megalith Park.

Take the Family to Christmas in Lights in Marysville

2025-12-07T07:30:00.001-05:00

Christmas in Lights in located in Marysville, Pennsylvania. During the holiday season they're hopen nightly from 5pm to 10:30 pm, Thanksgiving night through New Year's Day. This is a walk-through Christmas Holiday Light Display that is free and open to the public.

Address: 222 S. Main Street, Marysville, Pennsylvania

** Please let all of the photos load.

A few tips before you go:

* If you want to avoid crowds...go during a weekday evening and early in the holiday season.

* Dress appropriately for current weather conditions. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

* Be courteous and respectful while visiting the property and engaging with guests.

* Watch where you're walking. Keep the kids with you at all times.

* Cameras are permitted.

We like to take our two grandchildren to Christmas in Lights 1-2 times every holiday season. We make it a very special evening by playing holiday music on the way to and from the holiday lights display. You pack little snack bags and beverages for them to enjoy too.

When visiting you do need to watch where your walking and stay within the marked areas. You don't want to be climbing onto things or playing with things where you or the kids could get hurt. The hosts want this to be a fun and safe experience for everyone who visits.

Living in south central Pennsylvania this is a wonderful little holiday event to attend that is free. We like that it's a walk-through and we can take our time walking through it. A very nice holiday light display that the entire family will enjoy. Add it to your calendar this year.

Visiting Fisher Veterans' Memorial Park in Lebanon

2025-11-28T07:00:00.064-05:00

Fisher Veterans' Memorial Park is located at 521 South 9th Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. This park is free to visit and is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Throughout the park you'll find several very nice veteran's memorials honoring our heroes who fought in various wars. This park hosts patriotic events throughout the year.

The park is relatively small in size compared to other parks. At the southern end of the park you'll find a large M-60 military tank. As you walk through the park you'll see various war memorials honorning the men and women who fought in the Korean War, Gulf War, the Spanish War, Vietnam War, etc. The park was established to honor the men who fought and died in these wars from Lebanon County.

Park is well-maintained with walking paths and is situated on 1.2 acres. One of the most famous statues in the park is called the "Hiker" who honors veterans from 3 turn of the century conflicts such as the Spanish-American War. It was dedicated on September 7th, 1940. (see the photos below).

One of the things I really liked about visiting the park is how peaceful the park is. There's several park benches along the walking paths and near various memorials that you can sit down on. It's nice to just sit and reflect on what America means to you. Freedom is not free! Men and women give up their lives for this country!!!

If you're going to be in Lebanon and want to honor some of our veterans....stop by Fisher Veterans' Memorial Park to pay your respects. If you're interested in attending any of the patriotic events that are hosted there...contact the city or Lebanon County to request a schedule of upcoming events.

Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum

2025-11-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

Over the decades we've visited the Battlefields in Gettysburg along with the Gettyburg National Military Park Museum several times. Every time that we visit we see and learn something new. That's why we recommend that you visit several times over your lifetime if you're interested in the Civil War and the history of the United States.

On our most recent visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum we brought along two friends who were visiting us from the mid-west. My friend Robin is a Civil War military buff. He participates in war re-enactments for the Sons of Liberty group in rural Iowa. His great grandfather and great uncle both fought in the Civil War and both lost their lives in the battle.

This trip down to Gettysburg was very emotional for him and his wife. He learned a lot about the Civil War during the weekend and one thing he really enjoyed was the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. That Cyclorama put the Civil War in more perspective for him with the sights, lights and sounds.

Visiting the museum is FREE. However, if you want to sit down in the theater to watch the movie (narrated by Morgan Freeman) and/or visit the Cyclorama, you'll have to pay an additional fee for those add-on activities. In my honest opinion, it's well-worth the admission fee!

We've previously blogged in-depth about the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and the Cyclorama. I won't repeat all of that information today. You can re-visit those posts on our travel blog. I did want to show you some new photographs that I took while enjoying the Cyclorama two months ago. It's always nice to see some updated photographs.

Kid's Birthday Party Fun at Adventure Sports in Hershey

2025-11-14T07:30:00.030-05:00

Looking for a fun place in central Pennsylvania to host your child's birthday party? Looking to host some type of outdoor fun event? If so, check out Adventure Sports in Hershey. They offer all kinds of entertainment for the young and the young-at-heart. You'll find them located on 3010 Elizabethtown Road.

You'll want to visit the Adventure Sports website for their hours of operation. If you're planning an event, you'll want to plan that ahead of time with them. On the day that we were there...we hosted our grandson's birthday party with 12 of his closest friends and several adults. We advised everyone that we would be outside for the majority of the time to dress appropriately for the weather with comfortable walking shoes. We provided sunscreen, bug spray and water bottles for the kids.

This is a mostly-outdoor entertainment complex that offers: batting cages, miniature golf, go karts, laser tag, bumper boats, playground for the kids, a driving range and inside you'll find all kinds of video games that the kids (and adults) can play. You are charged per activity that you participate in.

There's an indoor cafe where you can buy food, snacks and beverages. The prices are average. They offer your typical things like hamburgers, french fries, chicken fingers, hot dogs, soft pretzels, ice cream, etc. The food was "okay" and moderately priced.

We have been down to Adventure Sports in Hershey a few times but it had been a couple of years. This time around...it was for a pre-scheduled birthday party for our grandson. It's a great entertainment venue for kids if you're looking to host a party there. All of the kids had a lot of fun and I have to admit, the adults had fun too!

Family Fun in the Fall at Hersheypark

2025-11-07T08:00:00.053-05:00

Hersheypark is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Every year it gets millions of visitors from around the world. We live about 20 minutes from the park and enjoy visiting during the Spring, Fall and Holiday seasons. During those "off-seasons" the park is typically open during the weekends and is less crowded...hence why we like to visit during those times of the year.

We had 11 members of our family go to Hersheypark for fun Fall activities back in early October 2025. We arrived early in the evening, got parked and through the entrance gates. They were busy but not what I would call overly-crowded. We did have to wait in some lines to get onto rides, but we didn't have to wait long.

During the Fall season the weather is still nice. We had great weather with the majority of us wearing summertime clothing. We did bring along light-weight jackets for the chillier evening. You definitely want to dress appropriately for current weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. Don't bring any large bags into the park. I typically wear a small cross-body bag to hold my family's belongings. There are lockers that you can "rent" throughout the park too.

For the adults in our group they enjoyed a quick adult beverage from Troegs Brewery while we were there. The kids in our party got popcorn, soft pretzels, ice cream and other snacks to enjoy. Early in the season we purchased their refillable beverage cups and were able to refill those while we were there. If I'm correct, you can get one refill in your cup every hour or two. There are refill stations located in the park.

During the off-season times not all of the rides are open. We got on two rollercoasters, the kissing tower, the vintage antique cars and a few other things. Our main mission that evening was to go through the new Halloween Haunted House attractions. Oh my gosh...so much fun! They were scary but not overly-so. We had kids as young as 10 in our party and they enjoyed the haunted houses too!

After spending 3 1/2 hours we headed out of the park...but before leaving we did a little bit of shopping at a few of the stores. We picked up some souvenirs, gifts and Hershey's candy to take home along with us. If you want to avoid crowds and long lines when you're leaving...leave 30-40 minutes before the official closing time. You'll get out of the parking lot a lot faster.

Overall, our family had a great time visiting Hersheypark during the Fall season. We will be back again once Candyland is up and running during the holiday season.

Shop for a Good Cause at VIM Thrift Store

2025-10-28T07:30:00.055-04:00

VIM Thrift Store is located on N. Wildwood Blvd. in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. If you're unfamiliar with the area...it's located in a little shopping strip plaza before you go across the bridge into North Wildwood. This thrift store uses all their proceeds to fun at least 1/3 of all clinic expenses. They help fill the gap with providing medical care to the uninsured residents who live in the area.

The thrift store accepts new and gently used items such as: apparel, accessories, kitchen goods, furniture, handcrafted items, seasonal products, jewelry, collectibles, home decor, small appliances, lamps and lighting products, etc. You'll find all kinds of different products in the store.

One of the things I like about VIM Thrift Store is that they keep everything very clean and organized. You won't find a bunch of dirty "junk" in their store. On top of that, everything is very reasonably priced and clearly marked. You won't have to dig through boxes or bins to look at items you're interested in.

We enjoy visiting nice thrift shops (like this one) and antique stores when we're traveling. We visited this particular store for the first time earlier this month and were extremely impressed. Matter of fact, we purchased 5 items on the day that we visited.

The group that runs Vim's Thrift Store is called Volunteers in Medicine who offers free healthcare for the uninsured. You can visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about them. They do have a second store at Cedar Square Shopping Plaza in Seaville, New Jersey if you're interested in visiting that location.

Walking the New Cape May Nature Trail at Lafayette Park

2025-10-21T07:30:00.001-04:00

The nature trail at Lafayette Park in Cape May is brand new for the 2025 season. It officially opened on June 13th, 2025. You'll find it located near the elementary school (officially it runs behind the school) and is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There's free parking in a designated parking lot right past the elementary school.

When visiting the Cape May Nature Trails you want to dress appropriately for the current weather conditions. Wear comfortable walking shoes, apply bug spray and sunscreen before you head out. You can bring along a water bottle, binnoculars and a camera. No dogs, skateboards or rollerskates are permitted on the trail.

At the beginning you'll come to a "Y" section. You'll want to hang to the left and start walking. It's an EASY trail and those with disabilities should be able to handle it just find. We saw a couple while we were there pushing a wheelchair. It's an easy, level walk.

You'll be walking on a platform-like boardwalk that takes you out over the marsh areas. Along the way you'll find a few park benches that you can sit for sightseeing or to rest. There are FREE binnoculars that you can use too! There are handrails on both sides...even so, please watch young children if you have them along for your walk.

We took our time walking this new trail and from start to finish...we were only out on it for about 30 minutes. We stopped a few brief times to look out over the marsh as some of the birds that were hanging out there that day. We did see 2 turtles, 1 rabbit and tons of small crabs down in the water.

This is a brand new for 2025 Cape May Walking Trail and it's really nice! We enjoyed it and will definitely be walking it again when we're down in the Cape May, New Jersey area. A nice family-friendly, FREE activity that you can do while you're there.

Historically Black Franklin Street School in Cape May

2025-10-14T07:30:00.021-04:00

The Historically Black Franklin Street School opened in 1928 and served black elementary school children until 1948. The historical building is still located on Franklin Street in Cape May, New Jersey. Here's the information printed on the historical marker located out front of the building.

Historically Black Franklin Street School

The struggle for equal educational opportunity for black students in New Jersey is a centuries-long fight. The Franklin Street School stands as a monument to the centrality of African Americans in the history of Cape May. Due to public pressure to replace the deteriorated Annex building where Black students were taught, the school opened in 1928 and served Black elementary school children until 1948 when public school segregation was banned by the new state constitution. The building was saved in 1995 by the Center for Community Arts and became a branch of the Cape May County Library in 2024.

Erected by the New Jersey Historical Commision

A divvision of the New Jersey Department of State

The building and historical marker is part of the Black Heritage Trail throughout the state of New Jersey.

Bodie Island Light Station Outer Banks in North Carolina

2025-10-07T08:00:00.045-04:00

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is located on Bodie Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was built in 1872 and stand 156 feet tall. This historic lighthouse is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore which is managed by the National Park Service. It's done in the classic conical (cone) style shape.

8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959

You can pay an admission fee to go inside the lighthouse and climb all 219 steps to the top. The steps are a spiral staircase. If you're going to climb to the top...you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately. You're permitted to take a camera inside along with you. This part of the lighthouse is only open during the summertime.

Lens - First Order Fresnel Lens that can be seen for 19 nautical miles. The light was automated in 1940.

We didn't climb the steps due to a disability and health problems but we did get to walk all around the lighthouse grounds. From what I read online...the visitor's center and gift shop are currently close from a fire in January 2025. I don't know when that status has changed or will be changing. I recommend checking out the website before you go for a visit.

An Afternoon of Fun at Stumpy's Hatchet House in Hershey

2025-09-28T08:00:00.037-04:00

Looking to get out for an afternoon or evening of fun? Looking to try something new? If so, you'll want to go to Stumpy's Hatchet House in Hershey, Pennsylvania. You'll find Stumpy's located at 515 Rear West Chocolate Avenue. They're open Wednesday through Sunday. You'll want to visit their website for driving directions and hours of operation.

All guests must be age 18 or over. They have public sessions and also offer private parties and corporate events. You can bring in your own alcohol if you're 21 years of age or older. Before you go...take a minute or two to read through the safety precautions that are located on their website.

You'll want to reserve your day and time. Typically the game sessions run for 1-2 hours. You can reserve on their website or call them at 717-325-6902. There are 15 throwing pits at the facility. If you're a first-timer they will give you instructions on how to play and how to stay safe while you're playing. This is an ADULTS ONLY game.

You can connect with Stumpy's Hatchet House on Facebook and Instagram. If you're a big fan of axe throwing you can contact them about joining their league. Just fill out the application located on their website.

A Visit to the Cape May Brewing Company

2025-09-21T07:30:00.039-04:00

Heading down to the south Jersey Shore? Going to be in the Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Wildwood or Cape May area? If so, you'll want to visit the Cape May Brewing Company located in Cape May, New Jersey. This craft brewery has been in business since 2011 and is one of the biggest in the tri-state area.

You'll find them located at 1250 Hornet Road in Cape May, N. J. They're inside the Cape May Airport Complex...just follow the signs to the airport and you'll get there just fine! They're open year-round with ample FREE parking. Last call is 15 minutes before closing time.

There are indoor and outdoor seating areas...including an outdoor dog-friendly beer garden that is located around back. That's right, you can bring along your furry friends!

You can enjoy their various tasting rooms and try all kinds of craft beers, hard seltzers, porters, stouts, ales, IPAS, lagers, hard slushies and more!!! There's something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the year they host a wide variety of events. See their website and social media channels for updates.

While you're there you can visit the Cape May Brewing Company's gift shop which is officially called the Brewtique. You can shop for hoodies, t-shirts, hats and caps , as well as other souvenirs to remember your visit. Take-out (pick-up only) is available for beverages while they can ship non-food and non-beverages to your destination.