Pennsylvania - State of Contrasts

There were so many memorable moments, and this is how we planned it. We wanted to experience this trip differently than the last time we'd been here, and together with our little girls, we braved new areas like Sesame Street Place. A fantastic trip for the family. Then we revisited Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park, and further on, the National Christmas Center in Lancaster, PA. Then there were the local attractions, including the addition of a Dunkin' Donuts, which helped out on many mornings.

Quick Tips:

We made sure that we had a plan, and a roadmap to fulfill our plan. We'd done this trip before without much of a plan, and although that was interesting in the spontaneity department, having some solid ideas of what we wanted to do served us well.

Best Way To Get Around:

If you stay on the grounds of a resort like Tree Tops, you won't need transportation because there's a bus, but if you want to go adventuring, driving your own vehicle is a must.

Best Things Nearby:
There is a virtual smorgasbord of activities nearby, from nightclubs to casinos to theater to restaurants, including fast food type dining, as well as the vast array of "touristy" types of activities along Route 209, like the Doll Museum, Indian Museum, and Country Junction. Then there's the Pocono Flea Market, used bookstores, and many major cities and thoroughfares within driving distance.

Best Things About the Resort:
You could virtually remain on the resort all week without leaving and enjoy yourself. What with the pool, golf course, paddleboats, activities for the family, and the restaurants nearby, not to mention horseback riding, walking, and even reading a good book from the library.

Resort Experience:
Our accommodations were very nice. Our unit, which included a whirlpool tub, had a very large kitchenette, although there was no dishwasher, and the silverware was at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet, so it was a little inconvenient to keep bending down for it. Then there was the focus on what is becoming commonplace - "recycling" - and there were bins for various items, such as glass, tin cans, and the like. There was also a washer and dryer above us as you went up the stairs. Plus, and this was a big plus - the Hot Water was superb, and there was lots of it, and the unit was heated very nicely. The walls were built well, as we could barely hear our neighbors around us. A real nice treat!!

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

This was a nice little jaunt on one of our "off days" where we decided to look around for those out of the way spots to shop. As the name suggests, this store focused on toy trains, and inside there were many types of unique gifts, including a play area for the little ones, and a TV which played "Thomas the Train" videos, to the delight of the children who were so inclined. I happened to stay with our twin girls while their Mama did some shopping, and it turned out to be quite the thing. We had one of the largest wire toys I'd ever seen. You know, the ones with the wooden blocks everywhere. This was a great treat, and if we're ever in the area again, we plan on returning.

Not too far from where the "Green Caboose" was located, was another little treasure on the road, and this was this little Bible store. It wasn't as big as some of the others we previously visited in other areas, but it had a wide variety of items, plus "on-sale" items, and the proprietor was very friendly and willing to help us to whatever degree we needed. Very pleasant stop!

This particular store is affiliated with "Sight and Sound Ministry," and as such, they also sell "Show Tickets" to their local programs. As you walk into the store, which is located at the Rockvale Square Outlets, it is quite the sight, with huge stuffed animals, like a giraffe, lion, and bear, reminiscent of the "Noah's Ark" motif. Much of the store is designed in this fashion, and sells products accordingly. Plus there is a TV screen which shows highlights of the present and past productions from Sight and Sound. A very unique shopping experience!!

There are approximately a dozen of these stores on the East Coast, from Pennsylvania to Delaware to New York to Maryland to Virginia and South Carolina, and they all focus on one specific thing - books at real bargain prices, as well as quality. You are even given a bookmark for a free book up to $5.00 with any purchase of $20 or more.

Their stated purpose in business is to "...serve you, our customers," and their reason for living is to serve Him who made us. They are a very unassuming enterprise, and this has been the second location we've encountered these folks, the first being in the Williamsburg, Virginia area.

It is an interesting business, and the service is excellent!

There are approximately 120 stores in this particular major outlet in the Lancaster area, and we aren't typically the mallcrawler-type, but it isn't that type of outlet either. There's plenty of parking, and it's year-round. There's a courtesy shuttle for the shoppers' convenience, and there are maps given out free of charge so you can find the kinds of merchandise you're looking for. Then there's the Food Court, which is a great relief on a hot day, due to its being air conditioned.

I'll not list the 120 stores in this small space, but some of the brand name retailers include: Bass Company, Champion, Van Heusen, Spiegel, Haggar Clothing, National Book Warehouse, Music Den, The Paper Factory, Kids Gear, Cracker Barrel, Burger King, Liz Clairborne, Stride Rite, Reed & Barton, Samsonite, Franklin Mint, and many others. For a truly interesting experience (and probably spending a good afternoon), this is a site which is worth visiting. And make sure you bring your credit card. (Cash is always acceptable, though). You know, just browsing through the stores is even more fun - you don't spend too much that way.

We've seen two theatre productions at these theatres- the first called "Abraham and Sarah - a Journey of Love" at the Living Waters Theatre; and the second "Noah" at the Sight and Sound Millennium Theatre. Both productions were excellent. While we were there this time, we didn't attend, as our girls were too young, but the programs in progress were "Abraham and Sarah," "Daniel," "Behold the Lamb" and "Miracle at Christmas," with particular dates and showtimes available.

What makes this theatre so much more interesting is that there are no programs which list the credits of who portrayed what character, and there is no curtain call. It is all done to the glory of God, and the message is very simple and powerfully portrayed. There is a website for further information - www.bibleonstage.com

A marvelous experience!!!