Destination: Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

Italian Restaurants in Schuylkill County

2009-07-22T15:57:00.006-04:00

I just returned from one of my many whirlwind tours of the county, delivering visitors guides, visiting member businesses and checking out the summer scenery. Of course I have to eat along the way.

A few weeks ago, Donna Boyd from the Peace Frog asked me when I was going to write about local restaurants again. I was surprised that anyone was even reading my blog, so I was naturally surprised that I had at least one fan. Since talking to Donna, I actually visited four Italian Restaurants around Schuylkill County. So here's the skinny according to Mark Major, whose taste buds have been getting a work-out.

Roma Pizza in downtown Pottsville: Working in the downtown, I tend to visit often for lunch and even to take home a pizza (when it's my turn to cook). My favorites at Roma? The Italian Salad is great! (Don't tell Pete and Pete that I give the black olives to my wife though.) I also love their Regular Pizza and Garlic Knots! Many times people who visit our office are sent to Roma on their way up the hill to the Brewery.

Original Italian Pizza in Frackville: I stopped in there last month during my Upper Schuylkill run. The Chicken Parmiagana Sandwich was yummy and hit the spot. But the biggest taste surprise was the Spinich Tortellini Soup. Growing up I was never a Spinich fan (even though Popeye was always trying to push the stuff on kids), but that soup was really something special.

Roman Delight at the Fairlane Village Mall: My wife and I broke away from the kids one Saturday Night and headed up to the Fairlane Village (Mall) and Roman Delight. One of the Dinner Specials was "The Roman Delight". It included a ravioli, a boneless babyback rib and something else .. (it was last month, so please bear with me). It was one of the best Entrees I have had around Schuylkill County. I just called up there and they said it was one of last month specials and is not always on the menu. Rats! I wanted to know all the components, so I guess you will haev to find out for yourself. If you ever see it on the menu, try it!

Marchiano's in New Ringgold: Kathy Miller (Cellist Kathy) who lives in the New Ringgold area, and helps distribute brochures in that corner of the county, recommended I visit Marchiano's. So today on my "Tour de Skook", I drove by, turned around on a back street and had my lunch there. I asked for the most unique item on the menu. The waitress recommended the "Schiacciata". I had to ask for the pronunciation, but even now, I can not even attempt it. Anyway ... The Schiacciata is basically an Italian Sub without the lettuce and roll, but baked on a thin crust, pita looking dough (top and bottom). In the middle ... Ham, Capicola, Salami, Provolone Cheese, Three large tomato slices, onion and a seasoning. Fresh, warm and tasty, I had to put my reading glasses on to get a closer look. Another Yummy lunch in Schuylkill County.

Oh and I went up to Heisler's for a small ice cream for dessert.

Fathers Day Weekend

2009-06-19T11:09:00.007-04:00

Father's day weekend is finally here. I know all of you fathers and even a few mothers are happy that this weekend has arrived, because as you all know, Dad gets to pick the family activities this weekend. Yes, Father's now get a weekend not just a day.

This weekend in Schuylkill County is a busy one .. again. The question is where is Dad going to decide to drag the family? I have a few ideas. (And by the way, if you don't like my ideas, then just go to the Visitors Bureau Calendar and see what floats your boat!

On Saturday we have a few choices to brag about.

First the Gordon Music Festival. This year's event features a variety of entertainments from many genres. Here is the line up for the main stage:

12:00 - 12:50 * Schuylkill Express Barbershop Chorus
1:15 - 2:30 Polka * The Golden Tones
2:45 - 3:15 Country * Michael Carl
3:30 - 4:15 * Coal Hole Soul
4:45 - 6:00 Oldies * Shama/lama
6:30 - 7:45 Bluegrass * The Hickory Project
8:15 - 9:30 Southern * The Bounty Hunter Gang
10:00 - 11:00 Rock * Kinsey

We also have two special winery related events going on Saturday. Stone Mountain Wine Cellars is having their Annual Winebration from 11 am - 5 pm at 1615 Panther Valley Road, Pine Grove. That's 3 miles northwest of Friedensburg near Hidden Valley Golf Course. Just follow the signs to Jersey Acres Market. Stone Mountain Wine Cellars is celebrating 4 years of wine making. Join them for free wine tastings, wine specials and great snacks. Oh and they say their delicious strawberries are ripe! 11 am - 5 pm.

And hey, if you can not make it there on Saturday, they do it all again on Sunday!

Over at Long Trout Winery at 84 Fork Mountain Road check out Island Day (formerly Pirate Day). This is supposed to be a jammin' good time with Jimmy and the Parrots providing fantastic tuneage. According to the press release, beware of he who carries the limbo stick.

On Sunday June 21st, Tamaqua celebrates with their annual Summerfest in the downtown featuring crafts, ethnic foods, free musical entertainment, Tamaqua Street Machine Association antique/classic car show, historic site tours, and much more.

So all of you fathers out there need to get out of the house and explore Schuylkill County this weekend. This is your weekend to get out of the house and do what you want to do, so make plans and enjoy the day (weekend actually).

Kielbasy Festival 2009

2009-06-18T16:46:00.004-04:00

I know it has been more than two months since my last entry, but I was recently inspired to get back on the Blog and get blogging again.

A few weeks ago I made my way to Shenandoah for the 2nd annual Kielbasy festival. Yeah I had to park two blocks away, but the walk was well worth it. Weather-wise the day was perfect. Sunny and warm with a few white puffy clouds and I was headed off to the place of yummy food.

Now since I am trying hard to maintain my ... figure, I resolved to just try two Kielbasy sandwiches. It isn't really fair, because I enjoy Kielbasy, so there was no way I was going to be disappointed. First I tried Lucky's smoked kielbasy with kraut, and then made my way over to Kowalonek's for the same. Both were perfect!! But there was no way I could down another one from the folks at Capital .. maybe next year. Let me just say that I had avoided eating earlier that morning so I could have enough room for food that afternoon. I am glad I did!

But hey, that one block of Main Street was full of people from all over the place. John Guers was there from Upper Schuylkill, Mary Luscavage was running the show from the Downtown Shenandoah Inc. office and Steve Pytak was covering the event for the Republican and Herald. The turn-out was great.

Since it was a Shenandoah event, of course I found Mrs T's Pierogies on hand selling their product to the crowd. Across the street, Dot Demmer had her booth set up and her T-shirts were being sold left and right. I proudly wore my Coal Region Culinary Institute T-Shirt from Demmer Graphics. Throughout the crowd you could see dozens of Kielbasi Festival T-shirts (made by Dot Demmer of course). But I still don't know what "Sto Lat" means!

According to reports, there were a few thousand people attending this year's Kielbasy Festival. I was there for only an hour, but I saw at least a thousand people enjoying the day. You have to go to Shenandoah for next year's festival!

The Garfield Diner. Not just for Breakfast or Lunch

2009-04-01T16:18:00.007-04:00

I feel the need to report to you about my recent visit to the Garfield Diner in Pottsville.

In Schuylkill County we have a variety of dining options, especially when it comes to lunch. Now working in Pottsville, there are still several places to eat and yesterday, I made my way to the Garfield Diner along Market Street.

Over the last nine months, the Garfield Diner has been transformed by Bill and Lena Kontogiannis. Prior to operating the Garfield Diner, Bill ran a restaurant in Lancaster PA. But anyway .. over the last few months I have stopped in for lunch, and have developed a strong liking for their soup. Since the Pottsville Eatery closed two years ago, I have been searching for a great soup (or two) at lunchtime.

Yesterday my choices were Crab Vegetable, Cream of Brocolli and Chili. The problem with that is, they are all favorites of mine. So hey, I asked for a bowl of Crab Veggie and the Cream of Brocolli. Good choice. Both were warm, tasty and simply perfect.

Let me rewind. When I stopped at the diner, I noticed that a crew from Sam Son Productions was just wrapping up a shoot inside the diner. On the counter, I noticed a Club Sandwich nicely decorated on a plate, alongside a plate of a meat dish that was laid atop a bed of rice and topped with a mushroom sauce. A freshly cut piece of cake was positioned right next to that. I figured, the crew was shooting the food as part of the commercial. So getting back to my soup ...

As I finished my soup, Bill was taking the two platters back to the kitchen and I remarked it was a shame that he had to get rid of the food. He looked at me and asked if I would like either dish. I hesitated (because I finished both of my soups) but told him that the meat dish looked tasty. He said, "that's the Veal Marsala, would you like it?" I looked at him and said, "Okay. Looks good!" So, on an almost full stomach, I dug right in.

Let's just say it was the first time I ever had Veal Marsala for lunch and I was glad I asked him about the dish. You see, over the years, the Garfield Diner has gotten a reputation for being just a typical breakfast and lunch diner with your typical sandwiches, soups and simple entrees. Bill explained to me again, that he wants people to see the diner in a new light. He wants people to consider the Garfield Diner as a place to have dinner and not just breakfast and lunch.

The Garfield Diner may look like just any other 1950's style diner from the outside, but you really need to consider visiting not only for Breakfast and Lunch, but for dinner as well.

And hey, don't forget to have the soup!

Can anybody find me a good Shoe-Fly Pie?

2009-03-20T00:08:00.005-04:00

This may be a crazy request, but can someone out there find me any really good Shoe-Fly Pie artisans out there in Schuylkill County?

This summer, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office will be launching a fun new marketing campaign aimed at bringing visitors to the state in search of their one true love. Well, the story is something like this: There was this young 12 year old, who with his family, visited a diner in the Pa Dutch region of the state ten years ago. At the diner, he was served his very first Shoe Fly Pie and fell in love. Ten years later, he has set out in search of his one true love in Pennsylvania. The details of this story will be released real soon ...

In May we will celebrate National Shoe Fly Pie Day in Pennsylvania. So between now and then, I am going to explore the county in search of a Shoe Fly Pie worthy of visitor attention. I will also be looking for a waitress who fits the description provided by this young man who is now roaming the countryside on his orange motor scotter and side car.

When May arrives, I hope to have created a list of diners, restaurants and eateries who have home made Shoe Fly Pie under their dessert glass. Maybe the right Shoe Fly Pie is made right here in Schuylkill County?

Here is the challenge. The person that provides me with the most bonafide Shoe Fly Pie outlets in Schuylkill County, will be treated to one piece of Shoe Fly Pie, compliments of me! You have until April 24th 2009!

Ready, Set, Go!

The "State of the Arts" in Schuylkill County

2009-01-30T15:47:00.015-05:00

Since “Global Warming” is slightly off this year, and February figures to be the typical cold, indoor activity kind of month, I take this opportunity to discuss the “State of the Arts” in Schuylkill County. (Hint hint ... an opportunity to visit indoor attractions)

First I want to state that many notable fine artists have called Schuylkill County home. Still life artist *1Rubens Peale, lived outside of Schuylkill Haven until his death in 1865. His father was Charles Wilson Peale, portrait artist for Washington, Jefferson and others. George Benjamin Luks lived in Shenandoah and Pottsville in the late 19th Century and gained notoriety as an illustrator for newspapers in Philadelphia and New York City. He helped establish the “Ashcan School” realistic art movement of the early 20th Century. Nicholas Bervinchak of Minersville chronicled coal region scenes and people through his charcoal sketches during the mid 20th Century, while Howard Watson of Pottsville gained notoriety as a water colorist commissioned by Presidents Carter and Clinton. These are but a few examples of the fine artists who have walked our streets, yet many more Schuylkill County natives contribute to the artist’s craft.

From my point of view, I know that the arts flourish when the human condition enjoys a certain level of comfort in life. In our society, we can measure the success of our culture through the quality and quantity of creative expression that surrounds us. If you take a closer look at Schuylkill County, you quickly witness that creative forces are hard at work throughout our community.

The Allied Artists of Schuylkill County and the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts both share a long track record of providing venues for local artists to share their talents with our neighbors and visitors alike. The Allied Artists traditionally hold their art show in the summer, but their members’ works can be viewed year round at the Schuylkill County Courthouse and the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. The Council for the Arts routinely hosts gallery shows for local artists. The work of Lance Rautzhan can be enjoyed there until the “Schuylkill County High School Art Show” opens on March 29th.

Speaking of high school talent, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, located at 18 East Sunbury Street in Minersville, will host ten of Pottsville Area High School’s aspiring artists at a gallery show during the later part of the month, with an opening reception scheduled for Sunday, February 15th from 2 until 4 p.m. In March, Minersville’s own Jack Flynn will be the featured artist, while the Allied Artists of Schuylkill County will follow later this year.

The Gallery at the Tamaqua Art Center at 114 West Broad Street in Tamaqua will host “The Generosity of Art” Exhibit & Sale to benefit the Tamaqua YMCA Programs in February. A number of local and regional artists will participate in this event beginning with the opening reception on Friday, February 13th from 6 until 8 p.m.

Friday the 13th is a busy day, as Many Worlds Gallery, located at 205 West Market Street in Pottsville, hosts a gallery opening featuring the work of Paul Karabashian and Kristen Egan with painting, collage and sculpture at 7 p.m. This will be the first of six new shows scheduled for 2009 at Many Worlds Gallery.

In this, my 2009 “State of the Arts” thesis, I declare that our artistic institutions provide all of us with the opportunity to enjoy the many creative energies that surround us. I would encourage all of my readers to check out the efforts of so many of our talented neighbors who make Schuylkill County such a great place to live.

*1 Painted Image of Rubens Peale provided on left margin

New Visitors Guide is Available

2009-01-27T13:26:00.004-05:00

The new year always brings a new Schuylkill County Visitors Guide and this year of course, is no different. The 2009 version of our guide provides a focus on the many great hiking opportunities that abound in our county.

The cover scene was taken along the Historic Tow Path Trail, which meanders along the Schuylkill River near Port Clinton. When most hikers hear the name Port Clinton, they think of the Appalachian Trail which cuts through the southern end of town. Every year thousands of "Through Hikers" visit the Port Clinton Hotel for a meal, or stop in at "Ye Olde Backpacker" to resupply.

Most of the locals know that three hiking trails pass through Port Clinton including the Tow Path Trail, the "AT" and the John Bartram Trail. The John Bartram Trail is part of the Schuylkill River Trail system and when completed, will link Hamburg in Berks County, with Schuylkill Haven and Pottsville years from now. At present only a six mile stretch of trail runs from Hamburg to an old Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge located a mile below Auburn. But this trail, which was completed in 2007, is experiencing an increasing amount of activity.

Hiking in Schuylkill County is not limited to these three trails. There are dozens of trails found in every corner of the county, with popular trails being found at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds in Summit Station, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park near Pine Grove, Tuscarora State Park and Locust Lake State Park near Barnesville, the Schuylkill Valley Trail between Tamaqua and Middleport, and the Lehigh and New England Rail Trail that runs parallel with Route 309 south of Tamaqua.

For scheduled walks through Schuylkill County, Porcupine Pat leads hikers on a variety of hikes throughout the year. Here is Pat previewing the day's hike on January 24th. More than 80 individuals showed up in 30 degree weather for the first of the season's hikes. Through Pat's efforts with "Schuylkill on the Move" residents and visitors to Schuylkill County will have a variety of hikes to choose from throughout the year. You can check out the Schuylkill on the Move website for more details.

I can tell you that in February, Pat will be taking a crowd out to the Silver Creek Fire Tower in Blythe Township on the 28th. So hey, go take a hike in Schuylkill County.

PA Roadtrips through Schuylkill

2008-12-08T16:48:00.003-05:00

In case you do not subscribe to the state tourism magazine, PA Pursuits, you may want to give them a call and order a copy.

For the past three years, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office has been publishing a quarterly magazine as a seasonal supplement to the state's travel guide. The Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau normally advertises in the Summer issue, but this coming year, you will also see our advertisement in the Spring issue as well.

But if you check out http://www.visitpa.com/ right now, you can order yourself a copy of the Winter Pursuits. Inside, you will find a two page driving tour through the communities of Upper Schuylkill County.

A two page spread features our local heritage sites such as the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, the Hibernian House and the Ashland Mothers Memorial. Coal mining history, the Molly Maguires and even "screamers" from Tony's Lunch in Girardville are the topic of discussion in PA Pursuits popular, "PA Roadtrip" special section.

To get yourself a copy of the Winter Pursuits Magazine, stop in at the Visitors Center in downtown Pottsville and pick one up, or you can call 1-800-Visit-PA to begin your subscription.

Out and About in Schuylkill County

2008-10-15T14:27:00.004-04:00

For the last two days, I have been spending time on Route 61 delivering brochures and checking out the scenery while the weather is being cooperative. In fact, I just returned from a brochure run to Frackville and I have to tell you, today is a great day to explore Schuylkill County. The temperature is hovering in the upper 70s and the fall foliage colors are everywhere.

Yesterday, I drove down to Cabelas and Hawk Mountain to deliver brochures and to get out of the office. Looking north from the Cabelas parking lot, the sky was a perfect blue and the Blue Mountain was showing early fall colors from the ridgeline on down. The scenery was quite impressive. When I pulled onto the Hawk Mountain access road, a group of hikers and bird watchers were heading off to visit the South Lookout with binoculars in hand. The parking lot was nearly full and the Visitors Center was humming with activity. The air was perfect on top of the hill, the fall colors painted against that blue sky made the trip worthwhile. My visit made me think that this weekend will be a busy one for Hawk Mountain and Schuylkill County. My reasons you ask?

First: The peak fall foliage season is upon us from this weekend, through the third full week of October.

Second: The raptor migration (Hawks, Eagles etc.) is at its peak this month.

Third: Have you seen the free fall in gasoline prices?

The drive to Hawk Mountain was made pleasant for a number of reasons, and one of those reasons is the present price of gasoline. Can you believe they are forecasting $2.50 a gallon by Thanksgiving (or at this rate, Halloween)?

So let me tell you about gas prices on Route 61. When I left Pottsville yesterday the price was $3.15 at Norwegian Street. In (Schuylkill) Haven it was $3.05 and $2.99. At Renningers Market the price was $3.06 and at Pine Dale, $3.09. At Molino, gas was again, $3.15.

Today when I left Pottsville, gas was $2.99, while the three gas stations near Saint Clair sold the cheap grade at $2.99, $2.98 and $2.99. At Frackville, the I-81 travelers were paying $3.07. Falling prices have got to have a positive impact on business right? I hope the combination of falling prices and falling leaves generates an increase in business and visitation for Schuylkill County this weekend and the remainder of the month.

My Visit to Frackville

Since my trip to Frackville coincided with the mid-day hour I figured I would visit the Dutch Kitchen for lunch. Checking the lunch specials at the counter, I ordered the Pot Pie Casserole and the Crab Bisque Soup. Now I have eaten Lobster Bisque in the past, so I figured Crab Bisque would be just as good. The Dutch Kitchen did not disappoint! The soup was perfect, and the two fresh pieces of bread were light, fluffy and recently baked. After finishing the first piece of bread, I knew the other piece was toast, .. er, I mean gonna be history. But I was going to save the second piece for after the main course.

The Pot Pie Casserole was yummy and there was a flavor sensation I could not convince my taste buds to identify. Was it cabbage or celery? I used to say I lost my taste buds when I served in the Army, but today, the Dutch Kitchen resuscitated them. After finishing the second slice of fluffy bread, there was no way I had space available for dessert. I left the Dutch Kitchen happy and satisfied. It is no wonder that Dutch Kitchen has been featured on the popular travel website, http://www.roadfood.com/.

Shenandoah Heritage Day

2008-08-18T15:00:00.002-04:00

This weekend, the community of Shenandoah will celebrate their annual Ethnic Heritage Festival on Saturday, August 23rd. Despite the recent events that have resulted in national attention and media coverage, this is one event that has the potential to move this community toward healing.

Over the last 13 years I have attended many county events through my responsibilities here at the Visitors Bureau. During this time period, I have come to know this event as one of the best events in terms of food and entertainment variety. Where else can you find such a variety of foods from Eastern Europe, to East Asia and to Central Amercia?

Shenandoah Pennsylvania has come to be known as the home of Mrs T's Pierogies, Kowalonek's Kielbasy and the Annual Ethnic Heritage Day celebration. Hopefully this weekend will bring all of our senses to that common interest in good food and fraternity.

Peace, Paz, Pace, Pokoj!

Dog Days of Summer?

2008-08-01T11:55:00.002-04:00

The “Dog Days of Summer” have arrived in Schuylkill County and we have a busy month of ahead. Despite the early summer rise in gasoline prices, Schuylkill County has been drawing strong numbers this summer. And since prices have dropped over the last few weeks we should see a steady flow of business.

As I write this, there are but two days left to the Schuylkill County Fair. Last night's performance by Elvis Tribute Artist Shawn Klush, drew thousands to Summit Station. The next two nights will be equally successful as Country Music star, Mark Chestnutt, performs tonight on the main stage at 9 p.m. and Davy Jones of the Monkees, performs on Saturday at 9 p.m. Tomorrow night's performance is once again, sponsored by the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau. Saturday's entertainment also includes Aldaliz Corona of Shenandoah, this year's Schuylkill County Idol.

I promise that August is going to be hectic in Schuylkill County.

Next weekend, the City of Pottsville will play host to hundreds of Antique and Classic Cars as the county's top single day event is scheduled for Sunday, August 10th. The Annual Great Pottsville Cruise kicks off on Wednesday, August 6th and runs through next weekend with events in and around Pottsville.

Those of you familiar with the Pottsville Cruise, know about the annual cruise car that is raffled off each year. This year's car is a 1995 Admiral Blue Corvette Coupe that looks like a sweet ride. Now I am not the corvette type. I like my 1999 Ford Contour with the cracked windshield and the tire with the slow leak, but I would gladly accept a corvette to cruise around in.

Thanks to our friend Jerry Enders, owner of Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum, we have four cruise car tickets to give away. Yes, I said we have four tickets to give away and only readers of our blog will have the opportunity to get a free chance at that Blue Corvette! So if you are reading this blog and would like a chance at that cruise car, simply give us a call at 570-622-7700. Tell us that you read about this offer on our Blog and we will enter your name for the raffle of this year's cruise car. If you are one of the first four callers, we will ask for your name, address and phone number.

Oh and remember to call us Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. or 5 p.m., or Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

A quick list of great August events include:

August 1-2 Schuylkill County Fair, Summit Station
August 3, 1st Annual Bike Bash, Pottsville
August 6-10 Great Pottsville Cruise
August 16-17, Lithuanian Days, Schuylkill Mall
August 16, Pioneer Tunnel Day, Ashland
August 16, Benigna Creek Winery Festival, Klingerstown
August 16, Island Fest, Schuylkill Haven
August 23, Shenandoah Heritage Day

For a detailed calendar of events, check out the website at www.schuylkill.org

Now call us for those Cruise Car tickets!

This Weekend in Schuylkill County?

2008-07-23T16:36:00.002-04:00

Have you ever heard anyone say, “There’s never anything to do around here!”

We are in the middle of the Summer of 2008 and every weekend has got to have at least a half dozen unique events going on around this county. This particular weekend features a couple of the big draw annual events as the Clover’s Irish Weekend kicks off on Friday night, and the Schuylkill County Fair opens on Sunday. Okay so you’re not Irish. Well what about the 74th Annual Ukrainian Seminary Day to be held at the Saint Nicholas Picnic Grove at Primrose (outside of Minersville)? What? You don’t like bleenies and halushkie?

There is stuff going on all over the place. The Lazy Dog has live music this Friday and Saturday, Christmas Pines Campground near Auburn has a weekend long event “Christ in the Pines”, Twin Grove Campground has Christmas in July, Frackville will entertain Alvin and the Chipmunks in the park, Hawk Mountain features a Butterfly program, Tuscarora State Park offers a hike along the lake, I mean the variety does not end!

I’ll tell ya what I’m gonna do. Let’s see how good this blog is working. The first person to call me this week and tells me that you read the blog and you want a Schuylkill County Fair Pass, I will give you two passes. The rules? You can not be an employee here at the Bureau, and you can not be one of our Board of Directors. Call me during regular hours, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first one that tells either Donna or Mark that you read the blog and want to claim your tickets, then you are the winner! Easy as that. We will tell you how you can pick up your free fair passes. Now the challenge for you .. find our phone number. And messages on our machine don't count. You have to speak to a live body here.

Let’s just see how good this new website and blog thing really is!

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to Schuylkill County

2008-07-22T13:17:00.002-04:00

Well it is finally here. Our Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau Blog has been launched. Now our challenge is to make our new website more interesting, as well as interactive for our visitors from near and far.

Since the new site just launched earlier this week, I am asking website visitors to participate in the monthly poll featured on our landing page. Our first poll seeks to get a handle on just how often our website visitors actually travel to the area. We know that local residents use the website for event information, while our visiting public is more interested in local lodging and dining opportunities. Whatever your reason for checking out the website, please take the time and take the poll each month.

But hey, it’s the middle of the summer of 2008 and people have been busy around here. I visited the Pioneer Tunnel yesterday, and they report that their numbers are up. The Yuengling Brewery tours? Visitation is up! Do these increasing numbers have anything to do with the heat lately, and the fact that people are looking for “cool” ways to escape the warm temps? Are gas prices having a negative impact on the local tourism trade? We have several indicators suggesting that business is doing pretty well locally.

So I am asking you the fans of the Visitors Bureau to let me know if gas prices are having a negative impact on either your business, or your travel itineraries. Talk to me.