Tag Archives: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Genealogy Resources

The state of Pennsylvania has several nicknames. One of them is “The Keystone State”. Do you have ancestors who once lived in Pennsylvania? Are you trying discover more information about them? If so, then here are several Pennsylvania genealogy resources for you to try. Ancestry.com has a page with links to all of their Pennsylvania genealogy collections. In order to access the majority of these collections, you will need to have an Ancestry.com membership. Sometimes, a collection or two will be offered for free. Return to their page often. Ancestry.com does a good job of making it clear when a … Continue reading →

Pennsylvania Will have a Federal Insurance Exchange

The Governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, has announced that Pennsylvania will have a health insurance exchange that is run by the federal government. Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason has released a statement that applauds the governor’s decision. The Affordable Care Act requires all states to have a health insurance exchange. There were three options about how that exchange would be run. One option was to have a state-based health insurance exchange. The deadline for that option has now passed. Another option is to have an exchange that is run as a partnership between the state and the federal … Continue reading →

Scary Places: The Farnsworth House Inn

Halloween is coming soon, so not blog about what many people love – scary places. I’ve already blogged about the Winchester Mystery House, the Whaley House, and the Robertson County, Tennessee, the home of the Bell Witch. Today, I want to talk about the Farnsworth House Inn in Gettysburg, PA. For some of you, the mere mention of the name Gettysburg conjures up images of a Civil War battle that was brutal and deadly. The Farnsworth House Inn was actually used by Confederate soldiers during the 1863 battle. Sharpshooters holed up in the attic of the inn and shot from … Continue reading →

Family Travel: Sweeten Up Your Summer Vacation

Forget about the kids, for chocoholic parents, a trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World is a dream come true. The sweet treats that await you at the sumptuous property are seemingly endless. Imagine snapping your family’s Christmas card photo beneath a streetlamp fashioned like a Hershey Kiss or snacking on samples from the two-million-square-foot Hershey Factory, the largest chocolate plant in the world. If your stomach is rumbling just thinking about the fun you would have it’s time to stop smacking your lips and get into gear to take in the attractions. Timing is everything when visiting the park. Hershey may … Continue reading →

Saving Money on Weird and Wacky Travel

Regular readers of this blog know that I have a soft spot for wacky travel attractions and events. I get a kick out of visiting quirky spots that are off the beaten path and I always enjoy spotlighting them so as to encourage others to venture beyond their traditional vacation itineraries and see what else this fine country has to offer. If you are planning an end of the summer family trip and are looking for ways to save money on your journey consider the following hotel packages. Each includes one night’s deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two and a copy … Continue reading →

Saving on Summer Travel—-It is Possible

As long as you don’t fly American Airlines. All kidding aside news on the travel front has been anything but encouraging this week. From record high gas prices (the cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel has topped the $4 mark in dozens of major cities across the country) to insane added fees tacked on by airlines that claim to be suffering in a slumping economy, you practically need to win the lottery to afford to take a family vacation these days. Luckily there are some sectors of the travel industry that are helping families salvage their summer vacations. Several … Continue reading →

Travel Deals Commemorating Black History Month

Besides Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and Groundhog’s Day, the month of February is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments on African Americans. February is Black History Month and the occasion is not being lost on B&Bs around the world. Dozens of quaint lodgings are offering deep discounts to commemorate the annual celebration that has existed since 1926. Take a look: MASSACHUSETTS The Lathrop House located in Springfield, Massachusetts’ historic Forest Park district is a refurbished 1899 Victorian home, which features a stunning rose garden, and a handful of rooms decorated in florals. The well-known B&B is situated about … Continue reading →

Kid-Friendly Vacation Destinations with Meaning

I just received an email from my friend who wanted to brag about (I mean share the good news) that her family’s spring break vacation plans to California are now complete. They don’t depart on their trip for another two months, but she’s delighted nonetheless. I don’t blame her. Planning a cross-country trip for a family of five is no easy task. Her three children will have a blast and I’m sure she and her husband will too. My pal’s email inspired me to write this blog about family vacations. Beyond the thrill of visiting a new city, having fun … Continue reading →

Post-Christmas Travel Destinations for Families

In less than 48 hours the Christmas gifts will be opened and the mountains of wrapping paper will be disposed of… then what? Most kids are out of school until the first week of January, so why not beat the cabin fever blues by taking advantage of the travel deals being offered by family-friendly resorts around the country. Resorts are ramping up for post-Christmas family getaways and whether you live on the East Coast of the United States, the West Coast or somewhere in between there are numerous themed packages and special offers to help keep the holiday spirit alive … Continue reading →

How You Can Join in on Pittsburgh’s 250th Birthday Party

The Steel City is throwing a massive birthday blowout and you’re all invited. Pittsburgh turns the big 2-5-0 next year and to commemorate the occasion city leaders are hosting a series of events throughout 2008 in hopes people from this country and those throughout the world will travel to the area to help celebrate. In the process city officials are hoping to change the way people perceive the city. Tourism officials say their goal is to get visitors to realize that Pittsburgh is no longer “a smoky steel town but a city with a thriving cultural district, world-class universities and … Continue reading →