Adventures for Anyone

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

My Newest Bucket List Spot...Slovenia!

I've traveled a lot in my time, and once in a while, during a study of places to go, I find something that I can't believe I missed. So, today we're discussing something that has been placed on my bucket list. Something that I can't believe I missed. Something for everyone. Something that checks a lot of boxes. We're talking about Slovenia.

Slovenia is one of those countries. It sits in pretty much the middle of Europe. It's been ruled by everyone. It's been part of every war. It's been part of Yugoslavia. It's been part of the Soviet Union. There are artifacts that have been recovered dated to 55,000 years ago. Slovenia has been around for a long time. They knew Napoleon, they were ruled by Tito. They were part of the Reformation. They were part of the Holy Roman Empire. They've been lorded over by Huns, Nazis, Austro-Hungarians, and so many more. They were dead center in WWI and WWII. They've seen it all, and still wanted to be an independent nation. In the 1990's they got their wish. And now, they're part of the European Union.

What truly boggles my mind is that they have it all in Slovenia. They have around 500 castles and palaces. They have the largest cave system in Europe. They have Alps. They have Lake Bled. They have scenic waterfalls and gorges to hike, and peaks to climb, and slopes to ski. They have numerous cable cars to get a view in. They have medieval towns and monasteries. They have Venetian ports, salt flats, ridiculous driving roads, and Lippizans. There's simply no end to the things that they have. You can even take a boat tour on the river in Ljubljana. Things that you can do in Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France; you can do in Slovenia. They have it all from history to architecture, to wilderness, to sports, to the macabre and beyond. They have everything I look for in all those other countries in one place. They have mountains, shore, beaches, villages, and some truly unique things to see and do.

I love the outdoors. Slovenia has that. Known as Europe's land of waterfalls, there are amazing hikes you can take. You can go with or without a guide, as you can find maps to and through the hikes easily. Are you concerned about your safety? Well, Slovenia is one of the safest countries to travel in the world. The place is a success story. In touristy areas, which from what I can see is most of the country, a lot of people speak English. That reduces the language barrier and helps with independent travel. Their currency is the Euro, so if you're traveling in more than one country, you don't have to worry about more money exchanging.

However, if you don't want to try it alone, there are dozens of tours and cruises and guides that you can use to make your trip more comfortable. They range from groups and cruises to individual, personalized tours. There are a lot of options, so choose one that's right for you. Take your time, because this could be one of the best trips of your life.

Slovenia is a rare gem with a variety of places to go and things to see. They have a specific culture and their own place in Europe. They have a 13 story building in Ljubljana that's famous. It was the highest building in that part of the continent for years. Now, it's a great place to have lunch and get a great view of the city.

Ljubljana also has the three bridges. I thought it was some complicated story with a crazy reasoning that made those bridges. It turns out that they were all just built to help with pedestrian traffic in the early 1900's. But the city also comes with medieval streets, old town, beautiful cathedrals, a fortress and so much more. They have the robust food that Slovenia is known for. And, if you're so hungry you could eat a horse, they have that too. If that doesn't thrill you, make sure you read the menu carefully.

The country has a castle that is in a cave. Predjama Castle sticks right out of a cliff. Quite a sight. The whole place is a national park and you can tour the castle and the cave. They also have a cave with a train in it. Postojna Cave is one of the largest on the continent. The other main cave is Skocjan and they are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. They have one of the premiere pass roads in the Alps. The road through Vrsic Pass. It's about a 50 km drive and takes about two hours. Don't try it in the winter. It's closed. They have beaches, and you can go sailing. Piran is the ancient city by the sea where you can do all the shore activities and visit the salt flats and walk the walls of the medieval town. It's bizarre the variety of things you can do in Slovenia.

Lake Bled is the most famous lake in the country with its island holding a palace sitting in the middle of it, but Lake Bohinj is the largest. Both are gorgeous, both have villages around, both have castles to look at. Take your pick, or if you have time, visit both. The Soca River is probably the largest in the country and goes through some gorges and to some waterfalls. You can't beat the scenery. Vintgar Gorge is probably the best known gorge hike in Slovenia ending at a Slap. That's the Slovenian word for waterfall. There's medieval farming villages on the slopes of the Alps. There's so much to wonder at that you'll never be bored.

Slovenia is full of museums and artistic spaces. There are history, art, modern art, Soviet and more for the museums, but in Ljubljana they have something different. It's an artistic colony called Metelkova City which used to be a Soviet military barracks. Nowadays, the whole neighborhood's become an outdoor art display of graffiti. Some of the sculptures seem a bit macabre, but it's something you won't see anywhere else. It's worth a look. Promise.

Getting to and from Slovenia is also easy. You can drive. You can take a train. You can fly. You can sail there on a cruise. All the options are available. What you'll be surprised about is the modernity. Slovenia is with the times. They're tech savvy and ready for the 21st century. The people are reportedly outgoing and proud to be independent and members of the European Union. They welcome visitors and try to show them a very good time while in their country.

Just remember that Slovenia has something for everyone and a lot of things that you have to go to several other countries to do all in one place. Whether you want to wander a city market, celebrate the holidays, go skiing, go on a cruise, experience art, hike, bike, visit castles or caves; Slovenia has something for you. Whether it's the Alps, the gorges, the medieval villages, the cathedrals, the waterfalls, the beaches, the gondolas or the food; Slovenia has something for you. It's one of the most diverse, richly historical, beautiful, fascinating countries I've heard of in a while.

All I can say for myself is that I intend to visit this one. I can't believe I missed it. But, if you're like me and love to have a lot of options of things to do with your travel time, then Slovenia is worth checking out. I found options there I'd never dreamed of, so look into it, plan a vacay and enjoy!

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Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Wiesn. What's that? Oktoberfest! Thanks Jen!

The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the biggest festivals in the world. I bring it up today, because not only did my friend Jen put it directly on the bucket list, but it starts for the year in three days! Post pandemic, no restrictions...Oktoberfest is back! In reality, there are Oktoberfests all over the world. America loves them and almost every city has one. Everyone loves to get together, listen to polka music, eat schnitzel, wear Liederhosen and of course, drink beer. That's the point, right?

Well, as usual, and particularly in old world Europe, Oktoberfest has an amazing history.

On October 12th, 1810 there was a wedding between King Ludwig I and Princess Teresa of Sassonia-Hildburghausen. They wanted to share their happiness and invited everyone in Munich to the party. The fields around the city have been called Theresienwiese or Teresa's Meadows, ever since. That was eventually shortened to Wies'n. The crowning glory of events at that celebration was a horse race, and that was the event that they decided to repeat every year. So, Oktoberfest was born.

Now, don't forget, that beer as we know it; I mean the basic formula, was set down by the Bavarians. Beer is their history.

A lot has changed over the years. The horse race ended in the 1960's. Rides were added pretty early on and have grown into a world class midway. In 1885 electricity came along for the first time allowing the festivities to go on into the night. Some of the largest tents in the world, 17 of them at last count, house the festival of beer. Millions of people attend the festival. There are 15 million people living in Munich to start with. Then add tourists. The numbers can become staggering.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the festivities were cancelled and restricted and are just finally returning to normal. It takes more than that to stop one of the most famous festivals in the world.

So, why is it that this is the 187th Oktoberfest if it's been going on since 1810? Shouldn't that be the 212th? Well, life gets in the way once in a while. There's been wars with Prussia, WWI and WWII, and more recently a pandemic. Once in a while the festival has been cancelled, occasionally for years; but it never ceases to exist.

Munich is that wonderful combination of productivity and have a good time. Munich is a big industry town with BMW leading the pack on that note with beer close behind. But somewhere between going to work to make cars and beer, and celebrating fall comes that time when you see average citizens wandering around town in their Liederhosen. Bringing history to life and celebrating the harvest. It's a beautiful thing.

Once the festival got into full swing, they did move the dates up to September because the weather is just better. The festival has been called the Harvest Festival and the Autumn Festival at times over the years, but in the modern era Oktoberfest stuck and stuck hard.

I must say, if you don't drink beer, don't eat sausage or pretzels; you might not enjoy the tents at this festival. If that's the case, there's so much more to the festival. There's rides, other food, dancing, and events of all kinds. If you don't like the festivities in the tents, just go to another part. Drinking isn't all that goes on at Oktoberfest.

That being said, there's also more to do in Munich!

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, which encompasses the black forest and the foothills of the Alps. It's beautiful. It's the land of fairy tales and Neuschwanstein Castle isn't far from Munich. One of the most famous castles in the world and beautiful beyond comparison. It's a must see if you're as close as Munich.

Munich is old. It's one of those European cities that has an old town and a new town that's not much newer than the old town. They've been through Holy Roman Emperors and the Reformation. They survived WWI and WWII. Bavaria, and Munich as its capital remained part of West Germany during the Communist years with Soviets all around them.

Munich has eons of various architecture both of buildings and churches. There are several tours you can take both self guided and guided to see the buildings of this marvelous city. But, don't limit yourself. Munich continues to build cutting edge architecture, so you may want to look into a modern tour as well. As you get out of the old center of the city, amazing structures from far more recent times emerge.

There's so much to see and do in Munich. There are a plethora of museums, including a Holocaust Museum. They have a cutting edge football stadium, so sports are a plenty. There's manufacturing. There's many different kinds of shopping from A list expensive areas to outdoor markets. Their Christmas Market is one of the more famous ones in Europe. They have one of the largest inner city parks in the world, rivaling Central Park in New York. The park is full of activities, sights, hiking, gardens and more. There are amazing things to see all around town.

Note to anyone who loves something a little different. Switzerland several years back started something called river surfing. If you're wondering what that is, it's exactly what it sounds like. You get a surfboard and surf on a raging river. Munich is another one of those cities that partakes in this sport. It happens right in the middle of town on the Eisbach River.

Eating is something you'll want to spend some time with during a visit to Munich. Yes, they have sausage, pretzels and beer. However, Munich is quite the foodie destination. They have restaurants offering a myriad of different food stylings and there are restaurants ranging from ancient to modern, from on the ground to high in the air. The delights abound and should not be ignored. Remember, one of the best things about travel is the trying of new foods.

Getting around the city can always be tricky, or it can be easy. With 15 million people running around, public transportation is the way to go. There are trams, buses, subways or Ubahn, and rentals like bikes and Uber. There are even pedicabs to help you get around the city. Check into the local transportation cards before you go. It can make your visit far more delightful.

Munich is a place where you can enjoy the theater, go shopping on your own terms, surf on a river, experience art, culture and history dating back over a thousand years, enjoy beauty and food, and attend one of the largest festivals in the world.

Just remember, one of the best things about visiting a historic venue is learning some of that history before you go. It enriches your experience and gives you a truly meaningful encounter. After all, you wouldn't want to go all the way to the most beautiful part of Germany and come home with nothing but a hangover, would you?

Take the time to experience Munich and all it has to offer. But get with it, Oktoberfest 2022 starts in just three days. Enjoy!

https://www.visitacity.com/en/munich/activities/all-activities?activitiesSearchByName=Oktoberfest&campaginid=418300277&adgroupid=1280931430284851&targetid=kwd-80058432921013:loc-190&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Munich%20ActivitiesM21X%20G-US-In-EUR&utm_term=oktoberfest%20tour%20munich&utm_content=Oktoberfest

https://www.booking.com/landmark/de/oktoberfest.en.html?msclkid=b5b05408ae4317373ec737281a8edbe5&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=8XSGq0VWfqzac1PZdf4VcA&aid=2119645&label=msn-8XSGq0VWfqzac1PZdf4VcA-80676780889164%3Atikwd-80676900788534%3Aloc-190%3Aneo%3Amtb%3Alp44736%3Adec%3Aqsmunich+germany+and+the+history+of+oktoberfest&utm_campaign=Germany&utm_source=bing

https://www.oktoberfest.net/history-oktoberfest/

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/magazine/tradition/the-history-of-oktoberfest

https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/events/oktoberfest/history.html

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/germany?c3api=bing,1307319562581963,81707615776024&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81707563531401_k_81707615776024_w_kwd-81707615776024:loc-4086_g_1307319562581963_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_116766_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=o5DGdWmd-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81707563531401%7Cpkw%7Coktoberfest%20munich%20germany%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1307319562581963%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81707615776024:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Germany-Jul%202020&utm_term=oktoberfest%20munich%20germany&utm_content=o5DGdWmd-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81707563531401%7Cpkw%7Coktoberfest%20munich%20germany%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1307319562581963%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81707615776024:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1307319562581963&ptaid=kwd-81707615776024:loc-4086&msclkid=8290c4c8c96f1e511733a7e87faa5993

https://www.viator.com/tours/Munich/Private-Oktoberfest-and-Sightseeing-Tour-in-Comfort-Van-plus-1-Transfer-At-Night/d487-173111P7?m=33953&supag=1233652208695784&supsc=dat-2328903066664826:loc-190&supai=77103347463768&supdv=c&supnt=nt:o&suplp=44736&supli=116766&supti=dat-2328903066664826:loc-190&tsem=true&supci=dat-2328903066664826:loc-190&supkw=munich%20germany%20and%20oktoberfest&msclkid=e5e2db108ba61edf6d5fb8303d636743

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en

https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/oktoberfest-munich/

https://www.introducingmunich.com/oktoberfest

https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/3-days-in-munich-during-oktoberfest-things-to-do/

https://www.goaheadtours.com/tours/europe-tours?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_Search_Europe_BMM&utm_group=Europe_Tour&utm_term=european+tour&utm_content=o&mt=p&utm_device=c&invsrc=b.1403&msclkid=f278ade7a6d719567816cec7116d3cad&gclid=f278ade7a6d719567816cec7116d3cad&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?endDate=9%2F27%2F2022&langid=1033&location=Munich%20%28and%20vicinity%29%2C%20Bavaria%2C%20Germany&msclkid=8ab90fe3923417692e866cc3258e40c0&regionId=2452&rid=179896&semcid=US.MULTILOBLX.BING.DL-c-EN.LX&semdtl=a1268773038.b11293025836098222.r1.g1kwd-80814224836301%3Aloc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1116766.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&sort=RECOMMENDED&startDate=9%2F13%2F2022&swp=on&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%5D%3ADL%3AEMEA%3AX%3AM%3ANC%3A%3A&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%5D%3ADT%3AEMEA%3ADEU%3AXX%3AGermany%3A64%3AMunich%3A2452%3AM%3ANC%3Aactivity%3A&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=%2Bmunich%20%2Bactivities

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187309-d8820318-Reviews-Oktoberfest-Munich_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html

https://www.bier-und-oktoberfestmuseum.de/en/

https://www.munich.travel/en/categories/plan/attractions

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/munich

https://www.europetravel.com/?source=bing&nlp=i&cn=tours&ag=europetours&msclkid=9b59ee9366b411b212118db3dee48afb

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/munich-germany

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/an-introduction-to-munichs-nazi-museum/

https://www.kayak.com/horizon/sem/flights/destination/c14057?lang=en&utm_campaign=Destination+-+DE+-+Munich+-+City%2314057&utm_content=City+-+to+munich+-+T%3Dnone+-+P%3Dnone+-+D%3DCity%2314057&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=to+munich&skipapp=true

https://architectureofcities.com/munich

https://www.e-architect.com/munich/munich-architecture

https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/97472/architectural-buildings

https://www.frommers.com/destinations/munich/in-depth/art--architecture

https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/germany/

https://www.muenchen.de/int/en.html

https://de.usembassy.gov/location/munich/

https://www.priceline.com/flights?query=munich%20germany%20flights&match=be&kw=munich%20germany%20flights&refid=PLMSN&refclickid=D%3AcFlight16294499090o73598780607291370066004kwd-73598726228984%3Aloc-190&msclkid=83b73d617eb413cc223b5e41c552e7e2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DEST%7CMobile%7CD%3ACity%7CGM%7CGERMANY%7CMunich%7C3000035919&utm_term=munich%20germany%20flights&utm_content=DEST%7CMobile%7CD%3ACity%7CGM%7CGERMANY%7CMunich%7C3000035919%7CExact&slingshot=1989&vrid=bc2d76e510091222869d4ffab0482a3c

https://www.cheapflights.com/flights-to-munich/

https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/muc/de/munich-to-germany.html

https://www.travelocity.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Munich.d179896.Travel-Guide-Flights

https://www.eurowings.com/us/booking/offers/flights-from/DE/MUC/to/DE.html

https://www.raileurope.com/en-us/destinations/stations/munchen-hauptbahnhof

https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-to-use-munich-trains-3149961

https://www.thefork.com/restaurants/munich-c368455

https://www.timeout.com/munich/restaurants/best-restaurants-in-munich

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l26/?cmp=bing&cmp=bing&campaign_id=377863936&adgroup_id=1254543364187963&target_id=kwd-78409295764713%3Aloc-190&match_type=e&ad_id=78409107828319&msclkid=805bce2c2b601ed93ed3ad0c96508072&loc_physical_ms=44736&feed_item_id=&keyword=munich%20germany%20what%20to%20do&partner_id=CD951&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=dc%3D27%3Ade%7Clc%3D26%3Amunich%7Cct%3Dcore%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_term=munich%20germany%20what%20to%20do&gclsrc=3p.ds&utm_content=lc%3D26%3Amunich%7Cfn%3Df3%7Cci%3D937%3Athings%20to%20do

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-munich-germany/

https://ittworld.com/tours/luther-reformation-oberammergau-germany/

https://bestbeerfestivals.com/munich-oktoberfest

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Road Trips Can Lead to Great Things That You Never Had Time to Notice!

Half my life has been spent in some form traveling from New England to the Midwest or vice versa. Anyone who's made that trip knows that there's a place where I-84 goes down a giant hill and crosses the Delaware River in a small town. Doesn't matter what direction you're going; it happens that way. This is a mundane happening on your way from point A to point B. Doesn't matter which way you're going. You've probably stopped at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center to go to the bathroom. You may have stopped to eat in the area.

The Delaware River divides that area between Metamoras, PA; Port Jervis, NY; and whatever is going on around Carpenter's Point in New Jersey. Seems calm. There's a Walmart. But, what you don't know is that it's one of the coolest areas around.

Exit #1 on the east side of the river goes to High Point State Park and the monument that sits up there. The monument is for veterans. The view of the valley is amazing. Not to be missed.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an amazing place for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are several different kinds of activities you can do in the river. There's camping all over the place and of all kinds. This is a tourist area, a travelers area, and all summer long, it's busy with lots of options.

Most of the activity is in Pennsylvania, as that's where the national recreation area is technically located. All along Route 209 you'll find things to do and places to stay.

As you travel down the highway, you'll first stop at Raymondskill Falls. This is the highest waterfall in Pennsylvania. That's a point of distinction, since there are hundreds of waterfalls in the state. There's a short trail to the falls and there are a few sections to the falls, so make sure you walk around and see it all. If you're lucky, like I was a couple times, you might see some crazy kayakers going down the falls. It's not uncommon and very entertaining.

Next, you'll come to Dingman's Ferry and Dingman's Falls. Here there's a rickety bridge across the river. That's not for the feint of heart. On the other side of the road just past the intersection, is the drive to the trailhead and the visitor's center at Dingman's Falls.

I have to add a story here. The first time I ever visited Dingman's Falls was on February 5th of some year or other. It was winter, and I was feeling a bit of cabin fever. I'd never heard of any of the area, except that I drove through there a lot on I-84. I went and hiked up the drive, which was closed for the winter, and along the trail to the falls in deep snow. It was amazing, and I've been going back ever since. Albeit, in warmer weather.

At any rate, there's a lovely visitor's center there, and the trail is largely a boardwalk. This makes the whole place wheelchair accessible and a very nice option for mobility challenged folks.

The boardwalk goes by Silver Thread falls, which is a lovely drizzle and then on the main event at Dingman's. The view is stunning. If you like, you can hike up and down the side of the falls. The views are great anywhere in there, and well worth the short walk. The only downside is that you have to watch the weather. If there's been a lot of rain, the trail may be closed. It does flood.

And last, but not least, there's Bushkill Falls. There are seven miles of walking you can do on a loop through the boardwalks, bridges, and trails in Bushkill. There are eight waterfalls in the park, and the views are amazing. It does charge a fee, as it's privately owned. Also, if you bring a little one, put them in a backpack carrier. It's a challenging walk on a good day.

The cool part of Bushkill is that there's a resort right there, activities, food, and shopping. Bushkill is also in that area of the Poconos well known for honeymoons and romance. There are several resorts in the area that are adults only and even a casino or two is available. So, if bringing children, make sure you book the correct lodging.

Good that we've covered all that. But, here's the part that I never knew. Along Route 209 on your way to all those cool waterfalls is a town called Milford. I've been through Milford many times. It's cute, showing off its heritage and history. I love to drive through it, and it has some cute places to eat as well. I've spent so much time looking at waterfalls, that I missed something, and I got to see that recently.

We go to visit my son a lot, and we take two days for the drive just because it's long. So, we now have some time to stop along the way and check some things out. This last time, we were in the Metamoras area and decided to stop at Grey Towers in Milford. Wow.

Grey Towers was the estate of Gifford Pinchot. So what, you say? I thought that too. You may have heard of Pinchot State Park or Pinchot National Forest? That's all about him. He was the very first head of the United States Forestry Service. He was also the Governor of Pennsylvania twice. He brought forestry into the spotlight for our government the way Teddy Roosevelt highlighted the wild areas that became national parks. He was key in designing a way to use our forested areas while preserving them for future generations. No small feat.

Yes, he was a rich man, but those were the people who originally dedicated their later years to bettering the world for others. Grey Towers was the location of research and education as well as his home. President John F. Kennedy officially accepted the donation of the house and grounds into the National Forestry Service and it is the only estate operated by that agency. The Pinchot Family also founded Pinchot University and created the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. The institute has offices right at Grey Towers to this day, as well as in Washington DC.

The Pinchot's were forward thinking people. The estate is beautiful and you can walk the entire grounds, save a garden off to the side. Admission to the grounds is free. There are no tours of the inside of the house going on at the moment, but there are rangers there who will take you inside if you ask. There's a small building that was once used as a library and research center where you can watch a video about the founding of the American Forestry Service. It's fascinating and hiding in Milford, Pennsylvania.

I don't know about anyone else, but I've spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania, whether I want to or not. I've often wondered about its unique lifestyle. There are a lot of places in the state that have baffled me over the years. Somehow, learning that the Pinchot's had such an impact on an already unique state, put some of my questions to rest. I now understand the entire region known as the Wilds of Pennsylvania. I get it. Conservation at its finest. Welcome to Pennsylvania.

Road trips have become extremely popular since Covid, and I'm one that's done a lot of roadtripping in that time. What can I say? I've had lots of questions about things I have seen in Pennsylvania for decades. What did I find out on a roadtrip? All I had to do was turn right instead of left in Milford. All I had to do was visit Grey Towers instead of always running to the waterfalls.

I took that right turn last time, and I'm glad I did. I learned some fascinating history. I learned about a man driven to do the right thing for future generations. I also got to see a beautiful estate. It was a nice stop on the way to see my son. Don't be afraid that you'll get off your schedule by stopping along the way. It's worth it. I promise.

So, while driving along, stop and see some sites. You might just have a wonderful adventure. Remember, there are tourists and travelers. Be a traveler. You may notice that I almost always put a link for Atlas Obscura, All Trails, and World of Waterfalls in my blogs. It helps you discover amazing things. It helps you learn to wander. It makes you a traveler to stop along the way and wander a bit. It's a great thing and helps you learn and feel a part of your journey so you can enjoy!

https://www.booking.com/city/us/milford-pennsylvania.en.html?utm_term=pbpg67MowFx1TpfYqZK*6A&utm_campaign=PA%3A+Pennsylvania&label=msn-pbpg67MowFx1TpfYqZK*6A-80470520638716%3Atikwd-17273444264%3Aloc-4086%3Aneo%3Amte%3Alp44736%3Adec%3Aqsmilford+pa&msclkid=08e2734576a41074a3e7104adc8fca65&aid=346685&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing

https://www.expedia.com/Milford-Hotels.d133247.Travel-Guide-Hotels?semcid=US.UB.BING.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a1392718846.b11328211160192686.r1.g1dat-2334812941616371:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k14120.f1.n1.l1o.h1b.m1&msclkid=28c7164f0ef31666b73e7540a4d8ceee&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BEX%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AAMER%3AUSA%3APA%3A240%3AMCY%3AAllentown%3A602976%3A%3A%3A&utm_term=MECE_GAIA%3A602976&utm_content=BEX%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AAMER%3AUSA%3APA%3APennsylvania%3A240%3AAllentown%3A602976%3A%3A

https://www.hotels.com/de1425268/hotels-milford-pennsylvania/?rffrid=sem.hcom.US.bing.003.00.04.s.kwrd=c.82051288387585.1312817708642352.369301619.0.dat-2333850868930893:loc-4086.44736.4120.Feeder_US-en%20DOM.msclkid=f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76&semcid=HCOM-US.UB.BING.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a1369301619.b11312817708642352.g1dat-2333850868930893:loc-4086.l1.e1c.m1f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76.r1.c1.j144736.k14120.d182051288387585.h1b.i1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&msclkid=f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76&gclid=f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://milfordpa.us/

https://www.milfordboro.org/

https://www.visitpa.com/region/pocono-mountains/milford

https://vacationidea.com/ideas/best-things-to-do-in-milford-pa.html

https://www.luxuryhotelsguides.com/?subufi=57701&msclkid=b788f0cc59431e6c38e793c3f2e85643

https://www.poconomountains.com/plan-your-vacation/explore-our-area/milford/

https://greytowers.org/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/greytowers

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/GiffordPinchotStatePark/Pages/default.aspx