Learning about this historic landmark, originally built in 1881 in Perry County, it was relocated…read moretwice to its current location by the Fort Hunter Mansion preserver Margaret Wister Meigs as a park attraction.

This marker in downtown Harrisburg remembers an important American. War correspondent, lawyer and…read moreCivil War soldier. The marker reads, "Journalist, educator, lawyer. Born here, 1834. Taught in Liberia, 1857-61. Recruited Black soldiers in Civil War; noted as war correspondent. In Europe for freedmen's aid; was admitted to the English bar in 1870. Held major posts in Louisiana, 1873-83. Died nearby, 1892." At the age of 16, Chester attended Akron College, an African-American academy in Pittsburgh. In 1853, he moved to Monrovia Liberia where he attended Alexander High School and then returned to the United States in 1854 where he enrolled at Thetford Academy in Vermont. He later returned to Liberia where he taught school to Africans of former American slaves. During the Civil War, Chester served as a recruiter of black troops and raised the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. After the war ended, he toured Europe and settled in London, becoming England's first African-American barrister. [Review 12127 overall, 1911 of 2019.]

Sometimes social media plants a tiny little seed that sits in the back of your mind for months…read more That was the White Cliffs of Conoy for me. I'd seen photos of the cliffs the previous fall and immediately added them to my ever-growing "I need to go there" list. Fast forward to an early August Thursday when I had a day off work and was planning a full Lancaster County adventure. Naturally, the White Cliffs became the very first stop of the day. Before heading out, I did a little homework. There are two common ways to reach the cliffs via the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The shortest route begins at Koser Park in Bainbridge and is a 1.5-mile walk or bike ride heading south. You can also start from Riverfront Park, which is about a 3-mile walk or ride heading north. I opted for Koser Park, and when I pulled in just before 8am, I found plenty of parking and was immediately greeted by beautiful views of the Susquehanna River before I even started walking. The trail couldn't have been easier to follow. It's wide, completely paved and almost entirely flat, making it perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists of just about any skill level. I was so excited to finally see the cliffs that I found myself walking much faster than I normally do. About a mile and a half down the trail, I reached the remains of the Billmeyer company town, followed almost immediately by the White Cliffs rising about 30 feet above the Susquehanna River. One of the coolest things I learned is that the cliffs aren't actually a natural formation. They're the remnants of a limestone and dolomite quarry that dates back to the mid-1800s. Across the railroad tracks sit the ruins of the old limestone factory and what remains of the Billmeyer ghost town, which was abandoned after the quarry closed in the 1950s. Nature has slowly reclaimed the entire area, creating this fascinating mix of industrial history and natural beauty that makes the visit feel even more special. What surprised me most? I had the entire place to myself! Not another person. On a gorgeous August morning. I happily wandered around taking photos, shooting panoramic videos and simply soaking in the peace and quiet. It felt like one of those magical travel moments where you can't quite believe you have such a beautiful place all to yourself. One word of caution, though...there are very few barriers or safety features around the cliffs themselves. If you're visiting with young children or dogs, keep a close eye on them. The drop to the river below is very real, and while the township has determined the area is safe to visit, there are still remnants of the old quarry and industrial site scattered around, so paying attention to where you're walking is a good idea. By the time I headed back toward the parking lot, I couldn't stop thinking about how perfect this would be for a picnic. Sunrise. Sunset. A sandwich. A blanket. And that incredible view of the Susquehanna. Honestly, I might need to start a Pennsylvania Picnic Bucket List, because the White Cliffs of Conoy would immediately earn the very first spot! The White Cliffs of Conoy turned out to be every bit as beautiful as I'd hoped they would be. Sometimes those places you've been dreaming about for months really do live up to the hype. And this was definitely one of them!

This week's edition of Reviews That Do Not Matter features the Market Street Bridge by Aaron S…read more What a useless review, you say? You'd be correct. However, this is a great bridge over troubled waters (polluted Susquehanna River) that carries Harrisburgers to and fro City Island and the west shore. It certainly serves its purpose, but there are no porpoises underneath. Very picturesque this time of year. Enjoy the views.

I'm going to cross this bridge, mark my words, market in your calendar…read more This is one of the many beautiful bridges crossing the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. Old and glorious and part of one of the most picturesque views in all of the USA. The bridges crossing the river in Harrisburg are spectacularly old and gorgeous, and it's hard not to give any of them 5 stars.

If so interested or inclined, the below two pieces can give you a little light bed time reading as…read moreto the history of how the Statue came to be. www.atlasobscura.com/places/mini-statue-of-liberty-harrisburg www.abc27.com/digital-originals/how-the-mini-statue-of-liberty-came-to-be/ If you're so inclined to pay a visit, the only realistic way is on the water and ideally by kayak. In the current time, with the lack of rain, which has the Susquehanna very shallow, I don't see how else you can get here aside from a helicopter or walking on water. I know that you can put in north of the Statue in places like Duncannon or Halifax, but I prefer to do it the hard way which is at Fort Hunter and then trekking the mile plus upriver against the current. The only real way to approach from the south especially with the low water levels is to head over towards 322 to get around the large amount of rocks which guard the statue's front. Is there really something to see here? No, but it is a unique cultural oddity and to me worth a trip that few people ever get to experience up close.

This location gets 5 stars because of my love for the trail! Wasn't sure what to expect. It's an…read moreoffice with a sitting area and a water spigot and outlets for recharge for thru hikers. The trail runs right past the front of the building. The stream close by is fresh water and littered with ducks. Lots of trees. They carry various stickers, t-shirts, caps, books, bandanas, socks, and pamphlets. Not really a store. Stuff is randomly laid out about the small space. Staff...not friendly at all. Unfortunate. Woman with desk closer to door looked at me like I had three heads. Not sure why? None of the other staff said a word. The thru hikers were GREAT! I wish I had brought Trail Magic. This was a last minute stop...but next time!!!

This was the final date night of the season and so I purchased tickets for this event. The ticket…read morewas just to utilize the garden so that you can bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and or blanket. They do offer a charcuterie board for $25. They state on their site tables are available as first come. I was able to get a table that seated 6! I was somewhat disappointed that for a date night event there were no bistro tables. The table I found was so filthy and the pavers were full of debris. Had I known it was gonna be so dirty I would have brought cleaning supply and swept the area! The ambiance wasn't romantic for this date night as a lady's birthday party celebration was going on a few feet from us. Though the site stated a live musical artist would be present, he was so far off we couldn't hear him. Due to the birthday party celebration it was difficult to hear when he came closer but thank goodness for my playlist on pandora! When I purchased the ticket for the date night it showed a fee of $10 which is what I paid. But when my date arrived, after myself, he was told I had only paid for one ticket. Am I so stupid to have not known that a date night ticket wasn't for a couple?? This was so confusing but thankfully we had a $10 to pay his date night ticket. Sincerely, I wouldn't purchase any tickets to come to another event here. My garden is small but nicer and definitely cleaner tables and walkways. We tried making the best of it and enjoyed the Greek smorgasbord I packed for us.

This venue has exquisite landscaping and gorgeous gardens. The House has a timeless elegance that…read moreis so unique. Our music group: Vivace Live String Quartet performed for their Music on the Lawn series and we enjoyed every minute of the atmosphere! Plus- their staff is a great team to work with: thoughtful, eager to help, and friendly. Can't wait to go back!

Step 1: Get map from topozone.com Step 2: Load backpack up…read morewith beef jerky & soda. Step 3: Drive to Stony Valley via US 322 / 22 West. Step 4: Park Car in State Game Lands No. 211 Step 5: Hike uphill one-way for 4.2 miles Step 6: Dodge snakes, turkey, bear, other wildlife Step 7: Scale 9 foot barbed-wire fence Step 8: Shake off fear of heights Step 9: Climb to lookout tower at top of metal staircase Step 10: Take lots of photos of everything Step 11: Upload photos to Yelp.com

Great hike, with a fantastic view of the valley. Just follow Dan's instructions. Definitely can't…read morebe scared of heights.