Day off in PA state next Thursday - what's to see?

[jwetering]

I'm waking up in Allentown PA next Thursday morning, and I have to be in Newark NJ at 10 pm to pick up my wife for a weekend in NYC. I have a rental car with sat-nav.

What should I see during the day? I would prefer a good car museum, but am interested in architecture, factory tours, or even a good hydro dam as well.

Any tips for a West Coast Canadian ?

Thanks

[Rich76_911s]

If you don't mind driving maybe the Simeone Foundation. It would be about an hour to 1.5 hour drive from Allentown. The museum is about 10 minutes from the Philadelphia airport.

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum » Home

He has a 917 and a daytona coupe in there.

If you are into modern furniture you could check out Knoll's Museum in East Greenville, PA:

http://www.knoll.com/museum/index.jsp

Two other places I'd check out if:

1. Leydon Restorations
http://www.leydonrestorations.com/

If you give them a call you might be able to check out their facilities. I've seen some of their machine work and it is something to behold. It is kinda sorta on the way between Allentown and Newark.

2. DL George
http://www.dlgeorgecoachworksltd.com/Links/Links.htm

Another Restoration shop. I don't know if they give tours or not, I've gone for a tech session with the vintage SCCA and that place has some awesome cars. They had a buggati atlantic the last time I was there.

[WIL84911]

How about a driveby Marco Andretti's property (bought from his Grandpa Mario)?

The Andretti Family and their Mansions « Homes of the Rich

[schaklos]

Holbert's Porsche is not too far away at 1607 Easton Road, Warrington, PA.
I'm not sure if it's still there but Al's legendary Lowenbrau Special 962 used to be on display.

[sailchef]

Stop at 9th & Wharton street, Philadelphia, PA.

Go to Gino's and order a philly cheesesteak, walk across the street to Pats and order another cheesesteak.

Try them both.

After doing this you will have become part of the legendary philadelphia cultural battle as to who has the best cheesesteak in Philly.

Become part of history.

Geno’s Steaks Philadelphia — visitphilly.com

Pat's King of Steaks

[CCM911]

How about America on Wheels, a car Museum located right in Allentown?

America On Wheels - Auto Museum Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley

[Palum6o]

If you're into new and used lp records, 7"s, and used cd's and dvd's, new and rare punk, hardcore, metal, garage, rock, jazz, r&b, soul, hip-hop and more please visit my cousin's record shop: Double Decker Records 808 Saint John St. Allentown
Double Decker Records Info | Facebook

If you like beer, you could visit the Yuengling brewery for a tour. It's about an hour west of Allentown in Pottsville.
Visit America's Oldest Brewery | Yuengling Brewery Pottsville, PA

Also, if you like birds or want to breathe some fresh air, Hawk Mountain is cool. About 35 minutes from Allentown.
Welcome to Hawk Mountain

[Driver_X]

+1 for the Simeone Museum, a totaly hidden gem...

[crater64]

+2 for the Simeone.

I haven't seen Al's 962 at Holbert's in some time.

Forget the cheesesteaks, DiNic's roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone is where it's at.

From Philly take 95 up into NJ. You can cross the Delaware where Washington did - oops, being Canadian that may not hold much interest for you, sorry. However, not far from there is an interesting piece of architecture - the Trenton Bath House, designed by Louis Kahn for the Trenton (NJ) Jewish Community Center. It's just off I-95 in Ewing, a suburb of Trenton.

Home - The Bath House

[jwetering]

Wow - great feedback people. I knew I could count on the Pelican crowd.

[steely]

Like trains? There's Steamtown RR Museum in Scranton. Steamtown National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service), or a neat station in Jim Thorpe (Mauck Chunk).
Certainly architecture in these areas.

I believe there is a Mining (Coal) museum in Scranton (region is/was known for them).

Can't think of any hydro plants in the area unless you go south to Lancaster.

Delaware Water Gap is nice for fresh air.

Phila has architecture, the Art Museum, Franklin Institute, and several others around center city, but watch rush hour.

[Grady Clay]

Surely you guys can organize a Pelican ‘Gathering of The Flock’ for lunch at a Porsche ‘attraction’.

It sounds like there is time for another Gathering in the late afternoon somewhere close to the airport.


83 miles, 1.5 hours:





Best,
Grady

[pete3799]

If you are into guitars the CF Martin factory has tours.
Martin Guitar > Contact Us

[jwetering]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

Surely you guys can organize a Pelican ‘Gathering of The Flock’ for lunch at a Porsche ‘attraction’.
It sounds like there is time for another Gathering in the late afternoon somewhere close to the airport.
83 miles, 1.5 hours:
Best,
Grady

Thank you for the sentiment Grady - but I appreciate that people just want to be with their families in the evening hours. I'm fine playing the role of Lone Wolf. I have a number of Target/Toys R Us type stores to attend to as well since I am a both a Hot Wheels collector and a father of two children.

My day is shaping up thus:

1) Get up 08:30
2) Have breakfast at the Hotel (company nickel) and get on the road by 10:00.
3) Arrive Simeone 11:00
4) Leave Simeone 12:30
5) Arrive Cheeseteak store downtown Philla about 13:00 - have lunch and nose around town.
6) Depart Philla about 15:00
7) Head direction Jersey Shore, arrive Atlantic city 16:00
8) Meander up the coast - delaying long enough to avoid traffic around Newark
9) Arrive Newark airport 21:00
10) Meet wife 22:00 - 3 days in NYC - watch out for bedbugs!!

Obviously lot's of slack in that schedule.

Thanks for the help guys. I always look forward to a trip to the East coast of your country.