Edward Babiarz dips his hand into a 10-gallon bucket filled with a bright-red slurry. It is almost comforting to watch the texture move as his hand becomes the agitator. He cups a small handful of what looks like liquid but with a squeeze of his fingers against his palm it transforms, and he hands me soft, tepid and malleable pulp. This is the moment his art takes shape.
Altoona is a city the railroad built. In the mid-1800s, passenger and rail freight had a tough time traversing Pennsylvania’s mountainous middle. A connection from Philadelphia and Harrisburg to Pittsburgh was vital, but the Allegheny Mountains stood in the way. The Pennsylvania Railroad moved into the area in 1849 to begin working on the Horseshoe Curve (2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy); a semi-circular stretch of track riding on a manmade traverse of land between two mountains, which allowed safe and affordable travel across the state.
We’ve all heard it before, the verbal butchering of our city and county name, Lancaster. Emphases on the wrong syllables. Strangely hard consonants and irregular drawn-out vowels. Defense of our pronunciation is so ingrained in our communal psyche that we even have T-shirts and bumper stickers explaining how to say … Lank KISS stir. After some traveling, I realized a few neighboring states have their own Lancasters, all of which have their own pronunciations.
Beer was not always welcome in the land of fire and ice. In an effort to control the sobriety of foreign visitors and its own youth, Iceland deemed alcohol illegal in 1915. Thirsty Icelanders changed this restriction in 1922 and 1935 by opening up the sale of wine and specific spirits. But beer would not get its day until the first of March, 1989.
The Anna Maria Island Inn is a complex of seven properties, most located on a stretch of waterfront on the Gulf Coast of Florida from Bradenton Beach to Holmes Beach. The Seaside was completely renovated in 2022, and the result is a fresh, clean appearance with a kitschy and hip style. Rooms are stocked with unexpected conveniences, like extra sheets and blankets, beach/pool towels, deluxe versions of board games, and all the bar tools (including a blender) to prepare the perfect drink while relaxing in the sand.
In 2011, Joseph and Ellen Lettieri purchased the mansion home built by businessman Herbert Hills Hewitt, founder of American Brass Co. and patent creator. The Lettieris renovated the home, which now features 13 suites and spacious common areas—including a library, dining area, and a billiards room. Billed as “Victorian charm with contemporary conveniences,” InnBuffalo is much more. Contemporary artwork melds with Victorian and 20th century antiques. The Inn is part refined work in progress as Joe—as he is known around the city—uncovers details like gilded wallpaper and tracks down original mantels and millwork removed from the property by previous owners. Along with an onyx fireplace, wall tapestries and tile work, many of the original, Tiffany-leaded glass windows remain. The large, second-floor Hewitt Suite is adorned with the original quarter sawn cherry wood and features and ensuite bath with a rare Victorian-era needle-spray shower.
Nationwide, sales of electric bikes (or e-bikes) grew by 145% in 2020, outpacing sales of all other bike styles. I was one of those people who jumped on an e-bike that year. I endured the naysayers claiming my ride was not a “real bike” or that I was “cheating.” Now, e-bikes are everywhere. With its fat tires, leather grips and bulky frame, my bike still turns heads and prompts questions. So, I thought I would write an e-bike primer and get caught up on the newest trends from two Lancaster County e-bike specialists.
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens at the Vegas steakhouse is usually a work of culinary art, particularly at these top seven restaurants.Hitting a steakhouse in Las Vegas is as much of the Sin City experience as casinos and neon lights. It is easy to feel akin to the Rat Pack when seated at a linen-dressed table, served by exemplary staff, and delivered one of the best cuts of beef available in the United States. There are hundreds of restaurants serving steaks in this show town, but only a few are must-visit destinations. Based on atmosphere, quality, and service, here are seven of the best steakhouses in Las Vegas.
It’s all about location, location, location—whether for retail or for travel. When choosing a spot for a Las Vegas trip, location can make or break a special weekend. I always knew Westgate has some of the best resorts in Orlando, so I was excited to learn I was heading to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino for a guys weekend.
The Westgate Las Vegas is in the perfect location. It is far enough away from The Strip to exude a feeling of safety. It is close enough to downtown Las Vegas to indulge in the nostalgia of the OG Vegas, visit museums, and check out the beer scene on Brewery Row. The Westgate Las Vegas is connected to The Strip via the Monorail, so getting anywhere in Sin City is easy. However, the Westgate has everything necessary for a memorable guys weekend in Vegas in one location!
A dynamic mix of modernity and 50s nostalgia pervades Bethesda, which has grown from humble beginnings as a rural way station to an unincorporated city of almost 70,000 residents. Part of the allure is Bethesda’s proximity to D.C. facilities such as the National Institutes of Health campus and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which have helped Bethesda expand over the years.
