Time for the fall road trip....

 

This time it will include a stop in Cornin NY, but also

 

1. Albany

2. Burlington Vt

3. Providence RI

4. parts of easter PA (ovenighting in Bethlehem & Lancaster)

..plus Portland and Hartford..

 

I'm particulary interested in Albany after my brief visit there to see the Occupy camp. That trip I was staying over in Troy, so managed to drive around Troy and Cohoes a bit, but missed Albany (aside from the capital park and that awful modernist plaza), which looks like it might be more interesting than one would expect.

 

...I will be passsing through Burlington (spending the nite there) and the White Mountains on my way to Maine.  This isnt quite as interesting as I'd expect as Burlington sounds like generic college town (was hoping for more "mill town")....maybe should cancel this leg of the trip.  But i did want to see the Saratoga battle field and Fort Ticonderoga (my tourism is geared more to history)

 

Been researching Provdience (another place I spent too little time in last time) and it seems this place is really got it going for a smaller city.  Maybe worth more than a day (plan is to at least visit Samuel Slaters Mill in nearby Pawtucket)

 

Big questions on PA.  Ive been to Bethlehem...liked the place, so will be spending the night, but am very curious about Allentown, which looks to be the larger city.  I plan on spending some time walking around the old parts of Allentown...hopefully they have coffee shops or short order places stuck around like they did in Scranton.

 

...same with Reading and Lancaster.  Plan is to pass through Reading, but stay over in downtown Lancaster, and explore that city on foot a bit (yes I know this is PA German/Amish Country, but the Amish hold no interest for me....aside from perhaps the vernacular architectureand certain landmarks like the Ephatra Cloister).  So im wondering about Lancaster, if its got a good downtown /older neighborhood thing going...or would Reading be the better choice (Reading seems to be built on hills or mountains)?

 

I am thinking of trying to squeeze in a side trip to Pottsvllle to visit the Yungling Brewrey and see some of the anthracite country..but already seen this minining town scene w. Scranton & Wilkes Barre.

 

Also thinking of returning via Altoona and Johnstown, overnighting in PBGH...but thats pretty open ended.

Suggestion if you have the chance:

 

From Bethleham/Allentown, wind your way SE on the back roads to Lambertville, NJ. Neat Delaware River town! And quite a sunny contrast to the steel towns.

 

 

Then hug the river on the Jersey side, it's a beautiful scenic drive North along Rt. 29. When you get to Frenchtown (another neat downtown), take the bridge over to the PA side. Head north along the waterside up to twin cities of Easton, PA/Phillipsburg, NJ.

 

Easton

 

 

In the other direction from Bethleham/Allentown I'd head out for Jim Thorpe, PA

 

And Hazleton, PA is interesting

http://www.psartwork.net/hazleton-pa

 

What is this? Mr. Roger's neighborhood?? :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3129370741_9b906364a3.jpg

What is this? Mr. Roger's neighborhood?? :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3129370741_9b906364a3.jpg

 

Ha! Do any of our photo-geniuses want to explain how the photographer got that look?

Agreed on all suggested.  If you have time, check out Harrisburg and Gettysburg as well.

 

Lancaster is much prettier/healthier than Reading.  Reading is fascinatingly gritty and hilly.  Basically, Boston vs. Baltimore.  Whatever your preference.

 

 

Did you go already?

 

Albany is amazing. One of my favorite American cities. A strange must-see: Honest Weight Food Co-op. Wish I could remember the names of other places I have been there. It's not that big, so just explore the urban areas and you will find a lot to love.

 

Brown's Brewery in Troy is cool. There's also a decent brew pub in Albany, the name of which escapes me. But Browns has the patio with the river view in the back. Try the Oatmeal Stout, if you like dark beers.

Anywhere along Lark Street in Albany is a good choice.  I agree, Albany is highly HIGHLY underrated.