Wilbur Chocolate Factory - Lititz

Wilbur Chocolate Factory, originally uploaded by Mike Roush Photography - Berks Awhile.

A visit to Lititz wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory/Store.

Chocolate scent permeates the downtown beckoning you to visit the building.

Free samples are popular and usually lead to purchasing a bag or two of Buds.

Besides Wilbur's, Lititz has a vibrant main street with many cool shops and restaurants.

Farm sunset - Lancaster County

Farm sunset, originally uploaded by Mike Roush Photography - Berks Awhile.

A mild evening was the draw to get out and capture some rustic scenery.

Art and Glassworks

Art and Glassworks, originally uploaded by Mike Roush Photography - Berks Awhile.

Art and Glassworks in Lancaster has a unique inventory of handmade glass art.

Old Glory

Old Glory, originally uploaded by Mike Roush Photography - Berks Awhile.

I took this shot in a thrift shop in Lancaster City during the Lancaster Art Walk.

Artist Pallet (Lancaster)

artist pallet, originally uploaded by Mike Roush Photography - Berks Awhile.

I love seeing the work spaces of artist's. It's kind of like peeking behind the curtain at the creative process.

Some of the galleries in Lancaster are actually the workspace of the artist as well. This artist happened to be painting while she was tending her gallery.

Lancaster offers a broad variety of artists, making it a very popular destination for art enthusiasts on monthly First Friday's and their seasonal weekend ArtWalks.

Semi-Modern Hay Baling

hay bailing, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

While driving through Lancaster County I grabbed this shot of some Amish men baling hay, the semi-modern way.

Manually stacking 50+ pound bales on a flatbed wagon being pulled by a steel wheeled tractor is better than a cutting with a sickle and raking, but it still looks like grueling work.

Marriott - Lancaster Art Walk

Marriott, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

The Lancaster Art Walk is a great opportunity to explore the numerous galleries that are making Lancaster an art destination.

Two Art Walks per year, on May 7&8, 2011 and a 2nd coming October 8&9, 2011.

The artsy area is loaded with great galleries and shops. A few really cool antique and vintage shops also compliment the galleries.

The new Marriott Hotel at Penn Square is an excellent architectural example of juxtaposition, fitting the old and new in harmony.

Keystone Balloon Festival (Bird In Hand)

I've never been to a balloon festival and always wanted to experience, so when I learned of the Keystone Balloon Festival in Bird in Hand was coming to the area I put it on the calendar.

I presume the scheduled Fri and Sat launches were cancelled due to the rain so when the forecast was decent, I trekked out at 5:30 AM Sunday morning so I could catch the 6:30 sunrise launch.

Too bad the weather probably ruined the full schedule of activities, at least they had one pristine morning for the launch.

Six balloons were launched and I was shocked at the size/volume differences due to the size of the baskets attached. Some baskets could accommodate, what looked like 10 people, other baskets would be crowded with 4 people.

I think the coolest sight was at pre-dawn when they fired up the giant propane flames which illuminated the entire inside of the translucent balloons. Three giant silhouettes turned into back lit logos.

I know that they are safe, but the process firing a foot diameter by 12 foot long propane flame in a thin cloth bag does seem potentially dangerous.

However, I can imagine that the floating sensation over gorgeous Lancaster County farm land trumps the minimal risk.

SGL-52 (First Visit)

I learned about SGL52 from Ken Lebo, a regular contributor to the Berks County Nature Blog (Reading Eagle).

Max & I visited about 9:30 AM on a mild 60 degree morning. There are three parking lots along Edwards Road and I stopped at the last and largest one, just a few hundred feet from the turnpike.

The main reason I chose this spot was to check out the Black Creek, but there were no trails. So we followed the rolling tractor road up the hill. Tons of colorful wildflowers were along the road and song birds were everywhere.

In the road, a turkey hen and chick spotted us and quickly laid in the long grass next to the road rather then running into the deep brush. As we approached, we spotted each other simultaneously and she hopped up, squawked and flew away leaving her baby to fend for itself.

Max is always leashed, but his uncanny tracking skills found the scent trail of the highly camouflaged chick. I guided him away from the hiding spot and he quickly picked up another scent as we proceeded on the walk.

Warning: This place is tick infested. The worst I have ever been to. The plants that drape into the road must have been loaded for I pulled multiple ticks off Max several times. I was doused in my organic non-DEET repellent so they avoided me I guess. I've noticted that tall grass (above 3") continues to be most common habitat for ticks. but they are surely anywhere outdoors.

Lancaster (Gallery Row)

On January 25, 2009, I drove down 222 through Lancaster on my way to Conowingo, MD. I immediately noticed the array of galleries and unique facades so I made a mental note to return.

A little research indicated that Lancaster is a town that welcomes and promotes the arts. An ideal time to visit is the first Friday of the month, aptly named, "First Fridays". With over 90 participating galleries and shops, the town is bustling with activity until late in the night.

A visit to a dozen diverse galleries in a row worked up an appetite so we went to Senorita Burrita. Informal, artsy and offering a vast variety of huge burritos with great flavors really hit the spot.

Poole Forge Park (Covered Bridge in Lancaster County)

Historic Poole Forge, located just west of Churchtown, PA on SR23 in Caenarvon Township, has some great old buildings and a pristine covered bridge.

The bridge is dated 1859 and is celebrating a birthday May 16th, 1PM. While I was visiting the grounds, two separate Amish buggies rode across the bridge.

Farm Country

A couple times a year I take a drive to the Morgantown area and zig-zag around the back roads looking for photo subjects. "Magic Hour" in farm country can offer farms, animals, bridges, equipment, produce stands, fields, basically a glimpse into a different life style then what's normal.

This trip started on Twin Valley Road and encompassed the Rt 23 corridor and surrounding roads to around Churchtown.

Max likes the car, but I usually leave him home since it's frustrating to just drive around and not get out of the car for a walk.