Daily Archives: March 21, 2014

You are browsing the site archives by date.

Geology enthusiasts are missing out if they haven’t visited Crystal Cave, an old and famous cave site in Pennsylvania.  Crystal Cave was discovered in 1871 by William Merkel and John Gehret while they were looking for limestone.  What they found instead was an underground cave full of beautiful sparkling crystals and rock formations.

Take a tour with a knowledgeable and informative guide, which lasts just under an hour.  You will be given an in-depth history of the cave while your are guided through it.  At the end, see if you can remember the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite.  The tour also includes a brief movie.  After the tour visit the museum or the rock and mineral shop, where many beautiful crystals and geodes can be purchased.  In the summer months, the cafe and ice cream parlor is open for business.

Crystal Cave’s “panning for gemstones” activity is fun for all ages.  Purchase a bag of dirt and, just like panning for gold, see what treasures you can find!  A miniature golf course is also located on the premises.  Crystal Cave is open from March until November.  The hours are 9am-5pm, with extended summer hours.

963 Crystal Cave Road, Kutztown, PA  19530:  610.683.6765

As the days start getting warm, retreat to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, which harbors beautiful Lake Conewago, nestled amidst cool, shady woods.

Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach has eight acres of sandy beach, as well as a cool grassy lawn area.  Swimming is the key feature here, including a diving board on the wooden docks, a separate high dive, and a water swing.  The swimming area is lifeguard-protected.  Water tubes, canoes, and kayaks are available for rental, as well as beach chairs.

Occupying the grounds are a sand volleyball court and a children’s playground.  Plenty of patrons take advantage of the large shaded picnic areas, or visit the snack bar which offers many favorite items.  Planning a birthday party or other group event?  Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach provides catering packages which are hosted under a large tented pavilion.

Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is open from May 24 until Sep 1.  The hours are 11:30am-6:30pm.

130 Lakeview Drive, Lebanon, PA  17042:  717.964.3130

Image credit:  andrewmoreton