We spent some time gathering belongings, getting car ready, and eventually checking out at about 8:45 am from Philly. All in, we really thought the visit exceptional as the city offered a great mixture of culture, history, attraction and entertainment. I was somewhat dreading city traffic and making our way out of the downtown... But the GPS and Janie as co-pilot got us out and on the highway in jig time.

Our first stop for the day was Valley Forge National Historic Park.  Valley Forge, in Pennsylvania, was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 during the American Revolutionary War. After dropping  into the Visitor Center we were directed to the theatre to watch a video that highlights the 77-78 winter and the struggle forces had to survive, and then thrive under the leadership of Washington and tutelage of Von Steuben, of the Prussian Army. Great introduction to the historical significance of the area. After the video we did the driving tour around the huge memorial arch, beside Washington's Headquarters and past the Memorial Chapel.  Beautiful Park... And nice piece of history.

We then plotted a course for Lancaster County, with plans to visit Amish Village, a roadside attraction that gives a chance to see an Amish home and learn about the religion and culture.  When we first pulled in we were a bit hesitant, not knowing what to expect. We felt "way out" in farm country. However, we signed up for the tour and, accompanied by guide, had an insightful viewing of a model Amish home including actual furnishings, clothing, appliances (such as we're permissible) and even tips on some of the quirks. It was important to identify what wasn't in a room. For example, there were no pictures of family or adornments on the walls, as they serve no useful purpose and could be deemed as vanity. The exception... Calendars that have landscapes / art / etc. Gas fired lamps, lawn mower motor on a old fashioned ringer washer, no mirrors... Neat visit!

Just an hour further northwest is state capital Harrisburg, PA. Harrisburg played a notable role in American history during the Westward Migration, the American Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution, but fortunes have fluctuated with economic depression and being known as the closest centre to the 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear accident. We came to Harrisburg for the sole purpose of visiting the National Civil War Museum.  I've long been interested in that war and the impact it has had on both America and beyond, as one of the most important events of the 1800's in the Western Hemisphere. The eye pleasing museum, opened in 2001, is perched in the heights of Reservoir Park commanding a vast view over Harrisburg and the surrounding area.  We gained entry to a near empty, off-season attraction which allowed a methodical, self-paced tour through the exhibits.

Cited as a truly unbiased assembling of artifacts and information regarding the Civil War, neither the North, South, nor African American take centre stage in the building.  The exhibits incrementally grew a story that reflected each of these frames of reference and the shared story, through artifact, leaders and battles.  Respectfully, the information provided gives the visitor a chronologically ordered walk through pre-war to post-war events of the Civil War.  We will remember the African American diorama early in the exhibit, the series of "firsts" with the Civil War, and the treatment of the Battle of Gettysburg / Armistice at Appomattox. An excellent, accessible Civil War attraction second only to the expansive Gettysburg National Park and Battlefield in my experience.  Over the next few years, 150th Anniversary activities will be taking place across these "Hallowed" spaces, and should prove a special time for followers of this era in American history.

We left the Civil War Museum to check in, just ten minutes away, at our accommodations for Thursday night. That evening, Janie and Monica visited some nearby malls/outlets in the Harrisburg area while Peter and I settled, connected via wireless and took in some TV time. Everyone crashed early in preparation for a series of three "hops" from Friday to Sunday, each leap bringing us closer to home.