We’re Off to See the Groundhog

Posted by Juan Filed Under Family Travel

Located in western Pennsylvania sits a small town that is hidden from the world. A town where a legend has made it famous. It is the home of the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. A groundhog who is said to predict the weather. Every year on February 2nd Phil emerges from his stump and faces a crowd of millions. People travel from all over the world just to see this famous animal and to find out his prediction. It is said that if he sees his shadow then their will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow then spring is near. Sometimes he is right and other times he is wrong. Either way he has become a famous icon.

The town of Punxsutawney is a small one with hospitality. As you travel through town you can check out some groundhog inspired art. There are statues of Punxsutawney Phil everywhere. You can walk through Barclay Square which is often quiet and peaceful. At the end of the park is the library which is home to the groundhog zoo. It is where you will find Punxsy Phil and his family living.

If you are looking for accommodations then you can check into the Pantall Hotel, Hotel Punxsutawney, Plantation Bed and Breakfast. The Pantall Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in town. It was built in 1888 and has 75 bedrooms. If you decide to stay at the Pantall Hotel during Groundhogs Day they will send a bus to pick you up and take you to see the groundhog. If you are looking for places to see you can also check out Gobblers Knob. It is where all the action takes place on February 2nd. There is also the Punxsutawney Area Historical Society, Punxsutawney Museum, Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, Punxsutawney Area Community Center and Jackson Theater.

When it’s time to eat you have many choices and there is no reason to resort to fast food. There is the Chinese Buffet, Gimmick’s Restaurant, Luigi’s Pizza, Murdock’s Restaurant, Punxsy Phil’s Cakes & Steaks, Ye Olde Stonehouse. For a bit on the run be sure to check out Nick’s Corner Lunch which serves loose meat sandwiches and Laska’s Pizza which serves the best pizza in town.

Punxsutawney has established quite a name for itself thanks to the groundhog. A few years back famous movie star Bill Murray blew into town and fell in love with it. He starred in the motion picture Groundhog’s Day which centered around Punxsutawney and its famous groundhog. The town is a must see for anyone who wishes to see small town life. The locals are friendly and there are places to see. There is also a lot of history in the town as well. History lovers will discover that Punxsutawney was founded by the Native Americans. When they settled there they discovered tons of sand flies. Therefore they decided to call it ìtown of the ponkiesî which later came to be named Punxsutawney.

For an unconventional getaway your family just might enjoy the quirkiness of one famous groundhog. Just imagine how none of the other kids in school will be able to tell their friends they went to see the groundhog.

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July 26, 2008 | Filed Under Family Travel

 

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