See the World through my Photos

Friday, October 20, 2023

Jim Thorpe, the Switzerland of USA

When I heard that this town is often compared to Switzerland, I was intrigued. First and foremost, there's no need to embark on a lengthy journey to Switzerland, as it's just a couple of hours' drive from my location. So, I promptly booked an Airbnb and hit the road. While I don't see many direct comparisons between Jim Thorpe and Switzerland, I'm thrilled I made this trip. This quaint small town is undeniably beautiful, featuring a river, colorful mountains in October, charming architecture, shops, and restaurants. What's more, the entire town is easily walkable! The bustling streets and crowds of people I encountered here suggest that it's a popular destination for Americans. Here are some photos I took while exploring the town that is on the east side of the Lehigh River, which is mostly visited. What are your thoughts? Does it give you a Swiss vibe?

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*Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, was renamed in honor of the American athlete Jim Thorpe in a unique and somewhat controversial manner. In 1953, two small towns in Pennsylvania, Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk, decided to merge to form a single municipality. These towns were struggling economically and hoped that combining their resources would help revitalize the area. Around the same time, Jim Thorpe's widow, Patricia Thorpe, was searching for a suitable resting place for her late husband. The towns of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk saw an opportunity to attract attention and tourism by offering to serve as the final resting place for the legendary athlete. Jim Thorpe was a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation who won two gold medals in the 1912 Olympics and was widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of his time. In a somewhat unusual and controversial decision, the towns made a deal with Patricia Thorpe. They agreed to rename their merged town "Jim Thorpe" and build a memorial in his honor in exchange for his remains. In 1954, Jim Thorpe's remains were interred in a mausoleum in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and the town was officially renamed in his honor. While this decision was made with good intentions to pay tribute to a remarkable athlete, it has been a subject of controversy over the years. Some have argued that the arrangement was disrespectful to Jim Thorpe's Native American heritage and that it was done without proper consultation with his family or tribe. Nevertheless, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, remains a popular tourist destination and a place of historical significance due to its association with the legendary athlete.

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Berkeley Springs-The Best of West Virginia

A friend of mine extended an invitation to visit Berkeley Springs this autumn, a place I hadn't come across before. After a quick online search, I discovered that the town was primarily known for its spa utilizing natural spring water and for an old castle built by a wealthy man for his wife. Despite the limited information, my curiosity was piqued, and since the journey wasn't too far, I decided to make the trip. To my delight, I found the visit to be quite enjoyable. As a bonus, I had the opportunity to explore Hagerstown, where I discovered a hidden gem (as discussed in my previous post).

Here are some of the photos from my visit: at the Country Inn/Spa, strolling through this small and quiet town, a hidden gem Prospect Peak, a scenic viewpoint, and hike Central Trail in Cacapon State Park.

Prospect Peak

Berkeley Castle

Cacapon State Park

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*Prospect Peak is about 3.5 miles from Berkeley Springs on west route 9. The view at Prospect Peak was breathtaking, offering a panoramic overlook nearly one thousand feet above the Potomac River, with views of West Virginia, Pennsylvania.

**Berkeley Spring State Park is a small lawn area with a gazebo in the center, which also housed a mineral spa dating back to colonial times. The gazebo currently decorated with hay and pumpkins for the October festival.

**Berkeley Springs Castle, also known as Samuel Taylor Suit Cottage.

The castle is designed in the architectural style of Scottish baronial, reminiscent of European castles. It features stone walls, turrets, and a sense of grandeur that sets it apart from the surrounding architecture.

It was built between 1885 and 1888 by Samuel Taylor Suit, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist. He constructed the castle as a summer retreat and spa resort.

The castle is situated on Warm Springs Ridge, overlooking the town of Berkeley Springs. Its elevated location provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape and the warm mineral springs for which Berkeley Springs is famous.

Samuel Taylor Suit was a prominent figure in the area, and the construction of the castle was seen as an extravagant display of wealth. After Suit's death in 1888, the castle passed through various owners and was used for different purposes over the years. It served as a museum, a restaurant, and even a girls' school at one point. In the mid-20th century, the castle faced a period of decline, but it was eventually purchased and restored by a private owner. Efforts were made to maintain the castle's historical and architectural integrity. Today, Berkeley Springs Castle is privately owned and serves as a residence. It is not open to the public.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Hagerstown City Park and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts- The Best of Hagerstown

My unplanned visit to Hagerstown on a beautiful fall day allow me to discover a hidden gem: Hagerstown City Park and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (I was on the way to visit West Virginia and decided to take a detour to see Hagerstown. Boy, I am so glad I did!).

Located in Hagerstown, Maryland. Hagerstown City Park is a popular recreational area that offers a variety of amenities and attractions for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The park is known for its scenic beauty, including a picturesque pond with waterfowl. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching. The paved pathways make it a great place for leisurely strolls.

The park is home to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, which is an integral part of the park and a cultural gem in Hagerstown. The admission is always free.

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts houses a diverse collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. The collection spans various time periods and artistic styles, making it an appealing destination for art lovers. One of the special exhibit I enjoyed most is the dresses designed by Claire Mccardell who is considered the pioneer of American Fashion. Also, "the Treasures of State, Maryland's Art Collection" is one of kind and especial for someone live in the state of Maryland".

Hagerstown City Park