Shankweiler’ s Drive-In Theater Visit: http:// www. shankweilers. com Phone: 610-481-0800
If you’ re camping in the Lehigh Valley and want to take in a movie, venture to Orefield and visit America’ s oldest drive-in.
Shankweiler’ s has been in operation since Wilson Shankweiler opened the facility in April, 1934. Although many of the 4,000 drive-in theaters which opened after Shankweiler’ s have since disappeared, this family-run business remains and is thriving. Movie goers can view films on digital production equipment which was installed in 2013 and grab a box of freshly popped popcorn at the snack bar.
Shankweiler’ s season begins in April and usually concludes around Labor Day weekend. Trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles are permitted at the theater but are required to park in designated areas.
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Visit: http:// www. simeonemuseum. org Phone: 215-365-7233
Located in Philadelphia, the Simeone Museum houses one of the largest collections of racing sports automobiles. This facility contains 65 sports cars which have been competitiontested through the decades and were acquired over 50 years by Dr. Frederick Simeone. From the 1909 American Underslung Traveler to the 1921 Duesenberg used to win Le Mans to NASCAR driver Bill Elliott’ s Ford Thunderbird this museum will have something interesting for every racing aficionado.
For visitors who wish for a more interactive approach, the museum offers demonstration days on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. After a brief lecture on each vehicle and its importance to racing, the vehicle is then demonstrated in the parking lot. Visitors can get a closer look at each vehicle and take pictures after the presentations.
William E. Swigart Jr. Automobile Museum Visit: http:// www. swigartmuseum. com Phone: 814-643-2024
Located about a half hour’ s drive from Lake Raystown, the Swigart Museum boasts one of the most comprehensive auto collections in the world. Founded by a Huntingdon businessman who started with a dozen automobiles in 1945, the collection has grown to over 150. The museum displays roughly 30 vehicles and changes the roster annually. Swigart’ s collection includes vehicles as old as an 1899 Winston as well as more modern marvels, such as a 1981 DeLorean.
The crown jewels of the facility are the two Tuckers Torpedoes on display – including the 1947 prototype which was the first automobile produced by the upstart company. Swigart’ s other rare vehicles include one of the two 1909 Mora’ s ever made, a Studebaker electric car and a 1960 Volkswagen from the movie“ Herbie, The Love Bug.” Additionally, the museum houses one of the largest displays of classic license plates as well as old badges, nameplates and other historical artifacts.
Fun Facts
In the 20th century, the Pennsylvania Railroad was the largest passenger rail company in the country, operating over 10,000 miles of track and carrying three times as many passengers as the competition.
The Cadillac Fleetwood earned its name from the Berks County town which housed the Fleetwood Metal Body automotive coach company.
The Piper Aviation Company, one of the country’ s prominent personal aircraft manufacturers, was headquartered in Lock Haven for over 50 years.
Whether you prefer visiting museums, taking in a movie at the country’ s oldest drive-in theater or sitting back on an antique train to view the fall foliage Pennsylvania has plenty of adventures for your planes, trains and automobile interests.
To plan your trip, find campgrounds near your destination on pages 19-29.
6. EXPLORE PA 2018