http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/ An insider's tour of all things Valley Forge! Trail ratings, birding reports, foliage reports and more! en http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/feedlogo.gif http://pbwiki.com/ PBwiki 1.3.8 support@pbwiki.com http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Breakfast no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Breakfast Getting lunch or dinner in the Valley Forge area is easy. However, good luck finding breakfast. I've lived here for eight years and I've yet to locate anything beyond a diner or a Friendly's with lousy service. Luckily, nearby Phoenixville has just gone through a major renewal to their downtown area, which now sports a few breakfast choices.
Breakfast on the west side of the Park:
Rte. 23. 23. Sight of the new M. Knight Shaymalan movie The Happening, starring Mark Wahlberg, Zoey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo.
Steel City Coffeehouse: Located on Bridge Street in Phoenixville (the building with a huge mural on the side - you can't miss it!). If you're in the mood for pastries and a variety of coffees and teas, this is the place. Live music during the week and on weekends
Nudy's Cafe on Bridge Street: Yes, that's Nudy's. No, they're not nude. But they know how to make a decent breakfast. That's at 450 Bridge Street (west on the wayout of town)
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Links to the Locals
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]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:50:22 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Birding+Reports no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Birding Reports Canada Geese
Overabundance of geese! They're best seen down on the Schuylkill River by the Betzwood Area.
Cat Birds
I love these little guys! Last summer I had one following me around the garden as I dug. It seems the mockingbirds disappear when they're around. Anyone know why?
Chickadees
I have no idea if they're Carolina chickadees or black-capped chickadees, but one species is here.
]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:46:53 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Dinner no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Dinner The Columbia Hotel:Oh, I love the margaritas here! The place is upscale and the food is quite good. Talented chef, talented bartenders. Notvegetarian friendly.
Black Lab Bistro:This used to be a nice breakfast spot and I liked the food quite a lot. Now they don't serve breakfast, but have really kicked up the lunch and dinner menus a few notches. The food is beautifully presented. Where else in town can you get ostrich filet? Not vegetarian friendly, with just a few dishes that can be converted to meatless.
the street to Panini's or streetto the Columbia. Columbia or La Creperie. Not vegetarian friendly.
Thai Place: Go west on 23 until you see McDonald's. Turn right into the shopping center. On the far right, you'll see one of the best little Thai places around. The Pad Thai is great here! Vegetarian friendly.
Majolica: It really is exceptional food. Great presentation, and worthy of a special night. Vegetarian friendly.
]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:42:19 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Fast+Food no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Fast Food Burger King (north on Rte. 202/DeKalb Pike)
McDonald's (north on Rte. 202/DeKalb Pike, just a bit farther than Burger King)
it's north on 202/DeKalb Pike along Rte. 363 in front of the mall beside Mall Blvd. and sits on your right - sigh) Ruth's Chris Steakhouse)
Red Lobster (next to Hooter's)
]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:41:33 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Lunch email.hidden@example.com (lwidmer) lwidmer edited Lunch G Lodge: This one's open until 2ish weekdays and weekends.Breakfast and lunch only, and a bit of history. This place is featured in M. Knight Shymalan's new movieThe Happening.Forget wondering if George slept there - MarkWahlberg acted there!Located one mile west of the park on Rte. 23. Vegetarian friendly.
Molly Maguire's: In Phoenixville on Bridge Street, this new restaurant has some mighty good food. Plus you'll get to shop in a cool little town that's just gone through a major transformation. Vegetarian capable.
King of Prussia
Food courts - Court and Plaza sides of the Mall:You want it quick? It's in the mall. Never mind which side - both have food courts. The Plaza has the largest selection, such as Burger King, Chik-fil-A, Taco Bell, etc. In fact, there are two food courts in the Plaza. The lower level by Sears has all I just mentioned. The upper level, in the center of the Plaza, has Master Wok and various sandwich/Italian shops. Vegetarian friendly.
Maggiano's Little Italy: Located o]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:04:52 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Lunch email.hidden@example.com (lwidmer) lwidmer edited Lunch Lunch
You'll not starve in this area! Lunch options are plentiful, and there are any number of great choices within a short distance of the park.
Phoenixville
G Lodge: This one's open until 2ish weekdays and weekends.Breakfast and lunch only, and a bit of history. This place is featured in M. Knight Shymalan's new movieThe Happening.Forget wondering if George slept there - MarkWahlberg acted there!Located one mile west of the park on Rte. 23. Vegetarian friendly.
Molly Maguire's: In Phoenixville on Bridge Street, this new restaurant has some mighty good food. Plus you'll get to shop in a cool little town that's just gone through a major transformation. Vegetarian capable.
]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:58:49 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Hiking+Trails email.hidden@example.com (lwidmer) lwidmer edited Hiking Trails A quiet place along Valley Creek Trail
You won't lack for places to walk - Valley Forge Park has a nice variety of trails for both day trippers and those who want a bit of a challenge.
trail usage. usage. If you're in the park, the Park Service has come out with a nice trail map. I picked one up over by the Wayne's Woods parking area, but I suspect they're readily available throughout the park. If you can't locate one, ask for one at the Visitor's Center.
The ]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:49:42 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Foliage+Reports email.hidden@example.com (lwidmer) lwidmer edited Foliage Reports This is my unofficial guide to what you will see and when. Please understand that I'm no expert - I only observe what's blooming around me. For photos of what I've seen, please go to the Foliage Pics page, as well as theFavorite Photos page.
Week of March 18 -
Along Valley Creek, the willows are showing some buds. Spring has definitely come to the park!
Along Pawlings Rd. trail, the blue bells are beginning to sprout out of the ground.
End of April -
On the Pawlings Rd. side of the river trail, you'll see bluebells in full bloom now. It's well worth finding this trail just for the show.
]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:48:24 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Philadelphia+Dining no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Philadelphia Dining Tangerine - Morroccan done right! Everything about this place is awesome. The decor feels like the inside of a prince's tent. The food all has the hint of tangerine to it. Sadly, however, it has yet to cater to vegetarians. The chef was kind enough to prepare something for us, which was tasty, but we were disappointed that we had no other choice. Not vegetarian friendly.
El Vez - If you love margaritas (and who doesn't?), you've come to the right place! A little bit of kitch, a whole lot of great food. Their guacamole is amazing! Located on South 13th Street and the corner of Sansom. Vegetarian friendly.
Monk's Cafe: Think largest selection of Belgian beers in the country. Think small restaurant with great vegetarian and meat-loving choices. Think crowded. Think of waiting for a table - it's worth it. Vegetarian friendly.
]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:15:27 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Dinner no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Dinner Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - I'm a vegetarian, so you're on your own here. But it's popular, it's pricey and my meat-eating chums say it's good and it rivals Morton's. Not vegetarian friendly (and you'd be crazy to expect it to be!)
Bahama Breeze- This is a fun restaurant. Caribbean themed, and the drink menu reflects that, as well as some of the entrees. Definitely worth it if only for the atmosphere. Big restaurant that's easily filled every night. Might want to call ahead. Vegetarians can get by on some of their appetizers, but sadly their black bean soup is chicken-based. If you can survive on yet one more portabello sandwich, this one's a good one. Locatedjust off Mall Blvd. (you'll see it from the mall - it's perched up on a hill overlooking the mall).Vegetarian capable.
Champs-Chammps- Good food. Pricey burgers, for sure. Not a lot here for meatless diners. Folks' main complaint has always been "Why do I have to pay so much for a burger and fries?" They're good burger]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:13:03 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Dinner no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Dinner Thai Place: Go west on 23 until you see McDonald's. Turn right into the shopping center. On the far right, you'll see one of the best little Thai places around. The Pad Thai is great here! Vegetarian friendly.
Majolica: It really is exceptional food. Great presentation, and worthy of a special night. Vegetarian friendly.
Molly Maguires: Maguire's: Ah, who doesn't love anIrish pub? This one boasts not one, but threebars on two floors. It's crowded and noisy, but if you're looking for a place to hang out with friends, this is it. The food is quite good! Vegetarian capable.
King of Prussia
Just inside the mall you'll find numerous choices that fit both vegetarian and meat-eating diets. There are also a number of good restaurants in the King of Prussia area. The mall also has three food courts with a variety of chain and specialty foods - from McDonald's to Boardwalk Friesand fromGyros to Indian.
]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:12:12 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Dinner no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Dinner Phoenixville
Thanks to the revitalization of the downtown Phoenixville area, you are blessed with a number of good choices within just a few miles of the Park. Any of these eateries are worth a visit.
state store. store. Vegetarian friendly.
The Columbia Hotel:Oh, I love the margaritas here! The place is upscale and the food is quite good. Talented chef, talented bartenders. Notvegetarian friendly.
Black Lab Bistro:This used to be a nice breakfast spot and I liked the food quite a lot. Now they don't serve breakfast, but have really kicked up the lunch and dinner menus a few notches. The food is beautifully presented. Where else in town can you get ostrich filet? Not vegetarian friendly, with just a few dishes that can be converted to meatless.
Iron Hill Brewery:I confess - I don't like the food here. My daughter didn't, either. But they do have a microbrewery onsite and they seem to attract lots of customers. I'll leave it up to you, but for my mone]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:11:02 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Dinner no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Dinner Phoenixville
Thanks to the revitalization of the downtown Phoenixville area, you are blessed with a number of good choices within just a few miles of the Park. Any of these eateries are worth a visit.
Panini's:Located on Bridge Street,La Creperie Cafe Bis: I love this little unassuming cafe has some pretty great food at reasonable prices. Vegetarian friendly. place! It's brand new in town, and we're regular customers. It's BYOB, but it's just a few door up from the state store.
The Columbia Hotel:Oh, I l]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:08:03 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Breakfast no.email.given@example.com (Anonymous) Anonymous edited Breakfast Steel City Coffeehouse: Located on Bridge Street in Phoenixville (the building with a huge mural on the side - you can't miss it!). If you're in the mood for pastries and a variety of coffees and teas, this is the place. Live music during the week and on weekends
Nudy's Cafe on Bridge Street: Yes, that's Nudy's. No, they're not nude. But they know how to make a decent breakfast. That's at 450 Bridge Street (west on the wayout of town)
Vale Rio Diner: A true diner experience. More of The Blob fame as this diner was in the film (I believe for the outside scenes only). Located on Rte. 23 West and easily accessible from the western side of Bridge Street
Irish Joe's Cafe: I'm going on hearsay here. Never been to Irish Joe's. But they do have breakfast. Located on Bridge Street in the center of town.
Breakfast on theeast side of the Park:
Friendly's, King of Prussia Mall: I hesitate to list this one as it takes forever to get served, but if you have an hour and a half to kill, this is]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:05:11 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Foliage+Reports email.hidden@example.com (Lori) Lori edited Foliage Reports When it wasn't raining, that is.
But there were some nice purple grasses that appeared mid-August.
September:
Gorgeous weather still! You must get out and walk. Think the heat of July without the humidity.
The grasses in the fields are looking particularly spectacular.
Here come the hickory nuts and walnuts!
October:
The first week of October, and we're seeing leaves turning on the maples and some of the locusts and dogwoods. It's still very warm here - think 85 degrees!
Some leaves beginning to fall. It's been a very dry September, so our fall colors may not be what we'd hoped.
]]> Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:52:47 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Birding+Reports email.hidden@example.com (Lori) Lori edited Birding Reports Chipping Sparrows
A bird in common supply here come spring. They light on our rose wall every morning for breakfast. Easy to find in Valley Forge Park.
Common Nighthawks
I don't know why they call this bird common. It's an uncommon sight, and it's a lovely bird. But they're here in the park! Saw them around 6:30 p.m. in late August over by Wayne's Woods.
Cooper's Hawks
Fairly common bird here year round.
]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:16:24 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Foliage+Reports email.hidden@example.com (Lori) Lori edited Foliage Reports Careful of the poison ivy! I'm covered with it right now, so I'll take this chance to warn you again. Watch your step!
Some really pretty "weeds" in bloom right now.A pretty blue flower, crown vetch (which is horrible to get out of a garden, which exposes the gardener to the poison ivy she's now suffering with) are nice. Daylilies are blooming along Valley Creek.
August:
You MUST be kidding - it's too hot to go out!
When it wasn't raining, that is.
But there were some nice purple grasses that appeared mid-August.
]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:14:57 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Links+to+the+Locals email.hidden@example.com (Lori) Lori edited Links to the Locals King of Prussia- Need to find a merchant beyond the mall? This site offers a good listing.
American Helicopter Museum- Located just a few miles from the park (no more than ten, I believe), you can learn about the history of the helicopter. You might even catch a ride in one. Myonce-teenaged son loved this place (and he was reluctant to go in the first place).
upcoming film M. Knight Shymalanfilm The Happening with Mark Wahlberg, Zoey Deschanel and John Leguizamo! The diner was renamed Filbert Restaurant for the movie. We were able to watch filming for a few days - neat!
]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:13:33 +0000 mod http://insidevalleyforgepark.pbwiki.com/Links+to+the+Locals email.hidden@example.com (Lori) Lori edited Links to the Locals King of Prussia- Need to find a merchant beyond the mall? This site offers a good listing.
American Helicopter Museum- Located just a few miles from the park (no more than ten, I believe), you can learn about the history of the helicopter. You might even catch a ride in one. Myonce-teenaged son loved this place (and he was reluctant to go in the first place).
The G Lodge diner is now famous!! Look for it in the upcoming film The Happening with Mark Wahlberg, Zoey Deschanel and John Leguizamo! The diner was renamed Filbert Restaurant for the movie. We were able to watch filming for a few days - neat!
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