Thisilldous Eatery presents GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN

CURTIS’ CONEY ISLAND FAMOUS WEINERS 35 N LIBERTY STREET, CUMBERLAND, MD 21502

301-759-9707 • WWW FACEBOOK COM/CURTISCONEYISLAND

The All-American Hot Dog. The German Weiner.

It is a staple of the American diet for generations, and generations count in the bustling small city of Cumberland, Maryland.

For sure there is a ton of history to be found along this part of the Potomac that divides Maryland and West Virginia. You’ll nd George Washington’s Headquarters from back when he was a British of cer and busy starting the rst real-world war between France and England. The cabin was originally built by General Edward Braddock’s men, between 1755 and 1758, for then Colonel George Washington’s use during his service in the French and Indian War. He later returned and used it brie y during 1794, then as the Commander in Chief, to review the troops gathered to put down the Whiskey Rebellion. This site is notable, as it signi es Washington’s rst military command.

Across the river, there is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad which offers up both a bit of rail history of the region and scenic rail trips through the beautiful western parts of Maryland towards the town of Frostburg. If you are not touring the region on two wheels, taking a rail trip is always a whole bunch of fun; and something we do as much as we can.

Before we zero in on the real reason we rode to Cumberland, we’d like to mention the Allegany Museum. You will nd it taking two oors of a fully restored neo-classical revival building built in the 1930s. The Museum serves the Allegany tasty places to take your bike area, which is part of the Appalachia region. The Allegany area includes Allegany and Garrett Counties in Maryland, Mineral County in West Virginia, and Bedford and Somerset Counties in Pennsylvania. The Museum’s Mission is to engage the community by preserving and promoting the region’s unique heritage.

Last September, in addition to the regular exhibits. was the Whiskey Rebellion Festival. A fund-raiser for the museum that would include tastings, great food, an open beer and wine bar, gift bags, cigars, games, and re-enactors. Although this event was light of heart – the real Whiskey Rebellion was not, and it was the only time in United States history that a sitting president led troops into battle.

The Whiskey Rebellion was a 1794 uprising of farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania in protest of a whiskey tax enacted by the federal government. The Whiskey Rebellion is considered one of the rst major tests of the authority of the newly formed U.S. government. Just knowing that Washington was on the march ended the rebellion.

But we didn’t come here for booze. No way. We came for the wieners! Oh yes, with all the history to be found here, for many the most important thing is a small walk-up restaurant that serves some of the most delectable weiners south of Brooklyn, New York.

Welcome to Curtis’ Coney Island Famous Wieners.

After three generations, Cumberland’s greatest destination is still the home of the original Coney Island Sauce. Curtis’ Coney Island Famous Weiners has been a staple of the downtown Cumberland, Maryland, area since 1918. Yes, weiners, not wieners… after 100-plus years they can spell it any way they want, okay?

This was a Shira discovery when we were putting together some day-trip routes, that would be ignored, criticized, or both – but for those that made it to Curtis’ Coney Island Famous Weiners, there was nothing but smiles all around.

Can you imagine a restaurant that has been around for over a century, and serving the same thing for all that time?

Well, Curtis’ Coney Island Famous Weiners has done it… and done it well.

They even had the state of Maryland give them a Certi cate of Recognition from the Comptroller of Maryland, Peter Franchot, for their 100th anniversary.

“In recognition of your 100th anniversary. With gratitude for being a welcoming, friendly gathering place with great customer service and a variety of delicious foods, milkshakes, and oats in the Cumberland area. With special appreciation for your delicious Coney Island-style weiners and for being a notable historic landmark, best wishes for continued growth, success, and prosperity.”

Although you can get your hot dog any number of ways – the real Curtis experience is to have them topped with onion and chili. Add in some crinkle-cut fries and a soda and you are experiencing a Cumberland Classic. For those who prefer you can get burgers, chicken, ham & cheese, and sh sandwiches as well – but come for the wieners and stay for the wieners.

Geno, the owner, is about as friendly (slightly wild) as any restaurateur we have ever met and, in truth, Geno makes the visit all the more worthwhile as he simply adds to the avor of it all. And, there are a lot of avors happening on Liberty Street for sure.

While exploring the panhandle of Maryland, make time for a stop in Cumberland and tell Geno Backroads sent you. ,

Wytheville VA Tourism presents WE’RE OUTTA HERE

FIRETOWER CHALET 97 RIVER HILL DRIVE, BLOOMSBURG, PA 17815, WWW

VRBO COM/1008639 • AIRBNB $260 AVERAGE

With the advent of our modern world, seeking out places to go, things to do, and wonderful places to stay has gotten easier, and harder at the same time.

Information is a great thing. Sometimes it can overwhelm you. We guess that goes for the entire planet these days. Well, this month we think we have found the perfect place to escape from all of this, that, and the other thing.

Nestled in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, just a stone’s throw above the Susquehanna River, you will nd The Firetower Chalet. Located on 70 beautiful hilltop acres, this AirBnB has everything you could want, need or desire in a well-deserved getaway.

It was built as a family getaway escape and it is available to all looking for something quiet, peaceful, and totally out of the ordinary.

This air-conditioned chalet features 1 bedroom, but two beds, a at-screen TV, and a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge.

All the amenities, including towels and bed linen, are provided and with a full kitchen, you can dine out, or simply park the bikes and enjoy a perfect evening and sunset on the wrap-around porch. There is a well-crafted stone repit for use as well.

If you are a stargazer this is an extraterrestrial heaven… literally.

A Weekend Destination Keeping You On The Backroads

The chalet has a sun terrace. Guests at Modern Firetower chalet can enjoy hiking nearby or make the most of the garden.

The many windows that line the bedroom loft allow you to be greeted by the sunrise and lay comfortably and enjoy it sliding over the horizon to the west.

According to the owner and host Chris:

The Firetower Chalet takes inspiration from re watch towers found in western forests. You’ll have the whole house to yourself. On the rst oor, there is a full living area featuring seating, a smart TV, a fully stocked kitchen t-for-a-chef, and a bathroom. The kitchen features a refrigerator, electric stove, oven, microwave, sink, french press, Keurig, toaster, and waf e maker. In the bathroom, you’ll be treated to a spacious shower, sink, and toilet. Upstairs, the whole oor is dedicated to the master bedroom, with a queen bed featuring a comfy, tuft, and needle-adaptive foam mattress. The real star of the room, however, is the amazing views of the

Pennsylvania mountains and countryside visible from the windows all around the room. Under the bed are storage drawers for clothing and other items. The drawers also come stocked with extra linens in case they are needed. The high ceilings of the room give extra room for an upstairs loft, where there is an area perfect for children or another group. The loft is carpeted and has a mattress. Outside, there is a wraparound balcony with 360-degree views of the countryside. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with family and friends, and the views will take your breath away. Finally, the Firetower Chalet has a cable-suspended bridge that leads to a treehouse-style platform. The Firetower also has a downstairs patio, with an outdoor propane warmer, a repit, and a hammock., The Firetower Chalet is set on 70 acres of Pennsylvania countryside, which, of course, you are free to explore. There is plenty of wildlife active on the property including deer, bear, and turkey. Enjoy the natural surroundings of the beautiful Susquehanna valley. Hike along trails and see the river 400 feet below. The cabin is totally secluded and it feels remote.

The nal road leading to the Firetower Chalet is gravel, but very doable, if slightly adventurous.

While in the region there are a few things we really think you need to check out and experience for yourselves.

First, there is Bill’s Old Bike Barn and Museum, an extraordinary motorcycle and Americana museum, right outside Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. William Morris opened it in 1998 to house nearly 200 vintage motorcycles and related memorabilia. The original museum was an outgrowth of his business at nearby Bill’s Custom Cycles. Today you will need hours to take in just about half of what is here. Then there is one of our happy places on Planet Earth – Knoebels Amusement Park – America’s Largest ‘Free’ Park. Like the good old days…. You roll up, park your bike in the Motorcycle-Only Parking, and simply buy books of tickets as you go. Here are the rides you must go on… The Phoenix, ranked one of the best wooden rollercoasters in the nation, then do the Twister… fast, furious – you’ll be leaning like Peco Bagnaia. If the Flying Turns is open you must do this; it is the world’s only wooden bobsled rollercoaster! Each car leaves the rails for a ride controlled only by the forces of gravity and momentum. A modern remake of an old classic, this ride will not disappoint adrenaline seekers!

From here you are on your own – but whatever you choose to rideKnoebels will not disappoint.

This region has some seriously wonderful roads and the 115-mile oneway Rip & Ride GPX Route to get here, starting at the Delaware Water Gap, will be exquisite.

Mix in all this, with the Firetower and the spectacular roads and this time you will happily leave a message on Voice Mail….Sorry, we’re outta here! ,

You can download .gpx le here: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/oqabcv