RECENT DISCOVERIES
Reading Pagoda
Berks County
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
YOU ALREADY KNOW DELCO, BUCKS AND CHESTER COUNTIES. NOW GET TO KNOW BERKS. Cara Corridoni
L
OCATED JUST NORTHWEST OF Chester County, Berks is an easy day trip, Yet it can seem a world, or at least a county away. With a mountainous backdrop, rich Pennsylvania Dutch influences and not a single mention of the Founding Fathers, Berks County offers a multitude of family-friendly options that can be reached on a single tank of gas. Whether you’re the outdoorsy type, want to learn something new, or yearn for a good old-fashioned family vacation, Berks County has history, tradition and an underground ice cream cone just for you. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Blame it on all that time outside over the last two years, but birding is now a popular American pastime, and Berks County is one of the best places in the region to catch the majestic creatures in flight. Start with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Recent spottings include raptors, cerulean warblers, winter wrens and, of course, hawks. Another good birding option is Blue 40
Marsh Lake. Home to the orchard oriole,
the eastern bluebird and the known habitat of bald eagles, it’s also a great place to cool off on a warm summer day. Next head south to another popular Berks County method for cooling off — subterranean Crystal Cave. This 150-yearold natural wonder maintains a refreshing interior temperature of 54 degrees even on the hottest of summer days. Located just outside Kutztown, the cavern’s impressive half-million-year-old rock formations, including the popular “Ice Cream Cone” attraction, are worth exploring. Then hike some trails, play a round of mini-golf and refuel at the onsite cafe. From there continue south to Reading, where you’ll want to check out the Berks County Heritage Center. This free park/historic site combo has hiking trails that lead to all kinds of discoveries, from a covered bridge to the Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired Der Distelfink sculpture. While you’re there, check out the Gruber Wagon Works and Epler’s School House onsite museums.
County Lines | July 2022 | CountyLinesMagazine.com
Crystal Cave
Der Distelfink sculpture
