Bring your coolers! Bring your cameras! Bring your navigator as we go on a Kielbasy and Covered Bridges Adventure in Schuylkill and Columbia Counties!
Come and experience the Miata-friendly roads as we twist and turn our way from the coal fields about Frackville, through the picturesque Susquehanna highlands, across the covered bridges of Columbia County, and pass through the ghost town of Centralia on our way to see the Big Mine Run Geyser.
The ride begins with our own pilgrimage to one of the most recognized landmarks in Schuylkill County, Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop. Since 1911, the Kowalonek family has made kielbasy according to old-world traditions. Today, their store in Shenandoah sells the famous kielbasy, along with sausages, bacon, chicken, beef, pork, lunch meats, and cheeses. The kielbasy loaf is “oh-so good” and, if we are lucky, their kielbasy bacon bombs or homemade Polish meatballs may be available. Want something other than MEATS, try the delicious haluskie or the local-made pierogies. Yum Yum!
Following the Catawissa Creek, our Miatas will get some exercise on State Rt. 339. Just after crossing the Susquehanna River, we will begin our exploration of the covered bridges of Columbia County. Along the way we will pass near Catawissa Bottling Company – home of Big Ben’s soda and the local bottler of the old-time favorite – Moxie soda – the oldest continually produced soft drink in the United States. Traversing the beautiful farm-lands along the sinuous Roaring Creek, we will continue encountering covered bridges. After climbing the Pine Forest Summit, we then begin heading downslope to Centralia, where we pass active smoking vents, unfortunately not visible from the road, on our way to the only geyser on the east coast of our nation – the Big Mine Run Geyser. We will conclude with a stop for drive-in grub and ice cream in Ashland.
The ride takes about 3.5 hours with stops. If you are bringing a cooler, make sure to bring ice to keep your kielbasy treasures cool. We will be having breakfast, starting at 9 AM at our meeting spot – the Famous Dutch Kitchen Restaurant in Frackville. There is a beautiful stainless-steel diner in the restaurant! Departure from the restaurant is set for 10 AM.
To join our adventure, contact me at bvrkilmatt@verizon.net, call or text to 215-720-8555. Please indicate if you would like to join us for breakfast.
Twistingly yours,
Matt Loizeaux