Complimentary valet parking is now available at the new Pizzeria Felici in Horsham, which boasts handcrafted pasta, savory appetizers and entrees, as well as decadent desserts.
tourismUpdate The hills and trails of Valley Forge
National Historical Park are popular with fitness buffs looking to test their mettle against some truly challenging terrain in a landscape that is as beautiful as it is significant. The ability to log some serious miles, on foot or by bicycle, becomes that much easier in 2016 with the completion of the Sullivan Bridge.
Major-General John Sullivan is the bridge’s namesake, in deference to his construction of a supply bridge across the Schuylkill River during the 1777- 1778 Valley Forge winter encampment. This new bridge links the present day park to the award-winning Schuylkill River Trail, which beckons runners and cyclists to the picturesque western part of Montgomery County.
A signature event at Valley Forge National Historic Park is the annual Revolutionary 5-Mile Run, which raises funds for park infrastructure improve- ments and instructive programming. The 2015 edition of the “Rev Run,” as it has become affectionately known, got a
marketing overhaul with new branding, messaging and energy. The results were a record number of participants and a high-water mark of donations. Expectations for the 2016 running, set for April 17, 2016, are even greater.
The aforementioned Schuylkill River Trail underwent the opening of several con- nectors this year, with more scheduled throughout 2016. These include the Schuylkill Canal Towpath, which brings runners and cyclists to the restored Lock Tender’s house, which offers seasonal educational opportunities. Further trail improvements eventually will open unobstructed recreational access to the county line, some 15 scenic miles to the west.
In addition, it’s “the more the merrier” for Montgomery County’s family-friendly assets in 2016. The long-awaited Carousel at Pottstown starts spinning in a series of soft openings as 2015 draws to a close, with preparations for full-time operation in 2016 proceeding as planned. This 13-year project is the cul- mination of many hours of artists’ labor (150 hours of carving and painting), as well as local visionaries’ commitment to promoting tourism.
The vintage carousel in Pottstown is sure to become a group tour favorite,
A guest room at the Holiday Inn Express in King of Prussia, PA
especially when combined with a ride on the nearby Colebrookdale Railroad, which is on track to open a new terminal in Pottstown borough. A former rail sta- tion in Birdsboro is scheduled to be moved (literally lifted off its footings and transported) in 2016, representing the last of the infrastructure projects associ- ated with this historic railway. Further work on the train itself includes a new engine, more in fitting with the old-time passenger cars, and full handicapped accessibility.
The King of Prussia Mall, which attracts more than 25 million visitors per year, becomes even more “mall-velous” in 2016 when the ribbon is cut on a new connecting passageway. The two-story expansion brings another 250,000- square feet of retail space, uniting what was formerly two separate mall buildings and eliminating the need for an outdoor walk between them. The new space will feature many retailers new to the area, as well as a food court experience showcasing high-profile chefs and their top-drawer culinary skills.
A new Movie Tavern has opened in Flourtown. The site is a new take on the combo of movies and munchies, accompanying first-run films with hand- crafted brews and an extensive menu. Among its interesting offerings is a weekly breakfast screening.
The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, which highlights transportation innovations from western Montgomery County, has opened a new exhibit that highlights its former life as a carriage house. The Jeremiah Sweinhart Carriage Factory displays a reconstructed black- smith forge and examples of early belt- driven technology for machining carriage parts. Groups also can see antique bug- gies and wagons that were built on site.
For the past three summers, Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown hit great success by offering visitors the chance to hand- feed its pair of gentle giraffes. In 2015,
80 November December 2015
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