One:  Whoopie Pies

I found them in the “local” mini market made by S.D.S. in Claysburg PA.  Of course we had to try the standard; devils food-white cream and it was wonderful.  I couldn’t resist the Orange Creamsicle.  What a fun variation.  Good thing the store is 10 miles away or I would have to be trying the pumpkin, lemon and peanut butter.

Two: Punxsutawney

These people are crazy about their groundhog.  We explored for much of a day and had a great time.  We visited Phil in his Burrow on the square.  We peeked into the windows of the Groundhog Club; home of The Inner Circle, the caretakers of Punxsutawney Phil.  They have chocolate groundhogs here and street corners are adorned with six foot tall groundhog statues in all manner of garb.  There are more than 30 of them.  The most official, “Phillage” sporting his tophat as he occupies the honored spot in front of Phil’s Burrow.

Most fantastical, “The Wizard of Weather” just outside of the Weather Discovery Center since Punxsutawney is the Weather Capital of the World you know.

My favorite, “There is work to be Done” posing proudly outside of the hardware store.

As we walked around checking out statues we noticed dozens of fantastic homes lining the streets.  Obviously there was much money in this town in its heyday.  It’s great to see that many have been or are being restored.

Just out of town is Gobblers Knob where the whole February 2 event takes place.  A local fellow gave us a fun tour with a bit of the history and a good feel for just how entrenched this town is in its Holiday.  What with the decline of lumbering and coal mining it’s what keeps the town alive.  A forest trail was lined with metal sculptures.  My favorite was a sun dial with groundhog shadows marking the time….at least on sunny days.