Sometimes, the adventures of The Open Road Ahead takes us to destinations far and wide. To climbing to the tops of mountains in the Adirondacks. To eating chargrilled oysters in New Orleans. To visiting bizarre tourists attractions like The House on the Rock and Roadside America. To a maple syrup farm in New Hampshire. To a tour of every lighthouse in New Jersey. To a friend’s million mile odometer rollover in Tennessee.
Sometimes, however, we are able to find cool destinations not far from our front door. On a sunny, yet bitterly cold, Sunday afternoon we headed to the city of Easton, Pennsylvania to have a delightful brunch, tour a cool museum, give ourselves a walking tour of the city, and shop at several awesome stores.
So come along, then, as we tour a historic city along the Delaware River that was first settled in the early 18th century. We’ll also share some fun (and less than fun) stories from a recent trip to the Adirondacks, before closing with some automotive updates.
Let’s begin:
Easton, PA
Our primary destination was the Sigal Museum, which tells of the history and culture of Easton and surrounding Northampton County.Our trip was scheduled for Sunday. We awoke on Saturday morning to over a foot of snow on the ground – I wondered if we might have to postpone our planned adventure!By Sunday morning, however, roads were clear and dry, and the only snow left was on the grassy shoulders of the highway. We donned our sunglasses and headed west!Our first stop, on the recommendation of one of my wife’s coworkers, was Porter’s Publickhouse, a neighborhood pub that’s been in operation since 1990.While waiting for our food, we asked our server about the pewter mugs hanging from the pub’s ceiling. She explained that a mug is awarded to members of the Mug Club. Patrons who order all 60 beers on the pub’s tasting menu get their own pewter mug, which they can either take home or have hung from the pub’s ceiling. Porter’s will keep a tally of your orders, so no, you do not have to finish all 60 beers in one visit!My wife and I both ordered the corned beef hash from the brunch menu, which was excellent. The only negative was the $3 upcharge for my wife’s gluten-free bun, which wasn’t explained by the waitress. It’s a small annoyance that was worth noting, but not enough to keep us from returning. Otherwise, the food was excellent, the service was friendly and quick, and the ambiance was perfect.No glamour shot from this trip – we stashed my TLX, encrusted in road salt, in a parking garage and did our exploration by foot. One bonus? Free parking on Sundays!It was a brisk walk through downtown Easton to our next stop.Our destination was the Sigal Museum. Operated by the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, the museum explores the history, culture, and artifacts of Northampton County.Firefighting is a major theme of the museum. During the Colonial era, each house was required to have a leather bucket, so that community members could join a “bucket brigade” when a fire broke out. This 1795 pumper truck was a far more efficient way of fighting fires.Before the arrival of European immigrants, the lands of Northampton County were inhabited by the Lenape peoples. A typical Lenape dwelling was the wikewam, such as the one recreated in the museum. The Lenape peoples formed an agreement with the family of William Penn, founder of the Pennsylvania colony. In the agreement, the Lenape ceded an enormous swath of Pennsylvania to the Penn family. While William Penn had friendly, peaceful relations with the Lenape, his family did not, conducting a land grab from their Native American neighbors. So contentious was the “Walking Purchase” that the Lenape pursued legal remedies until 2006, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear their case (via Wikipedia).Suspended from the ceiling was an authentic birchbark and pine pitch canoe from the Lenape peoples, which dates to the early 1800s.The museum had numerous artifacts from the Colonial period, along with the early United States. These objects were part of the household of Pennsylvania governor George Wolf. Wolf established the first public school system in Pennsylvania, free for all regardless of income level.The museum also preserves the history of military service for this section of Pennsylvania. The large drum was owned by Christopher Mixsell and was used during the War of 1812.The lower level of the museum tells of the 20th century history of Northampton County. The area is home to a large number of Lebanese Maronites. Maronites are a Christian sect who originate in the eastern Mediterranean region. Many Maronites came to America in the early 20th century, and a large number settled in Northampton County.A corner of the museum was dedicated to the role of the Black barbershop and beauty salon in African American communities. One fact I learned: Annie Minerva Turnbo Malone became one of the first African American multi-millionaires, building her fortune from a successful cosmetics and hair care company.Emigrant depots were dedicated to handling the large number of immigrants, primarily from Europe, who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The nearest immigration station was on Washington Avenue in Philadelphia. Although smaller than more famous ones such as Ellis Island, it was reported to have been better organized and more focused on the comfort of new arrivals.The third floor of the museum showcased local 20th century industries such as Martin Guitars from nearby Nazareth, PA. Beautifully made and hand-crafted, Martin guitars are designed for serious musicians. An entry level D-18 model retails for $2,399. I may have stared longingly at the guitars on display…One of my favorite displays was about the popular toys of the early 20th century. Interesting fact: “Chinese Checkers” was invented in Germany in 1892, and the name was created by Bill and Jack Pressman, American game entrepreneurs.The third floor also housed an exhibit on the history of firefighting in Northampton County. One grim artifact from the 20th century: a Geiger counter, which could measure radiation exposure in the event of a nuclear accident, nuclear war, or the release of radioactive elements.After an hour spent at the museum, we walked a few blocks to Easton Public Market, an indoor farmers market and eatery.Similar to Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, this market offers goods grown at local farms, products created by local artisans, and lots of independent eateries.Although still full from lunch, we made room for some macarons from Chocodiem.We washed down our dessert with oatmilk lattes from ThreeBirdsNest Coffee House. Fueled up, we were ready to explore more of the city!We next took a tour of charming downtown Easton. The Carmel Corn Shop has been in business since 1931.An antique shop was quick to point out that it was once the site of the city’s first jail, built for the whopping cost of $1,066 in 1755.Crayola, the art supply company best known for its crayons, is headquartered nearby. In Easton, it has created the Crayola Experience – a family entertainment center for kids of all ages! After an enjoyable, if chilly, stroll around town, we headed back to the car and set off toward home.On the way home, my wife asked if I would be interested in a detour to see “The Devil’s Tree.” Located in Bernards Township, NJ, this solitary oak tree has a reputation for being cursed. Tales of paranormal and occult activity surround this tree, as do stories of murders occurring nearby. More gruesome, there exist claims that KKK groups in this area (of which there were many in NJ in the early 20th century) used this tree to conduct lynchings. You can read more about this creepy and grim oak on Weird NJ.After a fun afternoon in Easton, and a macabre detour, we arrived back home, safe and sound. 29,000 miles is approaching fast on the TLX. Onward!
An ADK Weekend
We recently headed up to the Adirondacks for a weekend getaway. Rather than our usual route through Utica, we entered Adirondack State Park from the east near Saratoga Springs.This route allowed us to stop at Oscar’s Smokehouse. Well known for their hams and bacon, Oscar’s is a favorite of TV personality Rachael Ray. Pro tip: if you stop by Oscar’s, try the “More than Mustard” spread. Your sandwiches will never be the same.We drove westward along NY-28 as dusk descended…And then… disaster. A deer ran out into our path from behind a rock formation along the road. I swerved, slowed, and hit the horn to scare it away. It tried to turn, but not quickly enough. It hit the front bumper, causing some light damage. The deer seemed injured, but managed to stand up and scamper off into the woods. Fingers crossed that the deer makes a quick recovery. It was a seriously unpleasant driving experience.With temperatures in the 40s, much of the snow and ice had begun to melt, making the Adirondacks seem more like mud season than mid-winter.With the melting snow and mud, the trails were unsuitable for hiking. Instead, I threw my drone aloft for some aerial photography.You know it’s a slow weekend when the local hardware store is giving out free popcorn to customers. It made for a yummy treat!Of course, no stop in the Adirondacks is complete without a visit to Blue Line Coffee House.I have long been a fan of Adirondack-based photographer Kurt Gardner. His studio is located in Old Forge, and I decided to visit.Kurt captures the magic of outdoor life in the Adirondacks. His studio has prints available for sale, along with spaces for group classes. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re passing through Old Forge!As we were watching the Super Bowl weekend with our relative, we dined on a some amazing appetizers: shrimp cocktail, kielbasa, buffalo chicken dip, veggies, and chips. It was the perfect compliment to the game!The next morning, we were on the road by 7:30 am, heading back to New Jersey. The Wigwam Tavern, along NY-28, is my landmark for knowing that my visit to the Adirondacks has come to an end.This trip was also the maiden voyage of our new cooler! When we travel, we try to save money by bringing fresh food with us. During the pandemic, we began using a Coleman plug-in cooler. We recently upgraded to this 30 quart, 12-volt refrigerator from Bouge RV.This is not a cooler – it’s a compressor-based refrigerator that can also act as a freezer, maintaining temperatures as low as -5 degrees. Being able to pack fresh produce, milk, lunchmeat, and other necessities has made a major change in how we travel. We were both deeply impressed with how cool this refrigerator kept our food, and how silent it was during our trip.We arrived home safely, with the Jeep nearing 106,000 miles. With little to no traffic, we also averaged 24 miles per gallon – hugely impressive for this mid-sized SUV. Onward!
Automotive Updates
Longtime readers may remember my friend Justin, whose 2003 Honda Accord rolled 1,000,000 miles in March of 2023. In advance of a major car show in Maryland this spring, Justin has begun a spare-no-expense restoration of this one-of-a-kind vehicle. The car is currently at a local paint shop to have the exterior completely refinished.When I say complete restoration, I mean COMPLETE restoration. The seats are being retrimmed in new leather, the carpet is being replaced, and anything that is broken, malfunctioning, or beat-up after 21 years of use is being swapped for a new part. I can’t wait to see how this car comes out! Justin, please keep us posted!On the newer, and lower-mileage, end of the spectrum, my 2020 Acura TLX recently crossed exactly 10,000 miles of ownership. I rolled it off the dealer’s lot with 18,697 miles… and it’s been a great car over the past five months. Here’s to even more adventures down the open road ahead!
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a yummy restaurant scene, a slice of history, cool shops, and a fun city to discover through a walking tour, I would highly recommend Easton, PA. The Sigal Museum is open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Thursday through Saturday, and from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Sunday. Admission tickets are $10 for adults, while it costs $8 for seniors, children 6+, active military personnel, and teachers. However, on Sundays admission is completely free!
Thanks for coming along on yet another journey down the open road ahead!
Easton looks like a cool town! You visited some very cool spots. I loved the pictures from the Adirondacks, especially the drone shot! Glad you and your wife are okay after the deer encounter! That is so scary.
Thanks – we were glad to escape the deer encounter with only a bruised bumper! Glad you enjoyed the post – Easton was a lot of fun to visit. Thanks for reading!!
My husband is from Easton, and it’s always held a special place in my heart. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. The Carmelcorn Shop is a special favorite, and it’s so nice that it hasn’t changed over all the years. Lots to do there, lots of great people.
The Open Road Ahead 
Easton looks like a cool town! You visited some very cool spots. I loved the pictures from the Adirondacks, especially the drone shot! Glad you and your wife are okay after the deer encounter! That is so scary.
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Thanks – we were glad to escape the deer encounter with only a bruised bumper! Glad you enjoyed the post – Easton was a lot of fun to visit. Thanks for reading!!
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My husband is from Easton, and it’s always held a special place in my heart. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. The Carmelcorn Shop is a special favorite, and it’s so nice that it hasn’t changed over all the years. Lots to do there, lots of great people.
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My one regret from the trip was that the Carmelcorn Shop was closed – we’ll definitely have to go back!
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