Shankweiler ’ s Drive-In Theater Visit : http :// www . shankweilers . com Phone : 610-481-0800
If you ’ re camping in the Lehigh Valley and want to take in a movie , venture to Orefield and visit America ’ s oldest drive-in .
Shankweiler ’ s has been in operation since Wilson Shankweiler opened the facility in April , 1934 . Although many of the 4,000 drive-in theaters which opened after Shankweiler ’ s have since disappeared , this family-run business remains and is thriving . Movie goers can view films on digital production equipment which was installed in 2013 and grab a box of freshly popped popcorn at the snack bar .
Shankweiler ’ s season begins in April and usually concludes around Labor Day weekend . Trucks , vans and sport-utility vehicles are permitted at the theater but are required to park in designated areas .
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Visit : http :// www . simeonemuseum . org Phone : 215-365-7233
Located in Philadelphia , the Simeone Museum houses one of the largest collections of racing sports automobiles . This facility contains 65 sports cars which have been competitiontested through the decades and were acquired over 50 years by Dr . Frederick Simeone . From the 1909 American Underslung Traveler to the 1921 Duesenberg used to win Le Mans to NASCAR driver Bill Elliott ’ s Ford Thunderbird this museum will have something interesting for every racing aficionado .
For visitors who wish for a more interactive approach , the museum offers demonstration days on the second and fourth Saturday of each month . After a brief lecture on each vehicle and its importance to racing , the vehicle is then demonstrated in the parking lot . Visitors can get a closer look at each vehicle and take pictures after the presentations .
William E . Swigart Jr . Automobile Museum Visit : http :// www . swigartmuseum . com Phone : 814-643-2024
Located about a half hour ’ s drive from Lake Raystown , the Swigart Museum boasts one of the most comprehensive auto collections in the world . Founded by a Huntingdon businessman who started with a dozen automobiles in 1945 , the collection has grown to over 150 . The museum displays roughly 30 vehicles and changes the roster annually . Swigart ’ s collection includes vehicles as old as an 1899 Winston as well as more modern marvels , such as a 1981 DeLorean .
The crown jewels of the facility are the two Tuckers Torpedoes on display – including the 1947 prototype which was the first automobile produced by the upstart company . Swigart ’ s other rare vehicles include one of the two 1909 Mora ’ s ever made , a Studebaker electric car and a 1960 Volkswagen from the movie “ Herbie , The Love Bug .” Additionally , the museum houses one of the largest displays of classic license plates as well as old badges , nameplates and other historical artifacts .
Fun Facts
In the 20th century , the Pennsylvania Railroad was the largest passenger rail company in the country , operating over 10,000 miles of track and carrying three times as many passengers as the competition .
The Cadillac Fleetwood earned its name from the Berks County town which housed the Fleetwood Metal Body automotive coach company .
The Piper Aviation Company , one of the country ’ s prominent personal aircraft manufacturers , was headquartered in Lock Haven for over 50 years .
Whether you prefer visiting museums , taking in a movie at the country ’ s oldest drive-in theater or sitting back on an antique train to view the fall foliage Pennsylvania has plenty of adventures for your planes , trains and automobile interests .
To plan your trip , find campgrounds near your destination on pages 19-29 .
6 . EXPLORE PA 2018