One Tank Getaway: Historic Bloomsburg, PA

One Tank Getaway:
Escape To Historic Bloomsburg, PA
It’s Just Like Mayberry with ATM Machines

by Mona Weir

Directions from Harrisburg:

Route 322 to Routes 11 & 15N (be prepared for some traffic through the Dauphin area, (especially on Penn State home game weekends). Stay on Route 11N through Danville. Route 11 takes you right into downtown Bloomsburg.

Things to Bring:

Camera, fishing pole, picnic basket, casual clothing for theater (leave your ties at home), comfortable shoes (you will be walking a lot).

Where to Stay:

Magee’s Main Street Inn
20 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
1-800-331-9815

The Inn at Turkey Hill
991 Central Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
717-387-1500

Indian Head Camp Ground
3400 Reading Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
717-784-6150

Where to Eat:

Harry’s Grille
20 West Main Street
784-3500

Russell’s Restaurant & Clancy’s Bistro
117-125 West Main Street
387-1332

Bloomin’ Bagels
63 East Main Street
387-9816

Mentioning the town of Bloomsburg, PA may immediately conjure up thoughts of the Bloomsburg Fair or Bloomsburg University, but this quaint town offers much more. Nestled along the Susquehanna River in Columbia County, Bloomsburg offers fun for couples and families. The picturesque town features a variety of small boutiques and restaurants. On any given weekend, you may find a concert in the park, an exhibit at Bloomsburg University or a performance at the local theater.

Our suggestion would be to leave for Bloomsburg on a Saturday morning. Expect the 75 mile drive to take about 1 and ½ hours along Routes 322 and 11 & 15. Route 11 takes you right past the Fairgrounds and onto Main Street, the charming main artery of Bloomsburg. Take note of all the beautiful homes along Main and Market Streets. It seems that every home has a small balcony overlooking the tree-lined streets. Arriving Saturday morning, check-in to Magee’s Main Street Inn. The Inn offers affordable rates in a quaint setting. Also included in the price is breakfast at the adjoining Harry’s Grille, a wonderful pub & restaurant.

After checking in, take a stroll along Main Street. Check out the many small shops, including Country Charm- a superb craft and gift shop. While checking out the downtown area, you must visit Arcus Brothers. They’re open Saturdays from 10AM to 6PM and feature all sorts of discounted items. While the store’s atmosphere is less than polished, the focus is definitely on low prices. Surely, this is one of the first stops Bloomsburg University students make when returning for fall semester. Outside signs advertise waterbeds for as little as $183, beds for $38 and all sorts of electronic equipment at huge savings. The merchandise is packed into the store. Don’t expect to be impressed with fancy displays, but it’s a safe bet that you’ll find some great deals.

For lunch, you have your choice of sandwich shops, including Bloomin’ Bagels, Berrigan’s Sub Shop and Simon Subs. Get your subs and sandwiches to go and head to the Bloomsburg Park for the afternoon. The park sits along the Susquehanna and features everything a family could want: several picnic pavilions, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, walking trails and fishing along the river. During the summer, the park features a concert series (call the Chamber at 784-2522 for dates and times). A new feature in the park is the children’s play area. This wooden playground is huge, and as we learned from many of the locals, the pride of the community. The kids will have hours of fun here while Mom and Dad relax or play tennis nearby.

Depending on the time of year, evenings in Bloomsburg offer theater performances at the Alvina Krause Theatre, concerts, exhibits and lectures at Bloomsburg University, events at the fairgrounds or concerts in the park. The Krause Theatre is currently featuring the play Ramona Quimby during August. Call 1-800-282-0283 for more information. As with most colleges and universities, Bloomsburg holds a variety of programs throughout the week and on weekends. For information on current happenings, call the University at 717-389-4000.

On Sunday, sleep in late. You deserve it after all the places you went the day before. For brunch, check out Russell’s Restaurant. This gourmet establishment sits across the street from Magee’s and features a great brunch and dinner menu. They also have several tables and chairs outside for casual dining. The menu features a huge selection of omelets and other delicious food. Prices range from $3.50 to $15.00. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.

As for the rest of your stay in Bloomsburg… there’s the Farmer’s Market, Flea Market and a host of other events. August highlights include a Street Rod and Custom Car Show and a Family Cake and Ice Cream Festival. September brings the 18th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair and the String Trio of New York. The great Bloomsburg Fair runs from September 20 through the 27. In its 135th year, the Fair is held on the 234-acre grounds located just outside of the downtown district. It attracts over 500,000 people annually to the area. Call the fairgrounds at 784-4949 for complete information. Also in September, the Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Community Street Festival. The festival features ethnic foods, live entertainment and much more! The Chamber can send you information on this and other downtown events throughout the year by calling 784-2522.

As you can see, there is plenty to do throughout the day and the year. Bloomsburg is ideally located close to a variety of festivals, parks and shops. Nearby Danville features many antique shops and Elysburg & Knobels Amusement Park is just up the road. Bloomsburg is the perfect getaway anytime of the year.