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Altoona Journals

Promised Land for Railroad Buffs-New Entries!!

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An August 2002 trip to Altoona by pointerbd

Railroaders Museum Photo - Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona, Pennsylvania More Photos
Quote: The history of railroading, particularly the steam engine, has deep roots in Altoona, Pa. There are several locations where you can see.hear and experience life during the early 19th century when steam engines were king!

Promised Land for Railroad Buffs-New Entries!!

Best Of IgoUgo

Overview

Horseshoe Curve Photo - Altoona, Pennsylvania
Quote:
The Railroaders Museum, World Famous Horseshoe Curve, Pennsylvania Railroad Shops ,Convention Center, and Baker Mansion all have ties to the early 19th century when steam engines ruled! My favorite is the Horseshoe Curve where, as a child, I would climb the 150+ steps to get to the top to view the engineering phenomenon that linked communication between the north and south. One of the few places on earth where you can view the panorama of an entire freight train as it curves around the mountain forming a horsheshoe. Today there is a modern funicular car that transports you to the top but engineers on passing trains still toot their whistles to the delight of visiting crowds. The new Railroaders M...Read More

Phoenix Restaurant

Restaurant | "Phoenix"

Quote:
We were looking for a quick meal before a movie and didn't want to spend a lot of money or get dressed up. I wanted a place with some local color. Phoenix turned out to be a great pick. I had to save gathering the history for a later date (with more time), but I did see and taste a typical Saturday night..I liked! Very casual,informal atmosphere...typical local Ma & PA restauarant. But the food was a little more than the standard local stuff and deserves a mention. My baked orange roughy was a steak, not filet and was seasoned and baked perfectly. It reminded me a great deal of lobster. Mom's fried oyster's (a favorite of hers) were also excellent and the portion was large. Rod's prime rib l...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 15, 2002

Phoenix Restaurant
300 4th Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
(814) 946-8096

Allegro

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Restaurant | "Allegro Ristorante"

Quote:
If you are in Altoona for any length of time, this is the one restaurant you do not want to miss!It's much more cozy and elegant than your typical local Italian restaurant. The best part is the food...specialities are too numerous to mention but include outstanding antipasto platters, special veal, beef and poultry dishes, homemade pastas, steamed shrimp, northern and southern Italian specialties and an interesting variety of appetizers. Ingredients for menu items are selected daily from quality markets, a tradition started by founding chef, Phil D'Allosso and his wife Edith. The tradition of fine food has been carried on by Phil's daughter Gloria and her husband,now head chef, Danny Taddei. T...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 10, 2002

Allegro
3926 Broad Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
(814) 946-5216

Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum

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Attraction

Railroaders Museum Photo - Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Quote:
You will learn not only about the history of steam and its role in the growth of our nation,but will catch many colorful and informative glimpses of life in the early 19th century when Altoona was first settled by workers for the PRR. The 3 floor museum is actually housed in former shops and offices of the railroad(my dad worked in a first floor corner office- I remember it vividly!). It is organized and presented in an effective style that has something that will appeal to everyone. I was most fascinated by the 2 films, the personal vignettes, the hospital records and information provided by railroad doctor and sites too numerous to mention.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 10, 2002

Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
1300 9th Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
(814) 946-0834

World Famous Horseshoe Curve

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Attraction

Train coming through tunnel near Horseshoe Curve Photo - World Famous Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Quote:
I made a pilgrimage om a cold,rainy morning in October to experience the Horseshoe Curve as an adult. As a child, hearing the eerie sound of a train going up the mountain in the middle of the night,was somehow comforting. The wailing train whistle and the steady chug of the engines meant that fathers were working,goods were moving, people were happy. Whenever ANYONE came to visit from out-of-town, my father loved to truck us all up there to see the trains. The big thrill was climbing the over 100 steep steps to reach the top.(There is now a modern funicular you can ride to the top but the steps are still available). At the top you can see for miles and miles. The highlight of the tour is if you ar...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 10, 2002

World Famous Horseshoe Curve
Kittaning Point Road
Altoona, Pennsylvania

Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark

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Attraction

Leap the Dips Photo - Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Quote:
Believe it or not, this ultra-modern, state of the art amusement park and waterslide can trace its historic beginnings back to the days of the railroad. Of course there are also the typical Arcade and skill-type games. For some people the main highlight of Lakemont Park is still the food. They are famous for popcorn, caramel corn, cotton candy, softserve ice cream and a host of other treats.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 10, 2002

Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark
I-99 Frankstown Road Exit
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
(814) 949-7275

Legion Park

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Attraction | "A Free Attraction for All Ages-Legion Park!"

The centerpiece of Legion Park Photo - Legion Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Quote:
While Legion Park is not huge by any standards, it is well worth the trip-expecially if you are a family on a budget! There are activities and exhibits here to keep your child entertained (literally) with challenging physical activities, discovery and fun for hours. It is difficult to describe but we have seen every age(from toddlers to seniors) walk thru and try the different levels of fun. It's a great place for grandparents to head with visiting grandchildren. Plus there is a fantastic garden area filled with several different outdoor exhibits that are every bit as much fun for the adults! Bring a picnic lunch and eat under the shade. There are no concession stands to distract the kids. Sever...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 29, 2003

Legion Park
1501 North Juniata Street
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

About the Writer

pointerbd

pointerbd
Norristown, Pennsylvania

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