Community Corner
Cheap Trips: The Schuylkill Center and More
Discover four local attractions you can visit on one tank of gas (or less).
Looking to save money?
Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas (or less): The Schuylkill Center in Roxborough, Hilltop Diving in Schwenksville, the Dairy Cottage in Springfield and the in Columbia, N.J.
The Schuylkill Center
Address: 8480 Hagys Mill Road, Philadelphia, Pa. (Roxborough section)
How far from your Patch?: About 45 miles (1 hour 4 mins) from Hellertown.
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Admission: Varies depending on program/activity.
Hours:
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- Trails are open Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The main building is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Summary: The Schuylkill Center was founded in 1965 as one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country. The mission of the center is to promote environmental education as well as the preservation and improvement of the natural environment by fostering appreciation, understanding and responsible use of the ecosystem, disseminating information on current environmental issues, and encouraging appropriate public response to environmental problems. The center offers programs for children including scouting, after-school activities and nature for the young. The center also offers a number of programs and activities for families, adults and teachers. A full calender of events is available on the center's website.
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Hilltop Diving
Address: 55 Pennypacker Road, Schwenksville, Pa.
How far from your Patch? About 29 miles (51 mins) from Hellertown.
Hours: By appointment (610-287-7270)
Summary: Hilltop Diving in Schwenksville is a full-service scuba and snorkeling facility. Hilltop hosts private events, and has worked with area organizations including scouts, the Perkiomen Valley High School WAVE Post-Prom Party and Magee Hospital’s fair for disabilities. You can also take a class and/or attain certification.
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Dairy Cottage
Address: 328 W. Woodland Ave., Springfield, Pa.
How far from your Patch? About 56 miles (1 hour 12 mins) from Hellertown.
Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday: 7 a.m. to midnight
Summary: This Delaware County landmark is a great place for the entire family, as well as a community gathering place. Built in 1917 and known as Duncan’s Dairy Cottage for many years, the charming diner and ice cream bar offers Italian specialties such as pizza and stromboli and also serves cheesesteaks, burgers, salads and sandwiches. Fifteen flavors of ice cream are available. Breakfast specials start at $4, and lunch, dinner and dessert specials are also available.
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Lakota Wolf Preserve
Address: 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia, N.J.
How far from your Patch? About 37 miles (54 mins) from Hellertown.
Admission:
- $16.05 for ages 12 and older
- $7.49 for ages 2-11
Hours:
- Arrive by 10 a.m. for morning wolf watch
- Arrive by 2:30 p.m. for afternoon wolf watch
Summary: See Arctic, Timber and Tundra wolves in a preserve on the grounds of Camp Taylor Campground in western New Jersey. A scenic walk or short shuttle bus ride takes visitors to an observation area amid four packs of wolves. Guides give an informal talk. The tour concludes with a stop at the bobcat and fox enclosure. You'll never get this close to wolves in the wild. Autumn is a good time to visit the preserve because the wolves have their fluffy winter coats.
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