Janet McKenzie Prince

Two years after Janet McKenzie Prince, travel editor for the local newspaper, wrote Day trips out of Reading, she found that she had so much material that she wrote a second travel book, Pennsylvania highlights. The author divides the southeastern and south central Pennsylvania areas into seven regions, mapping the boundary lines differently in several cases but still fanning out from the city . And she adds Berks County attractions to the book. There are so many places to see and things to do in the regions that she has had to be selective. Included are state parks and camping grounds, historical sites, museums and much more. The pictures in the book were taken by the author.

Some of my favorite places were represented as well as some I just never got around to seeing and there were several I had never heard about. The greatest disappointment was that she did not include Winterthur with the article about Longwood Gardens, although I can understand that she was strict about location; Winterthur is just over the Delaware state border. Unfortunately, I think of both in the same breath.

Be aware that the book was published in 1984 and things change. Prices and hours are usually different. In the article about the Ephrata Cloister, she mentions the Vorspiel, a play about the early monastic life. To many people's disappointment, it hasn't been presented in years. Other things, like outlet shopping in a real factory building in Reading and West Reading, have closed. Always check first before leaving home.

There are seven maps in the book, but they are a bit vague. Sometimes Prince will give directions but, in addition to highway numbers, she gives businesses which may or may not still be in business. A good map or Map Quest is a necessity. Enjoy seeing a wonderful section of the country along with the author as your guide!… (mehr)

Janet McKenzie Prince, former travel editor for the local newspaper, The Reading Eagle, has taken her columns on things to see in Pennsylvania and put them in one place. She divides the area into seven regions, each radiating from Reading and Berks County, and gives four articles with examples of sites to see in each sector. From historical sites and museums to parks and recreation and many other attractions, the book will please all kinds of travelers.

Since the book was published in 1982, things have changed. Certainly prices of admission will be much higher and times when open may have changed, but be aware that some attractions have closed or moved. It is best to check the internet or the local county travel association before getting into the car. And get a good map as the maps in the book are very general and Prince does not always give directions in her articles.… (mehr)

Janet McKenzie Prince, travel editor for the local newspaper, published this book on Berks County treasures in 1985. Although some of the sites she mentioned "aren't here anymore," many others are still a vital part of the Berks County scene. The most drastic change has been the loss of so many factory outlets, which were a mainstay of the 1980s and 1990s. Many have been torn down and others made into offices or apartments. The outlet stores are now in the malls and the prices are higher.

Prince covers historic sites, museums, sporting venues, recreation and much more. The photographs are by the author and a few are in color. There is a map. The end of the book contains advertisements and this is really where the age of the book shows. Many of the advertisers are no longer in business.

There is so much to see in Berks County. Be sure to check with the venue, the local Reading Eagle with its "things to do" sections, or the internet before traveling. I can guarantee that so much Prince has listed is worth seeing. And for those that have closed their doors, like the Mary Merritt Doll Museum, or moved and merged, like the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Culture Society which is now the Pennsylvania German Culture Heritage Center st Kutztown University, the book will give you a taste for what once was!… (mehr)