Ok guys and gals. Lets set that clock for a little later in the morning. Put that gym bag away. Where you are going there are plenty of ways to work out, wheather you are a hard core gym rat, or you consider going to the kitchen to get your fruity pebbles a work out.

Today we are going to Mauch Chunk, or Jim Thorpe as most people know it today. There are a vast aray of things to do here. There is something for any budget.

First lets get the work out done. If you stop at Blue Mountain Sports, you will find that they have many different ways to get that work out in. With out having to be stuck in a gym. When you get there you may run into Cheryl Bing, I hope you do. She is very helpful and will guide you to what best fits you. They have a variety of packages to pick from. If you tell her Don sent you, it will get you ........well nothing, sorry don't have any pull. It doesn't matter though, Their prices are great. No matter what package you pick it will be a blast. I personally want to do the bike, kayak combo. It sounds like a lot of fun. Check out their website for more information. www.bikejimthorpe.com

If you're the "I got my work out done." as you slurp up the last of your milk. Then just take a stroll around town.

One of my favorite stores is the Big Creek Vineyard, Inside this store you will find locally made wine. They let you have a taste of any kind you want, or in my case all of them, It is awesome. I have been going there for a while now to get my wine. I love to cook with it as well as drink it. The prices, you can't beat them with a stick. On this trip he had a new flavor, Sweet Apple, can I just say that I am in love. If you miss this store you will hate yourself. For more information check out their site. www.bigcreekvineyard.com

The next stop is Rainbow Ends. This is a great place to get a good ice cream cone, and find some other treats you may not be able to find any other place.

There are several other stores to visit. There are several Antique stores, and gift stores. I could go on all day about all the different stores. but there are two others that I love. The first is the Mauch Chunk General Emperium. They have all kinds of interesting knick knacks, books and much more. The other is Mauch Chunk 5 and 10. This is a lot like a family dollar type store, but it has the old wooden floors that creak when you walk on them. You will feel like your in another time.

After exploring the town, or getting your work out with Blue Mountain Sports, lunch time has many options. There is a pizza place, Chinese, or several small restaurants. I have not eaten at all of them YET, I am working on it. I do have to say that anything I have eaten has been great. Although if your on a tight budget and want to bring a picnic lunch, there is a spot for you as well. Right in front of the train station there is picnic tables. This is a nice clean area and close to all the stores.

As I have said Before, If we don't remember history we are doomed to repeat it. This is another reason I like Jim Thorpe, it is full of history. There are many places you can check out.

There is a train that takes you on a ride into the mountains during which you will learn about the area's history. You will want to make sure your camera is handy at all times for this. For more information on this check their web site. www.LGSRY.com

There is Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. There they start from how coal is made right through how Mauch Chunk became Jim Thorpe. It's only five dollars to get in. Well worth it. For more Information check out their site. http://www/mauchchunkmuseum.org

One very interesting place is the jail. You will see that there are two photos of plaques that explain what happened here. The tours are five dollars or less and last 45 min. It is time well spent. Wait till you see the hand print. It will freak you out. for more information. Call 570-325-5259.

The one other historical place I want to mention is the Asa Packer Mansion. You can go just to walk around the outside, which is beautiful, but if your budget allows it, Take the tour. They also do group tours. The inside is done in time period furniture, which means it over hundred years old and it still looks better than mine. Thanks to those who said awwww. Those that didn't can not go back to the wine store for more samples. For more information on the mansion check out their web site. http://www.asapackermansion.com

This was a very quick tour of an amazing little place. If you have ever been in Germany it will remind you of those little towns as it is set in the side of the mountain. The history will remind you of what it took us to get where we are today. The pleasant people of the town will make you want to move there, so feel free to say hi. Trust me they will wave smile and say hi back.

Well now I am on my way back to the wine store to get some more samples of that sweet apple wine. Those of you who can come along know who you are.

Safe travels everyone.