Minutes from Route 80 lies the tiny village of Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania.  It’s hard to believe that the scenery can change so drastically in 2.8 miles…While the trucks keep rumbling East and West, you can get off the ramp and drive along River Road to the quiet village that sits smack dab on The Delaware River.  Shawnee (as the locals call it) boasts a General Store with the all-important swinging screen door that screeches as it swing shut behind you.  The floors are old wood, the counters have seen generations of locals as well as visitors and it’s where you want to hang out if you want to know what’s going on in the village.
Long after the Lenni Lanape Indians moved out, long after C.C. Worthington built his golf course, private hunt club and resort, this village became the hallowed ground of the famous musician and bandleader, Fred Waring.  He renamed the resort “Shawnee Inn” and along came his Hollywood contemporaries, his famous golf friends, as well as a US President or two….Ed Sullivan, Eddie Fisher, Jackie Gleason, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Paul Runyan, Ike Eisenhower to name a few.

Fast forward 50+ years…Fred Waring is gone, altho his influence remains.  The village has retained it’s charm.  The old Shawnee Playhouse, where “The Pennsylvanians” used to record their radio shows, has summer stock that entertains hundreds of people a year.  Two art studios grace the center of the village along with old historic homes and babbling steams.  The village boasts 5 bed and breakfasts as well as 27 holes of golf–most of which are on an island in the Delaware River. People on Segways can be seen touring the tiny streets and golf island while they view the houses and the nesting bald eagles with their enormous babies.  People come from miles away to float down The Delaware in the vehicle of their choice–be it tube, raft, canoe or kayak.  Hikers abound in the 70,000 acres of National Parkland that holds miles of trails, fabulous waterfalls and abundant wildlife.  Winter holds a special allure for intrepid hikers and folks who enjoy cross country and downhill skiing.  It’s a little slice of year ’round paradise.

But don’t get lost in the reverie of the flora and fauna….Shawnee on Delaware is minutes from great restaurants, a short drive to The Crossings Outlet Mall, several exciting water parks, a casino and some great nightlife.  We’ve got it all.

This blog post is from Cindy & Gordon Way of the Gatehouse Country Inn, Shawnee on Delaware, PA.

Almedinilla and its neighbouring small town Priego de Cordoba, are at the epicentre of the Roman route of Andalucia which stretches from Cadiz in the south of Andalucia and up to Cordoba in the north.  This old established trading route has left us with wonderful Roman Villas, amphitheatres, museums and walled cities.

Almedinilla is a beautiful small town which acts as a good base for exploring the northern part of Andalucia has the remains one of the most magnificent Roman villas which was obviously a sumptuous residence.  Called El Ruedo it is located right next to the tourist office in the town and can be visited alongside the museum where many of the artefacts are kept.

Priego de Cordoba is one of the most striking Spanish towns you will ever visit, with its Balcon Adarve, its narrow lined streets filled with geraniums, its castle, its Baroque architecture and churches.

Away from the tourist trails in Spain these two towns are gems with traditional spanish culture, fiestas and gastronomy.  Kind spirited locals fill the streets to welcome you and to tell you of local events and news.  It is a great place to visit, stay a while and take in real Spain.

This entry was written by Jan Templeton, the owner of Casa Oasis, Almedinilla who can offer B&B for up to 4 people.  You can visit their website for further details.