Author: Michael C. Upton

Anna Maria Island is a low-key resort town with pretty architecture, and an array of shops and dining options. The calm beauty of the Gulf shore, with crystal blue water and pure, pale sand attracts beachgoers of all ages and demographics from all over the world. Many return visitors come from western Pennsylvania as nearby Bradenton is home to the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates spring training facility and home of the single-A Bradenton Marauders.

Altoona is a city the railroad built. In the mid-1800s, passenger and rail freight had a tough time traversing Pennsylvania’s mountainous middle. A connection from Philadelphia and Harrisburg to Pittsburgh was vital, but the Allegheny Mountains stood in the way. The Pennsylvania Railroad moved into the area in 1849 to begin working on the Horseshoe Curve (2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy); a semi-circular stretch of track riding on a manmade traverse of land between two mountains, which allowed safe and affordable travel across the state.

We’ve all heard it before, the verbal butchering of our city and county name, Lancaster. Emphases on the wrong syllables. Strangely hard consonants and irregular drawn-out vowels. Defense of our pronunciation is so ingrained in our communal psyche that we even have T-shirts and bumper stickers explaining how to say … Lank KISS stir. After some traveling, I realized a few neighboring states have their own Lancasters, all of which have their own pronunciations.

The Anna Maria Island Inn is a complex of seven properties, most located on a stretch of waterfront on the Gulf Coast of Florida from Bradenton Beach to Holmes Beach. The Seaside was completely renovated in 2022, and the result is a fresh, clean appearance with a kitschy and hip style. Rooms are stocked with unexpected conveniences, like extra sheets and blankets, beach/pool towels, deluxe versions of board games, and all the bar tools (including a blender) to prepare the perfect drink while relaxing in the sand.

In 2011, Joseph and Ellen Lettieri purchased the mansion home built by businessman Herbert Hills Hewitt, founder of American Brass Co. and patent creator. The Lettieris renovated the home, which now features 13 suites and spacious common areas—including a library, dining area, and a billiards room. Billed as “Victorian charm with contemporary conveniences,” InnBuffalo is much more. Contemporary artwork melds with Victorian and 20th century antiques. The Inn is part refined work in progress as Joe—as he is known around the city—uncovers details like gilded wallpaper and tracks down original mantels and millwork removed from the property by previous owners. Along with an onyx fireplace, wall tapestries and tile work, many of the original, Tiffany-leaded glass windows remain. The large, second-floor Hewitt Suite is adorned with the original quarter sawn cherry wood and features and ensuite bath with a rare Victorian-era needle-spray shower.