Author: Michael C. Upton

6 Great Holiday Trains in Pennsylvania

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date December 23, 2021

Starting in November and up until Christmas Day railroads invite guests to reimagine and relive the idea of an old-fashioned experience by climbing aboard a holiday train. During their peak as mode of travel, trains became synonymous with Christmas as families traveled home during the holidays. Acknowledging this connection, small, historic railroads in Pennsylvania offer Christmas-themed trains for both young and old visitors. Each train is different, whether a spinoff of new Christmas celebrations or takes on classic Christmas tales. Here is a selection of railroads who deck the halls of the railroad cars for the holidays and spread the magic of the Christmas spirit.

Eat It. Write It.

7 Great Restaurants in Ellicott City

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date December 13, 2021

Located only a dozen miles west of Baltimore, Ellicott City is the seat of Howard County, Maryland, and is a popular destination for small town shopping enthusiasts, history buffs, and traveling foodies. Old Ellicott City is easily walkable and is home to an array of dining options. Meanwhile, the surrounding Greater Ellicott City is the center of the growing “Koreatown, Maryland” and offers a plethora of options for Asian cuisine, along with a host of other great restaurants. The only challenge is to not fill up on sweets and treats found in the candy stores and cafes dotting the town first.

Eat It. Write It.

Like a Local: 7 Upscale Restaurants in Lancaster

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date November 23, 2021

Lancaster’s claims to fame are many. The Red Rose City was home to a US President (James Buchanan), it was the revolutionary capitol of the colonies for one day, and the largest contingency of Old Order Amish call it home. The latter fact brings millions of visitors to PA Dutch Country every year. Part of the attraction fixates on the culinary influence of the Amish and Mennonite communities dotting the fertile countryside. Old world techniques and farm fresh flavors infuse the plates of small eateries and lavish dining rooms. Many locals have embraced an ongoing restaurant renaissance reshaping the fine dining scene, from traditional to fusion.

Drink It, Write It.

The 20 Best Beer Towns in the United States

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date November 2, 2021

Brewing is not solely dedicated to major metropolitan areas. In fact, many towns and small cities offer everything a beer traveler is looking for in a destination. We’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best beer towns in the US based on size (population under 100,000), with a minimum number of two breweries, and the area’s overall appeal to beer fans. The list spans the country from east to west and if turned into a road trip would cover 9,315 miles over 33 states.

Visit It, Write It.

Nights for a Museum

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date October 5, 2021

Whenever I travel with my family, we make sure to visit one or two museums. Whether it’s small, historic homes in colonial-era towns or grand testaments to architecture housing some of the finest art in the world, museums are as much part of how we travel as are dining, lodging or the weather.

Drink It, Write It.

Doing Good Through Beer, Food and Music

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date September 1, 2021

When Jason Best visited a small beer fest in western Pennsylvania, his gears started turning. As a member of the Lititz AMBUCS – a chapter in a national organization with a mission to inspire and provide mobility and independence for everyone – he knew there was a need for a greater inflow of cash to fund philanthropic projects. A few weeks later he visited another festival and the beer fan knew he had to bring the idea to Lititz.

Dig it, Write It.

Pregaming with Cylo

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date August 1, 2021

My assignment was to shadow the bovine-inspired mascot for the afternoon and learn what goes into being the living symbol “en caricature” of an Atlantic League baseball team. Cylo, who claims to be a “distant relative” of the Phillie Phanatic, was accompanied by the Barnstormers’ marketing coordinator, Carlynn Adams.

Drink It, Write It.

10 Must Visit Pennsylvania Breweries

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date July 28, 2021

The first breweries in Pennsylvania opened in 1683 when the nation was still a series of English colonies, although it was an influx of German immigrants who buoyed beer brewing in the state. By 1794, because of its lager brewing prowess, the small city of Lancaster, PA was dubbed an equal of Munich, Germany. The most recognizable name in PA brewing is Yuengling, which dubs itself as “America’s Oldest Brewery” and relies on its massively popular, hometown Lager beer.

Visit It, Write It.

Greater Than a Tourist

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date June 4, 2021

We’ve all made pivots over the past 15 months in order to keep our careers on track. I was able to parlay my 20-plus years of writing about Lancaster County into penning a travel guide as a result of answering a post on an online job board. Now, armed with suggestions regarding the people, places and things I either forgot to mention or were eliminated during the editing process, I could probably write Volume 2.

Eat It. Write It.

Chef Cedric Barberet: The Anticlimax of Stardom

Post author By Michael C. Upton
Post date April 1, 2021

The accolades should have rained from the heavens in recognition of chef Cedric Barberet’s latest achievement. The masses should have flooded his Lancaster City restaurant, Bistro Barberet & Bakery, just to have the opportunity to taste a dish recognized by Food Network judges as one of the best in the country. Yet, this crowning achievement in his over 25-year, star-studded culinary career fizzled into the vacuum-like atmosphere created by COVID-19.

Member of

Member of

Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Somebodies Productions. Site Designed by Wood & Associates