Roadside America, Shartlesville, Pa

What lies within this building, located just off exit 23 of Route I-78 in Shartlesville, is the product of the lifelong obsessions of one man.

Scale model of the Highland Hotel

At the turn of the last century, a young Laurence Gieringer, age 5,  gazed out his bedroom window at what appeared to him as a miniature building atop Neversink Mountain, near Reading, Pa.









One fateful night the youngster crept out of his home into the darkness, convinced that the Highland Hotel was actually a doll house with twinkling lights inside.  Quickly he became lost in the woods, and was not found until the next day by frantic searchers.

Alternative Living Expo, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

   The Alternative Living Expo will occur on March 5th and 6th, 2011, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.  The Expo is three shows in one, ModVic's Back Home to the Future Show, the Distinctive Pleasures Gala, and the Alternative Bridal Expo. 

Back Home to the Future Show
   The "Steampunk Home Show" will be of interest to anyone who admires victorian, neo-victorian, or retro-futuristic/industrial decor and art.  Exhibitors will include achitectural salvage companies, artists who reuse industial items to create household goods, designers who infuse modern objects with victorian flair, as well as antique and reproduction hardware and lighting suppliers. 

Distinctive Pleasures Gala
   The Gala showcases all manner of fun and pleasure including music, liquor, candy, games, fashion, beauty poducts, toys, and gadgets.  There will be an art gallery, food and drink samples, seminars and demonstrations, and live performances by Hubris, The Imperial American Air Corps, Penn Jersey Roller Derby, This Way to the Egress, Psyche Corp, Cryomancer, and others.

Alternative Bridal Show
   The expo for anyone who dreams of a very different wedding or commitment ceremony.  The creators of Wicked Faire, The Steampunk World's Fair, and Dracula's Ball have harnessed their expertise in hosting unusual events to lend a hand to brides and grooms looking to express themselves through unique bridal fashions, wedding cakes, florists, cake-toppers, invitations, honeymoon ideas, caterers, and more.

Tickets are $15 for all three shows, both days, if bought in advance at the Alternative Living Expo website.