We called it "Groundhog Mecca" because in Punxsutawney, Phil is treated with the same reverence that is typically reserved for a deity. Everywhere you look, some image of Phil will be there to greet you. For example, the first restaurant we saw was Punxy Phil's Cakes & Steaks; it's a sold restaurant, the food is slightly better than that of you average diner, slightly. The only complaint I have with Punxy Phil's that it closes. In fact that is my problem with most of the town. I'm used to 24 hour diners, living in a place where all the eateries close by 9:00pm won't cut it.
After leaving the groundhog themed bar, Bill and I went to a local drive-in for ice cream. In order to get there, Bill and I had to cross the highway. Luckily, in Punx crossing the highway is as easy as crossing any side street in Jersey. It was actually easier to stroll along the interstate that it was to use the sidewalk. I have never spent so much time casually strolling along an interstate highway in my life. The ice cream was really good, I got soft-serve vanilla with chunks of pineapple in it. I highly approve. Yes, I am aware that few people would go for ice cream in approximately 18 degree weather, but I appreciate the irony of craving ice cream in winter.
Next, Bill and I ventured out to find "Groundhog Brew," a local micro-brew that they only release for Groundhog's Day. We wanted to bring some back for everyone, but the brewery and liquor store were both closed. Sigh, liquor stores should be open at 9:00pm, but I digress. We finally found a hotel bar that served the beer. Groundhog Brew is a bold hoppy-but-not-too-bitter beer. I also love that you can get two beers for $5 the Punx.
After the bar, Bill and I had about five hours to kill before leaving for Gobbler's Knob. Bill and I decided to wonder around, take pictures, and drink. I'm gonna list some of the highlights from that 5 hour time span.
There was a group of dancers putting on a fire show in the middle of town. I learned that I instantly fall for any girl who plays with fire.
Bill and I tried to pose with as many groundhog statues we could. There are about 32 in total. We did not get to them all. Bill currently has the pictures.
We saw a groundhog statue the was dressed like a fireman, ax and all. We were posing as if we were about to be executed by the groundhog when two strangers approached us. They seemed cool, we got to talking. They mentioned they just returned from a mission to South America. Yes, they were missionaries. The mission took them from South America to Punxsutawney, in the same trip. Why? Anyway, five minutes they asked us "What are your thoughts on life and God?" Yeah, who didn't see that coming. We took them seriously and had a good discussion with them. I really wanted to bait them into a very technical theological discussion, but they left before I could. Too bad, you never hear missionaries get too indeepth. I wanted to see how well though out there stance was; to turn the tables, if you will.
I noticed a sign next to the KFC/Long John Silver's that read "We Cater." Yes, there was a phone number and everything.
We went to a bar named Cookie's Caboose. The plan was to go the the bar with the funniest name. The Caboose won.
As the night went on and the temperature dropped I bought a ridicules groundhog hat to wear and keep me warm. Yes, I wore it. Some people even asked where I got it.
When it got to about 5 degrees we had to retreat to the cover of the local Burger King for warmth. Burger King was our safe heaven.
We found a local super market that was selling groundhog cakes.
Around 2:30am it was time for us to begin the trek to Gobbler's Knob. But that story, is for part four.
PS: Here is a map of all the groundhog statues in town. They're like Pokemon, you gotta catch 'em all!
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