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Women are pack creatures. We like to have our close group of girlfriends to enjoy Sunday brunch with, catch up on the latest gossip and keep us grounded. Any guy who’s ever tried to stomach an entire episode of Sex and the City understands this need women have for female camaraderie. See, Carrie Bradshaw and her gang had the Upper East Side of New York as their stomping ground. And yet, despite having a huge selection of posh bars, fancy restaurants and shoe stores at their disposal, the gals were missing one thing – a horse track.

As my girlfriends and I discovered over the course of the summer, the track can be an 

excellent alternative to any bar or nightclub. Why go to the same old bar and listen to a bad 80’s cover band when you can grab a bite to eat at the track and share a few drinks with your friends while betting on the ponies?

My friend Holly and I headed down to Harrah’s Chester this past Sunday. Upon arriving at the track, we bought some burgers and beer and sat down to a hardy lunch. We decided to get a table outside because it was a nice day and we wanted to watch the horses before we bet on any races. The thing about the racetrack is that you and your buddies are never bored. Even if there is a lag in conversation amongst your group, there is so much to do and see at the track that it’s impossible for anybody to even consider yawning.

Holly and I went back to the bar and got a few more drinks. We then started chatting about doomed relationships, our plans for the winter, and clothes.

You can enjoy brunch and great conversation with your friends anywhere. But you can only talk about great shoe sales while betting on horses at the track. That’s a lot more than Carrie can say about the latest night club in NYC.

Stepanie Weaver is a TrackPackPA correspondent who showed remarkable restraint in not making a "Sarah Jessica Parker looks like a horse" joke. Be sure to check out her personal blog! 

Halloween is an interesting time of year. Everyone collectively goes a little crazy. We shed off the summer heat and prepare for the dark, cold winter ahead. It’s refreshing.

And with all six PA racetracks still going strong, you have no excuse to not partake in the festivities!

The one and only Pocono Downs will be having a Grey Ghost and Poltergeist Pace on October 29th, featuring all ghostly colored horses (grey, roan, and lighter shades). The purse is a cool $10,000 and the race also features a Halloween-themed Post Parade! The winner’s circle will be decked-out with Halloween goodies and fun! 

But, we know that's not enough. You want the hardcore, adrenaline pumping scares that make this holiday above the rest. You think you can get this jacked up with fear on Thanksgiving? No way. Here’s some of our top picks for haunted attractions throughout Pennsylvania:

• Haunted Hills Estate - Pittsburgh, PA. Three unique houses. A unique and collaborative experience.
• Family First Fright Park – Erie, PA. Over seven different attractions, varying in scariness. 
• Bates Motel – Gradyville, PA. World-Renowned haunted attraction. Featured on Travel Channel. 
• Terror Behind the Walls – Philadelphia, PA. Also a very famous attraction. Takes place inside a real prison. 
• Sleepy Hollow Hayride and Haunted House – Newtown, PA. Haunted house and hayride double feature!
• Jason’s Woods- Lancaster, PA. Local-legend haunted attraction! 
• Gravestone Manor – Wilkes-Barre, PA. Get scared in support of a good cause! United Way presents this unique haunted attraction. 

You feel that weather? Take it in for a second. It's that perfect time of year where you don't need a jacket, but you can wear a button down comfortably. Mmmmm flannel.

Unfortunately, this type of weather also signifies the impending end of many racing seasons for our tracks in PA. So, get out there and check out all the awesome stuff going on! There’s even a Playboy Playmate appearing at Penn National! We had to Photoshop a Cosby sweater on her 'cause every picture of her was naughty.

Penn National: 
Playboy Playmate Juliette Frette Tonight from 8-10PM!
Uptown Band Tonight from 8PM to midnight!

Motown Cover Band Band Full Tilt on Saturday from 8- midnight!

Parx:
Saturday, PA Owners Day at the Track!
12:25PM post on Saturday and Sunday

DJ Vito G Friday at 11pm!
DJ Maira Laina Saturday at 11pm!

Pocono Downs:
Friday at Breakers: Bad Hair Day from 9:30 – 1:30am
Saturday at Breaers: Tribes from 9:30pm-1:30am

Friday at Bar Louie: Gone Crazy from 9:30 – 1:30am
Saturday at Bar Louie: Table Ten from 9:30-1:30am

Friday and Saturday at Ruth’s Chris, Marko Marcinko Trio Jazz band!

The Meadows:

Friday Live Racing 6:55PM post!

Bon Journey (Bon Jovi / Journey tribute band) on Friday at 8PM!
Damn the Torpedoes (Tom Petty tribure) on Saturday at 8PM!

Presque Isle Downs:

Post Times Friday and Saturday at 5:30PM

Crazy Chester Friday and Saturday at 8:30PM

Harrah’s Chester:

$100,000 Pigskin Pick-Em at the Casino! Win big bucks off your football picks!
 

On our way back from our racetrip to Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pennsylvania, we decided to take a detour. We heard of a mythical spillway at the edge of Pymatuning state park where ducks walked on fish. That's about as much context as we got. Once we saw signs offering up "fish bread," we knew things were about to get weird... and boy, oh boy- they did. 

What you've just seen is thousands of carp fish mosh-pitting for bread. A few brave young ducks use them as a carp-et (get it?) for a piece of the action! 

Upon preparing a racetrip for Parx Racetrack, we discovered something interesting... Philadelphia has an underground horse scene! Sorry, it’s not horses with mohawks and crappy garage bands- but instead it's a full on community with tons of activities for horse lovers! In fact, there's no laws against parking your horse in the city! Who said you can't have your cake and eat it too?! Now if I can just figure out how to start a horse-only garage band…

Fairmount Park (pictured below) features a plethora of horse-friendly trails and sections. Wissahickon Valley Park alone has 57 miles of lush trails to explore (not to mention the now infamous ‘Devil’s Pool’). There are several stables and boarding centers located within the general area.

Monastery Stables
Deep within Wissahickon Valley’s vast network of trails, hidden much like a reverse-mirage, one can find the historic Monastery Stables. With six serene acres of lush foilage, you’ll feel much farther than only 10 miles away from Center City. The 1747-built Monastery features 22 stalls and spacious mowed fields are perfect for relaxing and grazing (human and horse alike). For lessons or just visiting in general, calling ahead is advised.

Philadelphia Saddle Club
Calling Monastery Stables home, the Philly Saddle Club have 1,800-acres of terrain at their disposal. An experienced rider is preferred, as it’s a group-effort to care and stable the horses. Interesting fact: club members range from 32 to 90 years of age. You can never be too old to make new friends!

Chamounix Equestrian Center
From spring to fall, horseback riding lessons are available at the Chamounix Equestrian Center in beautiful West Fairmount Park. The center also hosts the Work to Ride program, which provides low-income youth an opportunity to ride, care for, and play with the horses! Some even join the polo team!

Pennypack Park
Known as the cousin to the Wissahickon, Pennypack’s expansive 1,395 acres are a welcomed refuge to the city’s outdoorsy types! By bike, blade, foot or hoof- get out there and traverse the paved and unpaved trails! Keep your eyes peeled for Fox Chase Farm, one of the only fully-functioning city farms remaining!

If riding's not your style, or if your just looking for something at a faster pace, head to to the one and only Parx Racetrack for world-class thoroughbred racing. They've got plenty of special events, entertainment and restaurants and are located just minutes away from the city! 

PS: If you still think this is a bunch of cowpies and I'm pulling your leg- check out this segment on the venerable This American Life:

This week’s racetrip is all about getting you outside to enjoy that fresh, thick, smoggy summer air! If you’re like us, your breaks from work behind the computer consist of looking at the TV. Let’s make Michelle Obama proud and get outside to run around! Our racetrip this week brings us to Harrah’s Chester Racetrack and Casino, located just west of Philly. But, we’re going the complete opposite of the city! It’s time to hike, swim, and farm, baby!

Tyler Aborteum

This is a well-rounded nature stop. Beginner hikers (heck, even walkers) have choice of seven different trails ranging from .9 miles to 8.5 miles. The Butterfly House opened up at the beginning of this month, boasting 1400-square-ft of monarchs, sulphurs, hairstreaks, and tons of other butterflies with terrifying names. Photographers: bring extra batteries and gigs- there’s a lot to shoot here. 

Northbrook Canoe Co.

Tube, swim or paddle your way through the heart of Chester County with Northbrook Canoe Company. Scenic rides down the Brandywine River range in length and price, starting at 9am and ending at 4pm. So pack some sun-screen and beer cozies because it’s time to unwind! 

Linvilla Orchards

Taste fruit like you’ve never tasted before at Linvilla! They do all the planting and growing, and you reap the benefits! Pick the ripest of ripe and live off the fat of the land! They have 45 varieties of peaches alone! Pick-up-and-go fishing at Orchard Lake offers an accessible experience to all skill levels. No fishing license required! 

The Longfellow House 

After a long day in the sun, a friendly bed is just what you'll need. This B&B is located in the lovely downtown section of Swarthmore and offers off-street parking, a delectable continental breakfast, and a warm, friendly hostess. 

Nothing quite like ending your day track-side with a nice cold one! Check back in with us for more events, specials, and horse racing at Harrah's Chester! 

Several weeks ago, we trekked nearly the entire western border of the state- starting at Presque Isle Downs in Erie and finishing at the one and only Meadows Racetrack in Washington, PA. Last week’s racetrip covered Erie, so now it's on down to the Meadows! This week we're featuring three places of indulgence that are mere minutes away from the track:

Palazzo 1837 Ristorante

 (724)-225-1837 | 1455 Washington Road, Washington PA |

Palazzo’s has a lot to offer. Located in the beautiful Quail Mansion, its classic charm will have you feeling like it’s… 1837. I guess I get that now. We were drawn here by rumors of ‘prohibition-style’ drinks. While we were expecting bathtub gin that jeopardizes one’s eyesight, what we got was much, much better. Pictured is a Vanilla & Rye: 1920’s whiskey sour (made from scratch), rye bourbon, amaretto, simply syrup, frothed egg white, a touch of vanilla, and a lemon wheel to garnish. It was unbelievable. They even provided a metal straw/spoon combination! 

The food was prepared with just as much care and attentiveness. The traditional Italian fare was fresh, vibrant and flavorful. We decided to throw some ribs into the mix- and they were spectacular.

The scenery, the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and most of all the delicious food and drinks make Palazzo 1837 a must. Did we mention it’s about 2 minutes away from The Meadows? 

Peek-A-Boo Igloo

| 501 Racetrack Rd. Meadow Lands PA |

While on our trip to The Meadows, we were all hot and tired from working hard. And then, like a mirage in the distance, someone spotted an igloo. Could it be? No, we must be hallucinating. Eskimo’s don’t even live in igloos. That’s a myth. But wait, it is! It’s the Peek-A-Boo Igloo! And they have ice-cream! And, and (shrieking incoherently)!

This little Igloo’s right up the road from The Meadows, and serves up a root beer float that will cool-off you’re melted brain. They also have go-karts on the weekend, if all the horse racing has you itching to compete.

Bistecca

 (photo via Pam Panchak/ Post-Gazette)      

Located on the Meadows’ premises, Bistecca is class defined. Huge sky-level windows providing sweeping views of the entire track, making for an unforgettable dining experience. Their extensive menu features over 150 wines to choose from, providing a variety that's sure to please the most fickle of palettes. 

Even if you're not one for fine-dining, the experience alone makes the higher prices worth it. 
 

Racetrips are a weekly feature here at TrackPackPA, so be sure to check back in for more specials, events, and great places to eat! 

Last week the TrackPackPA team took our own racetrip up to the one and only Presque Isle Downs in Erie, PA! Every time we go up there we’re taken aback by the beautiful seemingly endless scenery at the track. So, being the shunpikey-travelers we are, we decided to do a bit of exploring! Here's three great places to check out when visiting Presque Isle Downs Racetrack and Casino! 

Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm

Located 30 minutes from PI Downs, the Wooden Nickel is a one-of-a-kind stop into a bygone era. We perused the gift shop filled with buffalo knick-knacks and alpaca furs while proprietor and master chef Buffalo Dan cooked us up some buffalo eats. The burgers were lean and zesty, the chili was hearty and flavorful, and the hot dogs were some of the best we’ve ever had! Although, is perhaps a better term would be a bison-dog? Or maybe a hot-bison?

Dan gave us the lowdown on Bison meat, which has the lowest fat and cholesterol of virtually all meats - even chicken. His family has been running the Wooden Nickel for the last 17 years, raising and selling their own livestock. After our meal, we took a walk around the property and gazed upon the majestic, and frighteningly huge beasts. On our way out we grabbed some all natural buffalo jerky that was so good we kept it on the air conditioner and ate it the next morning. Yup. That happened.

Colao’s

Colao’s is a diamond in the rough. Don’t get me wrong- Erie isn’t rough, in fact, it's found it quite endearing- but Colao’s Ristorante is truly is a diamond.

We started off with some tasty cocktails and appetizers, and eventually made our way into the delectable meals. We sampled a veal saltimbocca that was unlike anything we've had before. After we topped it off with an after-dinner limoncello, it was off to bed.

Maritime Museum

Remember when we said the Wooden Nickel was a stop into a bygone era? This place REALLY is a stop into a bygone era. We hopped onboard the Flagship Niagara and walked the deck in awe of its size and sheer merit.

The cramped hull compartments housed the likes of Oliver Perry, the victorious American leader in the Battle of Lake Erie.

The museum aspect of the tour was nonetheless entertaining, as tour guides provided informational and entertaining romps into the past. Above you can see a canon that could have easily put a cartoon-sized hole through a ship's hull. 
 

From here we hitchiked all the way down to The Meadows Racetrack in Washington, PA- But that's next week's racetrip! 

As always, check back in with us for more specials, events, and live entertainment at Presque Isle Downs!

Pocono Downs racetrack is located in the wonderfully wooded Wilkes-Barre, PA. The region is renowned for it’s many ski resorts, but, chances are if you’re a PA resident you don’t need another person telling you to go skiing. So here's three things that we know will you'll love: Riding, sleeping, and drinking! 

Deer Path Riding Stables
There are certain qualities one looks for in a riding stable: friendly owners, happy horses, and perhaps even beautiful scenery. Deer Path Riding Stables wears all three of these traits prouder than red white and blue on the American Flag (sorry, there’s some residual Fourth of July left in me). Owner John Mertz welcomes all levels experience- especially beginners. Mertz’s affable disposition is contagious, making a trip to Deer Path enjoyable whether you want it or not.

The Frederick Stegmaier Manson
Chances are a hundred years ago I’d be a Farrier’s apprentice trying not to get kicked in the head by a horse, again. I would roll my circle-stick by The Stegmaier Mansion in awe that such opulence could even be tangible. But, as it would be, it’s 2011 and the mansion has become a luxurious bed and breakfast! For nine years, owner Joseph Matteo worked tirelessly to restore it to its original glory, and he does not disappoint. It’s your right to be regal for a day!

The Lion Brewery

Awe, sweet! Located less than 10 MINUTES away from the track, The Lion Brewery is home to Lionshead, Stegmaier (sound familiar?), and Olde Philadelphia soda! Lionshead is a local favorite and is revered by any PA college student. You may have even seen Scranton’s own Dwight Schrute drinking it. Be sure to book your tour ahead of time, as they only happen on Saturdays and tend to fill up fast! 

Oh, and don't foget about Pocono Downs Racetrack and Casino! They've got plenty of live music, events and specials going on at all times! Post Time is 6:30 every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday! 

What month is it? July?! That came outta nowhere! When did Easter happen? I gotta call my parents. Anyway-

July is the month to party. When July shows up everyone is like “Oh man, I was about to leave but July just got here. Can I crash on your couch?”

Luckily for us, the wonderful people at Pocono Downs know a thing or two about July and are catering the festivities with Friday Nights Under the Lights!

Live music kicks off at 6PM, giving you a half hour to groove the funk out before post time. At 6:30PM the live harness racing you know and love begins! From then on the band fills in between every race, providing for non-stop entertainment until the last horse crosses the finish line! Wash it all down with $1 Coors Light squat cans, $1 hot dogs, and $1 soda and waters! Here’s the lineup for the month of July:
 

July 1st – MiZ (duo) 
July 8th – The Traveling Wilkes Barreans (trio)
July 15th - Rick and John of Nowhere Slow (duo) 
July 22nd – Rob Brown and Hammer (duo)
July 29th – Kriki (trio)

Be sure to check back in with us for more music, events, and specials at Pocono Downs and the five other PA trackS!