Location: Gilbertsville
Top Things to do in Gilbertsville
The 10 Best Things to Do in Gilbertsville, United States
Gilbertsville is a census-designated place (CDP) in northwest Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in Douglass Township at the junction of Routes 73 and 100. The population was 4,832 at the 2010 census, and the ZIP code is 19525. The name is also applied to an indeterminate adjacent section of New Hanover Township served by the Gilbertsville Post Office, and in fact the New Hanover Township offices are located in an area considered to be part of Gilbertsville. Boyertown School District covers the town of Gilbertsville.
Restaurants in Gilbertsville
1. Colebrookdale Railroad
Overall Ratings
5 based on 163 reviews
Lost in the deep woods sheltering the Manatawny and Ironstone Creeks is a mythical secret valley. Though today only white-tailed deer, great blue heron, and bald eagles know the beauty of this legendary land, it was once the province of pioneers and patriots. Their stories can be heard in the soft winds whispering through the tall trees and towering trestles of the Colebrookdale Railroad - a magical, forgotten railway to the heart of this Secret Valley. The "Secret Valley Line" is your ticket to a place and time when iron rails connected a divided people and the heart of the nation pulsed with the potent energy of the steam locomotive. Completed by soldiers home from the Civil War just four months after the Transcontinental Railroad united the East and West, the Colebrookdale is a record of epic engineering and heroic human drama. Eight-point-six miles long and a century-and-a-half back in time, the Secret Valley Line beckons you to experience for yourself the unexpected treasures of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Reviewed By Foodtraveler123
4.5 stars and rounding up! I decided to take my family on a "polar express" train ride this year but have never done this before so was hesitant given the high cost, the 2 hour drive and not knowing if the kids would be bored sitting in a train the entire time. I'm glad I booked this. The train was nicely done and festive. The kids enjoyed it.
There is a daytime train, a 4pm train and a 7 pm train. We booked the 4pm train which I think gives you the best of both worlds. Sunset today was around 4:30pm. We were able to see the creeks and even a small waterfall outside for part of the train ride and then it was dark for that polar express feeling. It ended early enough for the long drive home too.
Each "cabin class" is different and priced accordingly so you need to make sure you book the one you want. We booked the dining car, which is the only one that serves a full meal (as a yelp elite, would you expect otherwise?).
The dining car was decorated very nicely and the food was surprisingly good. The pre-set dinner included a generous portion of Turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, mash potatoes, stuffing, green beans, a side salad and roll and a small dessert and tea or coffee. My husband and I really liked the food but the kids barely ate anything. My suggestion would be to have a kid-friendly meal option for the kids. It would cut down on wasted food, unnecessary cost to the company and would be more preferable for the kids.
Santa came onboard midway and you had the opportunity to take pictures with the photographer ($10 for the photo).
There is also an outdoor car which is open to all passengers.
All cabin cars receive hot chocolate (half cup) and a cookie. My kids asked for marshmallows but unfortunately, toppings are not an option (suggestion #2....).
The tables in the dining car fit 4 people and all tables were full. If you are not a party of 4, 8, ,12, etc, you will be sitting with strangers. For a family of 5, this is not ideal. The seats are assigned and I had called ahead to have them split us 3 and 2 and confirmed again on the the way there as well. However, the seats that they assigned to us were 4 and 1. My husband ended up sitting by himself, although they did put him in the table behind us so he wasn't far. I noticed this happened to another family too. It wasn't ideal but it worked out ok since my husband didn't mind. Not sure what they could do about this since the cabin car is very narrow but if something could be done, it would be awesome (suggestion #3).
There weren't many activities on the train but in the dining car, we were constantly being served something. And then after dinner, we had our photo op with Santa. I don't know what the non-dining cars did the entire time. I suppose there were some volunteer carolers that walked around some of the cars for entertainment but they aren't a "scheduled act" that's guaranteed to be there. If there were some activities, maybe a funny skit or show, that would make this perfect!
We've been on a Christmas bus ride in Hershey Park where there was an entertaining and funny act as well as interactive caroling. (Suggestion #4).
All in all, this was a fun, festive train ride that we enjoyed, albeit a little pricey, but it's once a year and the kids don't stay little forever, so why not?
2. The National Centre for Padre Pio
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By rene w - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You will not regret taking the ride.When you go up the drive way you see St. Michael what a beautiful statue. The grounds are amazing.When you enter go straight to the chapel it is lovely.They play a very nice film with lots of information on Padre Pio .We went on a saturday and after the film they had the rosary then they brought out the glove that Padre Pio wore it is encased in glass very touching . They have a really nice gift shop also.
3. Phildelphia Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By SumitKasera - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
I am not a shopping freak but when I am at my sister’s place in USA, I am a different beast. And when I am at Limerick Mall (Philadelphia Premium Outlets), then my excitement knows no bounds. After a very unsuccessful outing in Finland at IdeaPark where I returned empty handed, I was determined to make amends. And the mouth-watering discounts at almost all outlets made my tasks all that easy. And I returned after a gap of 3 years with a larger budget.
My target purchase items were simple – some shoes and clothes for kids, purses, wallets, watches, makeup items, adult shoes, shirts and trousers among other things.
The place offered a comprehensive set of outlets for each of the needs. For shoes, there were Nike, Fila, Adidas, Clarks, and many more. For purses, there was Coach, Michael Kors, Fossil and more. For clothes, we had lot of options including Van Huesen and Tommy. For kids clothing, there was Justice.
With about 150 stores and year-long sale, it is must visit place for top notch quality at quite competitive prices.
4. The United States Hot Air Balloon Team
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
The U.S. Team is the Premier provider of hot air balloon rides and hot air balloon tours and events. Our reputation, integrity and experience include more than 30 years of successful operations,more than 150 years of combined pilot experience, and more than 100,000 passenger flights.
Reviewed By rew182461 - Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Many thanks to Kyle and his crew for an amazing experience! This has been on my bucket list for awhile now. Couldn't find anyone to go with me, so I gave myself an early birthday present. Flight was amazing, views were amazing. A beautiful, yet chilly day for flying. These guys are awesome. A must do!
5. Grandview Speedway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Joanne L - Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Step back into the days of yesteryear with local and national drivers alike racing on a dirt track. Everything from sprinters, late models, and modified race cars -- a fun way to spend a Saturday night. Be prepared to get dirt/mud on you (hey, it's a DIRT track) and bring ear plugs as the racing fun is fast and loud!
6. Ringing Rocks Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By JeffinNJ - Bridgewater, New Jersey
A rock in hand will do to make the rocks in the boulder field ring out in different pitches. Quite unique and cool. Unfortunaty, the very tall waterfall nearby was practically dry, but that didn't stop the kids from climbing on the cataract and I guess imagining how impressive the falls would otherwise be.
7. Manatawny Creek Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
Went as part of the February chocolate and wine event. Also tried out the wine tasting. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the wine. Looking forward to going back in the spring to try out the outdoor sitting. Very picturesque!!
8. The Grand Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Denise S - Eastleigh, United Kingdom
Decided to take my kids and a few friends on hot summer day to the Grand Theater. It is beautifully restored. An afternoon matinee only cost $3 per person after 5pm tickets are $5. They only show 1 movie at a time and it changes from week to week but their website is current and lists dates and times. The movies are new releases we happen to go a week after Despicable Me 3 came out so the theater was not sold out. Since tickets are not pre-sold we arrived a little early to ensure we were able to get tickets and pick our seats. As soon as you pay for your ticket and enter the doors there's a long line to get into the theater. The reason for this is the small snack bar is to the right as soon as you enter the theater so most people are in line for the snack bar so if you don't plan to purchase anything you can excuse yourself thru to get into the theater. The snack bar is small. They sell freshly popped popcorn. We purchased a large tub for $3. Candy bars are around $2. They don't allow outside food to be brought in but no one was checking the day we were there. I highly recommend this theater. There is no parking lot but plenty of street parking available. My kids enjoyed themselves. We will definitely be returning.
9. Sky Riders Balloon Team
Overall Ratings
5 based on 93 reviews
Champagne Balloon flights over beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. A fantastic experience, a great way to celebrate a special occasion, and a unique gift.
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
My 2 daughters shared this amazing experience with me to celebrate my birthday. The sunset flight over the countryside was absolutely breathtaking!
The team members crewing our flight were professional, warm, friendly and delightful. The entire process was fascinating to watch. Owner and pilot, Vince’s impeccable expertise and attention to weather conditions and safety was admirable, and conversation was fun and enlightening.
Peaceful and serene to the max!
Tres magnifique! La vie est tellement bonne !
Merci beaucoup, Vince!
10. Union Jack's Olde Congo Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By jojustjo - Pottstown, Pennsylvania
My friend called Union Jack's in advance to let them know that 15 of us were coming. We arrived and were seated outside (it was a beautiful day). Our poor waitress (Lynne?) was trying her best. We weren't the only one eating. I'm not sure...MoreThank You! Glad you enjoyed it!?
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