It’s always fun to eat the local cuisine during our travels. Neither of us were quite sure just what Pennsylvania Dutch food is but this region is the place to find out. After reading some reviews on the internet we decided on Haag’s Hotel Restaurant in nearby Shartlesville. The sign outside says PA Dutch Food and the reviews go on about how great the authentic PA Dutch food is.

Haag’s Hotel Restaurant

The Pennsylvania Dutch are of German heritage (Deutsch), so basically what they eat is not all that different from what we eat at home in Minnesota. The menu really wasn’t that much different from most other restaurants. But I did spot one item that got my attention…the Haags Dutch Burger, which is Haag’s very own creation. It is a meatloaf burger wrapped in their house made potato filling (that is a PA Dutch thing made with mashed potatoes and white bread) coated with breadcrumbs and then deep fried. Served with beef gravy.

I chose a side of pot pie..the PA Dutch idea of a pot pie is not the pastry-topped stew that we are accustomed to, but actually more of a soup with a lot of large square noodles. The other side we chose was called pepper cabbage, which is a vinegar-based coleslaw made with finely chopped cabbage and green peppers. Bernie had roast beef and a side of potato filling.

Pot Pie, Haags Dutch Burger, and Pepper Cabbage

After lunch we went over to Hamburg to see that.

Hamburg, PA

There’s a nice park with a walking trail along the Schuylkill River. We walked for a part of it but it was getting very windy and cold… it is going to freeze tonight.

Schuylkill River

We had to leave the RV park we had been staying in because they are booked up for a special event this weekend, so we have moved 6 miles east to the parking lot of Cabela’s. And what a Cabela’s it is! This is the largest one in the country, 250,000 feet of retail space. It’s like a museum in there!

Cabela’s in Hamburg, PA

Massive animal displays:

You can feed the fish here.

There are over 90 deer just in this room. Lots more out in the retail area.

We need to go back in there tomorrow. I found out there is an aquarium in there somewhere and we missed it!

In their huge parking lot they have set aside an entire aisle specifically for RV parking. Trucks are directed to park in a different lot. Here is a free dump station and water supply. They also provide locking kennels for those who travel with dogs and don’t want to leave them in their vehicle while they shop, and a small corral in case you want your horse to get some exercise. Nice! Thank you Cabela’s!

Cabela’s in Hamburg, PA

• Gasoline:  none
• Lodging:  free