SCVB SPOTLIGHT!
by Keri A. Johnson, Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau

Pioneer Tunnel
Pioneer Tunnel is located at 19th & Oak Streets in Ashland Pennsylvania. Pioneer Tunnel was open in May of 1963 as a place where visitors could experience a real anthracite coal mine. The Tunnel affords visitors an opportunity to learn how anthracite coal is mined. It shows how a vein of coal lies between rock and strata; it has a gangway, manways, and chutes.
Visitors ride into the Tunnel on mine cars rebuilt to carry passengers; the motive power is provided by an electric mine motor. Deep inside the Tunnel, guests alight from the cars to follow their guides as they give an explanation of deep-mining methods. Another featured attraction is a narrow gauge steam train ride aboard the Lokie Henry Clay. Henry Clay is a steam saddle tank engine of 30 tons used years ago to haul coal cars. Now it pulls passenger mine cars 3,000 feet along the side of Mahanoy Mountain.
Between your tours, get a bite at the Lunch & Snack Bar, stroll through the Playground and Park, and check out the Outdoor Mining Displays. This year Pioneer Tunnel celebrates their 45th Anniversary, so be on the look out for new and exciting things happening this summer!
The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine souvenir and gift shop offers fine handcrafted jewelry, books, apparel, coal-related novelties, and displays of interesting mining memorabilia .
For more information on Pioneer Tunnel and “Pioneer Day” on August 18, visit them on the web at www.pioneertunnel.com or give them a call at 570-875-3850.

The Basket Shack
Nestled in the southwest tip of Schuylkill County is The Basket Shack. A country craft shop filled with home décor and country/primitive accents. Rhonda Kurtz and her husband Dave operate the shop. The havebeen in operation for five years. The Basket Shackhas seen changes over the years, to emerge as a great shop to visit! Rhonda and Dave have lovingly renovated an old General Store, making it an attractive shop.
Primitive, Country, and even a little Rusty are a few words to describe the Basket Shack! This friendly small town shop, where you are greeted with a smile and a helping hand. Bearington Bears, Park Design Linens, unique country lighting, and baskets, of course are some of the staples you will find.
Hutches, jelly cupboards, mudroom benches, corner cabinets, are just a few of the handcrafted primitive furniture items they carry. You willfind as tour this “Old General Store” many of the items are locally handcrafted. Candles and Bath & Body products, potpourri’s and an assortment of wreaths, and small craft items are all made here. Rhonda designs beautiful gift baskets for all occasions. The Kurtz’s offer delivery and they do shop baskets and
merchandise.
The antiques and primitive merchandise mix beautifully to create a warm, friendly atmosphere. The Basket Shack is bursting at the seams with great
products, and the “unique” merchandise and fabulous “General Store” atmosphere will make The Basket Shack your favorite place to shop! The store is located along Route 443 west of Pine Grove, just off exit 100 of I-81. They are open daily except Mondays. You can reach the Kurtz’s at 570-345-9967 for information on their shop, or stop on in for a visit!