Last Saturday, my best friend, a resident budding photographer, her assistant, and I motored to The Reading Pagoda for a haunting photoshoot. Little did we know there was an infestation of an Asian bug called lanternflies. After endless swatting, I say, Reading Pagoda, you can keep your spotted lanternflies.
First of all, The Reading Pagoda, located in Berks County, is a historic landmark. The more than a century-old marvel, a perfect site for Instagrammable moments, and photoshoots. The site was initially intended to be a luxury resort atop Mt. Penn in Reading, Pennsylvania. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the City of Reading now owns the seven-story structure.
Now, about those lanternflies. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the spotted lanternflies were discovered in Berks County in 2014. The Asian invasive bug spread to 14 Pennsylvania counties over the last five years. The little creatures, not only annoying but excrete a sugary substance that encourages the growth of black sooty mold. The mold is harmless to people but causes damage to plants and trees.
This site is a hot spot for locals and tourists, as well as spotted lanternflies. The invasive flies had our group and all the visitors wondering about the swarms perched on the sunny side of the building.
Interesting Facts About The Reading Pagoda:
🏗 Construction costs in 1908: $50,000.
🎎 It is seven stories high, 28 feet wide, 50 feet long, 620 feet above the city of Reading, and 886 feet above sea level
🏯 The only pagoda in the world with a fireplace and chimney
🌭 There is a small cafe located on the first floor (they only accept cash or checks)
👤 Free group tours, arranged for groups of 20 or more
🌷 Rental space is available on the 2nd level of the Pagoda
🔔 The bell on the top floor, cast in Japan in 1739 and purchased by the original owner, William A. Witman, Sr., is worth walking the 87 steps to see. Mr. Witman bought the tocsin and shipped it via the Suez Canal to New York Harbor, arriving by rail in Reading on May 5, 1907.
Did I mention the view? The novelty building offers a 30-mile panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside: a fun place to explore, a Pennsylvania marvel.
What I love about my blogging experience is the opportunity to expand my knowledge about spaces and places in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. I also get to indulge in learning local history. I enjoy the natural beauty of botanical gardens like Chanticleer, the cherry blossoms in Philly’s Fairmont Park, and, of late, the sunflowers at Please Wash Me Carwash.
Do you have any recommendations for must-see locations? Do share in the comments section via Facebook or Disqus.
As always, thank you for reading and subscribing. Have a fabulous week.
