Willow Hollow GC

Leesport, PA  (near Reading)

www.distinctgolf.com/willow/index.htm

1959, Dr. Harvey Haupt
Blue 5810, 67.1, 105, 70

Directions:
Turnpike West to the Morgantown Exit. I-176 to 422 West and follow to 222 North. Exit at Rt. 183 exit - turn left at exit go North on 183.  Rt. 183 North to traffic light at West Leesport Rd. Turn left at the light and proceed to stop sign. Turn right at stop sign and go past Vo-Tech school. Make the next right turn at Willow Hollow sign.

'01 Fees:  $32 Wknd. Ride, $24 Wknd. Walk
Wknd. Twilight 13:00 $30 15:00 $24
Wkdy. Ride $24 Wkdy. Walk $18

Per my buddy Tracy, a decent short course.

Golfcourse.com Review:  This somewhat hilly course has water hazards coming into play on five holes. The greens are medium in size and speed, and the tree-lined fairways are well bunkered. The green fees indicated are good for all-day play.

Best Bar Nearby:  For martinis, or just a shockingly uber-hip spot for the sticks around Reading PA, hit Chill Lounge (2747 Bernville Rd, Leesport, www.myspace.com/chilllounge).  With a Colorado-ski-lodge-meets-men's-club vibe, groovy DJs, premium bottle service, and prime sushi, you'll be shocked there are this many attractive people this far out in the sticks.

The only Gentlemen's clubs anywhere near this Amish country stronghold is the infamous Al's Diamond Cabaret (www.alsdiamondcabaret.com, 1810 N 5th St, Reading; 15 miles from PA Tpke Reading Exit. 222 N. Reading, look for junction 12, do not exit for 222 N Allentown, stay straight, expressway will merge directly into 12 E, 2 mi to 5th St exit, L onto 5th, 2nd light on R).

Where to Grub: Bob recommends The Bab-B-Q Pit in Reading (12 miles away, 610-678-9696, www.barbqpit.20m.com, 4741 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring PA, Open 7 days a week, 11 AM - Midnight).  This place has history: "Lucky" Deligiannis came over from Greece and opened a restaurant in 1979.  For the restaurant's 5th anniversary party, Lucky set up a barbeque pit out front to serve barbeque chicken platters. It was an instant hit and Lucky ran it for two weeks. He re-established the barbeque pit the following summer. The smoke enticed passersby to stop in. Year after year saw additions to the barbeque shack including beer taps and a permanent pavilion. Lines for the barbeque kept getting longer. In 1992 a fire burned down the original restaurant and "The Pit" became a permanent substitute. The '90's saw more growth, a cabana bar, and more seating to become the restaurant it is today. In addition to having solid "Q", their all-you-can-eat specials are unbelievable.  All-you-can-eat BBQ chicken is only $8 and comes with (get this): two sides, AND a soda AND TWO DRAFT BEERS.  Most places cost more than that for two drafts.  The all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken, and sliced pork is only $12 for the same deal.

My Mom recommends BBQ chain Smokey Bones (2723 N Meridian Blvd, Reading, 610-375-9580, www.smokeybones.com).  Atmosphere similar to a Lone Star Steakhouse, menu features pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, BBQ chicken, smoked brisket, St. Louis and baby back ribs, and steaks.

Further Distractions:  The folks at VF in Reading PA invented outlet shopping.  One year they had waay too much inventory, no great way to get rid of it, and an unused warehouse next door.  Next thing you know… Walla!  Outlet shopping was invented.  I remember going there as a kid when they were truly selling seconds and production rejects for pennies on the dollar, and you still had to tear through piles of clothes and look them over thoroughly to make sure they didn't have holes or cuts or seams ripped out.  Nowadays outlet shopping pretty much means last year's line on sale at 20% off, but it still beats retail. Reading is outlet central, so check out the links below.

www.readingberkspa.com/shopping/Index.asp?SubCategory=Outlets

http://local.yahoo.com/results?csz=Reading%2C+PA&stx=shopping+outlets