ESCAPE KEYS

Altoona, Pa.

GETTING THERE: Altoona, in central Pennsylvania, is about a three-hour drive. From Interstate 495 take I-270 north to I-70 west to Breezewood, Pa., then U.S. 30 west to U.S. 220/I-99. Amtrak (round-trip fares begin at about $80; the trip, via Philadelphia, takes more than six hours) stops next to the museum, but there is no public transport to the Curve.

WHERE TO STAY: Altoona has numerous chain hotels. The Hampton Inn (180 Charlotte Drive, Altoona, 814-941-3500, http://www.hamptoninnaltoona.com/) is a good choice for families because it has an indoor pool, suites and free breakfast. Doubles begin at about $109 on weekends, $135 for a suite.

For more distinctive lodging, the Iron Corbel Inn Bed & Breakfast (703 Allegheny St., 814-696-0324, http://www.ironcorbelinn.com/) is in Hollidaysburg, about a five-minute drive from Altoona. Doubles in the Victorian-style house are $95; one suite for four is $250.

WHERE TO EAT: My favorite is U.S. Hotel (401 South Juniata St., Hollidaysburg), with American-style dinner entrees that start at $15.95. For Italian, including pasta, steak and seafood, try the Allegro Restaurant (3926 Broad Ave., Altoona). Dinner entrees start at $12.

WHAT TO DO: Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Memorial Museum (814-946-0834, http://www.railroadcity.com/) are open daily March 31-Oct. 31. Adult admission: $8 for the museum, $5 for the Curve. Excursions on vintage trains during Railfest weekend are $30 to $60, including admission to the Curve and the museum and a shuttle bus between the two.

For information on the Altoona Curve baseball team: http://www.altoonacurve.com/, 877-992-8783 (877-99-CURVE). Tickets start at $4.

INFO: Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.alleghenymountains.com/, 800-842-5866.

-- C.L.