ESCAPE KEYS: The Stoogeum

GETTING THERE: The Stoogeum is in Gwynedd Valley, Pa., about a half-hour outside Philadelphia and about a 2 1/2 -hour drive from Washington.

THE STOOGEUM: Admission is free, but you must make arrangements to visit. Check http://www.stoogeum.com, e-mail garylassin@stoogeum.com or call 267-468-0810. To join the Stooges Fan Club or read the Three Stooges Journal, contact Stoogeum owner Gary Lassin at the museum or via the Web site.

EATING THERE: Lassin recommends the Drafting Room (900 Bethlehem Pike, Spring House, 215-646-6116) for its selection of beers and Ristorante San Marco (504 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, 215- 654-5000) for its fish and pasta.

STAYING THERE: There aren't a lot of places to stay near the museum; visitors usually overnight in or near Philadelphia (800-537-7676, http://www.gophila.com) and add the Stoogeum as a side venture.

Or stay in Wayne, Conshohocken or one of the Main Line towns in Philly's suburbs and make the 20-minute trip to the Stoogeum from there.

-- M.F.