Groundhog Day: Visiting Punxsutawney Phil in your RV, virtual Groundhog Day fun

Groundhog Day is February 2, 2012 and, unless you're there already, it's likely too late to show up for tomorrow's shenanigans. Luckily for visitors, Punxsutawney Phil's festivities go on until February 4, and the rest of the year you can still visit his town for more groundhog fun.

Head to Barclay Square for tourism information February 2 through 4, 10 a.m. through 4 a.m. (the booth opens six in the morning on Groundhog Day, February 2). (Story continues below.)

RV parking in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day

For Groundhog Day proper, the City of Punxsutawney invites RV travelers to park at the Walmart (21920 Route 119) or Punxsutawney Plaza Plaza (545 West Mahoning Street, near the historical society), and take the shuttle bus ($5/person; $10/family). Traffic will be horrendous, so Walmart is likely your best bet.

City streets and lots are free for parking until 4 February and Walmart will still allow you to park there, shopper or not; if you have a toad, you can try to find a nook near Barclay Square and hike the 1 ½ miles up to Gobblers Knob, or take the bus from McDonalds at 102 North Findley Street. Hiking will at least keep you warm longer. Hungry? Note that, on February 4 and 5, you could pick up a free value-sized order of onion rings at Burger King at 235 Hampton Avenue.

If, for you, Groundhog Day in person means too many cold toes and too much salt eating the metal of your rig, you can still take part in virtual celebrations of the event from your rig:

Experience Groundhog Day from the warmth of your RV:

• Foursquare: Follow VisitPA on Foursquare; on February 2, check in and give a shout out to “groundhog” to unlock a Foursquare special badge
• Watch Punxsutawney Phil live on YouTube (approximately 07:24 a.m. Eastern time is the big moment)
• Wait for the announcement of Phil's Prognostication on Facebook
• Follow Puxsatawney Phil on Twitter
• Look for the Groundhog Day historical marker

Sadly, network TV doesn't seem to be broadcasting the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” this year, but you could always live-stream it on Netflix, Blockbuster or Amazon.com if you have the technology and connectivity.

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Sources: Explore PA History; Markeroni.com, Groundhog Club

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