Gobbler’s Knob- Punxsutawney, PA

Proximity brought me to the temporary burrow of the legendary Punxsutawney Phil, a Pennsylvania groundhog that can apparently forecast the weather. Usually, Phil lives in a glass enclosure at the town library; however, on February 2nd, amid much fanfare, he is carted off to Gobbler’s Knob, to predict the arrival of spring.

Based on a German tradition, and dating in Punxsutawney to 1886, it is said if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Which no one wants, including the groundhog. Based on Phil’s typical reaction, he also does not want to be pulled out of a fake tree stump, and hoisted in the air amidst a cheering crowd. Just look at his handler’s forearm for proof. Regardless, he does his annual duty, then returns to the library to lounge around for another year. 

While the Bill Murray movie was not actually filmed on location, it’s still a charming town, and a unique location to visit.