I simply wanted to find a place to stay that was reasonable in price and somewhat quiet. It was the first night of what would surely be many between the east coast and California and I wasn’t looking for anything specifically interesting that night, just a place to rest and get some sleep.  I’d left Philadelphia later in the day than expected and I knew it wasn’t in the cards to make it a state or two to the west.  So I pulled out a book of standard coupons for motels along the highway.

I picked one that wasn’t too far away – The Log Cabin Motel in Donegal, PA.  The discount offered by the coupon was substantial, so I figured it was worth a try. I pulled off the turnpike and headed down a side road through the scenic Laurel Highlands landscape, where I was delighted to find a rustic-appearing but very new building away from the common motel noise of traffic rushing by. 

I’ve learned to look at rooms before checking in, especially if I’m using a discount coupon and have no knowledge of the establishment in advance.  To my surprise, I found the motel was constructed of gorgeous white pine, carefully built by local craftsmen.  The rooms were beautifully decorated, with a rustic, woodsy decor. Wagon wheel chandeliers hung from the high cathedral ceilings and the beds were covered with the softest animal print blanket/comforters I had ever felt. 

My room was spacious, comfortable, quiet, and complete with TV, VCR, free movies, phone, a huge bathroom and porch with chairs outside. An unbelievable bargain with the coupon, I grabbed it instantly.  I noted in passing that oddly the office also had a gift shop that was open until 11PM, but I was road weary, so I bypassed it and retired to my room to enjoy the peace and quiet.

I unloaded my overnight bag from the car, set a few things out in my room and settled back against the soft burgundy blanket.  I was thrilled to have found a good bargain that was also full of atmosphere.  

Sinking deep into the plush bed covering, I was about to drift off into a nap when I heard…no, it couldn’t be…well, it sounded like it…no, it just wasn’t possible…a lion roaring??  I was in Pennsylvania, not Africa, at a motel, not out on safari.  I wondered if the stress of anticipation of the 3000 mile drive ahead had gotten to me. 

Still, I proceeded tentatively out onto the porch and peeked around the side of the building.  Sure enough, right over the back fence was a full size lion, mane and all, staring at me intently. Fortunately, he was behind bars, so I knew he wasn’t likely to be my roommate for the night.  But my curiosity now had the better of me and I return to the office to see what the story was.

I found, of course, that the gift shop was not for the motel, but for an adjoining animal park.  Living Treasures Animal Park is one of two locations (the other being in Moraine, PA) that offer a chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals.  A petting zoo, pony rides and a chance to feed the animals are additional options given to guests.

An hour remained of park time, so I threw out the nap concept and grabbed my camera.  I paid my entrance fee – half price fee for motel guests – and was soon face to face with not only lions, but tigers, bears, zebra, kangaroo, llamas, lemurs and a variety of other animals. There were only one or two visitors remaining at this hour, so essentially I had an entire zoo to myself. All this from coupon picked up at a roadside stand. If only all motels provided such entertainment.

I lingered until the park closed and then headed next door to a little cafe and had a slice of pizza in what turned out to be a model of a huge log home, housing both the builders’ offices and a restaurant. I sat in a window booth, munching and writing, amazed at the adventures that seem to just pop up when on the road. Returning to my room, I stopped at the office for complimentary movies and a bucket of ice and settled in for the night. 

Morning found me sipping coffee and surveying my newfound animal friends from the porch. I had no complaints about my first night and was grateful for having followed the lead of a basic discount coupon. I knew if my trip ahead held up to my first night, I was in for a fun ride.  It was a reminder that life on the road often leads to unexpected adventure.