According to good old Wikipedia, here’s the scoop on Groundhog Day: it all stems from the Pennsylvania Dutch. The superstition goes that if a groundhog pokes its head out of its burrow and spots its shadow because of clear weather, it’s gonna dash back into its den, and guess what? Winter will stick around for six more weeks! But, hold on, if it doesn’t see its shadow because of some cloudy sky, then spring is gonna make an early entrance.
Sure, the holiday may seem a little silly, but hey, we’re all for an early spring — think of all those trips you can take! So, why not check it out in person to truly decide?
The big party is on February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, about an hour and half northeast of Pittsburgh.
Making the Most of Your Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Adventure
If you’re looking to mingle with Punxsutawney Phil, it’s absolutely crucial to get yourself to Gobbler’s Knob — yes, that’s really its name — bright and early. Admission and parking won’t cost you a dime, but this place doesn’t open its doors until 3:00am. They’ve got separate sections for both students and families, because let’s face it, those students probably had a drink or two to keep them going through the night.
Get ready for some serious standing because bringing your own chairs is a big no-no, and portable seats won’t be of much use in the massive crowds. Bundle up because it’s gonna be chilly — those puffy North Face jackets are a go-to (it’s winter in western Pennsylvania, after all). Pro tip: Dress warmly, no doubt about it!
The fun kicks off around 7:25am when Phil makes his grand appearance to deliver the weather report. And hey, if you stick around after the main event, there’s scattered entertainment throughout the day. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the groundhog souvenir sale, grab a pancake breakfast, and maybe even witness a look-a-like contest with the beloved Punxsutawney Phil.
And look, they even have a Groundhog Wine Trail. So why not give it a shot? And to get you excited, the inner circle created this video—enjoy!