ROAD TRIP!
We decided to drive across the state of Pennsylvania our final destination is to be "Ringing Rocks" in Bucks County, but our destination will change along the way. Our quest was to drive the entire trip without using any toll roads. Leaving Castle Shannon and heading toward SR 51 south to I- 70 east to SR 31 east brought us to the first destination...Mt Pleasant. a quaint little town with the typical rotary in the center surrounding a Doughboy Monument. While there the "Renaissance Festival" was in full swing, but that's not the only thing to visit while there. At Veterans Park there stands a Veterans Wall and Gazebo lovers are gonna like the old fashioned one that sits in center of town. One more thing if you are into glass Mt. Plesant has a glass & ethnic fest coming up September 24-25-26.
Sit back, kick up the music, roll down the windows and enjoy the scenic wonder of the landscape that is surrounding you...the hills, barns, farm animals and people out doing their daily chores. Passing through a few small towns stopping to get directions we didn't need, but it's a cool way to break the ice with the smalltowns people. (everyone loves to give directions).
Next destination...Somerset, no not the Somerset sign you pass on the Turnpike I'm talking about the actual town itself. You know your there when start the climb and the cruise control feels like it's been disengaged. As you peak and your ears start popping and the temperature drops about five degrees you've arrived. Take a quick right hand turn past the Summit Resort and start the climb of another hill (that's on top of a mountain). If your cold natured like me throw a light weight jacket in the car, because the temp drops about ten degrees. Take a ride through Forbes State Forest ( Mt. Davis is part of this forest...highest point in Pennsylvania 3,213 feet) on this road to the Laurel Caverns Visitors Center. Stop in the center an walk out onto the veranda for a panoramic view of the county side.
Back on SR 31 follow the signs to Shanksville to pay homage at Shanksville Memorial.
This leg of the trip could take up to a day stopping and joining in the local activities or two to three hours if you do slow drive bys and gawk.
The beauty of nature underground has much to behold. Pack up the family and enjoy a great adventure underground in Pennsylvania.
The Laurel Caverns located in the Laurel Highlands at Farmington, are about an hour's drive southeast Pittsburgh, and the largest cave in Pennsylvania. The caverns offer a1-hour guided tour, or go spelunking through the several miles of cave led by experienced guides. Golf anyone? Play Kavernputt, an 18-hole underground mini-golf course. Wonder if there's is beer at the 18th hole? I'll never tell.
In Central Pennsylvania located within 3 hours east of downtown Pittsburgh visit the underground attractions at the:
Indian Caverns , Native American history-seeker can see for themselves why these caverns are filled with of Indian folklore with its giant stalagmites, the "frozen Niagara". Along the banks of Spruce Creek, there are areas for picnics to take a rest before heading out to explore miles of active caverns.
Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon is where you'll experience giant flowstones, delicate stalactites, the wonders of underground are hard to imagine unless you actually go and see what Mother Nature has presented to you. Back up on the earths surface go panning for gemstones, you just might be lucky enough to receive one of natures gifts that shines on forever. This cavern also offers a camping ground for overnight stays.
At Penn's Cave in Centre Hall take a 50-minute guided boat tour through the natural underworld.(Think Old Mill a now gone Kennywood ride dubbed "tunnel of love") They also offer a bus tour through 1500 acres of the Farm & Wildlife Park full of elk, bison, wolves, and bobcats. Lions and tigers and bears! Oh My!
Woodward Cave in Woodward, PA is one of the state's largest caverns. "Hanging Forest" features the largest collection of stalactites found in the cave, along with ribbon formations and flowstone. The air temperature is around 48 degrees all year long. Bring a jacket or if you're a cold natured person like me bring a winter coat.
The Coral Caverns in Bedford County were formed by an ancient inland sea; the walls are covered with fossilized remains of prehistoric aquatic life from 400 million years ago.
Explore Pennsylvania, the best things are in your own back yard!
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The Wild Wild West Museum along the Allegheny River in Venango County is housed on the second floor of the Franklin Antique Mall, on display are guns, knives, Native American artifacts and saddles. Plus there are personal items and possessions of people like Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill Cody and John Wayne.Outside Remington statues of cowboys and Native Americans warriors stand guard.
The first floor is a western PA antique store, so when your finished playing cowboys in your mind venture down, maybe you'll find those spurs you had as a kid.
The museum is located at 1280 Franklin Avenue in Franklin, PA 16323. Call 814.432.8577 if you plan to make a visit. There is no web site.
Soldiers & Sailors National Military Museum & Memorial is a fascinating place! Located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, this museum and concert hall is an historic landmark and memorial dedicated to honoring and supporting all who have served in the military since the Civil War through today.
Soldiers and Sailors is one of Pittsburgh's oldest and best known historical landmarks and the nation's only Military Museum dedicated to honoring the men and women of all branches of service, the citizen as well as the professional soldier. Within this stately structure are exhibits displaying military artifacts and personal momentos, a concert hall that seats 2300 guests, a classically elegant ballroom and The Gettysburg Room, dedicated to the Civil War and the Hall of Valor which pays tribute to American heroes.
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) conceived Soldiers & Sailors during the 1890s. It was originally built to recognize the sacrifice, valor and patriotism of the Civil War Veterans of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Today it honors the men and women of Pennsylvania who served the United States in its military endeavors during our country’s history.
Soldiers & Sailors is the largest memorial building in the United States dedicated solely to America’s fighting personnel, representing all branches of service while honoring both the career and citizen soldier. Their mission is to preserve a lasting tribute to those men and women who unselfishly gave of themselves in serving their country during American wars.
A variety of events take place at Soldiers and Sailors, including graduation ceremonies, concerts and charity events.
Living Treasures Animal Park is the ultimate place to let your family's animal instincts run wild! The large petting zoo is the thrill of the day for young visitors, while the exotic animals fascinate young and old alike. Bring your camera for those once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities with your favorite animals.
You could spend an entire day learning about the park's 100 species, inlcuding an exotic white tiger. They even allow you to pet and feed some of the animals, which makes for a unique, interactive experience. \
Get up close and make friends with baby Lambs, baby Camels, Sheep, Goats, Pot Belly Pigs, Belted Galloway, Llamas, Yaks and of course Muffin, our miniature Cow with buck teeth! The Park is located in Donegal, about an hour from Pittsburgh.
You can also make arrangements to bring living treasures to you! Treasures Moraine offers a wide variety of traveling exhibits for events ranging from birthday parties to corporate events, parades, photo shoots, festivals, and school programs. Trained staff are supplied for every event. Some shows we commonly done are: Petting Zoos, Pony Rides, Camel Rides, Christmas Parades and Nativities with: Reindeer, Camels, and other desired animals. Photo shoots with reptiles or other animals are available or you can arrange to have staff bring a variety of animals for an educational talk.
Experience the simple lifestyle of the Amish. There are several Amish communities in western Pennsylvania that are great to visit. Two communities near the border of Indiana and Armstrong counties, northeast of Pittsburgh, are home to over 250 Old Order Amish families, the largest Amish settlement in Western Pennsylvania. Horse-drawn carriages and automobiles share the road, as you drive through the area. Specialty shops in town, mostly owned by the "English," offer a variety of hand-crafted goods and Amish wares. Small Amish-owned shops also offer home-baked foods and Amish-made furniture.
Beautiful country scenery and lush farmlands form the backdrop for the lifestyles of the Old Order Amish who lead a peaceful existence, devoid of modern conveniences. A relaxing journey through present-day Smicksburg, located approximately 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, offers a glimpse of Amish men using horses to plow their fields, Amish children playing in the yard of a one-room school house, laundry blowing in the breeze and horse-drawn buggies sharing the road with automobiles. While in Smicksburg, visit one of the more than 20 specialty shops, offering Amish handmade crafts, quilts, handcrafted furniture, and a wide variety of food, candy and fudge. Shopping in Smicksburg is an experience like no other due to the unique products and quality gifts available.
While in Dayton, take time to enjoy the Amish Wedding Feast at Stockdale's Restaurant, where you can enjoy an Amish meal, served family-style in a typical Amish setting, as you learn about traditional Amish wedding customs. In downtown Smicksburg, a variety of specialty shops offer everything from hand-made pottery and dried herbs, to hand-made Amish furniture.
So take a road trip you’ll never forget.
Indiana County 55 miles east of Pittsburgh calls itself the Christmas Tree Capitol of the World. Why because it produces over 500,000 Christmas trees each year. Several of the farms are cut-your-own, so this is perfect place to take the family and find the special tree you've always wanted.
Before trekking off to find that tree visit the Jimmy Stewart Museum where for the month of December to January 3, 2010 they will host matinees of "It's a Wonderful Life" every Saturday and Sunday.
Come on now you can't get a better family outing than this!
Visit Beaver County for the last weekend of the Festival of Trees running 12/4-12/6. This year's theme is "Christmases of Years Gone By" and is the 20th anniversary of the celebration.
The Festival is held at the Lodge in Brady's Run Park- and the indoor winter wonderland not only includes beautifully decorated trees, but trains, a snack bar, children's corner, a gift shop, and of course, Santa!
The Festival of Trees is a family event held to benefit the children involved with Beaver County Children and Youth Services. Proceeds are used to purchase school shoes, winter coats, summer camp outings, eyeglasses, smoke detectors and scholarships to graduating seniors entering the field of Human Services or children involved with the agency continuing the education.
Pittsburgh's neighboring historical landmarks in the city of Washington are offering seasonal tours of The LeMoyne House. Decorated in grand style for the holidays, the interior of The LeMoyne House is the holiday season idea of local flower and gift shops, a local garden club has put the glow of the season on the exterior as well.
Located within steps of The LeMoyne House is The Bradford House where you'll find an offering of an "Evening with the Bradfords" featuring musicians, demonstration holiday meal, and games of yore.
The 2009 tours for both houses are 11am to 4pm, December 8-11 and December 15-18. The cost (includes both houses) is $8 for adults, $4 for students. The tours can be taken on separate dates. If you just want to do one house it'll cost $5 for adults and $3 for students.
For this and other historic house tours this holiday season in the area of Pittsburgh and its Countryside click here http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/a/house_tours.htm
For kids Black Friday doesn't start their holiday...it's the Saturday after Thanksgiving that gets the ball rolling for them. So shake off the memories of shopping, aching feet, and stress and take the kids to The PA Trolley Museum located in Washington County for a ride on Santa's Trolley. Yes! Santa will be there and ready to listen to childrens wishes for Christmas. The Trolley gets under way this Friday November 27 and will run through Sunday. And while the kids are enjoying the ride you may be able to pick up a few gifts from the gift center (Oh, shopping again!). For added entertainment check out the huge multi-leved Lionel train layout.
Through December 8 get free admission with and unwrapped toy (Min. value $10) these will go to the Toys for Tots Campaign. For more details click on link or call 724.228.9256.
Join the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the United Way of Allegheny County, YouthALIVE and the Presbyterian Churches of the Tri-State Area for the 10th annual Mr. Rogers' Sweater Drive! From now until Dec. 15th you can donate your new or gently used sweaters to those in need. Just stop by the Children's Museum with your sweaters and make difference in someone's life!
What is a Pittsburgh Steak Salad? A steak salad starts off as a simple salad with iceberg lettuce, tomato, onions, radishes and cucumber. This is topped chunks of steak, hard-boiled egg, French fries, mozzarella cheese and ranch dressing.
What was the origin of the Steak Salad? Jerry’s Curb Service in Bridgewater, Beaver County PA was the inventor. According to their website, it was in the early 1960s when a customer cut up the steak from a sandwich and combined it with fries and dressing.
Favorite places for Steak Salads according to our Twitter friends from Pittsburgh?
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Experience the dream of live professional theater at the Mountain Playhouse, Pennsylvania’s oldest stock theater and one of only 12 professional stock theaters remaining in the United States today. Home to the nation’s premier farce troupe. Mountain Playhouse produces comedies, musicals and dramas in an historic gristmill. The abandoned grist mill was discovered in Roxbury, Somerset County, and moved in 1939 log by log in the snow to its present site. The 393-seat, intimate theater includes The Jenner Art Gallery, located in the theater’s lobby, which features the work of local artists.
Tempt your palate at the award-winning Green Gables Restaurant, fine dining in a country setting. Open year-round, Green Gables offers package menus in three tiers for lunch, champagne brunch and dinner.
Upcoming events at Green Gables include the 2nd Friday Beer Tasting on November 13 from 6-8pm. Held the second Friday of each month. November’s Tasting is: Holiday Beers from around the Country. Thanksgiving dinner is served on Thanksgiving day from Noon to 8pm. On November 20 is Cheese, Chocolate, Wine, Beer at 7:30pm. For $40/person you get four of life’s greatest pleasures! December Tasting: Holiday Beers from around the World, Friday, December 11. Take the kids to Brunch with Santa on December 6, 13 and 20, from Noon to 4pm.
Hartwood Acres, originally the private country estate of John and Mary Flinn Lawrence, is now considered the crown jewel of the Allegheny County park system. The 629-acre park near Pittsburgh includes a stately Tudor Mansion (1929), a stable complex, beautiful riding trails, a gate lodge, an outdoor stage and amphitheatre for summer concerts and theater, and acres of public gardens.
Hartwood Acres is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh straddling the border of Hampton and Indiana townships. The grounds at Hartwood Acres are free and open to the public. For mansion tours, admission is $5 for adults; $3 for junior (13-17) and senior citizen (60+); $2 for youth (6-12); and $1 for children (0-5). Stable tours are $3 and are offered on a limited basis. Groups of 40 or more receive a 15% discount (except for holiday tours).
Guided tours of the Hartwood Mansion, formal garden, and stables are offered daily except on holidays. Reservations are recommended. Over 30 miles of horse and bike trails meander throughout the 639-acre county park, offering abundant opportunities for walking, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and cross country skiing. Hartwood also has an outdoor amphitheater on the western side of the property, site of many concerts and performances. There are, however, no picnic groves or other recreational or sports facilities in Hartwood Acres outside of the trail system.
Hartwood Acres plays host to a variety of cultural and charity events, such as concerts, theater performances, equestrian events, and charity benefits. Highlights include the annual Celebration of Lights, a winter holiday light display; free concerts under the stars as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series; special holiday tours of the decorated Hartwood Mansion are held from mid November through the first week of January; hayrides and High Tea.
Visit the Air Heritage Museum in Beaver Falls, PA, and see aircraft from the past and learn about the rich history of flight.
Located at the Beaver County Airport, this museum and aircraft restoration facility houses all manner of aviation related displays from the beginning to the present. It is a working museum specializing in WWII planes and artifacts. Exhibits include civilian, commercial and military. Visitors can see the touching memorial displays to 1st Lt. Robert W. Marx and Staff and Sergeant Charles A. Manchester Jr., both killed in action during WWII. The Gift Shop is stocked with many aviation related items. Visitors can tour the hangar where old planes are restored for the museum.
The museum has a large assortment of actual airplanes and helicopters. These include the 1956 C- I 23K "Thunder Pig." The plane has appeared in the movies "Naked Man" and "Universal Soldier 2."
The museum also houses an extensive air history library that includes rare books about early aviation, aircraft construction and much more. So fly on over to the museum and immerse yourself in the history of flight.
Washington County lies in the southern part of Pennsylvania. From exciting professional sports played in an intimate, modern setting to the best locations for the outdoor enthusiast to run wild, adventure awaits you in Washington County.
Follow ribbons of country road to covered bridges, antique shops, restaurants, fairs and festivals, museums and more. Visit Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life in Avella, PA, which provides a glimpse into the lives of North America's prehistoric people. You can handle stone tools and discover ancient hunting techniques at the dig site. You can also learn early methods of wool spinning and weaving, play children's games and pick up some money-savings home restoration tips from a restored 19th century rural village.
Head to the David Bradford House. Built by David Bradford, infamous leader of The Whiskey Rebellion, in 1788, it is Washington County’s finest 18th century home. The house is open May-October for tours and features educational exhibitions and fine antique furniture.
LeMoyne House invites visitors to share a secrety journey. Francis LeMoyne practiced medicine by day and led the abolitionist movement by night. LeMoyne House is the first National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania.
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino offers a variety of entertainment in one venue. There's eight restaurants, more than 3,700 slots, harness racing, gaming and bowling. Great fun for everyone.
Washington County will "wow" you!
Mercer County offers a getaway that is close (an hour north of Pittsburgh) affordable and fun. Known for its unique shopping attractions and golf. Shopping venues include Prime Outlets, Grove City; Reyer's, the world's largest shoe store, and The Winner, the world's largest off-priced fashion store.
There's lot to see and do in Mercer County. Wendell August Forge offers tours to view hand-crafted metalworking. Philadelphia Candies and Daffin's Candies invite visitors in for a chocolate candy tour. What a yummy way to spend a day!
Historical attractions include Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Take a tour of the mansion and learn about the area's most famous philanthropist, Frank H. Buhl. If you're feeling patriotic, follow Route 62 (business) North to the Avenue of 444 Flags. Watching 444 flags catch the wind is a breathtaking sight.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a trip to Shenango Lake where you can picnic, swim, camp, canoe, kayak, boat, jet ski, bike, hike or just relax. Anglers can challenge the waters for bass, walleye and a variety of panfish in the lake. Pymatuning Deer Park will delight children of all ages who can ride a train, take a pony ride or have fun at the petting zoo with over 250 animals from around the world.
So head to Mercer County for a day of fun you will never forget!
Lawrence County is known as the Fireworks Capital of America and is located north of Pittsburgh. There's lots to see and do including entertainment options such as the ballet, community theater, historic museums, art galleries, restaurants and more.
The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts offers art galleries in an environment of Victorian opulence. The Scottish Rite Cathedral contains one of the largest stages between New York and Chicago. Described as New Castle's "cultural jewel", the historic four building complex offers an environment of historical interest while housing art galleries, classrooms, studios and a collection of fine arts library on five manicured acres of the residential North Hill.
Living Treasures Animal Park features 100 species of animals, including an exotic white tiger. Visitors can pet and feed some of the animals at the petting zoo. The "Stuff your own Animal" stand lets customers pick their favorite animals, stuff it, and dress it up! Get up close and make friends with baby lambs, baby camels, sheep, goats, pot belly pigs, llamas, yaks and Muffin, the miniature Cow with buck teeth!
Railroad enthusiasts will be right on track at the Harlansburg Station Museum of Transportation, where you'll find exhibits of transportation memorabilia plus a unique gift shop.This is a story on the creation of one man's dream, his own personal museum that he now shares with the public. It is the Harlansburg Station, Museum of Transportation. Donald Barnes, a retired US Air pilot, started collecting things 30 years ago, such as an airplane propeller, the frame of an unassembled bi-plane and more. He built an airstrip and airplane hanger to house future museum exhibits, as well as a grass airstrip. His collection grew to include two full size antique Greyhound buses, old gas pumps, porcelain signs, railroad tools, badges from steel mills, an airliner galley, a Model T 1949 Ford truck, parachutes, leather flying pants and four passenger railroad cars. He built a museum so that he could share his passion for transportation. Today the museum features over 3,000 objects.
There are also lots of outdoor activities in Lawrence County, including West Park Nature Center and Villa Maria Wetlands Trail. West Park is a 108-acre park brimming with wildflowers and an abundance of bird species and several acres of wetlands. Villa Maria Wetlands Trails is an inland wetland area providing four distinct views.
So head to Lawrence County. Whether you see the dazzle of fireworks or the beauty of Christmas trees, you will have a great experience.
It's a wonderful life in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, home to Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart. Known as the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World," Indiana County, located within a one-hour drive of Pittsburgh, produces more than 80,000 trees annually that are shipped all around the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There is an abundance of history and culture and much to offer visitors.The Jimmy Stewart Museum highlights the life and career of the actor who was born and raised in Indiana County. View Stewart's film clips and career retrospectives in an intimate, 1930's vintage movie theatre. Plush with navy velvet drapes and wine colored seats, the theatre features the best of the old and new. The state-of-the-art sound and projection system was donated by Universal City Studios of Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart afficionados have transformed the third floor of the Indiana Public Library into a museum that captures the quiet magic and small town charm that catapulted the star to enduring fame.
Share some country roads with horse drawn buggies in the Amish settlement of Smicksburg where you can visit specialty shops featuring handmade goods. Step back in time and retrace the fugitive slaves' journey to freedom throughout the Indiana Underground Railroad.
If you like to hike there are very cool trails in Indiana County. The Ghost Town Trail is a 16-mile rails-to-trails path named after the five former mining towns that once existed along the railroad corridor. The Hoodlebug Trail follows the abandoned Indiana Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Indiana County's first railroad. Hoodlebug was the nickname of the self-propelled passenger coach that ran on the line up until 1940.
Dane Castle offers enchantment and mystery. The 12th-century medieval castle is a replica of the White Tower in London and a fun place to visit. See weapons, suits of armor, and medieval art. As you cross the drawbridge, you see the huge castle doors. Start at the Greek and Roman age weapons, including spears, swords and daggers, then move into the Viking age, viewing bearded and great axes, shields and helmets, and through to Arabic, Egyptian and Oriental weapons.
Indiana County is filled with endless cool things to see and do. It's a wonderful destination!