Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands Named Readers’ Choice Winner as Best Destination for Fall Foliage September 13, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA LIGONIER, PA., (Sept. 13, 2021) – USA Today announced that Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands has been named a Readers’ Choice Winner for the Best Destination for Fall Foliage category in the 2021 USA Today 10Best Travel Award Contest. “We are extremely honored to have been nominated for a second year and recognized as a Top 10 destination by readers of USA Today,” said Ann Nemanic, Executive Director of GO Laurel Highlands. “Each season in the Laurel Highlands bears its own unique charm. When autumn unfurls a magnificent blanket of color along our rolling hills, through our valleys, and atop our vistas, it’s a sight everyone in America needs to see.” The Laurel Highlands placed eighth overall in voting amid a field of 20 nominees that included Vermont’s White Mountains, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Ozark Mountain Region. Winners were selected by readers’ choice via a month-long online contest that encouraged travelers to vote daily for their favorite place to explore for fall. The winning destinations were announced on the 10Best website on Friday, Sept.10. The Best Destination for Fall Foliage award is one of several USA Today 10Best honors recently won by the Laurel Highlands. The region previously won third overall for Best Fall Foliage in 2020, one of the top Best New Destinations in 2018 for Flight 93 National Memorial’s Tower of Voices, and Best Pennsylvania Attractions for Ohiopyle State Park 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Their staff is made up of a collection of local travel experts that specialize in the region or city they write about. As home to thousands of acres of unspoiled state forests, parks, and game lands, the Laurel Highlands is the ideal destination for an autumn getaway for leaf peepers. The mountain ridges and river valleys provide a dramatic landscape for the diverse population of trees that offer their own signature color each fall. Eager leaf peepers are always anxious to take their first fall hike or drive of the season and curious to know when the leaves will start changing. While Mother Nature is not always predictable, fall foliage begins to shine in mid-September with the brightest bursts of color ablaze in mid-October. “Before winter settles in, you need a road trip to soak in the autumn splendor of the Laurel Highlands,” added Nemanic. “Our wide-open spaces, scenic byways, and historic routes will lead you to some of the very best fall photo ops in the country. Add in our craft beverage scene, roadside markets, corn mazes, and quaint small towns for an ideal autumn multi-day excursion.” For more information or inspiration, please visit www.golaurelhighlands.com/fall. About Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located an hour’s drive east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation, historic sites and attractions, family activities, and world-class resorts. Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä and Duncan House – Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park, and more. Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91, and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at www.GoLaurelHighlands.com, calling 724.238.5661, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. Established in 1958, GO Laurel Highlands, formerly known as Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. ###
The Great Wright Road Trip August 18, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA Explore the Epic Arc of the Legendary Architect’s Career at Nine Classic Locations LIGONIER, PA., (Aug. 18, 2021) – A consortium of Frank Lloyd Wright sites located in Western Pennsylvania and Western New York have joined forces, launching a road trip that illustrates the epic arc and grandeur of the legendary architect’s career. Beginning with his groundbreaking Prairie Style of the early 1900s through his visionary development of organic architecture in the 1930s at Fallingwater, just recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and concluding with one of his most breathtaking Usonian houses of the late 1950s, the Great Wright Road Trip gathers together one of the most representative and inspiring collections of his work in the United States. Visitors can also experience the working environment where Wright created many of his late-career designs — the architect’s San Francisco office has been reassembled and installed as a permanent exhibit at the Erie County Historical Society-Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The partnering sites include: Pennsylvania Fallingwater (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mill Run, PA Kentuck Knob, Chalk Hill, PA Polymath Park, Acme, PA Hagen History Center, Erie, PA New York Blue Sky Mausoleum, Buffalo, NY The Filling Station at the Pierce Arrow Museum, Buffalo, NY Fontana Rowing Boathouse, Buffalo, NY Graycliff, Derby, NY Martin House, Buffalo, NY “This road trip will change the way you see the world, inspiring you to think differently about how you live with art and nature,” said Justin Gunther, Director of Fallingwater and Vice President of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. “As you travel between these architectural landmarks, which are regarded as some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest works, you’ll explore the richness and breadth of the architect’s work and gain an appreciation for the beautiful landscapes that inspired his designs.” Located within an easy four-hour drive of each other, the nine locations tell the story of an American master’s restless imagination and relentless innovation. It was in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania and on the edge of Lake Erie in and around Buffalo, New York, that this remarkable American architect found two of his greatest patrons and advocates: the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh and the Martin family of Buffalo. Their support nurtured, sustained and inspired Wright to create some of the most innovative work of his career – classic designs that have been protected, preserved and restored for public enjoyment. The Wright Road Trip can be done one site at a time, in segments or in its entirety over the course of multiple days. “The collection of sites included in this unique travel experience will inspire visitors from around the world,” said Mary Roberts, Executive Director of the Martin House. “Martin House, Graycliff, and Fallingwater in particular represent significant designs created during very different time periods of Wright’s career working for clients who enabled him to create remarkable pieces of American architecture.” The Great Wright Road Trip is a shared legacy of great architectural landmarks, as well as their original furnishings and decorative art, spanning nearly five decades. Iconic designs are joined by recently constructed projects never realized during Wright’s lifetime and those rescued through their relocation. The nine sites are as emblematic as the rich vein of Americana connecting them—miles of scenic countryside, bountiful vineyards, roadside farm stands, and regional food specialties that offer up a particularly special slice of the American experience. “The traveling public is looking for new opportunities to get in their cars and explore,” said Anna Kaplan, Executive Director of Graycliff. “Consumer research studies have shown that road trips are among the most desirable travel experiences as Americans start traveling again. With that in mind, we think this is the perfect time to collaborate with our colleagues and let potential visitors know what a special experience our neighboring regions have to offer for lovers of Frank Lloyd Wright and American architecture.” For more information, visit golaurelhighlands.com/wrightroadtrip or wrightroadtrip.com. About Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located an hour’s drive east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation, historic sites and attractions, family activities, and world-class resorts. Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä and Duncan House – Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park, and more. Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91, and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at www.GoLaurelHighlands.com, calling 724.238.5661, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. Established in 1958, GO Laurel Highlands, formerly known as Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. ###
Dive In and Beat the Heat in Erie PA! July 15, 2021 by Visit Erie Most of us pick summer as our favorite season. Loads of events and festivals, outdoor excursions, reunions, parties and celebrations, plenty of sun and plenty of FUN! But sometimes Mother Nature turns up the heat and humidity that make you feel as though you’re walking on the surface of the sun with a wet blanket wrapped around your body. Luckily Erie County has plenty of options for you to cool off during the dog days of summer. Here’s some of our favorite ways to beat the heat! #ExperienceAwesome Presque Isle State Park – Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2021 and named one of the “15 Best Affordable Beach Destinations in America” by Reader’s Digest, Presque Isle State Park is a water lover’s playground! Seven miles of sandy beaches and the clear waters of Lake Erie provide visitors with the only surf swimming within Pennsylvania. The best part about Presque Isle is, with seven miles of beaches, there is plenty of room to spread out. Splash around in the water, or dip your toes in between sunbathing stints, it’s refreshing either way. For you adventurous types, there’s water skiing, jet skiing, surfing and paddle boarding. Generally the water temperature averages between 65-75 degrees during the summer months. Presque Isle beaches are open daily unless otherwise posted. The regular hours for guarded beaches are 12:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. Edinboro Lake – Located approximately 15 minutes south of Erie in the college town of Edinboro, sits a peaceful 245-acre lake that’s a perfect, quiet getaway. Edinboro Lake includes a guarded swimming/beach area (Pat Crawford Beach), two free public boat launches with public parking and a fishing pier designed for disabled persons. The lake is unlimited horsepower rated, allowing for water skiing and the use of personal watercraft. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with the local species including large and smallmouth bass, muskie, pan fish, and walleye. A section of trout stream water below the Edinboro dam is designated fishing for 12 year olds and under, as well as disabled individuals. Waldameer Park & Water World – Waldameer Amusement Park & Water World is a family-owned and family-friendly park, celebrating 125 years of thrills, rides, slides and all around fun! When it comes to satisfying your thirst for wet and wild fun…Water World at Waldameer has just the ticket for you! Here’s just a small sample of some of the ways you can expect to get wet: Battle of Lake Erie – This family water complex pays homage to the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812 featuring 103 water attractions including seven slides and a 400-gallon tipping bucket! Giant Wave Pool – Holding almost 500,000 gallons and accommodating up to 1,000 people, this wave pool is the largest in the tri-state area. 4’ high waves and zero-depth entry, it is guaranteed to cool you off on hot summer days. Kidz Zone – Perfect for the kiddos, this area has 8 colorful slides and a Spray Zone where 30 interactive water jets and fountains are ready to get you soaked. Rally Racer – Race your friends on this unique set of six slides where each slide loops into rally sections before ending in a photo finish. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park & Resort – The always fun, always 84 degrees Polynesian-themed Water Park was once again recognized as one of America’s top indoor water parks by USA Today Readers’ Choice! Splash Lagoon is the perfect place to escape to when it’s not only hot and humid but rainy as well. The park is so large (over 80,000 square feet!) it feels as though you really have traveled to a tropical island flooded with watery adventures. Splash Lagoon features seven water slides, multiple pools, three hot tubs, a 12-level interactive Tiki Tree House with tipping bucket, the Aqua Tumbler and a 200,000-gallon Wild Waters Wave Pool, the largest indoor wave pool in the eastern United States. Their newest attraction is The FlowRider indoor surf machine – Hang Ten Dudes! Watercraft Rentals Port Erie Sports Jet Ski Rentals –Located on the shores of Presque Isle Bay along the Bayfront Parkway, Port Erie Sports offers an awesome selection of water rentals: boats, jet skis, pontoons, kayaks and paddle boards. Rentals are by the hour with boats that can accommodate parties up to 13 people. Port Erie Sports is the perfect option for those who don’t own their own watercraft and are looking to set sail on the open waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Open 9 AM to sundown daily (weather permitting). To view their frequently asked questions, click here. Hidden Harbor Water Rentals – Located just off of State Street on East Dobbins Landing, Hidden Harbor Water Rentals isn’t really a secret anymore! Cruise the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie in style when you rent one of their 22’ or 24’ pontoon boats; great for small or large parties and if that’s not enough, you can also rent a towable water tube! Open seven days a week 9 AM to 6 PM from June 14 – September 6, 2021 (weather permitting). Click here for reservation policies. YMCA Camp Sherwin Spray and Play Park – Tucked among the trees and the shores of Lake Erie just a few miles west of Erie in the town of Girard is YMCA Camp Sherwin, a public outdoor recreation and camping center. Not your typical camp, Camp Sherwin boasts a fun-filled 900 square foot Spray and Play park starring a whimsical custom-built 4 piece Snake! Families can also splash around on a Square Hoop, Mister Bar Hoop, Three Bucket Dump, Extra Large Umbrella, Fire Hydrant, Spray Bumps and a Mist Stick. Plus the camp adds a new feature to their water park every year with new water play above ground features, giving generations of families a safe place to gather! In addition to the splash pad, Camp Sherwin has a heated life-guarded pool with aqua climb rock wall, canoes and paddle boat rentals and a stocked catch-and-release fishing pond. Cool Pools – Whether you are from out-of-town or just a few minutes away, why not pack up the kids, grab your friends and family and book an overnight stay at a local hotel? Many of them have indoor or outdoor pools! Click here for a list of lodging options. Here are two that are definitely worth taking a dip in: Courtyard Bayfront Hotel – If you haven’t seen the Courtyard’s infinity pool or been lucky enough to actually go in it, then you don’t know what you’re missing. Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel (and by the way they also have an indoor pool too!) the infinity pool has expansive views of Presque Isle Bay and you may even catch a glimpse or two of the Scallywags Pirate Adventures, Lettie G. Howard schooner or the grand Victorian Princess cruising by. You’ll be hard-pressed to get out of this pool on a warm summer’s day. Holiday Inn Express & Suites North East Splash Pad – Only a few minutes away in the town of North East off of I-90, this hotel has an incredible indoor pool! Complete with water slides, children’s pool, whirlpool and splash features, we dare you to try and tear your kids (young and old) away. Don’t forget if you can’t make it to the beaches at Presque Isle State Park you can always head to smaller beaches still located on Lake Erie including Shades Beach in Harborcreek PA and Freeport Beach in North East PA.
Ten Things to Do in Wicomico County in 2021 June 7, 2021 by Wicomico County Cedar Hill Marina / Photo by Max Demers. Set out on a trip to Wicomico County, Maryland, with a list of fun things to do in 2021. At the beginning of 2020, we published a post called Ten Things You Must Do in Wicomico County This Year. The post was written before the COVID-19 pandemic changed all of our lives, but it still would have been possible to do everything on the list except to see a Delmarva Shorebirds game, since they didn’t play in 2020. The team is back for 2021. Here are some ideas for this year: 1. Have a picnic. Enjoy the outdoors by bringing a picnic blanket and some food to a local park. Wicomico County is home to over 50 parks and outdoor facilities, so there are lots of options. You could make lunch at home or get carryout from a local restaurant. 2. Visit a new-to-you park. With more than 50 options, it’s probably unlikely you’ve been to all of Wicomico County’s parks. Visit one you’ve never been to before, or one you haven’t been to in years. All parks in Wicomico County have free admission. 3. Take photos. We recently hosted our second Wicomico County Photo Walk, in which a group of photographers got together to take photos. We do plan to host future photo walks, but you can take photos anytime. You don’t have to have the latest and greatest gear, either. We host an annual Photo Contest, too. Whitehaven Ferry / Photo by Josephine Noonan. 4. Slow down. There’s a sign in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that reads, “You’re at the beach… relax and slow down.” The same goes for the Eastern Shore and Wicomico County. We have a more relaxed pace of life here, and 2021 is a great time to explore a small village like Whitehaven, or the waterfront areas along the Nanticoke River. 5. Make art. On last year’s list, we included “Enjoy the arts.” That’s still a fun idea, but in 2021, how about making your own art? One option is trying the pottery wheel at The Mudhud: Clay Art Studio, which opened in Downtown Salisbury in 2020. 6. Shop local. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a gift, there are plenty of local businesses in town that can suit your needs. And if you haven’t shopped in a while, you may find there are some new businesses in town. Both Lilac Clothing Company and Bomshell Boutique opened in Downtown Salisbury during 2020. Blackwater Apothecary opened this year. 7. Try a new-to-you restaurant. During 2020, eat at somewhere that’s new-to-you, whether you dine in, dine outside or get carryout. JoJo’s Family Restaurant , Vino Garden, The Looking Glass, America’s Best Wings, Guido’s Burritos and Pinches Tacos all opened in Wicomico County in 2020. In 2021, Playa Bowls, Mission BBQ, Stoked & Smoked BBQ and A Salt Shack have all opened here. Or, maybe there’s another restaurant you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t made it to yet. See more dining options here. There’s also a new brewery in town: Gateway Craft Brewing. 8. Go for a bike ride. Wicomico County’s flat terrain and beautiful views make it a great spot for cycling. Read more in this MidAtlantic DayTrips article. 9. Learn something new. Maybe you’ve been to some of Wicomico County’s attractions, but this year, make an extra effort to learn something. Share the fun facts you find out with friends and family. 10. Try something new. We launched a new video series called “We Tried It,” in which someone on our staff will be trying new things around Wicomico County. In the first edition, Marketing & Public Relations Manager Josephine Noonan tried carving a flat decoy at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. In the second edition, Tourism Manager Kristen Goller tried making a pie at The Ugly Pie. We challenge you to give something new a try this year. Learn more about Wicomico County at WicomicoTourism.org.
George Washington Was Here: A Walk Through History April 23, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA An ambitious young officer heads west to claim lands for the British. Along the way, he makes mistakes, but he also works hard, persists, and makes a name for himself. Some believe that George Washington’s trials and tribulations in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands helped him grow into a legendary military leader and eventually the first President of the United States of America. Great Crossings of the Youghiogheny River Yough River Lake, near Route 40 Bridge, Addison May 18, 1754 Lt Col. George Washington, who is just 22-years old, was in command of about 150 troops in the Virginia regiment. He was on a mission to capture the French fort, Fort Duquesne, at what was called “the forks of the Ohio” in present-day Pittsburgh to reinforce an advance party of Virginians and prevent the French from seizing their claim. Washington decided to see if he could use the Youghiogheny River as a means to reach the fort quickly and avoid building miles of road across the mountains, but high water prevented the army from crossing the river. The Turkeyfoot Along the Great Allegheny Passage in Confluence May 20, 1754 Washington and five men set off in a canoe from the Great Crossings to explore the Youghiogheny River. Finding the canoe too crowded, they stopped in present-day Confluence to build another vessel, likely a log raft. Washington referred to this site as the “turkeyfoot,” after the shape formed by the confluence of the Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers and Laurel Hill Creek. A Falls Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle May 21, 1754 Washington observed the falls and wrote it was “nearly forty feet perpendicular” and concluded that the Youghiogheny River “can never be made navigable.” Here he was forced by the powerful Ohiopyle Falls to abandon the river passage. The Great Meadows Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Farmington May 24, 1754 Excited to locate an open meadow, Washington writes that by cutting down some bushes they have “prepar’d a charming field for an encounter.” Perhaps it was a little premonition of what is to come… A Very Obscure Place Surrounded by Rocks Jumonville Glen May 28, 1754 Late in the evening the day before, Washington receives news from his Seneca Indian ally, the Half King, that a party of French soldiers is nearby. After hiking all night, he joined with his American Indian allies to surround the French and find out what they were up to. While Washington positioned his troops, the French spotted them. It is unclear whether the French or British fired the first shot, but then Washington’s troop open fire. After a brief skirmish, 10 Frenchmen were dead, including Ensign Joseph Coulon, sieur de Jumonville. Both sides claimed the other fired first with the French also blaming Washington for the assassination of Jumonville. Washington rebuffed, saying he waited until the French ran for their arms before giving the order to fire. This event marked the first shots of the French and Indian War. Fort Necessity July 3-4, 1754 A lone French soldier escaped from the skirmish and reported to the French military leaders at Fort Duquesne, who then planned retaliation against the British. In anticipation of a French attack, Washington returned to the Great Meadows and ordered the construction of a small stockade named Fort Necessity. Five weeks later, on July 3, 1754, he and nearly 400 troops were attacked by a force led by Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers, brother of the slain Ensign Jumonville. The French surrounded the small fort. After fighting all day in the pouring rain, Washington lost 30 soldiers and 70 were wounded. At midnight, Washington agrees to his first and only military surrender. The next day, Fort Necessity was surrendered. Poor translation of the terms of surrender led Washington to sign his name to the document, ultimately holding him responsible for the assassination of Ensign Jumonville. Engagement with the French on the Monongahela Braddock’s Field History Center, Braddock July 9, 1755 Washington joined British General Edward Braddock as a volunteer aide-de-camp, as the English once again tried to capture the French-held Fort Duquesne in present-day Pittsburgh. Only seven miles from their destination, Braddock’s large army of about 1,400 soldiers encountered the French and their American Indian allies. After fighting for about three hours, the British suffered huge losses. Washington had four bullets shot through his clothes but survived unscathed. Braddock was mortally wounded and directs Washington’s lead the troops’ retreat. Braddock’s Grave July 13-14, 1755 While on the retreat, less than a mile from Fort Necessity, Braddock succumbed to his injuries. The next day, Washington gave the eulogy at his gravesite and Braddock was buried in the middle of the road. Wagons were rolled over top of the gravesite to prevent the general’s body from being discovered and desecrated by enemies. Fort Ligonier October-November 1758 Washington arrived at Fort Ligonier in late October of 1758. On November 12, he was sent a few miles from the fort to assist a group of Virginians who were in a skirmish with a raiding party from Fort Duquesne. Mistaking the Virginians for the enemy, a devastating friendly fire incident ensued in which 40 men were killed or went missing. Three prisoners from Fort Duquesne were taken during the incident. One gave intelligence that Fort Duquesne was weak. General John Forbes led a force, that included Washington, to finally take their objective. On November 25, 1758, Forbes’s troops entered the burned-out and abandoned ruins of Fort Duquesne, renaming it Pittsburgh. Stewart’s Crossing Col. William Crawford’s Cabin, Youghiogheny River Park, Connellsville October 13, 1770 En route to Fort Pitt at present-day Pittsburgh, Washington and his men visit the home of William Crawford, Washington’s childhood friend and land agent. Crawford joins the group to travel the Ohio River looking at land.
Sager Mosaics and The Ruins Project April 22, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA What comes to mind when you think of mosaics? Roman villas? Mosaic kits from Michael’s craft store? Or those mosaic tiles for the kitchen? Well, prepare yourself for the full spectrum of color in the form of Sager Mosaics. Meet Rachel Sager, the founder, mosaicist, artist, and blogger extraordinaire of Sager Mosaics. She’s about as deep into mosaic artistry as you can go, having devoted half her life to this exquisite craft. Rachel considers herself a “Forager Mosaicist,” which basically means that she uses the resources she has around her. And according to Rachel, there’s a great selection of raw material to be had in the Laurel Highlands, from sandstone and limestone to dense black shale. It means foraging, walking the land, following the topography, learning about the environment, connecting with the past, and above all discovering the medium to work with. And then, with your own hands and tools exploring the raw material, learn how to cut it, how to use it, and how best to display it. Sager Mosaics is located right in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. With the early 1900’s red brick studio/gallery/shop located at mile marker 104 of the Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail, in the small coal town of Whitsett overlooking the Youghiogheny River. It’s picture-perfect or as Rachel describes it “a little bit of Heaven.” Born and raised in the Laurel Highlands, Rachel is a proud native and incorporates the region’s history and heritage in her biggest challenge yet, The Ruins Project. Which once was a coal mine operating station until it closed in 1946, it’s now Rachel’s giant cement canvas’ covering over two acres. Little by little, with the collaboration of hundreds of artists, Rachel is slowly covering this extraordinary canvas with an eclectic collection of mosaics, ranging from coal mining features, a nod to the local heritage and her family’s past (her father, grandfather, and great grandfather all mined in the local mine), to birds, animals, local landmarks, and we can’t leave out the 67’ train mosaic. Yes, you read that correctly, 67 foot-long mosaic, most probably the longest train mosaic in the world? The Ruins Project is open for tours year-round, where Rachel will give you a personalized one-hour tour of this magnificent mosaic project. Booking tours online is preferable, see the link at the bottom of the page for details. Aside from The Ruins, Rachel also offers virtual online mosaic classes starting at beginner through to advanced, in all quests of mosaic creativity. There’s also the studio/shop where she works away in the quieter winter months making beautiful mosaic jewelry, as well as other smaller more extricate projects. One project which has captured my attention is “Feather,” a spin-off project from The Ruins Project. Plans were underway for many international artists to visit and create on-site in 2020. Those plans were tabled and the Feather Project was born, offering the opportunity for artists around the world to contribute to The Ruins Project from their own homestead. The Feather Project asked mosaicists to make native Pennsylvania birds in detail then ship them to Sager Mosaics, where they will be placed on painted trees on The Ruins. The starling pictured above was created by Mireille Swinnen. According to Rachel they have 40 birds in the works, all life-size including a chickadee, a cardinal, and a barn owl all waiting to be installed later this year. Personally, I can’t wait to see the result, judging by the bird mosaic images Rachel has shared on Facebook. I can’t express enough how inspirational, captivating, and bold Sager Mosaics and The Ruins Project is to me. I totally recommend diving into Rachel’s beautifully written blogs and following The Ruins Project progress on Facebook or Instagram, the vibrant, colorful mosaics will blow you away. Sager Mosaics was a guest on the Laurel Highlands Happenings podcast series in January 2021. Listen here. Learn more about Sager Mosaics and The Ruins Project here.