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.
Getting to Know Erie’s Breweries & Distilleries April 21, 2021 by Visit Erie For the next month or so, the weather will remain downright chilly and summer warmth seems light years away. Even though it’s cold out, many of us can’t help ourselves and need to get out of the house, keep active and more importantly, stay warm. Here’s an idea. Why not warm yourself up with a pint of locally brewed beer or a shot of homemade spirits? Erie is home to several distilleries and microbreweries just waiting to introduce you to their newest creations. We decided to reach out to our local brewers and distillers, see what they’ve been up to and ask them three simple questions: What is your best seller? What makes your establishment special? Fun extras we should know about? Their responses are below and from what they’ve told us, we can’t wait to sample them all! With a designated driver, of course. For details on hours of operation, curbside, delivery, pick-up options, please visit the distillery/brewery of your choice. Links are posted in each listing. All of the below mentioned VisitErie partner businesses are following strict COVID-19 safety and cleaning protocols. Remember, as always, to practice social distancing and wear your mask to keep you and others safe. CHEERS! Let the Spirits Move You! “Liquor may not solve your problems, but it’s worth a shot!” A distillery traditionally makes hard alcohol such as whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, etc. The process of making distilled spirits starts off much of the same as making beer. You start by combining some basic ingredients such as grains, yeast & water. … With the help of the yeast and enzymes the sugar is converted into alcohol. Our three local distilleries have definitely mastered this technique. Erie Distillery – From David Harkness, Owner: We started out with three products: vodka, limoncello, and apple pie moonshine, Now we have a total of 11 including coffee liqueur, gin, hot pepper moonshine (WHAT?!), spiced rum, white rum, 14 year aged whiskey at 90 proof and our signature whiskey at 102 proof coconut rum. We use Distillery grade charcoal to filter our spirits after distillation. This process eliminates any remaining impurities, so as we say ‘it’s where the hangover is a thing of the past’. Our bottles have the Niagara on it as well as our logo because we are all about Erie. As the master Distiller says, quality is our top goal or we don’t put the Erie name on it. Erie Distillery Vodka took a gold medal in NYC in December 2020, and our diamond gin is currently in a competition there as well. Next project is tequila! Bottle sales are keeping us going as our customers enjoy our top shelf spirits at lowest possible cost…satisfied customers are our only job security. Luminary Distilling & Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider – From Joel Normand, Co-Owner: Luminary is a micro-distillery featuring tasting room and specialty cocktail bar. Their locally produced spirits include vodka, whiskey, gin, and liqueurs. Bottle sales and merchandise available. What is your best-selling spirit? Apple Pie Moonshine, made with our freshly pressed in-house apple cider. What makes your establishment special? All products made in-house, wide variety of over 13 unique spirits, unique atmosphere. Fun Extras we should know about? New products regularly coming up on the shelf. There’s a new member of the Luminary lineup, Lighthouse Reserve Brandy! We aged wine from our friends at Arundel Cellars for 32 months in new charred oak barrels. Stop in and grab your bottles, as we have a limited amount of 750 ml at 46% ABV. Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing – From Vanessa Mazza, Creative Director: What is your best-selling spirit and/or brew? Our best-selling spirit is our Rye Whiskey (Five & 20 Rye Whiskey has been named a “Best Buy” by Wine Enthusiast), and our best selling beer is our Stout (though our Grape Lakes seems to be collecting quite the following). What makes your establishment special? We are New York State (and this area’s) first combination winery, distillery, and brewery. Guests can come taste and enjoy our line of wines, beers, and spirits all at one location. We are also a farm distillery and farm brewery, which comes along with its own set of guidelines as to where we source our ingredients for our spirits and beers. We also happen to be situated on 80 acres of farmland, some of which is used to grow ingredients used in our own spirits and beers. Also onsite is the TimberFish commercial pilot system, where the byproducts from our brewery/distillery are sustainably treated and recycled to create a food chain to grow fish and other seafood. Fun extras we should know about? Five & 20 Spirits has begun releasing new products in our “Whiskey Expressions” series beginning at the end of 2019 and continuing through this year and beyond. Currently available is our Five & 20 Rye Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks, and scheduled to be released in the next year are a “Déjà Vu Rye Whiskey” and “Déjà Vu Bourbon,” aged in beer casks shared by some of our barrel aged beers. Check out our ever-evolving “Shape Shifter IPA” series – with a new IPA released seasonally. Our Shape Shifter Ruby Moon is set to be released February 18th! Pint Nights, Spirit Nights, and our Sunday Sesh series are all scheduled to start back up (following all safety guidelines) in Spring, but in the meantime guests can enjoy beer and spirit specials every Friday evening at our “Customer Appreciation Nights.” We’re open 7 days a week and currently have extended hours on Fridays & Saturdays. What’s Brew with You? A craft brewery or microbrewery is a brewery that produces small amounts of beer, typically less than large breweries, and is often independently owned. Such breweries are generally perceived and marketed as having an emphasis on enthusiasm, new flavors, and varied brewing techniques. Our area is “lager than life” with many microbreweries scattered throughout Erie County; each offering their own distinct take on beer, plus they give them really funky fun names! So let’s “HOP” to it and check them out! The Lake Erie Ale Trail: We can’t talk about local brewers without mentioning the highly successful effort of the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Nestled near the shores of Lake Erie, the Lake Erie Ale Trail boasts 15 breweries, each with their own unique story. The history of breweries in the greater Erie region is deep and rich. The first local brewery opened its doors over 200 years ago—36 years before the city of Erie was even incorporated. Over 90 breweries would open from that time up until 1920 when Prohibition came into effect. Visit the Lake Erie Ale Trail’s website to read more about Erie’s history of beer. NOTE: Member breweries are open for carry-out and dine-in operations. Some offer delivery and contactless pick-up too. Each member brewery operates under different hours so we suggest checking ahead of time. Arundel Cellars & Brewing – From Lauri Boettcher, Co-Owner: What is your best selling brew? Our best-selling brew is Small Craft Advisory, a delicious beer a little on the lighter side but still with a wonderful flavor profile. What makes your establishment special? We are a brewery, a cidery, a winery and we serve meals. Arundel is a renovated barn that was originally built in the late 1800’s, complete with exposed hand hewn wooden beams and a stone wall which is also original. We have a fireplace that warms the body and a friendly staff, house crafted beverages and inviting atmosphere that warms the soul. Black Monk Brewery – From Tom Morris, Owner: What is your best-selling brew? The Belginator is our number one seller. What makes your establishment special? We have a large selection of our Belgian style of beers and other European and American beers on tap. We offer slushies and local spirits and wine for the non-beer drinkers. Fun extras we should know about? Check out our large outdoor European beer garden. We are the only brewery to allow dogs inside. We always have new beers on tap and various specials. Just follow us on Facebook! The Brewerie at Union Station – From Chris Sirianni, Owner: What is your best-selling brew? Depends on the time of year… Seasonals are always the most popular but always rotating. We have 6 staple beers (Uncle Jackson Blonde, Apparition Amber, Raiway Weizen, Hopness Monster, Major McNair’s Brown Ale and Silk Bomb Milk Stout) available year-round with an additional 8 on tap that constantly rotate. Those are the movers! What makes your establishment special? We are located in a Historic Landmark which happens to be a hundred year old Haunted Train Station. Fun extras we should know about? The Brewerie is of the few breweries in the entire tri-state with a full service restaurant & bar offering in house dining as well as full take out. Daily family-sized carryout features as well throughout the pandemic. Watch out! Beginning in March these additional tasty beers will be available: Girl Stout Cookie” Chocolate Mint Stout, Mocha Cream Porter and Mandarin Grapefruit IPA. Erie Ale Works – From Jeff McCullor, Co-Owner: Steve Anthony and Jeff McCullor own and operate this microbrewery steps away from the heart of downtown Erie crafting unique beer suitable for any palate. Food trucks and jokes are common. Stop in for a pint, flight, crowler or growler. What is your best-selling brew? Our top seller is Tattooed Lady – a 4.6% blonde ale. We affectionately refer to it as “beer-flavored beer”. It’s clean and dry, something you can retreat to when you’re tired of hoppy and hazy, or super malty beers. We package this in 16oz. cans and have it available on draft. What makes your establishment special? A few things set us apart. Our space is pretty unique, we opted for a very clean and industrial-type space when we remodeled the brewery. We replaced the front facade with windows and a glass overhead door to allow in as much natural light as possible. The other thing is our staff, we feel we’ve hired some of the best people in town to work with us. They’re really knowledgeable about the product they’re pouring, and enjoy having a laugh with every customer we see. Fun Extras we should know? Erie Ale Works delivers! We now ship beer across PA by the 12-pack or case, as well as local delivery within 10 miles of our shop. Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing – See information under Spirits John Russel Brewing Company – The owners of U Pick 6 Pubs & Restaurants have decided to start brewing! With their love of craft beer, the art of brewing has now become a part of the U Pick 6 family! The new brewery is located at 7520 Peach Street and features a new wood-fired brick oven & the same menu as their other locations. U Pick 6 Beer Store has transformed into John Russell Brewing Company Brew House & Restaurant! Newly crafted beers on tap include Pursue Your Hoppiness NWPA IPA, Me & Julio Mexican Lager, Red Rory of the Hills Irish Red Ale, The Other Guy Session IPA, Blood Orange Sky Belgian Tripel, Wheat Elect German Weissbier, Chuck the Night Watchman Irish Style Stout and Wee Heavy 22 Aged Scotch Ale. For a complete description of these beers, click here. Lavery Brewing Company – From Jason Lavery, Owner: What is your best-selling brew? Dulachan IPA is by far our best seller. It remains about 35% of all the beer we brew. It was first brewed in 2012 and has remained ‘Erie’s IPA’ since then. What makes your establishment special? We have tied our brewery to downtown Erie. We make lots of lots of beer and sell only in Erie County. So we force people who want to try our beer to come to Erie to get it. We are like a post card in a bottle. Fun extras we should know about? We are getting a new canning line in March that will change how we package beer. We also bought the space the brewery has been renting thus ensuring we will be in downtown Erie for years to come. Nostrovia Brewing Company – Located on the East side of Erie on Route 5/The Seaway Trail-America’s Byway, Nostrovia Brewing Co takes pride in making beer you can drink when you’re thirsty. You’ll get beer brewed by hand, from hand-made tanks, poured by hand. With a casual and unique atmosphere, you’re invited to have your next pint and lively conversation with them! Word on the street is their smooth oatmeal stout is a crowd favorite. However if that’s not to your liking, Nostrovia offers a wide selection of other flavors including blueberry wheat, espresso coffee stout, murder hornet 2X IPA, apricot wheat, NEW Imperial Brown Maple Ale and NEW Here Gose Nothin’ (Sour). They even have a blackberry apple hard cider that’s definitely worth a swig! Twisted Elk Brewery – Our newest VisitErie partner, can be found in Lake City PA along historic Route 5 (Seaway Trail). You can enjoy their beers inside or outside, bottles, crowlers and growlers to go plus they released a specialty crafted food menu to pair nicely with their beers. From Brad Nuce, Owner: What is your best-selling beer? Our best sellers change when we bring in new trees but if we had to pick one, it would be the Apple Pie Ale. What makes your establishment special? We offer a wide variety beer but our specialty are fresh fruit beers, we use real fruit and source it locally as much as we can. Fun Extras we should know? We feature our Elk burger and we just released our first hazy IPA called the Ale-N-Vasion brewed with 8 different hop varieties. Voodoo Brewery – From Matteo Rachocki, CEO Voodoo Brewing Company, LLC: What is your best-selling brew? In our taprooms it is the BEST OF ERIE award winning Voodoo Love Child – a 9.3%ABV Fruited Belgian-style Triple aged on Michigan Sour Cherries, Oregon Raspberries and Passion fruit. Our best seller for distribution its Good Vibes – a 7.3%ABV west-coast style IPA hopped with Mosaic, Galaxy, Apollo and Mosaic hops. What makes your establishment special? Voodoo Brewing has been around for over 16 years and is proudly employee-owned in Meadville, PA! Much more than a brewing company; however, we have a central kitchen that ships our amazing food to all 6 Voodoo owned taprooms and three franchised locations! We have one of the highest-trained and skilled brewing teams in the industry and are constantly innovating with some of the industry’s most cutting-edge and experimental products and ingredients leading to unprecedented quality. Fun extras we should know about? We are recognized as ‘Top 50 Brewery in the World’ by Draft Magazine (twice) as well as a Great American Beer Festival (GABF) award winner and have arguably one of the most highly sought-after beers ever created; ManBearPig! We are graciously invited to the world’s best peer-organized beer festivals all over the globe and ourselves host one of the leading festivals in the area; Good Vibes Beer Fest.
Explore the Hometown Neighborhood of Fred Rogers April 20, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA Welcome to Latrobe, the hometown neighborhood of Fred Rogers! On your way from stop one to stop two, be on the lookout for a familiar saying: “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Fred Rogers Statue in James H. Rogers Park Take a walk around downtown Latrobe, Fred’s hometown, and make a stop at the James H. Rogers Memorial Park, named in honor of Fred’s father. Take a seat on the bench next to the life-size Fred Rogers statue and be sure to take advantage of the perfect selfie opportunity! Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce Get a glimpse into the true family man by paying a visit to the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce! You’ll be able to view a special video, see photos of Fred and his family from a personal collection, and, of course, see his iconic cardigan sweater and a pair of his signature navy blue sneakers worn on his television show, “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” Located at 811 Ligonier Street in Latrobe, the chamber is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visitor tip: They are now stocked with Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Daniel Tiger Funko Pop toy for collectors of all ages! Latrobe High School Fred attended Latrobe High School when it was located in the former Latrobe Elementary School, located on Ligonier Street. The present-day high school honors Rogers and golf legend Arnold Palmer with a display of memorabilia of the two famous alumni. However, it is only open to the public during school events such as plays and art shows. Latrobe Art Center Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Ricolita’s Cafe at the Latrobe Art Center, where you can browse through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood merchandise for sale and inspiring artwork by local artists. This hub of arts and activities was co-founded in 2002 by Nancy “Laney” Rogers Crozier, Fred’s sister. Rogers-McFeely Memorial Pool The construction of this community pool was funded by Fred’s parents to provide a safe place for local kids to swim. Latrobe Presbyterian Church Did you know that Fred Rogers was an ordained minister? On your journey through town, see where he went to church as a youngin’. Near the church, you will find a small plaque and an old school bell that marks the former Second Ward School, where Fred attended elementary classes. Fred Rogers’ Place of Burial Reflect on Fred Rogers’ legacy and impact on the world and visit his final resting place at Unity Cemetery in Latrobe. There are plenty of things to do and see between these Fred Rogers attractions. Use the map above, pinned with the places mentioned, to find a restaurant to grab a bite to eat or a place to stay. We partnered with Visit PA to create The Fred Rogers Trail, so be sure to check out the rest of the trail that will take you through Pittsburgh, Washington, and New Florence to see everything Fred Rogers.
Be a Happy Camper! Great Camping Ideas in Erie PA April 19, 2021 by Visit Erie There’s nothing quite like getting away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life and escaping to The Great Outdoors to breathe in the fresh air, sleep under the stars and roast marshmallows over an open fire. What does camping mean to you? Is it pitching a tent and roughing it with only the bare essentials? Or are you more of an RV type of person, with all the luxuries of home packed into a smaller yet comfortable space? Or are you a glamper and prefer a more untraditional sort of camping or “glamping” where nature meets modern luxury? Fortunately for you outdoor lovers, the Erie area has plenty of camping options to suit your needs. Here are some of our favorite places to unpack and unwind. Camp Sherwin/YMCA – Located on the banks of Lake Erie, YMCA Camp Sherwin encompasses 70 acres of pavilions/halls, campsites, cabins, a swimming pool, Spray & Play Park, a catch and release fishing pond, playing fields and towering trees – all of which are open to the public. You do not need a YMCA membership to enjoy these facilities. It is the perfect place to spend summer days –and come fall, Camp Sherwin’s extended camping season is ideal for hunters, fishermen, families and groups. Daily admission fee applies. Count on YMCA Camp Sherwin to create a safe family atmosphere. YMCA Camp Sherwin has upgraded its safety features to include additional security cameras throughout the property along with upgraded Wi-Fi at Camp making streaming faster for its guests. Erie KOA Kampgrounds – Just 10 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, this beautiful “kid friendly” campground offers fun for the whole family. They can host you in an RV or tent, a cabin or even a Tipi’! While there, enjoy fishing or paddle boating in their catch and release pond, swim in the heated pool, ride pedal carts and banana bikes or play a game of checkers. Throughout the summer Erie KOA Kampgrounds offer movies nightly, Saturday ice cream socials and Sunday pancake breakfast. Don’t forget to check out their recreation room with air hockey, pool, ping-pong and arcade games. Folly’s End Campgrounds – Featuring “isolation in a scenic setting”, Folly’s End is a family campground situated alongside Elk Creek, Pennsylvania’s largest Lake Erie tributary within close proximity to Elk Creek Gorge where you can find an abundance of natural beauty including two waterfalls and a challenging 1.5 mile loop hiking trail. Conveniently located just off of Interstate 90, this campground offers tent to full hookups, pavilion, rec room, ball field, playground and a ½ – mile frontage on Elk Creek. Looking to go fishing while at Folly’s End? No worries! They have a full-line Fly and Tackle Shop with all the usual camping supplies including wood and ice. Harecreek Campgrounds – Located in Corry PA this private campground features large RV sites, with water, electric, sewer and cable. RV and semi primitive cabin rentals. Campsites are pet friendly but not in rental units. Amenities include in-ground pool, camp store, laundry, game room, playground, propane, and ice/wood sales. Perfect for the family with planned activities on weekends and barrel train rides for the kids or you can try your hands at their catch and release fishing pond. While you’re in Corry, take time to explore the Climax Engine housed at the Corry Area Historical Society & Museum at Mead Park. Lampe Marina Campground – Camp right on the water! Lampe Marina Campground offers 42 waterfront campsites. Campground features include: water and electric (30 & 50 amp), restroom facilities and dump station, 24-hour security, FREE public boat launch, picnic tables, fire ring sites available, laundry, shower facilities, bike path to Erie’s Bayfront District and Presque Isle State Park. Future plans include adding more site spaces (tentatively 2022 season). Check out their new Facebook page! Presque Isle Passage RV Park and Cabins – Ready to accommodate any size RV with towed vehicle included (65 feet or longer!). Most of their RV sites are “pull-throughs” with easy access, over 40 of which include 50-amp service. Every RV site also includes cable TV and Wi-Fi. For those campers without an RV, there are 30 diverse rental units available to accommodate any sized family (including pets!) or budget. Campsites and rentals are also pet-friendly. There is also an area reserved for those camping the old fashioned way, in tents. Coming Soon: The Park is rebuilding their Wi-Fi system from the ground up! With more people working or learning remotely, being online has become a utility/necessity, not just a bonus to visitors. Although the Park provides cable TV to every site, the new equipment will make it possible for streaming movies, playing games, etc. You can still get away from it all but keep in touch, if you desire! Sparrow Pond Campground – Just a short ride from Presque Isle State Park, Sparrow Pond Family Campground & Recreation Center is one of the area’s newest family camping destinations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. With pride, comfort and convenience in mind, their campground has been carefully constructed to meet the needs of your family’s enjoyment. Sparrow Pond is family owned and operated and is set on over 180 acres. Every site is spacious and equipped with 20/30/50-amp electric service. All units are welcome, from pop-ups to the biggest rigs out there! Non-campers will feel equally welcome, with a wide range of rental accommodations, from rustic cabins to premium log cabins. Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping – Discover the beauty and unique atmosphere of Lake Erie at Virginia’s Beach Campground. Lake front cabins & camping located on the shores of Lake Erie in North Springfield Pennsylvania. Featuring large pull throughs, 50-amp, full hookup, lakefront RV sites. Lake front cottages, cabins in the woods, and a 2 bedroom cottage are available for families. Other attributes include: wooded water and electric sites, secluded tent sites, private boat launch for boats up to 18 feet and some of the best walleye, perch, bass, and trout fishing in the area. Plus kayak rentals, catch and release fishing pond, playground, and open common areas, 1,100 feet of easy access lake frontage plus 46 acres of woods with walking/biking trails. LET’S GO GLAMPING! Edinboro Lakefront Resort & Sunset Grill – The only place to enjoy casual lakefront dining and beautiful One and Two Bedroom Cabin accommodations right on picturesque Edinboro Lake. The resort offers the very finest in quality family vacations complete with lodging, dining, boat rentals, fishing and close proximity to numerous community amenities in Erie County. New Updates! Cabins: Over the last few years they have added additional one and two bedroom cabins as well as many updated amenities and community/common area features including fire pits areas, natural gas grill areas, new docks and new playground, boardwalk and beach area. The Sunset Grill: full remodel including additional climate controlled inside seating with large glass garage doors and an observation tower both featuring beautiful lake views. Boat Rentals: Now offering free non-powered boats to all cabin guests plus discounts on pontoon boat rentals. Lakeview on the Lake – Perfect for someone looking for glamping at its finest! Relaxing and rejuvenating! Imagine a romantic getaway with spectacular sunsets, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings. Lakeview on the Lake is nestled on the bluffs of Lake Erie in the heart of Wine Country and on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, an America’s Byway. When you rent a cabin style room, mini cottage, or suite rest easy knowing they are impeccably clean and well furnished. The serenity of their eight acre property keeps guests coming back year after year. New to Lakeview on the Lake: a new kid’s cabin-style playground plus a nearby gazebo so adults can supervise. All of these features are in the center of the property close to the outdoor heated pool. For the best in glamping, reserve the Beach Glass Bungalow where classic comfort meets modern style. Other Unique Camping/Cottage/Cabin Options: A Cottage Getaway Elkcreek Steelhead Cabin Kelso Beach Rentals My Cozy Cottage Rentals Swanson’s Cottages For a list of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Erie area, click here. All of the mentioned partner businesses are following CDC and state regulated safety protocols to make sure you have a safe and fun experience! Remember as always, to practice social distancing, wash your hands and Wear. A. Mask.
The Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands April 17, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA Spanning 3,000 square miles across some of the most diverse landscapes in Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands is home to scenic views, lush forests, rushing rivers, and roaring waterfalls. Let’s take a closer look at some of the stunning natural wonders in the Laurel Highlands. Perhaps you will recognize a few gems and discover some new must-sees. Spruce Flats Bog, Laurel Summit State Park Make a stop at Spruce Flats Bog, a unique vantage point and home to beautiful plant life, including carnivorous plants. Home to unique plants not usually found in this region, Spruce Flats Bog is shrouded in geological mystery. Bogs are typically not found at such high elevations. But this bog sits in a rock depression at 2,720 feet above sea level. Geologists believe that Spruce Flats probably wasn’t formed by glacial movement, but by extreme weather. The water in the bog isn’t fed by natural springs, but by rain and snowfall, making the water a little stagnant and very acidic. Here you’ll find familiar flora like mountain laurel and rhododendron, as well as cranberries, St. John’s wort, grasses, and even carnivorous sundew and pitcher plants. The less than a half a mile stroll from the parking area at Laurel Summit ends at a deck overlooking the 28 acres of swampy and moss-covered land. This region is a great place for bird watching. Hemlock Grove at Laurel Hill State Park Laurel Hill State Park is the perfect destination for winter sports, family fun, hiking, wildlife and bird watching and camping during any time of year. Seventy-five years ago, the Civilian Conservation Corps revived the landscape after heavy timbering and the only untouched area is the Hemlock Trail Natural Area. The hemlocks are at least 200 years old and measure up to three-and-a-half feet in diameter. Take a peaceful trek on the 1.6-mile Hemlock Trail loop, which leads you along the banks of Laurel Hill Creek and through the grove of stately towering trees. Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle State Park Ohiopyle Falls, one of many waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park, features a 20-foot drop of powerful rushing water that spans the entire width of the Youghiogheny River. Visitors can easily access the falls by parking on the main road in town or in the Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center parking lot. On your way to the observation deck, read some of the interpretive signage about the history of whitewater and the falls, including the story of George Washington’s run-in with the powerful river. Ohiopyle Falls can also be viewed from the opposite side of the river by taking a short hike on the Ferncliff Trail. Ferncliff Peninsula, Ohiopyle State Park Encircled by the Youghiogheny River, the 100-acre Ferncliff Peninsula in Ohiopyle State Park is an exceptional habitat for many rare and interesting plants. The Youghiogheny River flows from the south to the north, picking up seeds in Maryland and West Virginia and leaving them at Ferncliff, north of their usual growing range. Here the deep river gorge is a bit warmer than the surrounding area, allowing these southern plants to survive. Recognized for its botanical diversity for more than 100 years, the peninsula was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1973. Mount Davis, Forbes State Forest The highest point in Pennsylvania is located in the Laurel Highlands! Mount Davis, located in Forbes State Forest in Somerset County, is situated 3,213 feet above sea level on the crest of a 30-mile ridgeline. Adventurers will find a large parking lot off of Mount Davis Road and can walk about 100 yards to the peak, making it easily accessible by car. The expansive view from the summit is absolutely breathtaking, but feel free to climb to the top of the nearby observation tower for a better view of the rolling hillsides and picturesque mountains. Blue Hole, Forbes State Forest, Blue Hole Division/Barron Tract Not too far from Cole Run Falls, you will find Blue Hole, a stunning sight for sure. The water has formed a deep hole within the stream where the water appears blue because of the depth and the stones over which the water flows. For added adventure, check out the remains of the Civilian Conservations Corps camp at nearby Fall Run. Eastern Continental Divide on the Great Allegheny Passage The highest point on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) at 2,392 feet above sea level, the Eastern Continental Divide can be found at mile marker 23.7, very close to Meyersdale. Pour water on one side of this watershed divide and it flows to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Pour on the other side, it’s headed to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Abundant Snowfall Alberta Clippers, lake-effect snow, Nor’easters… you name ‘em, we got ‘em here in the Laurel Highlands. The mountain ridges and valley areas not only create a beautiful landscape but a diverse environment, ripe for snow. Western-facing ridges are a bulls-eye for lake effect snowstorms coming from the west and Lake Erie. On average, the highest elevations of the region receive about 138 inches (11.5 feet) of snow between late October and early April. Only our neighbors along Lake Erie can rival the Laurel Highlands for the highest totals in the state. 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., the 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, also known as Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.