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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.

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.

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.

As the weather warms up, take time to slow down and enjoy it in Hampton, Virginia. Spend time relaxing at the beach, rent a canoe at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, and enjoy a delicious meal outdoors. Even when summer ends you will always have the memories that were created during your time in Hampton.

Enjoy a long weekend with these 10 outdoor activities:

1. Visit the animals at Bluebird Gap Farm 

Goats, cows, and turtles, oh my! The animals at Bluebird Gap Farm are patiently waiting to greet you. With a large variety of animals, and beautiful landscaping, Bluebird Gap Farm is perfect for a family outing and spending time outdoors while the weather is still nice.

 

2. Rent a boat at Sandy Bottom Nature Park   

Rent a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or jon boat from Sandy Bottom Nature Park to paddle around their lakes. Just $4 and hour to rent, this is a great activity if you are looking for fun on a budget! After you paddle, and hopefully stay dry, go for a hike on their 11 different trail systems. The trails include soft surfaces, wild life, water views, and beautiful scenery.

3. Walk around Air Power Park

Free to all visitors, history buffs can walk around vintage aircraft and experimental space launch vehicles from the 1950s and 60s. Each aircraft is also accompanied by historical markers to explain the history and importance of each plane and space vehicle. If you are looking to stay cool, make sure to visit Air Power Park’s air conditioned museum open daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm.

4. Set Sail on Miss Hampton II 

Miss Hampton II Harbor cruises take you on a 3 hour ride to Norfolk Naval Base and back. Pass by locations only accessible by water, and learn fun and interesting facts about Hampton and the Naval Base. Cruises set sail Tuesday-Saturday at 11:00 am and Sundays at 2pm. For Labor Day, they will have special hours on Monday, with a cruise leaving the dock at 11:00 am! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! 

5. Paddle along the Chesapeake Bay 

Hampton Water Sports, located at Buckroe Beach has Paddle Boards, kayaks, and Jet Ski’s for you to rent. With 4 square miles to paddle and ride, it is a safe and fun activity for the whole family. Reservations are recommended!

6. Explore Historical Fort Monroe 

As the largest stone fort in America, visitors can walk around and explore Fort Monroe‘s 63 acres at their leisure. Learn about the fort’s history from its completion in 1834 to 2011 when it became an official National Monument. After your exploration you can soak up the sun and cool off in the water at Outlook Beach! 

7. Spend the day at the beach 

Beach lovers can spend Labor Day weekend soaking up the sun on Hampton’s public beaches. Cool off in the Chesapeake Bay, build a sand castle, or throw a football around with friends. Beaches at Buckroe, Fort Monroe, Salt Ponds and Grandview are ready to welcome you for a day of fun in the sun!

8. Watch the sunset or sunrise 

Whether you are at Buckroe Beach, Downtown Hampton, or Sandy Bottom Nature Park, take time to watch the sunset light up the night sky. Surrounded by water, Hampton is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Early risers can watch a beautiful view of the sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay at Buckroe Beach and Fort Monroe.

 

9. Hit the Links

The Hamptons Golf Course and Woodlands Golf Course are both open for the public to “hit the links”. Maintained by the city, these two courses are perfect for any golf lover. Grab your golf clubs, and spend a quiet day among these fun courses. 

10. Dine Outdoors 

With many outdoor dining options, there is a restaurant for everyone to enjoy. After a long day of soaking up the sun, exploring the trails at Sandy Bottom, or playing a round of golf, refuel with a delicious meal.

Discover everything Hampton has to offer as you create lasting memories over Labor Day weekend. As summer winds down, take time to relax and enjoy the outdoors with those you love most.