Back Road Adventures in Big Valley, PA

View All Itineraries

Wide open spaces filled with picturesque rural scenes greet visitors and residents alike. Kishacoquillas Valley (a name derived from Chief Kishacoquillas of the Shawnee tribe, who befriended early settlers) is commonly known as Big Valley.

This 27-mile-long valley is home to several small towns, each with its own appeal. The area’s relaxed, inviting atmosphere and charming countryside has many people making a yearly pilgrimage to interact with the area’s large Amish community, dine in local restaurants, and take in “Sale Day,” as Wednesdays in the valley are known.

Make one of our lodging locations your base camp during your stay. The Holiday Inn Express and Suites, built in 2018, is centrally located and offers the latest amenities. Want a more rustic or rural setting, try the Hill Store Guest Cottage, a charmingly restored 1853 general store and cottage located in the heart of Amish country, or the 1866 Georgian style home of Brookmere Winery & Vineyard Inn, or reserve early at the luxury glamping locale, Airydale Retreat.

DAY 1

Start your weekend off right by escaping to the mountains. Reeds Gap State Park is one of the lesser-known state parks which makes it perfect for a quiet spot to enjoy the outdoors. Located at a natural water gap created by Honey Creek, this 220-acred park is home to three miles of leisurely hiking trails that follow the creek’s banks, plus this creek allows for some great fishing. Traverse across one of three wooden bridges over the creek for clear views downstream.

Fuel up at The Wilderness Lodge, just a few miles from the park. Formerly a CCC mess hall during World War II, the lodge is rich in history and character. Relax on the patio or inside the lodge and try their award-winning wings, Elk burgers, or in-house smoked ribs. Take a selfie with Willie the Bear!

DAY 2

Mimosas for brunch? No one is stopping you! Seven Mountain’s Wine Bar and Stonefly Café’s brunch menu shines with dishes such as orange blossom French toast, house-made fritters, toasted smoked salmon bagel, and bananas foster. Pair your brunch with a refreshing cocktail, Irish coffee, or an espresso martini. Located in the center of the charming village of Reedsville, this former hardware store and post office has been a social gathering fixture for decades.

Spend your day exploring Big Valley. Get your camera out because you don’t want to miss this Instagram-worthy stop. “Belle of St. Mary’s” is a 13-foot-tall bovine that greets guests at the entrance to Hameau Farm summer camp and artist retreat.

Swing by Brookmere Winery to try some local vine to glass wine. Go to Peight’s Store and grab a few snacks, or memorabilia from Amish country. Take in the breathtaking views of the two valleys below from Jack’s Mountain Overlook.

Grab lunch at the 200-year-old Whitehall General Store, famous for its hoagies, and loved for its classic general store appearance with original hardwood floors and nostalgic displays.

Make your way to Joe Peachey’s Wood Lathe Shop at 70 Rolling Hills Lane, Allensville. Peachey, a local Amish man, is a master craftsman when it comes to woodworking and his work can be found around the world. Check out the bowls he makes from tree burls. On the way back, enjoy a nice country drive on Back Mountain Road.

Hope you saved room dinner! Revival Kitchen is a dining experience centered on locally sourced ingredients carefully crafted using both classical and modern cooking methods. Revival has, along with the community of farmers who help make it possible, turned Reedsville into a dining destination, where people flock to taste a creative, ever-changing, and seasonally fresh menu. To get the opportunity to taste their 5-course menu, reserve your spot far in advance.

DAY 3

Voted best breakfast in the Juniata River Valley for more than 20 years, The Honey Creek Inn is a great way to get your day started right. We highly recommend their famous French toast.

Spend the rest of your day browsing the wonderful vintage treasures at Big Valley Antique Center. They have two huge floors full of displays, so don’t get lost!