Let`s - Visiting the PA Great Outdoors

Summer2008
Let’s
PA
Great
Outdoors
Brookville
Laurel
Festival
Animal,
Animals,
Animals!
Page 14
Page 12
Rediscover
Drive-In
Movies Page 7
Kinzua Dam
& Allegheny
Reservoir
Page 3
Flea Markets
wcvb.net
Page 6
visitPA.com
Old Time
Train Ride Page 15
VisitPaGo.com
Welcome to Pennsylvania Great Outdoors
visitPA.com
Thousands of Acres of Forest
Hundreds of Miles of Winding Rivers...
(It’s Fun for People Too!)
Sugar Grove
Youngsville
WARREN
Tidioute
62
Allegheny
Reservor
WCVB
Visitor's
Center
Warren
Kinzua
Dam
Sheffield
62
28
Nature in its endless variety and glorious color is what
Northwest Pennsylvania is all about. Enjoy hiking, biking,
boating, camping, fishing and more. See wild free-roaming
elk, meet the world-famous weathercaster Punxsutawney Phil,
marvel at the Kinzua Dam, or explore the Allegheny National
Forest.
There’s lots of HISTORY too, and plenty of ARTS,
beautiful hand-crafts and GREAT PLACES TO
STAY, indoors and out!
For one stop
shopping and
FREE GUIDES
to Northwest PA,
including attractions, hotels, cabin rentals, and bed &
breakfasts—call TOLL-FREE today: 800-348-9393
Visit our WEBSITE at VisitPaGo.com. For Warren
County call (814) 726-1222 and visit www.wcvb.net.
KINZUA:
Perfect Vacation Spot
SUMMER
Happenings
A complete
list of events can be found
on VisitPaGo.com or
www.wcvb.net
JUNE
Children’s Fishing Derby
Kids 12 and under, numerous prize
give-aways.
June 1, 1-3 p.m.
Cook Forest State Park
Children’s Fishing Pond
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
Fish For Free Day
Fishing is permitted without a
license by PA Fish & Boat Commission.
June 1, all day throughout PA
P
icture a sparkling lake
surrounded by a national
forest and you have the
perfect natural setting for your
vacation. It’s all here at Kinzua
Dam (pronounced kin-zoo) and
launches placed strategically
around the lake for easy access.
At the reservoir’s Big Bend
Access Area, a seasonal visitors
center is open and staffed from
Memorial Day through Labor
Day and weekends
from September to
mid October. Fish and
wildlife displays, slide
programs and other
exhibits provide a good
orientation to the
area. Spacious, well
landscaped grounds
offer an opportunity to
stroll along two short
nature trails and learn
about local flora and
The Kinzua Dam is 1,897 feet tall. 3 million
fauna. Several picnic
cubic yards of concrete were used to build it.
tables, park benches,
grills and a small playthe Allegheny Reservoir just outground make this area ideal to
side of the town of Warren, PA.
stop, rest and picnic.
Kinzua is one of the largest
The reservoir, also known
dams in the East. It was completed in 1965 by the U. S. Corps as Kinzua Lake, is surrounded by
of Engineers to provide flood
control and hydro-electric power.
The dam created the 12,000-acre
Allegheny Reservoir—the deepest inland lake in Pennsylvania.
Boating, flat-water canoeing,
kayaking, and fishing are a few
of the activities this beautiful
blue expanse makes possible.
There are marinas and boat
the Allegheny National Forest.
The forest protects over 1/2-million acres of woodlands including some of the largest remaining tracts of virgin beech and
hemlock. The forest is home to
over 300 wildlife
species.
For visitors, there are hiking trails, campsites, beaches,
picnic areas, and horseback riding. ATV riding is also permitted
on some trails. Outdoor Photographer Magazine has called the
Allegheny National Forest one
of its favorite places to take
photos.
The Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir are located on
Rt. 59, 6 miles east of the town
of Warren, PA. For information
about lodging and recreational
activities contact the Warren
County Visitors Bureau at (814)
726-1222. www.wcvb.net.
Ridgway Fireman’s
Celebration & Parade
June 2-7. all day
(Parade Sat. June 7)
Firemen’s Grounds
North Broad Street, Ridgway, PA
(814) 773-5591, www.ridgwayfire.org
French & Indian War
Encampment
Forest battles, musket and cannon
firing, blacksmithing, sutler row,
artist show, camp life of French,
British troops & American Indians.
June 7-8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cook Forest State Park
Sawmill Center for the Arts
(814) 744-8407, www.cookforest.com
Snake Hunt
Snake hunting on site, displays,
food, games, camping. June 14-15, 8 a.m.-dusk
Sinnemahoning Sportsmen’s Club
15 Club Rd., Sinnemahoning, PA (814) 546-2835, www.sinnsports.com
Millcreek Adventure Race
Running, swimming, biking,
canoeing, orienteering race starts
at Millcreek Boat Launch ends at
Brookville YMCA. Rain or shine.
June 14, 7 a.m.
Brookville, PA, (814) 849-7355
www.brookvilleymca.com
Warren County YMCA 10K & 5K Run
June 14, 10 a.m.
Warren County YMCA (814) 726-0110
Emporium Old Home Week
Rides, bingo and concession stands.
June 15-21
Broad Street, Emporium, PA
(814) 486-0230
Western PA Laurel Festival
Concerts, craft and sidewalk sales,
food, parade, games, and car show.
June 16-22
Main Street, Brookville, PA
(814) 849-4751
3
3
www.brookvillechamber.com
all’s Fair
How to Reach Us
Go To The County Fair
S
PA Great Outdoors
Visitor’s Bureau
Brookville, PA
800-348-9393
www.VisitPaGo.com
4
Warren County
Visitor’s Bureau
Warren, PA
814-726-1222
www.wcvb.net
ummer just wouldn’t be
summer without a county
fair. Here are the county
fairs happening in our region
this summer—
The Clarion County
Fair will celebrate its 70th
anniversary this year. The
musical headliner will be the
nation’s No. 1 new country
group, Lady Antebellum.
The trio has been named the
“Top New Group 2008” by the
Academy of Country Music. They
will perform with their unique
blend of classic country, R&B,
and singer-songwriters style
Thursday, July 24. Also at this
year’s fair, look for the Zirbini
Family Circus. The circus is a
top family show with clowns,
jugglers, and high-wire and
trapeze artists. Also look for
demolition derbies, tractor pulls,
agricultural shows, and midway. The Clarion County Fair will
take place July 20-26 at Redbank
Valley Municipal Park, 1.5 miles
north of New Bethlehem, PA on
Rt. 28.
The week-long Jefferson
County Fair will feature lots of
livestock exhibits, plus a rodeo,
carnival rides and games, talent
contests, horse pull, truck and
tractor pull, mud races, antique
machinery displays, and fine
food concessions. There will be
plenty of musical entertainment
too including country bands
Diamonds In The Rough, Sug’r
Bear and Country Pride.
The Jefferson County Fair
will take place July 13-19 at the
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
just north of Brookville. For
a complete schedule visit
www.jeffcofair.com.
The Elk County Fair
will take place August 5-9.
The event will feature food,
exhibits, amusement rides,
musical bands, demolition
derbies, chalk art, clown,
balloon artists and nightly
contests.
The fair will be held at the
Elk County Fairgrounds just
south of St. Marys, PA in Kersey.
The Cameron County Fair
will take place August 3-9. It
will feature all kinds of fun
contests including bubble gum
blowing, hot dog and pie eating,
lip syncing, nail driving, milk
chugging and seed spitting.
Plus look for strolling comic
magicians, a visit by Smokey
Bear, music by the Glen Lucan
Family Band, and chili and
barbecue cook-offs.
The fair will be at the
fairgrounds one mile outside
of Emporium, PA on Rt. 46N.
www.cameroncountyfair.org.
The Warren County
Fair has a big lineup of
entertainment planned this year.
Country music breakthrough
artist Bucky Covington from
American Idol season 5 will
perform August 5. Tickets are
$20 & $22. Call (814) 563-3565.
Lots more music will follow all
week including Johnny Cash
tribute artists Terry Lee Goffee
on August 6, and high energy
rock by Black Widow on August
7. There will also be midway
games, exhibits, tractor pulls,
Brunon Blaszak’s Royal Bengal
Tiger Show, and ventriloquist
Dave Crone. The fair will take
place August 5-9 on Barton Run
Rd. in Pittsfield, PA.
www.cameroncountyfair.net.
See the nation’s No. 1 country music group, Lady
Antebellum, perform its chart-topping songs at the
Clarion County Fair, Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m.
The group recently won the 2008 Best New Vocal Group
award by the Academy of Country Music.
Follow a trail of adventure into the rugged beauty
and pioneering heritage of Elk County—the southern
gateway to the 1/2-million acre Allegheny National Forest.
S
tart off elk watching at Winslow Hill located just outside the town of Benezette. The
viewing area is one of the best places around
for seeing wildlife. Be sure to take your camera.
Benezette is located on Rt. 555. There are many
cabins, campgrounds and B&Bs for an overnight
stay, plus restaurants and shops.
About 30 minutes from Benezette on Rt. 255,
you’ll come to St. Marys—Elk County’s largest
community. Here you can tour St. Joseph Monastery, the first Benedictine convent in the nation;
see Decker’s Chapel, one of the smallest historical
chapels; and tour Straub Brewery, a family-owned
brewery since 1872. Its downtown has many shops
and restaurants, plus there are a number of hotels
and B&B’s nearby.
Take a short drive to the west on Rt. 120, and
you’ll find the beautiful Victorian mansions of
Ridgway. Lumber barons built their grand homes
here in the late 1800s. Today, there are hundreds
of well preserved properties in the five-block Lily
of the Valley National Historical District. The
town is also home to the international Chainsaw
Carvers Rendezvous. Whimsical wooden sculptures
line the streets and fill the parks. There are many
unique specialty shops, restaurants, charming B&Bs
and hotels throughout the community.
You can round out your trip taking the
picturesque drive north on Rt. 219 to the towns
of Johnsonburg and Wilcox. With Bendigo State
Park, Twin Lakes, East Branch Lake, Elk State
Park and the Winery at Wilcox just minutes away,
this area is truly an outdoor paradise. There are
many cabins and campgrounds in the area where
you can stay overnight.
Upcoming Events
In Elk County
June 2-7
Ridgway Fireman’s
Celebration & Parade
N. Broad St., Ridgway
June 27-28
Ridgway
Independence Festival
Ridgway
July 3
Independence Day Fireworks
St. Marys Country Club
St. Marys
July 18-20
Wilcox Sesquicentennial
Celebration
Community Baseball Park
Wilcox
August 5-9
Elk County Fair
Elk County Fairgrounds
Kersey (just S. of St. Marys)
For complete travel information including lodging, attractions, restaurants and
more call toll-free (800) 348-9393 or go on-line to VisitPaGo.com/elkcounty.
Paid for by the Elk County Room Tax Committee
5
good buys and rare Finds
Weekend Flea Markets
Calling All Shoppers,
Seekers & Browsers
F
lea Markets are filled with
good buys and rare finds.
So smart shoppers and
treasure seekers alike love our
weekend flea markets. But flea
markets also provide a wonderful way to spend a leisurely
summer day just browsing and
checking out whatever catches
your eye or tickles your fancy.
If you like a lot to choose
from, the biggest flea market
around is the Hazen Flea Market. Over 450 vendors gather to
sell furniture, antiques, and new
and used merchandise. Local
growers are on hand too selling
fresh flowers, vegetables and
landscaping plants. It all takes
place the first Sunday of the
month (and Saturday before)
May through October. Sellers set
up around 7 or 8 a.m. The event
is sponsored by the Warsaw
Township Volunteer Fire Company, which runs a food kitchen
on site. While you browse you
can nosh on hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, and soups. On Sundays there is barbecued chicken
available. Admission is free,
but parking on adjacent private
property is $2. The Hazen Flea
Market is located six miles north
of Brookville on Rt. 28. There are
plenty of signs to show you the
way. (814) 328-2528.
West of Brookville, look
for the Peddler’s Ridge Flea
Market. It’s open every Saturday
and Sunday till the end of October. Here you’ll find 60 to 80
sellers of antiques, crafts, jewelry, pottery, and second hand
items. Admission and parking
are free. The market is located
in Corsica, PA. Take the Strattonville Exit 70 from I-80 (located
between Clarion and Brookville
exits). (814) 275-2850.
There are two flea markets
near Cook Forest. First, the Fam-
Spend
Some Time
Off The
Beaten
Path
N
ot everybody wants to stay
in a big campground with
fancy buildings and lots
of other people. Some folks just
want to take life slower, relax
and enjoy being in beautiful
surroundings. If this sounds like
you, then At The Woods Cabin &
Campground in Sigel is just the
thing.
The campground has 25
sites for primitive camping on
6
four picturesque acres. There
are rest rooms and showers but
the rest is up to you. For only
$16 per night, you can pitch
your tent or park your camper
and save your money for other
things.
If you desire a few more
amenities but still would like
to enjoy the peace and quiet,
the cabin at the campgrounds
is spacious and very nice. It has
a fully equipped kitchen, two
bedrooms, dining room, living
room, sun porch and a full bath
with tub and shower. With the
bedrooms, day beds and futons,
the cabin can comfortably sleep
10. There’s a fire ring outside for
getting together in the evening
and there is satellite dish TV
with HBO and a DVD player
inside.
At the Woods Cabin &
ily Fun Flea Market at the Double Diamond Deer Ranch is open
every weekend till Halloween.
A dozen or so vendors gather
to sell jewelry, homemade jams
and jellies, Avon, ceramics, bake
goods, cutlery, hunting knives,
$5 tee shirts, lamps, figurines,
and many unique items at reduced prices. The market is open
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday. Parking and admission
are free. The Double Diamond
Deer Ranch is located on Rt. 36,
Clarington, PA. (814) 752-6334.
There is another flea market close by in Leeper, PA. It’s
open Saturdays and Sundays,
8 a.m., now through October.
On any given weekend, there
are 50 to 100 vendors selling
knickknacks and some antiques.
Parking and admission are free.
There is a concession stand
where you can get food. The
Leeper Flea Market is located
on the corner of Rts. 36 & 66 in
Leeper, PA, five minutes north of
Cook Forest. (814) 744-8811.
Campground is
located next to
the Farmers Inn.
So you can walk
over to the restaurant, ice cream
shop, and other
attractions in just
a few minutes.
Truman’s General
Store in Sigel is
2 miles away and
has everything you might need
for food and other necessities.
The campground is just minutes
away from Cook Forest and Clear
Creek State Park as well.
At The Woods Cabin &
Campground is located in Sigel,
PA, 10 miles north of I-80 Exit 78
(Brookville). Get all the details
and call for reservations at (330)
385-2404 or (330) 323-2984.
Atthewoodscabin.com.
SUMMER
the big Picture
Happenings
Make This Your Summer To
Rediscover
Drive-in Movies
Coolspring Power Museum
2008 Spring Exposition and
flea market.
June 19-21, starting at noon
Coolspring, PA, (814) 849-6883
www.coolspringpowermuseum.org
Community Yard Sale
Community wide yard sale. Maps
provided by Chamber of Commerce.
June 20-21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
New Bethlehem, PA
Redbank Valley area homes
(814) 275-3929
www.newbethlehemarea.com
Festival in the Forest
Art Show & Competition
Work by area amateur and
professional artists and artisans.
Vendors, food and music.
June 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Forest County 4-H Club
Rt. 36, 5 miles S. of Tionesta
(814) 927-5154,
www.forestcounty.com
T
his summer drive-in
theaters across the
country will celebrate the
75th anniversary of this
unique form of entertainment.
Did you know drive-ins got their
start when Richard Hollingshead,
Jr., an auto parts salesman,
began showing movies outside
on a sheet strung between two
trees? The 1928 Kodak film
projector he used rested on the
hood of his car. He experimented
to see if the picture could be
seen with more than one car
in his yard. He added speakers
behind the sheet and used his
lawn sprinkler to conduct a rainy
weather test.
Once he worked out the
bugs, Hollingshead applied and
was granted a patent for his
invention. He opened the first
official drive-in theater in Camden, NJ in 1933. By 1958 more
than 4,058 drive-ins were up and
running across the country.
Today, there are only 397
drive-ins operating in the U.S.
Lucky for us, one of those is
the Moonlite Drive-in located
here on Rt. 322 just west of
Brookville. The Moonlite, which
opened in 1952, was given a
new lease on life by local entrepreneur Jim Lipuma who bought
it in 1996.
Some of the great movies coming this summer to the
Moonlite are You Don’t Mess with
the Zohan, The Incredible Hulk,
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom
of the Crystal Skull, Get Smart,
The Love Guru, Tropic Thunder,
WALL-E, and The Mummy: Tomb
of the Dragon.
From Memorial Day to
Labor Day the Moonlite will
be open five days a week
(Wednesday through Sunday).
Visit The
Open House
Shop
Eclectic & Fun
Antiques • Collectibles • New
Stuff • Retired Longaberger®
Pottery • Furniture • Original
Designs • Primitive/Country
• Country Farm Tables
1 mi. North of Brookville,
1360 Rt. 36
814-541-1484
[email protected]
Double feature shows start at
dusk. Admission is $7/adult
and $3/child for two movies.
A concession stand serving all
your drive-in favorites is also
on site. The Moonlite’s movie
hotline is 814-849-5588 or log
onto www.lipumatheatres.com.
(Also check out Family
Movie Night in Ridgway. The
town will be showing movies under the stars. The movies are free
and refreshments will be offered.
Bring your own blanket or lawn
chair. Shows start at dusk. Location: Knights of Columbus lawn.
Show Dates: July 10, 17, 24 and
31, plus August 7 and 14.)
Located in Beautiful
Downtown Ridgway
Public Fax Service
Area Souvenirs
Photo Developing
Full Service Pharmacy
Money Grams
Kodak Picture Maker
And So Much More!
223 Main St., Ridgway, PA 15853
814-773-3131
Self-Guided Home & Garden Tour
10 garden experts, 5 houses & cemetery with 2 historians. Tickets $5.
June 21, noon-5 p.m.
Foxburg, PA, (724) 659-0065
Women in the Outdoors
Hands-on learning experience for
women on outdoor sports and
activities. Meals included.
Pre-registration required.
June 21-22
Sinnemahoning State Park
8288 First Fork Road
Austin, PA, (814) 647-8401
Big Truck & Tractor Pull
Annual event presented by
Full Pull Productions.
June 21
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Brookville, PA
(814) 265-0640, www.jeffcofair.com
Mussel Your Way
Down the Allegheny
One or two day trip includes canoe/
kayak rental, hauling, meals,
guided tours. Over night lodging not
included.
June 21-22; Day 1 start at Tidioute;
Day 2 start at Tionesta
(724) 459-0953 Ext.104
www.paconserve.org
Classic Mountain Bike Race
2 miles of continuous climbing, 3500
feet of elevation changes. Roots,
rocks, and ruts, 4 miles of fresh single
track. Prizes & SWAG giveaways. June 22, 11 a.m.
Laurel Fields, Heath Twp.
(12 miles North of Brookville, PA)
www.geocities.com/fattirechallenge
7
Tasting In
The Wilds
Sensational Event
S
top by Tasting in the
Wilds this July in Ridgway.
It will engage all of your
senses. To tickle your taste buds,
six area wineries and breweries will offer sipping samples
plus local restaurants
will serve up unique
sandwiches and
finger foods. To
delight your
eyes, regional
artists will
have a gallery
of colorful works on
display. And to
please your ears,
three bands will play
a blend of soft-rock and
country—just the right note for
an easygoing summer day.
Participating wineries
include Laurel Mountain Vineyards, Allegheny Cellars Winery,
Mount Nittany, Star Hill Winery,
and the Winery at Wilcox. The
breweries are Straub, Great
Lakes, Otto’s Pub & Brewery and
the Erie Brewing Company. Tasting areas will be set up under
canopies and a pavilion on site
will be set with tables and seating for guests. Artisanal
breads and cheeses,
and gourmet nuts
will be on sale
from vendors as
well.
Tasting In The
Wilds will take
place Saturday,
July 19, at the
Fireman’s Grounds
on N. Broadstreet
(Rt. 219) in Ridgway.
The event will run from 12-7
p.m. and benefit the Ridgway
Heritage Council. Tickets are $15
in advance and $20 at the gate.
A $5 nontasting ticket is available for designated drivers. (814)
772-1638.
www.ridgwayheritagecouncil.org.
On Stage
At The Verna Leith
Sawmill Theatre
M
other Nature may take
center stage in summer,
but there are others who
certainly deserve mention and
applause for their performances
as well. At the Verna Leith
Sawmill Theatre in Cook Forest,
the lights will go up on a string
of musical comedies starting
with Send Me No Flowers, June
12-14. Also look for
The Roar of the
Greasepaint—The
Smell of the Crowd,
June 19-21, 25-28;
Godspell, July 2-5;
Suessical, the
Musical, July
10-12, 16-19; Males Order
Brides, July 23-26; Once, On
This Island, July 31-August 2,
6-9; Little Shop of Horrors,
August 14-16, 21-23; Barefoot
in the Park, August 28-30,
September 4-6; and Leader of
the Pack, September 11-13. All
shows start at 8 p.m.
The Sawmill Theatre
is located in Cook
Forest State Park.
For tickets and
information call
(814) 927-5275.
sawmill.org.
More Entertainment...
At the new Allegheny Riverstone Center in Foxburg, the
summer season begins with
pianist/keyboard player Dennis
Geib, June 14. Then get ready
for the honky tonk country
music of The Mavens, June 21;
Irish ballads and show tunes
by Cahal Dunne, June 28-29;
bluegrass by Gypsy Jack and
the StumpJumpers, July 5;
organist Dave Wickerham, July
12; ragtime and gypsy music by
Tom and Suzanne Roberts, July
19-20; accoustic jazz and Texas
swing by Terry Young & His
Sweet Patootee, July 26; songs
of Scotland, Ireland and England
by Carl Petersen, August 2-3;
Sweet Adelines Allegheny
Sounds Chorus, August 9;
gypsy jazz and folk music by
Neil Jacobs, August 16; and
local Stand-up Comedy Nite,
August 23; bluegrass by the Red
Mountain Boys, August 30 &
September 1; and traditional
Irish songs by Guaranteed
Irish, September 6. Most
performances begin at 8 p.m.
For tickets, times, and more
information call (724) 659-0021.
www.alleghenyriverstone.org.
Hominy Ridge
Lodge & Cabins
• OPEN YEAR ROUND
• FULLY FURNISHED
• FIREPLACES
• OUTDOOR PICNIC AREAS
• PETS WELCOME
• DISH NETWORK
• WIRELESS DSL INTERNET
• NEW ADDITIONS
P.O. Box 160, Cooksburg, PA 16217
www.hominyridge.com
[email protected] 1-800-851-6377
8
Call for Hours
(814) 752-6334
Route 36, 3 Miles South of
Cook Forest State Park
Mini Golf
Weekend Flea Market (May - Sept)
Visit us online at:
www.doublediamonddeerranch.com
SUMMER
View from the fire tower in Cook Forest.
Happenings
Fireman’s Old Home Week
Annual carnival capped by the
Fireman’s Parade on Saturday
afternoon.
June 23-28, Punxsutawney, PA
(814) 938-5524
www.punxsutawneyfiredepartment.com
Kelly Brothers Circus
June 24, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Rouse Home Parking Lot
Youngsville, PA
Take Time To
Enjoy The View
Photo by HerbA.
L
ooking for some breathtaking views? Climb the
fire tower or walk up to Seneca Point in Cook
Forest. From the 87-foot fire tower you’ll get a 15
mile view of the majestic old growth forest and local
landmarks. From Seneca Point, which is a boulder
as big as a house, you’ll get a wonderful view of the
Clarion River Valley. The boulder itself has man-made
indentations where Native Americans ground food
such as seeds and grains. Near Warren, PA be sure
to go to Rimrock Overlook. You’ll see a spectacular
view of the Allegheny Reservoir above Kinzua Dam.
It’s located 15 miles E. of Warren on Forest Road 454
(2 miles from the junction of Rt. 59 and FR 454). And
you’ll find a magnificent panoramic view of the Allegheny River at Brady’s Bend. From I-80, it’s located
21 miles S. of Clarion Exit 62 on Rt. 68.
Forest County
Your Natural Escape!
Go With
The Flow
There’s nothing quite like
drifting down the river on
a lazy summer day. You
and your friends and family
can rent inner tubes from
several different outfitters
along the scenic Clarion
River in Cooksburg and Allegheny River in Foxburg.
Or if you want to flex your
muscles, you can go paddling for a couple of hours
or even a couple of days in
a canoe or kayak. Just bring
your camping gear along
with you.
Mark Your Calendar
June 21
Festival in the Forest Art Show
914-927-6609
July 17-20
Allegheny Mountain Championship Rodeo
Flying W Ranch / Kellettville
flyingwranch.com • 814-463-7663
August 9-17 Tionesta Indian Festival / Tionesta
forestcounty.com • 814-755-3256
Sept. 13-14 Hunting & Fishing Fall Expo
PA Hunting and Fishing Musuem / Tionesta
huntfishmuseum.org • 814-755-3531
Paid for by the Forest County Room Tax Committee
Outdoor Adventurers Days
For kids 6-8 yrs. exploring types of
rocks, characteristics of rocks and
the rock cycle.
June 24-26, 6-8 p.m.
Clear Creek State Park
(814) 752-2368
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
Ridgway Independence Festival
Music, hot dog and pie eating contests,
dog show, karaoke contest, sidewalk
art and vendors.
June 27-28
Ridgway, PA, (814) 834-2821
Buskers Festival
Music in the streets all day.
June 27
Downtown Warren, PA
814-723-1360
Birds ‘n Brunch
Bird watching pontoon boat tour at
Stevenson Dam. Brunch on boat.
Pre-registration required.
June 28
Sinnemahoning State Park
8288 First Fork Road
Austin, PA, (814) 647-8401
Golf, Dinner, & Cabaret
For Community Sake
Golf Scramble, followed by dinner and
songs by Tony Award nominated actress
Jill O’Hara.
June 29, 1:30 p.m golf,
5:30 dinner & cabaret
Jackson Valley Golf Club
1947 Jackson Run Road
Warren, PA, (814) 730-1571
Corsica Independence Days
Annual summer celebration with
fireman’s carnival, competitions,
games, plus largest parade and
fireworks display in Jefferson County. June 29-July 4
Fire Company Grounds
Rt. 322 & School Street
Corsica, PA, (814) 229-3752
9
good Taste
Top Pick
Sandwiches
G
ot a hankering for a great sandwich? Here’s a handful of
mouthwatering creations chosen by a few local residents
as their hometown favorite. Any way you stack them, they’re
all delicious.
Godfather Sandwich
ham, turkey, cappacola, salami, provolone and hot pepper cheese
Aiello’s Cafe, 102 N. Broad St.
Ridgway, (814) 772-6767
“I love the hot and spicy cheese.”
—Tanya Viglione
Footlong Hot Dog
with Sauce
Frosty Freeze,Rt. 36 N, Brookville
(814) 849-3935. “They use a secret
sauce and I could eat them every
day.” —Joyce Toven
Sawdust Burger
burger with bacon, cheese,
thousand island, onions
Sawmill Restaurant
Corner St Rt 36 & 66, Leeper
(814) 744-8578. “It’s the best.”
—Dorothy Rodgers
Jesse James Sandwich
prime rib and mozzerella
Gunners Restaurant
33 S. St. Marys St., St. Marys (814)
834-2161. “I love the prime rib here.
I would drive up here just for the
sandwich!”
—Beth Burdick
Stromboli
Pizza Palace Plus
19 W. 4th St., Emporium
(814) 486-1819. “Their stromboli is
to die for.” —Linda Cobb
Italian Beef Sandwich
10
slow roasted beef and secret
ingredients
Saints Cosmas & Damian Church
Festival Punxsutawney (1st weekend
in August). “I wait all year for this
sandwich...it will light you up!”
—Gene Roberts
Italian Cheese
Steak Hoagie
Betinna’s Italian Restaurant
123 Chestnut St., Marienville
(814) 927-7888—Denny Markham
A
family adventure is waiting for you at Campers Paradise! Wooded tent and RV sites in a beautiful and quiet
atmosphere or cabins featuring primitive rustic camping or
luxury accommodations with private hot tubs,
Campers Paradise has it all.
Enjoy lounging by our sparkling pool or joining in on the pool
games. Every weekend is packed with special events, like Jeep Camp,
Family Survivor, Pig Roast & Luau, mud wrestling and more!
Our Outpost is a one-stop outfitter for all your outdoor needs: hunting, fishing, camping, RVing, hiking supplies and licenses. Our gift shop
features rustic and unique cabin accessories, like antlered lamps and
wine glasses and pine log
beds. Bird watchers love
our PA Bird Call CDs
and binoculars. Stop in
at the Cabin Café for
fresh dough pizza, funnel
cakes and hand-dipped
ice cream!
Looking for something different? Try
camping in our Wild Wild West Territory in a covered wagon camper or
tipi. They are furnished with bunk beds and border thousands of acres of
the beautiful state forest!
Campers Paradise is not only for summer fun but is open year-round
and is truly a “Paradise in a Winter Wonderland.”
Check out our complete summer activity schedule at:
www.campersparadise.net
Or give us a call at 814-752-2393 in Sigel, PA
Sky Jet Special Sandwich
roast beef, coleslaw, french fries,
lettuce & tomato
Sky Jet Restaurant, RR1 Tionesta,
(814) 755-3410. “I just love these!”
—Julia McCray
Birds ‘n Brunch
Pontoon Tours
Reuben Sandwich
Join park naturalists at picturesque
Sinnemahoning State Park for a
morning bird-watching pontoon
tour and light brunch on the
boat—complete with tablecloths and
music. The Birds N Brunch tour will
cruise the shores and wetland areas of
the George B. Stevenson Dam in search of
herons, mergansers, and kingfishers. The tour also
will include a look at the park’s resident bald eagles nest site
to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds. Bring your camera!
Binoculars and field guides will be provided. The cost is $20 per
person. The Bird N Brunch Tours will be offered June 28, July
19, and August 16. Pre-registration is required.
The state park will also have pontoon excursions
(without brunch) on Sundays and holidays at noon, 1:30 and 3
p.m. Plus on select Saturdays, the park will host the
Explorers Club for children. It’s an hour
of fun and discovery in the forests,
streams and fields of the park.
The Explorers Club starts at 1
p.m.
For complete information
or to make a reservation for
a Birds N Brunch Tour, call
Sinnehamoning State Park at
(814) 647-8401. The park is
located at 8288 First Fork Rd.,
Austin, PA in Cameron County.
Captain Loomis Inn, 540 Main St.
Clarion, (814) 226-8400
“I like the blend of ethnicity.
A reuben lovingly handmade
in an Italian restaurant.”
—J.D. Dunbar
Uncle Buck Hoagie
ham, hard salami, cappacola, blue
cheese, and special sauce
Cabin Kitchen Restaurant
24 W. 4th St., Emporium
(814) 486-0528, “This is my favorite
Italian hot hoagie”
—Alison Russell
“The Bucket” Cuban
salami, cheese, roast beef,
pickles, onions
Bucket Cafe, 14 Main St.
Sugar Grove, (814) 489-5000
“Fantastic taste.”
—John VanDorn
Baggage Car
hot 12-inch hoagie with everything
Train Station Restaurant
1 Railroad St., Warren
(814) 723-8856
“If you buy this sandwich you better
be hungry. It’s amazing.”
—Larry Kopko
Bird photos courtesy of John Plate
SUMMER
Rock ‘N’ Roll At
Ray’s Hot Spot
Happenings
Wolfs Corner Fair
June 29-July 5
Rt. 36 S approx. 7 miles
from Tionesta, PA,
(814) 354-2290
E
very weekend Ray’s Hot
Spot let’s the good times
roll. Friday and Saturday
nights some of the best rock ‘n’
roll bands in the region take
the stage to play music from
the 1970s to today. The party
starts around quarter to ten.
You can come dance, eat, or
just unwind.
Ray’s is stocked with 110
brands of liquor—everything
from Gold Tequila to Grey
Goose. You can also choose from
65 varieties of domestic and
imported beer including Straub
and Yuengling made in Pennsylvania, to popular American
brews such as Samuel Adams and
Pete’s Wicked Ale, and
all the best imports.
Ray’s serves tastey
tavern fare as well.
Look for cheeseburgers,
soups, cheese nachos,
pizza, wings, breaded fish,
sausage, and all kinds of finger
foods on the menu.
Ray’s Hot Spot is located on
Rt. 66, Marienville, PA, just a
short drive from Cook Forest. It’s
open Monday-Thursday 2 p.m. to
2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The
kitchen is open every
day till 1:45 a.m.
Weekend bands play
9:45 p.m. to 1:45 a.m.
Weekend cover charge $3. Plenty
of free parking. (814) 927-8689.
www.cookforest.com.
Catch the PA Little League
Senior Division Championship Tournament in Emporium, July 31-August 4. For
info call (814) 486-0230 or
(814) 512-0685.
THE
CLARION HOUSE
Bed & Breakfast
77 South 7th Avenue
Clarion, PA 16214
(814) 226-4996 or 800-416-3297
www.chouse.com
Groundhog Festival Week
Craft booths, games, and
entertainment each day. June 29-July 5, 10 a.m.-dark
Barclay Square
Downtown Punxsutawney
www.groundhogfestival.com
Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Family festival for all ages.
June 29-July 5
Taylor Memorial Park
Brockway, PA,
(814) 265-0628
www.brockwayfourth.com
JULY
Clarion Summerfest
Jazz and Blues Fest; Taste of Clarion
with area restaurants and caterers;
and I Love Clarion 4th of
July celebration. July 2, 5-8 p.m.
6th Avenue, Clarion;
July 3, 7-10 p.m.
Clarion University Memorial Stadium.
(814) 226-9161
www.clarionpa.com
Independence Day Fireworks
Food and music followed by
fireworks show.
July 3,
St. Marys Country Club
St. Marys, PA,
(814) 781-3804
www.stmaryschamber.org
Arts, Crafts & Food Festival
Arts and crafts 200+ booths, food,
entertainment, children’s area,
juried art show, fireworks.
July 4-6
Ewing Park,
Ellwood City, PA (724) 758-5630
www.ellwood-city-festival.net
Battle on Bull Mountain
A PBR/US Smokeless Tobacco
Challenger
July 4 & 5
Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch
Tidoute, PA
(814) 484-7520
www.hickorycreekranch.com
11
SUMMER
Happenings
Bluegrass Jam
Bluegrass and country bands jam
all weekend. Free admission, Food,
camping available.
July 4-6
Redbank Roller Skate Rink
137 Park Rd., New Bethlehem, PA
(814) 365-5924
www.redbankpark.com
St. Joseph’s 69th Annual
4th of July Celebration
Chicken & ham dinner with
homemade noodle soup and pies;
games for all ages and refeshments. July 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. rain or shine
St. Joseph’s Parish Grounds
Rt. 66, Lucinda, PA
(814) 266-7288
www.st-joseph-lucinda.org
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 5, dusk
Gumtown Park
Water Street,
New Bethlehem, PA (814) 275-3929
www.newbethlehemarea.com
July 4th Holiday Celebration
Parade, community picnic, oldtime fun fair and fireworks.
Main Street, Warren, PA
(814) 723-1360
Hide and Seekers Camp
Songs, nature walks, games and
stories all about bugs for kids 4 to 5
yr. Pre-registration required.
July 8-10, 10 a.m.-noon
Clear Creek State Park
(814) 752-2368
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Pleasures & Treasures
County Folk Art Faire
Entertainment,crafters, and
lots of demos.
July 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3
Warren County Fairgrounds
Youngsville, PA, 814-563-4294
Jefferson County Fair
Horse pull, truck & tractor pull,
demo derby, old fashioned mud
races, and fiddler’s contest.
July 13-19, all day
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Brookville, PA, (814) 265-0640
www.jeffcofair.com
National City Ribfest
Great food and live entertainment.
July 16-19, 11a.m.-10 p.m.
Betts Park, Warren, PA
(814) 723-1360
12
Animals, Animals, Animals!
I
f you like animals, here are a
few special places you must
visit while you’re in the area.
Best Spots To See Elk
Seeing an elk for the first time
is an extraordinary event and
something you’ll never forget. The
best place to
see elk is in
Benezette,
PA. In the
summer,
cow elks
are tending their
speckled
newborns
in family groups comprised of cows,
calves and immature yearlings.
Mature bull elks wander around
in bachelor groups growing their
antlers and getting ready for their
dramatic battles of the fall mating
season. You’ll find the elk viewing
area in Benezette on Winslow Hill.
Start at the Benezette Hotel on
Rt. 555 and travel north along
Winslow Hill Road 3.5 miles. Follow the signs to the viewing area.
The best time of day to see elk is
early morning and at dusk.
The Farmer’s Inn
The
Farmer’s
Inn in Sigel
has a wide
variety of
animals for
visitors to
see. The
most popular are the
bears—Yogi
and Boo
Boo. The farm also has peacocks,
coyotes, prairie dogs, a rhea,
donkeys, horses, a llama, bobcats,
and a raccoon. Its petting zoo
has goats, calves, and lambs
children can bottle feed. There
is also shopping, mini golf, a
restaurant and an ice cream parlor
on site. The Farmer’s
Inn is located just
north of Sigel on Rt.
949. (814) 752-2942.
thefarmersinn.com.
Double Diamond
Deer Ranch
You can watch and photograph deer in their
natural habitat at the Double Diamond Deer Ranch. In the summer
months you can see the newborn
fawns, plus the regular cast of
characters including Tweetie, an
all white deer with blue eyes. Kids
can help bottle feed the fawns at
2 and 6 p.m. That’s also treat time
for the adult deer who get apples
and carrots. The ranch is open seven days a week 10 a.m. to dusk.
There is a gift shop and mini golf
on site, plus a flea market is open
on weekends. The ranch is located
on Rt. 36, 3 miles south of Cook
Forest State Park. (814) 752-6334.
doublediamonddeerranch.com.
Reiland Farm
This small, family farm raises
llamas,
Angora goats
and sheep.
Its shop features natural
yarns and
woven and
knitted
items made
from the
animals’
fleece. When
you stop in, there’s a good chance
you’ll see the animals grazing in
the fields. The Reilands also do
custom chair seat weaving, caning
and rushing on site.
The Reiland Farm & Shoppe
is located between Tionesta and
Pleasantville. From Tionesta take
Rt. 36 North about 5 miles to SR
4003, turn right and go 1 mile.
Watch for signs. It’s open all year
round by chance or appointment.
814-755-4019. csonline.net/
thereilandfarm.
Groundhog Zoo
Punxsutawney is
one of the most
famous small towns
in America thanks
to a furry little guy
named Punxsutawney Phil. Every year
on Groundhog Day
(February 2), thousands of people
make the trek to Gobbler’s Knob
to hear Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction for the length of winter.
During the summer months, you
can stop by Phil’s off-season
home, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Zoo, located off Barclay
Square, 124 W. Mahoning St,
Punxsutawney. A great time to
go is during the town’s Groundhog Festival Week, June 29-July
5. For more information contact
the Punxsutawney Chamber of
Commerce at (800) 752-7445,
punxsutawney.com.
At the Wild
Woods Animal
Park in Warren
County you’ll
find a pair
of cougars
named Shelby
and Josie,
plus Ozzie the
river otter, a
baby lynx, Cheyenne and Dakota
the timber wolves, three black
bears and a number
of smaller forest
creatures. All of the
animals are (or were)
indigenous to the
region. The Seneca
Nation is associated
with the park, giving
visitors the chance
to see the animals
from the perspective
of Native Americans.
It’s located in Cherry Grove, 14
miles from Warren, PA. From
Warren take US 6 to Cherry Grove
Rd. Turn right. Travel to Sorenson
Rd. Take the slight left onto road.
Turn right at the T. Turn left into
driveway. (814) 968-9144.
Sunset
At The Winery
W
atch the sun go down
through a lovely glass
of wine at the Laurel
Mountain Vineyard this summer. The vineyard will host
Sunset At The Winery evenings
June 14, July 12, August 15
and September 5. The laid
back evenings will include
wine tasting, live music and
great food served in the pavilion on the grounds.
John and Barbara Nordberg
opened Laurel Mountain
Vineyard in 1995. It’s located
between DuBois and Brockway. The winery is housed in a
renovated barn built at the turn
of last century. The grapes used
for Laurel Mountain’s wines are
grown in the Lake Erie area and
at the Nordberg’s family farm
in Driftwood. Many varieties
from dry to sweet are available.
Its most popular wines are the
semi-sweet blends Mountain
Mist, Laurel Blush and Rattlesnake Red. Dry favorites are
Welcome to Scotland
(in Pennsylvania)
Scottish Heights
Golf Club & Lodge
• All-Inclusive Golf Packages with unlimited golf and cart, full breakfast, dinner and overnight stay starting at $89 per person
• New Lodge Suites
• Great Place for Meetings. Private meeting rooms and catering.
• Bagpipers Restaurant
The Place for Steaks
Bella Rosa and Pinot Grigio.
Throughout the summer,
free wine tasting and tours are
offered daily. There is also a gift
shop on site featuring gourmet
foods, custom gift baskets, winerelated gift items, and kits for
wine and beer making. Visitors
to the winery are welcome to
bring their lunch any time and
just enjoy the beautiful country
setting and vineyard. The picnic
pavilion is available for private
events.
An antiques museum is
open to visitors as well at the
winery. The museum’s collection
contains antiques from the
Nordberg’s family farm, some
more than 100 years old. Visitors
are invited to try to identify five
of the ten mystery antiques and
win a bottle of wine. Laurel Mountain Vineyard
is located just north of DuBois
off Rt. 219 at 1754 Old Grade
Rd., Falls Creek, PA. Winery
hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10
a.m.-6 p.m. (814) 371-7022.
laurelwines.com.
70th Annual
Clarion County Fair
July 20 - 26, $8 per person
Featuring Amusements •
Zerbini Family Circus • Demo
Derbies • Truck & Tractor
Pulls • Livestock Exhibits •
Stage Shows •
The Moore Brothers and Lady
Antebellum
Redbank Valley Municipal Park
Rt. 28, 1.5 miles north
of New Bethlehem
814-365-5179
www.ClarionCountyFair.com
Silk
Flowers
&
Gift Shop
Spectacular Views, Practice Range and Golf Instruction
Call toll-free at:
866-622-9292 or
814-265-4653
Visit Our
Website
ScottishHeights.com
485 Scottish Heights Drive, Brockport, PA
We’re
more than
flowers!
Open Daily 10am - 5pm
Evenings by Appointment
814-849-5702
864 Route 36, 1 mile North of I-80
in Brookville PA
SUMMER
Happenings
Allegheny Mountain
Championship Rodeo
Professional rodeo, award winning
specialty act, country western band,
concessions & vendors.
Rain or shine.
July 17-20
Flying W Ranch
12 miles NE of Tionesta
Rt. 666, Kellettville, PA
(814) 463-7663, www.theflyingwranch.com
YABA Days & Car Show
Flea Flea market, garage sales, car
show, chicken BBQ, DJ, and food.
July 18-20
Downtown Youngsville, PA
Wilcox Sesquicentennial
Celebration
Big parade (noon Saturday),
entertainment and activities,
5K run, car show, food vendors.
July 18-20
Wilcox, PA
(814) 929-5138
www.jonestownship.com
100 Miles of Yard Sales
Yard sales through Shawville,
LeContes Mills, Frenchville,
Keewaydin, Sinnemahoning,
Driftwood, Benezette & Medix Run.
July 18-19, all day
(814) 263-4418
East Brady Area Riverfest
23rd annual event with food and
craft vendors, parade, car cruise,
live music, contests, games, fireworks,
auctions and pageants.
July 18-20
Graham Field, Verner Street
East Brady, PA, (724) 526-5174
Tasting in the Wilds
Taste regionally produced wine and
beer, plus food made by chefs. Musical
entertainment. July 19, noon-7 p.m.
Firemen’s Grounds
North Broad Street
Ridgway, PA, (814) 772-1638
www.ridgwayheritagecouncil.org
Taste of the Arts Show
Juried art show in conjuction with the
Tasting in the Wilds
July 19
Ridgway Fireman’s Grounds
Ridgway, PA
(814) 772-7051
www.eccota.org
13
SUMMER
Happenings
in full Bloom
Laurel Festival
Opens Summer Season
Coolspring Power Museum
Internal combustion engine museum.
Open days and volunteer work
weekend.
July 19-20
Coolspring, PA, (814) 849-6883
www.coolspringpowermuseum.org
Birds ‘n Brunch
Bird watching pontoon boat tour at
Stevenson Dam. Brunch on boat.
Pre-registration required. July 19
Sinnemahoning State Park
8288 First Fork Road
Austin, PA
(814) 647-8401
Taste of the Arts Show
Juried art show held in conjunction
with the Tasting in the Wilds
festival. Wide variety of artists on
hand demonstrating their skill and
exhibiting artwork.
July 19, noon-7 p.m.
Ridgway Firemen’s Grounds
Ridgway, PA, (814) 772-7051
www.eccota.com
Clarion County Fair
Carnival, demo derbies, truck
& tractor pulls, circus, stage
entertainment, livestock exhibits,
good food.
July 20-26
Redbank Valley Municipal Park Rt. 28
(1-1/2 miles N. of New Bethlehem)
(814) 365-5179
www.clarioncountyfair.com
Penns Adventurers Days
3-day nature discovery camp for
kids 9-12. Hiking, learning and fun.
Preregistration required. July 22-24, 9 a.m.-noon
Clear Creek State Park
(814) 752-2368
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
State Championship Little League
Tournament
July 31-August 4
Cameron County Little League Complex
Emporium, PA
(814) 486-0230
AUGUST
Warren County Fair
August 5-9
Pittsfield, PA
www.warrencountyfair.net
Cameron County Fair
August 3-9
Emporium, PA, (814) 486-1412
14
O
ne sure sign it’s summer
in the hills of Pennsylvania
is seeing the mountain
laurels bloom. Every June these
beautiful rhododendrum-like
blossoms brighten the shade
of the wild woods throughout
the region. And every June for
more than 50 years, residents
have gathered to celebrate their
return.
You and your family are
welcome to join in the fun. Just
make your way to Main Street
in Brookville, PA (I-80 Exit 78)
June 17-22 for the town’s weeklong Laurel Festival 2008.
There’s lots to do. You can
take a train ride, get a bird’s eye
view from the Ferris wheel, or
enjoy all the other carnival rides.
Plus there will be an ongoing art
show, history exhibit, used book
sale, and midway games.
There will be a variety of
special events as well. Check out
Family Fun Night on Thursday,
June 19. It’s an evening with
week from 10 a.m. till closing.
children’s games, face painting,
You’ll find something to please
pony rides, a dog show, and a
everyone from Chinese food and
dunking booth. On Friday enjoy
funnel cakes to lemonade, pulled
a free cookout on the Presbytepork, gyros, pizza, stromboli,
rian church lawn and karaoke in hot dogs, sausage, haluski, hoafront of the courthouse. There
gies, and chicken wings.
will also be a big fireworks display by Zambelli with sound and For a complete scheule of events
motion effects at the Jefferson
check out
County Fairgrounds just north
www.brookvillechamber.com.
of town. Admission and parking
will be free. On Saturday, the band Trixx will
perform Country Western
and rock ‘n’ roll starting at 7:30 p.m. And on
Sunday look for a classic
car show with 70 to 100
fine looking rides lined up
along Main Street starting
at noon. Sidewalk sales
and craft shows are also
The Mountain Laurel is the official Pennsylvania
scheduled.
State Flower and is perhaps the most beautiful
The Laurel Festival’s native American shrub. You’ll find it blossoming
in the forests and state parks across our region
food court on Pickering
during the month of June.
Street will be open all
Festival Exhibits &Tours
Torchlight
Tour of the
Brookville
Cemetery
While you’re at the Laurel Festival, be sure to visit the special exhibit of
wedding gowns at the Jefferson County History Center on Main Street.
More than a dozen gowns worn by women of the county will be on display
along with apparel including a wedding bonnet worn in 1854. Also at the
center you can watch an amazing model railroad display complete with
sound and light show. Among the new items in the display this year is a
miniature of the Jefferson County Courthouse where Elizabeth Marlin McCreight was the first in town to cast her ballot in 1920 after passage of the
19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. And keeping with
its election year theme, the History Center will also sponsor a torchlight
tour of the Brookville Cemetery. The tour will “dig the dirt” on local
election scandals and other juicy gossip. The tour will take place Wednesday, June, 18 at dusk. Tickets are available at the History Center.
SUMMER
All Aboard!
Happenings
Old Time Train Ride
Y
ou and your family can
share the fun of train
travel and relive history
on the Oil Creek & Titusville
Railroad. The railroad winds
through the Oil Creek Valley,
where you’ll find remnants of
the oil industry which began
in Titusville with Edwin Drake
in the 1860s. Tour guides are
onboard to tell the tales of
this exciting moment in our
history.
The 3-hour journey starts
at the 1892 Perry Street
Station in Titusville.
The train track follows
alongside scenic Oil Creek.
It makes stops to pick up
passengers (including bicycle
riders) at Drake Well Park &
Museum and the Petroleum
Centre Station in beautiful
Oil Creek State Park. You can
ride inside in a vintage car or
on the open gondola car for a
spectacular unimpeded view of
the valley. A variety of wildlife
from groundhogs to bald eagles,
plus ducks, deer, blue herons,
as well as the occasional black
bear can be seen along the way.
You can share your
experience with friends and
family by mailing postcards
G
rab your hiking boots, camp
chairs and marshmallows and
head for the great outdoors. There
are hundreds of great places to
pitch a tent, rent a cabin, or park
your RV throughout our region.
You’ll find everything from wilderness sites to campgrounds with every modern convenience plus pools,
playgrounds and general stores.
For a complete list with descriptions and contact information, log
onto our web site VisitPaGo.com or
www.wcvb.net
while on the
train. It’s the
only operating
railway post office in the U.S.
today.
If you get hungry,
sandwiches and snacks are
available aboard. Or you can get
them to go at the Perry Street
Station.
You can extend to your
railroad adventure by staying
overnight at the Caboose Motel.
The motel is made up of 21
caboose cars on the tracks next
Four Winds
BMW Biker Rally
to the Perry Street Station.
Each car has its own heating
and air conditioning, TV and
phone. Three of the cabooses
have wheelchair ramps. Special
packages with reduced fares for
the train are available. There
are several nice restaurants
within walking distance.
The Oil Creek & Titusville
Railroad runs Saturdays
and Sundays in June, then
Wednesday, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays July
through October. Tickets are
$15 adults, $13 seniors, $9
for children. ($40 family
package available for 2
adults and up to 3 children
under 12 years). The Perry Street
Station is located at 409 S. Perry
Street, Titusville. For reservations
call (814) 676-1733. For more
information visit www.octrr.org.
Did you know luxury car maker BMW
also makes motorcycles? August
15-17, BMW motorcycle riders from
many states and Canada will gather at
Redbank Valley Municipal Park near
New Bethlehem for their annual Four
Winds Rally.
Event organizers say, “Camping at the rally is the beemer way.
There are lots of shaded campsites.
Unpack your bike, pitch your tent,
unfold your Kermit chair, crack open
a cold beverage and stay awhile.”
Get a program, which includes a
complete schedule of rides, events,
and other useful information by
calling (412) 867-9414, or visit
www.4windsbmw.org.
Sykesville Ag & Youth Fair
Demolition derbies, carnival,
entertainment, livestock,
agricultural and educational exhibits,
cheerleading exhibition.
August 4-9
Sykesville Fairgrounds
Sykesville, PA, (814) 894-5723
www.sykesvillefair.org
Elk County Fair
Family fun with food, exhibits,
amusements, music, demolition
derbies, chalk art, clowns, balloon
artists, contests nightly.
August 5-9
Elk County Fairgrounds
316 Dietz Road, Kersey, PA
(814) 965-3128
www.elkcountyfair.com
Cookie Daze
25th annual festival with food,
games for kids, rides, parade,
fireworks, live bands, races,
car show & motorcycle cruise.
August 8 & 9, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
August 10, noon - 7 p.m.
Main Street, Rimersburg, PA
(814) 473-6221
Tionesta Indian Festival
Carnival, amusements, food,
entertainment, and crafts.
August 9-17
Tionesta, PA
(814) 755-3531
www.forestcounty.com
Allegheny Mountain
Antiques Market
Outstanding antique dealers from
across the U.S.
August 23-24
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Off I-80 Exit 81
www.alleghenymountainantiques
market.com
Pyrographic (Woodburning)
Celebration and Show
Exhibits, demonstrations and
competition.
August 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
August 17, 11 a.m -4 p.m.
Sawmill Center of the Arts
Cooksburg, PA, (814) 927-6655
www.sawmill.org
Antique Firearms &
Indian Artifacts Show
Displays of antique firearms through
1898. Open atlatl (spear thrower)
competition. Raffle for reproduction
muzzleloader.
August 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Brookville, PA, (814) 849-0077
15
Chilling Thrills And Cash Prizes
Wake Up Your Vacation
At Jesse’s Dream Park
C
Geocaching Weekend At
Gateway Lodge In June
I
f you like geocaching, the great outdoors and gourmet food,
the Gateway Lodge has the perfect weekend for you. On
June 20-22, the Gateway will host a geocaching weekend
highlighting the new Allegheny GeoTrail, which opened last fall.
The event will begin Friday evening with a wine and appetizer reception where you can meet fellow geocachers. On
Saturday morning, you can fuel up with a wonderful gourmet
breakfast before heading out with your maps and GPS. There will
be an awards banquet Saturday evening for all geocachers and
afterwards time to relax in the great room and share stories of
the trail. Throughout the weekend special prizes will be hidden
in and around the lodge for overnight guests.
Located in Cook Forest amid one of the most magnificent
old-growth forests east of the Mississippi, the Gateway has been
named one of the Top Ten Best Inns in the United States, and
was chosen as one of Money Magazine’s top travel picks.
The Gateway features 21 suites with king-size beds, each
with a large corner two-person whirlpool tub and fireplace. All
of the suites include a large private bath and mini-refrigerator.
Many of the suites have their own private terrace looking out
into the forest. There are also eight historic rooms, which are
part of the original resort and spa built in 1934. The main lodge
is air conditioned and offers massage and spa services, sauna,
afternoon tea and nightly bed turn-down service. There are
also eight cabins just a short walk away set in the woods on a
private drive.
For the geocaching weekend—suite, room and cabin packages will be available. Call (800) 843-6862 for more information
or visit www.gatewaylodge.com.
16
all it what you may—dream, fantasy or your worst nightmare—the Mysterious Maze at Jesse’s Dream Park will wake up
your vacation. This indoor, completely dark labyrinth is filled
with optical illusions created by dazzling laser and strobe lights and
some of the eeriest music and sounds you’ll ever hear. The feeling is
intense. It gets so dark you have to force yourself to move forward
never knowing who or what might lie ahead. People have literally
kissed the ground when they’ve come out. The maze is changed
every summer. So there are new spine tingling thrills to be had even
if you survived the adventure
before.
Once you re-emerge from
the maze and regain your
composure, you’ll find a whole
different kind of excitement
when you tee up at Jesse’s
Jackpot Golf Driving Range.
If your golf ball hits the specially positioned target, you
win hundreds of dollars. The jackpot starts out at $300 and more
is added each week till somebody wins. When that happens, a new
$300 target is put in place immediately for everybody else to keep
on trying.
Jesse’s Dream Park is located on Rt. 36, 5 miles S. of Cook Forest Bridge (and 10 miles N. of Brookville.) It’s open everyday now
through October, rain or shine, 11 a.m. to dusk. (814) 752-6447.
G
eocaching is an adventure sport. It requires a
hand-held GPS receiver,
much like the navigation systems installed in newer cars. The
goal is to find hidden treasures
a.k.a caches left by other players. A typical cache consists of
a waterproof container, a log
book, and trinkets. Signing the
log book proves you found it.
Participants head off on their
quest with just the longitude
and latitude coordinates of the
treasure and their GPS. The
Allegheny GeoTrail is a series
of geocaches spread across ten
counties including Cameron,
Clarion, Elk, Forest, Jefferson
and Warren. The trail encompasses the Allegheny National
Forest and many nearby state
parks. Each county has 10 to 20
hidden AGT caches. If geocachers find six within a county,
they receive that county‘s
geo-coin. If they find six caches
within every county, they earn
a special geo-coin representing
the entire trail. To find out more
about the Allegheny GeoTrail
and geocaching, check out
www.alleghenygeotrail.com or
www.geocaching.com.
big Bang
Fireworks Fill The Sky In Brockway
C
ome celebrate July 4th
in the Great Outdoors
and check out the town
of Brockway (I-80 Exit
97). It does a bang up job
with its fireworks. But the big
fireworks show is just a dazzling
finish to the town’s full day of
festivities.
The hub of Brockway’s
Old Fashioned Fourth of July
celebration is the town’s Taylor
Memorial Park right off Main
Street on 7th Avenue.
Events kick off at 8:30 a.m.
with the 10K Firecracker Race.
By 10 a.m. the musical entertainment is tuning up to present
a diverse mix of song styles
throughout the day. You’ll hear
everything from patriotic salutes
to polkas and bagpipe airs. At
10 in the morning, the fishing
contest for kids also gets going.
The big pond on the other side
of the park is stocked with fish
and whoever catches the biggest
gets a trophy.
As the day unfolds there is
lots more to see and do. Look
for the antique car show, horsedrawn carriage rides, bingo, art,
quilt, and craft shows, jugglers
and magicians, and kid’s games.
Brockway’s Fourth of July
parade will march down Main
Street starting at 6. The parade
will feature area fire depart-
ments, VIPs,
colorful
clowns, plus
high school
bands and
other musical
groups.
All kinds
of food including chicken
barbecue dinners, hot sausage
sandwiches, taco
salads, Italian
subs, pulled pork
sandwiches, hot
dogs and hamburgers, blooming onions, and steak
sandwiches will be available.
Plus all kinds of treats including
kettle popcorn, candy cotton,
funnel cakes, snow cones, candy
apples, hand dipped ice cream
cones and shakes will be available to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Leading up to the Fourth,
the Brockway Historical
Museum, Art/Quilt show and
a used book sales sponsored
by the public library will be
open to the public. Several
evening concerts on the
American Legion Memorial Stage will also be happening. For a complete
schedule of events visit
www.brockwayfourth.com
The town of Brockway was laid
out in 1836 and was a center
for timber and lumber in the
later half of the 19th century.
Beginning in the 1890s, it also
became a center of glass manufacturing. The Taylor Memorial
Museum is notable for its vast
display of glass from local industry. In addition to its fourth
of July celebration, Brockway
is widely known for its one of
the region’s most notable hiking trails, the 19-mile Clarion
Little Toby Creek Trail. The trail
begins here and
winds along the
banks of the Little
Toby Creek and
the picturesque
Clarion River,
passing old logging dams and
ghost towns
along the way.
Brockway is
named in
honor of the
Brockway
family, whose
arrival in
this country
from England predated the
American Revolutionary War by
over a hundred years. The patriarch of the group, Consider
Brockway, was a veteran of the
New York Militia in the Revolutionary War. His son Chauncey
served in the War of 1812, and
his grandson Chauncey, Jr.
fought for the Union cause in
the Civil War.
SUMMER
Happenings
Birds ‘n Brunch
Bird watching pontoon boat tour at
Stevenson Dam. Brunch on boat.
Pre-registration required. August 16
Sinnemahoning State Park
8288 First Fork Road
Austin, PA
(814) 647-8401
Coolspring Power Museum
Open days & volunteer
work weekend.
August 16-17
Coolspring, PA, (814) 849-6883
www.coolspringpowermuseum.org
Knox Horsethief Days
Annual festival with street sales,
car cruise, food vendors, bingo,
various races, firemen’s parade,
music, and fireworks. August 17-23
Main Street, Knox, PA
(814) 797-2058
A”maize”ing Corn Festival
Come wind your way through the
Annual corn festival with games,
music, dancing, crafters, roasted
corn and parade.
August 22-23
Fri. 6:30-11 p.m.
Sat. parade starts at 11 a.m. Event
ends at 10 p.m.
Downtown Youngsville, PA
(Off Rt. 6 between Warren and Corry)
814-563-7192
Clear Creek Valley
Heritage Day
Help build a log raft, see oxen pull
logs, stitch a quilt, plus more old-time
activities and exhibits.
August 23, 11 a.m.
Clear Creek State Park
38 Clear Creek State Park Road
Sigel, PA, (814) 752-2368
[email protected]
Native American Festival
Seneca songs, dances, stories, history,
crafts, animal exhibits and vendors.
Wild Woods Animal Park
August 30-31, Warren, PA
(814) 563-4286
17
SUMMER
Happenings
SEPTEMBER
Groundhog Club’s
Annual Summer Picnic
Annual picnic when Punxsutawney
Phil gets his yearly sip of magic elixir;
food available.
September 6, 1 p.m.
Punxsutawney, PA
(800) 752-PHIL
Wild Wind Folk
Art & Craft Festival
Award-winning festival with 140
juried artisans, food, live music,
children’s activities and demos.
September 6-7
Warren County Fairgrounds
Youngsville, PA
Art In The Park
Artists, artisans, and crafters display
their wares; food booths, kid’s
activities, live entertainment. September 7, all day
Gumtown Park
Water Street
New Bethlehem, PA (814) 275-2870
www.newbethlehempubliclibrary.org
18
DON’T MISS
The Clarion Summer Fest, July 2-3
C
heck out Clarion SummerFest—sponsored by Clarion
University—this July. It’s a two-day mini festival
with three big events. It kicks off on 6th Avenue in
downtown Clarion with the Farmers National Bank Jazz
& Blues Fest on Wednesday, July 2, 5-8 p.m. While you
get your groove on you can also sample the best food in
town. Just slide over to the Taste of Clarion on Main
Street where local restaurants and caterers will be serving
up all kinds of tasty dishes.
On Thursday, the action moves to Clarion University
Memorial Stadium with I Love Clarion. From 7-10 p.m.
you can listen and dance to the music of the Wrangler
Band, and watch the sky light up with fireworks in
celebration of the 4th of July. The Taste of Clarion will
also move to the stadium, so there will be more great
food to try. Clarion is a charming town with a historic Main
Street lined with specialty shops. It’s located on I-80,
just minutes from Cook Forest. There are many great
restaurants and places to stay in and around town
including hotels, country inns, B&Bs, campgrounds and
cabins.
For more information contact the Clarion Area
Chamber of Business & Industry at (814) 226-9161,
www.clarionpa.com.
What’s Good For You?
GO Magazine invites you to share your recommendations with other
readers. Drop us a line about a fun experience, good place to stay or
eat, or a memorable event you attended. We also welcome travel tips
and nice photos of the wildlife, woods and towns you visit in the region. (Our magazine reports on travel in Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest,
Jefferson and Warren Counties in Pennsylvania).
E-mail your comments to [email protected]. If you send
photos, please send high resolution JPEGs (300 dpi). If selected, we
will publish your recommendations and photos in an upcoming issue
of GO Magazine. Plus we’ll give you a free one year subscription to
the magazine (4 issues). So let us know what’s good for you!
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19
Welcome to Clarion River Country
French & Indian War
Encampment
Re-enactment of battles and life
in early America
June 7-8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cook Forest State Park
(814) 744-8407, www.cookforest.com
Wolfs Corner Fair
June 29-July 5
Rt. 36 S approx. 7 miles from
Tionesta, PA
(814) 354-2290
Flashlight Drag Races
Drag races for street legal cars
June 21, 2-6 p.m.
Clarion Airport
(814) 226-9993
www.flashlightdrags.com
Bluegrass Jam
Bluegrass and country bands
play; food; camping
July 4-6
Redbank Roller Skate Rink
137 Park Rd., New Bethlehem, PA
(814) 365-5924,
www.redbankpark.com
Woodcarving Show
And Competition
Competition and show with
vendors and demos
July 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sawmill Center, Cooksburg, PA
(814) 927-6655, www.sawmill.org
Paid for by the Clarion Room Tax Committee
Cookie Daze
Festival with food, games, rides,
car show, music, fireworks
August 8 & 9, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
August 10, noon-7 p.m.
Main Street, Rimersburg, PA
(814) 473-6221
Tour of RiverStone Farm
Open house, carriage rides,
art exhibit, luncheon
July 26, Foxburg, PA
(724) 659-0065,
www.alleghenyriverstone.org
Knox Horsethief Days
Festival with food, vendors, sales,
parade, music, fireworks
August 17-23
Main Street, Knox, PA
(814) 797-2058
East Brady Area Riverfest
Annual festival with food,
vendors, games, music
July 18-20
Graham Field, Verner Street
East Brady, PA, (724) 526-5174
Musical Comedies On Stage
All summer long
See complete schedule on page 8
Sawmill Theatre, Cooksburg, PA
(814) 927-5275, www.sawmill.org
Live Concerts
All summer long
See complete schedule on page 8
Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts
Foxburg, PA
(724) 659-0021,
www.alleghenyriverstone.org