Whether you are looking to hit the trails, do some paddling, take in a history lesson, hit some golf balls or just drive the countryside in search of covered bridges and farmer’s markets, Indiana County, Pennsylvania offers it. “A little bit of everything” is how we describe this Western Pennsylvania region. Only slightly more than an hour east of Pittsburgh, Indiana County offers diverse activities, events and products, that no matter your interest or skill level, you will be pleased. Search each of these categories, some unique only to Indiana County, and plan your day around a visit to the Jimmy Stewart Museum or perhaps a trip out to Reeger’s Farm for lunch prepared from seasonal items growing in the fields behind the restaurant. How about cheese that is prepared from the milk collected from the local Amish Farmers? Stick around and have dinner as a guest at the Amish Wedding Feast in Smicksburg. Are you an artisan or appreciate the work of individuals more talented than the average person? Find potters, artists, wineries, fiber art and even Amish built specialties throughout this region. Spend the day, or several days, with family and friends and go home with a renewed sense of adventure. You will quickly understand why we say “Come For Fun, Take Home a Memory!” Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.

Visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, dancers, and fine artisans are coming together in Oil City, PA in response to home purchase incentives and affordable Victorian residences. Explore, discover, and get inspired yourself!

Oil City’s Arts Revitalization and Artist Relocation program is tapping into the creativity of long-time residents and attracting the good energy and fresh vision of relocating artists from all over the country. The Seneca Street Arts District boasts the Transit Fine Art Gallery, Graffiti Gallery, and Art on Elm. Twenty-seven visual artists and artisans now work in downtown studios in the National Transit Building, a historic, oil-era structure now re-purposed to house the arts.

Mark your calendars now: Second Saturdays of each month feature Open Studio events in the National Transit Art Studios and exhibit openings in Graffiti Gallery. You can discover more about this high-energy, low overhead arts scene at 814-676-5303 or www.artsoilcity.com.

Looking for buried treasure? Look no further…Franklin, Pennsylvania is rich with opportunities guaranteed to satisfy. When mapping out your day-trips and weekend get-a-ways, be sure to include Franklin, Pennsylvania!

Throughout the year, this quaint Victorian city, home to the impressive Venango County Courthouse and countless other historic homes and landmarks, prepares the walkway to welcome aboard visitors from everywhere to enjoy the many festivals and gems our community has to offer.

The most beautiful night of the year is Franklin’s Light Up Night featuring a wonderful holiday parade and spectacular fireworks display. A visit to Franklin over the holidays is magical as the downtown merchants and restaurants roll out the red carpet to celebrate the season.

Franklin On Ice is our winter festival and the audience can watch as professional ice carvers turn lifeless blocks of ice into works of art.

For information go to: www.franklinpa.gov or call 814 437-1619.

Get out and see the leaves or cozy up by the fireplace and take a road trip to Central PA! The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is perfect for a taste of the outdoors, but with the comfort of a bed and breakfast. Located lake side, it is the first inn of its kind in a Pennsylvania State Park. Outfitters can help set up your tour, gear you up to hit the trails, mountain bike and when the snow flies – cross-country ski!

The newly renovated Carnegie Inn & Spa is located on the 9^th hole of Toftrees Golf Resort and is also a destination spa designed to give you the best in organic, Hungarian Spa Treatments. If hanging courtside is more your sport, Penn State Winter Weekend packages include a two night stay, breakfast each morning and tickets to Penn State winter sporting events.

To make the most of your trip, request a Central PA Fun Pass… it is packed full of discounts at attractions, places to stay, eat and shop. Contact the Central PA Convention & Visitors Bureau for the latest deals and packages at 800-358-5466 or online at VisitPennState.org.

The PA Oil Heritage Region offers exciting attractions and unique vacations. Recreational opportunities include over 60 miles of asphalt-paved trails, perfect for hiking biking or walking. The Allegheny River is the perfect place for canoeing, kayaking, jet boating or fishing.

Gather up your family and a GPS and head to the countryside for a day of Geocaching while following the Allegheny Geo Trail. Coordinates can be found at www.geocaching.com.

The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad will be moving through Oil Creek State Park from June through October. Enjoy a time back in history as you ride on vintage cars, including their plush Wabash Cannonball car. Steam trains will be in the valley on July 14 & 15, do not miss this exciting day, and bring the kids (regardless of age).

You will enjoy the amazing collection of over 100 antique automated musical instruments at the DeBence Antique Music World; experience the Native American’s history, culture and influence display at the Venango Museum. Drake Well Museum will introduce, in late August 2012, the new hands-on museum telling the story of “There’s a drop of OIL and GAS in your life everyday!

Enjoy the walking tours available for Emlenton, Oil City, Titusville and Franklin; shop at the Galleria downtown Franklin after taking in a show at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. Hungry? Stop at one of our many fine restaurants for fine cuisine and local wines.

Make plans now to come and visit “The Valley That Changed the World“. Venango County and the Oil Heritage Region are easily accessible from I-79, I-80 or SR322 and SR8. Make plans to stay overnight at our bed and breakfasts, hotels or campgrounds and enjoy a weekend of fun, excitement and relaxation.

Oil Region Alliance
1.800.483.6264
www.oilregion.org

Spend the Summer in Crawford County!

Crawford County

The warm, golden days of summer are here! While family picnics, camping and all sorts of outdoor fun are sure to be on your list, when your children say “We’re so bored!” here are some ideas to keep them happy all summer long.

When the temperature rises, the Meadville Area Recreation Complex is the place to be! Cool down in one of their indoor or outdoor pools, and let your kids splash away in the water playground complete with a water slide, water geysers, a wading pool and lots of other fun things! And you won’t need to worry about their safety; lifeguards are always on duty to make sure your visit is safe as possible. You can also indulge your athletic side by playing a game with your friends at the sand volleyball courts or hone your skating skills at the skate park. Swim and tennis classes are available in the summertime, and ice skating in the winter. Don’t forget, the MARC is a fun place to hold birthday parties, family reunions and picnics too! You can find rates, schedules and information at the MARC’s website www.marc4fun.com or call 814-724-6006.

Summer is also the perfect time to learn about nature and the outdoors in a fun and exciting way. Hands-on classes such as the ones offered by Woodcock Creek Nature Center in Meadville are a great way to spark your kids’ interest in nature and conservation. They regularly offer a wide range of classes for children and adults alike – from how to create your own composter to identifying types of trees and birds. For information on what exciting classes and camps are being offered throughout the rest of the year, call 814-763-5269 or visit their website at www.crawfordconservation.com.

If your kids are begging you to take them somewhere fun and exciting, look no further than Conneaut Lake Park. Let them experience a little piece of nostalgia by riding the classic carousel or indulging in the Park’s famous Park Fries. Relax on the beach and enjoy the sounds of summer. Float your cares away on the lazy river or the thrilling water slides at Splash City. This one hundred year old local gem has enough rides to keep them happy without the big-time price of other large amusement parks. Go to www.conneautlakepark.com for rates and a schedule of festivals taking place there, such as the Annual Fall Pumpkin Fest in October.

As a last hoorah before school starts again, your kids will love going to the 66^th Annual Crawford County Fair, a week-long celebration of food, games, live music, tractor pulls and animals. Purchase your tickets now for the main music acts: Luke Brian and Easton Corbin, award-winning country stars that will keep you rockin’- more acts will be announced soon! There are day-long ride passes for thrilling rides and lots of delicious fair food to indulge in! Visit www.crawfordcountyfair.net for more information, or pick up a Fair brochure at most local businesses.

Of course, no summer would be complete without a stop to Hank’s Frozen Custard for a cool sweet treat. They offer different flavors every day, as well as milkshakes, sundaes, and more. You can also pick up souvenirs such as t-shirts, bibs and bumper stickers! Pass on this Crawford County tradition to the next generation in your family. Visit their website www.hanksfrozencustard.com for their flavor schedule, directions and the unique history behind this Crawford County landmark.

For more information on these places to visit, as well as the many other fun and unique recreation opportunities and events in Crawford County, check out the events page at www.visitcrawford.org or call 814-333-1258.

Discover the Treasures of the Susquehanna River Valley  

Susquehanna River Valley

Our river connects you to one delight after another. What’s around the next bend? You’ll find out – eventually.

Right now, you’re lingering at an antique shop loaded with unique finds. And as soon as you can pull yourself away, you’ll discover something just as wonderful around the corner.

Perhaps it’s live history taking place in one of our many museums. Or maybe you’ll cross one of our historical covered bridges. Then, there’s our famous amusement park, our heritage festivals, and another incredible view over the ridge.

Spend your morning hiking, biking, canoeing, wildlife watching, or fishing, and then take an afternoon stroll through our scenic downtowns, universities, or farmers markets. End the evening by listening to live music at a variety of unique venues, or relaxing at a cozy hotel, B&B or historic inn.

VisitCentralPA.org or 1-877-207-8599