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

Visit Indiana County, PA for Community-Based Celebrations

Indiana County

From community-based celebrations to ethnic, cultural and agricultural fairs and festivals, Indiana County, Pennsylvania has events for all ages!

Conveniently located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, just one hour east of Pittsburgh, you will find a bit of “Hollywood Magic” at the Jimmy Stewart Museum, which is dedicated to the hometown hero’s film, radio, television and military career.

Indiana County’s parks offer 5,452 acres for family fun and 792 acres of lakes for fishing, paddling, boating and kayaking. Bring your biking or walking shoes and enjoy over 64 miles of Rail to Trails.

Hear the clatter of horses pulling buggies as you share the road in Smicksburg’s Amish country. Shoppers can enjoy selections of locally made crafts, quilts, pottery and Amish furniture. Travel back to the 12^th century at medieval Dane Castle or step back in time while visiting historic covered bridges.

Go to www.VisitIndianaCountyPA.org and plan your next get away!

Come for Fun, Take Home a Memory!

Exciting attractions, unique vacations and more in the PA Oil Heritage Region!

Oil Region Alliance

Recreational opportunities include over 60 miles of asphalt-paved trails, perfect for hiking biking or walking. TheAllegheny Riveris 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. DrakeWellMuseumwill 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”.VenangoCounty 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

Clinton County: What You’re Looking for is Down the Road

Adventure Begins in Clinton County

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Wilds – what you are looking for is just down the road…in Clinton County Pennsylvania!

We are home to the mountains and trails of the Bald Eagle Mountain Megatransect and the Hyner View Trail Challenge. Not ready to challenge the mountain? Pine Creek Rail Trail is rated in the top ten trails by USA Today for biking and hiking.

We offer 65 miles of the West Branch Susquehanna River for all your water related passions. Whether you want wilderness paddling, water skiing, swimming or just a day floating your cares away, you’ll find it here. June through August, the City of Lock Haven provides free concerts on a floating stage in the river.

Our two scenic byways offer ridge and valley views as you wind your way through the forests following the path cut by the river. Along the way, keep an eye peeled for deer, bear, elk or hang gliders soaring off Hyner View State Park.

We are home to the Original Woolrich Factory Store since 1830 and the Piper Aviation Museum. The Heisey Museum is a great place to experience the community’s heritage or stroll Downtown Lock Haven’s Main Street taking in the architecture and shops.

Visit our website or call for places of interest and calendar of events.

Clinton County Visitor Bureau

888-388-6991

www.ClintonCountyInfo.com

Explore the Great Outdoors in Central PA’s Susquehanna River Valley

Spring into Central PA's Susquehanna River Valley

This spring, consider getting away to the Susquehanna River Valley – easily accessible from Interstate 80 and Route 15 in Central Pennsylvania. Thriving downtowns offer art and music festivals and locally-owned businesses feature spring open houses. Three state parks and a newly opened Rail Trail provide endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

While you’re in the Susquehanna River Valley, visit the ten wineries along the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail, do some antiquing, take a guided canoe trip down the Susquehanna River, or take a bike ride over a dozen historic covered bridges. Along the way, stop at a variety of farmers markets for the freshest strawberries and local produce. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see something that amazes and inspires you.

As evening approaches, plan a romantic dinner for two then see a movie in a restored Art Deco movie palace or attend a live theatre or dance performance at one of our performing arts centers. Settle into a quiet evening at a cozy hotel, cabin, cottage or bed and breakfast. Every turn a treasure.

VisitCentralPA.org or 1-877-207-8599

Outdoor Lovers Vacation in the Oil Region of NW Pennsylvania

Oil Heritage Region of NW Pennsylvania

Day trips or family overnight trips are just a few hours drive away! Do you love the outdoors? Like to fish? Canoe? Kayak? Go geocaching? If so, there is no better place than the Oil Heritage Region of NW Pennsylvania. Fishing and waterway events along the Allegheny River and Oil Creek State Park make for a great weekend getaway.

For a trip back in time – take a 3-hour round-trip excursion on the vintage Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad through Oil Creek State Park. Visit the newly renovated Drake Well Museum, Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry in Oil City or DeBence Antique Music World in Franklin.

The Barrow-Civic Theatre, a renovated vaudeville theatre, has many great plays and musical events for adults and children every week of the year. They bring many off-Broadway plays for your enjoyment.

Many educational and cultural events are awaiting your arrival in one of our thriving artists’ studios, antique shoppes or restaurants in the region better known as “The Valley That Changed the World.”

Oil Region Alliance
1-800-483-6264
www.oilregion.org
www.oil150.com