Local haunted happenings this Halloween Morgantown's music scene
Photo courtesy of Bootsie's Bed and Breakfast
Wicked Washington: Haunted happenings this Halloween
Story by Emily King
Behind: Jon Andreassi/Observer-Reporter
Shades of Death Road in Jefferson Township is almost fully covered by trees
Shades of Death Run/Walk
The lore of paranormal activity surrounding Shades of Death Road in Avella will motivate you to pick up your pace as you run (or flee from) this legendary haunted spot.
The seventh annual Shades of Death Run is set to take place on Oct. 18 and takes racers on a ten-mile loop through a scenic route through farms, forests and, of course, Shades of Death Road.
The origin of the road’s name is unknown, but it is fitting for its background of urban legends and eerie history. One story tells a tale of miners who became trapped underground in the early 1920s. Some say their bodies were never found, and others say they were buried in unmarked graves by Shades of Death Road. Many drivers have reported seeing white figures, mysterious shadows and disembodied screams that cause them to lose control of their vehicles.
Oct. 18, finish and start at the Polar Star Club in Avella. Register online.
shadesofdeathrun.com
West Alexander Scare Fair
If it’s a traditional haunted house you’re looking for, the West Alexander Scare Fair delivers that and more. Their haunted house (chock full of creepy clowns) has been terrifying Washington County residents for twelve years, and they’re back and scarier than ever this Halloween season. Last year, they also debuted two new escape rooms: Alien Escape and Escape the Mine.
Friday and Saturday nights in October, West Alexander Fairgrounds
wascarefair.com
Trolley Tales of Terror
For one night only, you’re invited to experience the PA Trolley Museum’s creepy and haunted history.
The PA Trolley Museum, located in Chartiers Township, opened in 1954. The collection has grown to include 54 cars and a variety of artifacts and archives that delight visitors with the history of the Trolley Era. The ghost tour starts with tales of the spirits that may haunt the collection. Then, if you dare, board an old streetcar and ride through the dark forest for an opportunity to have your own paranormal experience.
October 18, various time slots. Visit the website to purchase tickets. Ages 13+
pa-trolley.org/event/tales-of-terror/
Above: Courtesy of Joey Gonzalez
The Grim Reaper waits at a refreshment table for runners on the Shades of Death 10 Mile Run
WitchFest 2025
Assemble your coven and gather the witches for a day of magic and spells at the eighth annual Witch Festival, taking place at the Monongahela Aquatorium on October 18.
A selection of juried vendors will sell their wares, including oddities, curiosities and other mystical gifts and goods.
Festival-goers are encouraged to dress up in their finest witchy wardrobe, as they will have the opportunity to participate in several contests to be awarded the coveted titles of best dressed, best hat and best cackle.
Oct. 18, noon to 8 p.m., Monongahela Aquatorium monaquatorium.com/witchfest-2025
Goblins and Ghouls Archery
You never know when you might need to protect yourself from zombies, ghosts and other creepy creatures. Join National Archery in the Schools Program instructors for an evening of archery at Mingo Creek Park, where you'll learn the basics of the bow, shooting techniques and archery safety. Once the basics are covered, participants will test their skills by taking aim at goblins and ghouls. No experience necessary; all skill levels are welcome. Ages 10+.
Oct. 10, 5 p.m., register online washingtoncountypa.tylerparksrec.com
Demon House at the McCue Family Estate
The Demon House in Carroll Township may be more than just actors and props. The sprawling estate was once known as the “Emerald Mansion” and was home to a wealthy family of high social standing. But the house was built on top of an ancient burial ground and supernatural stories and legends surrounded the building. One such story claims that its owners disappeared in the 1890s without a trace.
The current owners of the property open it up to the public every fall as a haunted attraction. The grounds are adorned with eerie sculptures and props to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Guests are invited to stay and enjoy bonfires while watching horror films in an outdoor theater.
Sept. 5 through 28, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. to midnight, Sundays 8 to 11 p.m. demonhouse.com
The LeMoyne Crematory
It’s not too surprising that the first crematory in the United States would be at the center of many urban legends and rumored hauntings. Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne suspected that traditional burials were contributing to the spread of disease at the time. He believed that cremating bodies would prevent contaminants from entering soil and water supplies. In 1901, he completed the construction of the nation’s first crematory, on a parcel of land in Washington, then called Gallows Hills.
Years after the first cremation, stories of paranormal events began to circulate, and when the facility closed in 1901, even more activity was reported. Witnesses report smelling smoke coming from the abandoned building and seeing lights on behind the closed shutters.
Paranormal enthusiasts can tour the grounds with the Ghastly Tales Haunted History Walking Tour, hosted by the Washington County Historical Society, accompanied by costumed guides. The Western Pennsylvania Society for Paranormal Research will be on hand to investigate the crematory and share tales of its rumored hauntings.
Oct. 11 and 12, tours beginning every 20 minutes from 6 to 9:20 p.m.. washington-countyhistorical-society.square.site
Trista Thurston/Observer-Reporter
Members of the Westmoreland Dancing Witches do the time warp from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” during Witch Fest at the Monongahela Aquatorium in 2024
Morgantown’s music scene: Local artists, venues share their sound
Story by Hannah Heiskell
Forget what you thought you knew about Morgantown’s scene. As CJ Rhen, a trumpet player and soon-to-be music professor, said, “As someone not from West Virginia, you would just kind of think, oh, it's bluegrass music or something like that. But it's not.”
Originally from Pittsburgh, Rhen arrived in Morgantown for his undergrad six years ago. Since then, he has become a part of the unexpected music scene. And far from just bluegrass, his work spans from producing albums for local singer-songwriters to playing with reggae bands and contributing to a documentary exploring West Virginia's diverse music and culture.
From an outsider to a standing figure in Morgantown’s soundscape, Rhen said it's a place where artists must “create the road to opportunities” and find their sound. Jonah Henthrone, a percussionist and sound engineer at 123 Pleasant Street, did just that.
From behind the booth, Henthrone sees 123 Pleasant Street as a historical meeting place for all genres in Morgantown.
“Anyone is accepted there. There's not a, ‘We don't
do this kind of vibe at Pleasant Street.’ We do anything, right? Doesn't matter,” Henthrone said.
His first gig as a sound engineer, he recalls, was a string band show — a job notoriously difficult due to microphone feedback and variations in instrument sound. He said this "trial by fire" proved his ability to handle other genres. Today, he actively performs in five different bands simultaneously.
Henthrone, who studied music education at WVU, said that 123 Pleasant Street and Morgantown’s music scene have undergone significant changes over the last few years.
He said that after COVID-19, the venue was "very heavy on the rock and garage rock type of music.” The scene often felt gatekept by a small, interconnected group of musicians. However, this changed as the venue became much more open-minded.
Now, even if a show doesn't draw a huge crowd, the few who attend have often been waiting for a show close to home.
Hannah Heiskell
A local band performs at The Encore in Morgantown
Above photos courtesy of Timothy Starks. CJ Rhen plays the saxophone in one of his bands
Courtesy of Jonah Henthrone
Ani Colombo, Noah Stockett, Jonah Henthrone and Jacob Noska, from left, pose for their band photo, Louella
“Now, it's much more, ‘Let's just kind of do whatever and see what people like, even if it hurts us,’” Henthrone said. “There are a lot of times where we have shows where it doesn't do well, but the few people that did come have been waiting for a show like that.”
Beyond 123 Pleasant Street, another space fostering Morgantown's sound is The Encore, a listening room founded in 2022 by Jay Redmond.
Cassie Nelson, who now runs the venue with Brian Spragg, has worked alongside Redmond for the past three years, learning the ins and outs of the space.
“Jay believes in sharing great things with his community. From coffee to craft beer, he has had a mission to create welcoming spaces to share what's local with anyone interested. Most importantly, to start a conversation and therefore a connection,” Nelson said.
Since taking over this spring, Nelson and Spragg have kept the same mission with a focus on bringing in more youth and families. Their shows are marketed to all ages and finish before 10 p.m.
The concept of the listening room is to provide the maximum listening experience for performers, without the intimidation of a show, ultimately letting artists “test run" their band, music and stand-up.
Additionally, The Encore partners local openers with out-of-town bands to ensure crowds are always hearing something new.
“Local artists are sharing stories and musical traditions from Appalachia. This is very clearly expressed through the old-time bands, but you have to look a little deeper to see it in others, especially our youth,” Nelson said. “Even if they are jamming out to Paramore, the deep-rooted musical conversation of the locals is unmatched.”
What these local musicians in Morgantown need most, according to Nelson, is patience, grace and kindness.
“The ability to share without the fear of judgment and rejection. I often tell my students before a concert that the performance is a gift, a moment to share what they understand as beautiful for people they love. It would be unkind and hurtful to turn your nose up at a birthday cake,” Nelson said.
Venues like The Encore and 123 Pleasant Street showcase these local, up-and-coming musicians weekly. Rhen and Henthrone, local artists in the scene, continue to navigate their passion alongside newcomers.
Forget bluegrass stereotypes. Morgantown is composing its own sound, one local stage and musician at a time.
Courtesy of Jonah Henthrone
Alex Heflin & the Moot Point perform at 123 Pleasant St in Morgantown
Santa Train 2025
November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7
Departs Promptly at 1 pm
First Class : $47
Coach: $27 Adults, $25 Seniors, $19 Kids
DAILY SPECIALS
The Learning Never Stops
The Learning Never Stops
Discover new K-12 learning opportunities waiting for you at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School! To
Upcoming Events & Workshops
OCTOBER 4 AND 5
. THE 13TH VIRGINIA REGIMENT
Saturday and Sunday
Come out and watch the 13th Virginia Regiment muster, have inspection, and drill throughout the weekend. The 13th Virginia Regiment formed in 1777 at Fort Pitt. Companies recruited men from Yohogania and Monongahela counties as well as the West Augusta District. Regular admission applies.
OCTOBER 25
. CANDLE MAKING DEMO
Saturday 11 a.m.
Come out and see the process of candle making in the 18th century. Also learn some of the different methods of lighting as candles are being produced. Regular admission applies
NOVEMBER 29
. 18TH CENTURY CANDLELIGHT
CHRISTMAS TOUR
Saturday 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Visitor Center
Bring the family and join us for a special interpreter led candlelight tour of the 18th century historic fort and 19th century Job Prickett House. See how our ancestors celebrated this holy time of year as our staff takes you through many aspects of a colonial Christmas celebration with live period music in the Visitor Center. Last ticket to tour will be sold at 7:30pm.
DECEMBER 6
. 18TH CENTURY CANDLELIGHT
CHRISTMAS TOUR
Saturday 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Visitor Center
Bring the family and join us for a special interpreter led candlelight tour of the 18th century historic fort and 19th century Job Prickett House. See how our ancestors celebrated this holy time of year as our staff takes you through many aspects of a colonial Christmas celebration with live period music in the Visitor Center. Last ticket to tour will be sold at 7:30pm.
Wanna get happy? Have I got the place for you!
Even the name Happy Valley starts you off on a happy foot. I got my own start exploring the attractions of Happy Valley, what locals call Centre County, smack dab in the middle of the state, with a walking tour of the Penn State campus.
With the dapper Nittany Lion Inn as my kick-off point, I began a leisurely walk around campus armed only with a self-guided tour brochure. Available at the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau at 304 W. Beaver Ave. in State College, the brochure lists points of interest along campus.
Things get interesting right off the bat with a photo stop at the Nittany Lion Shrine, a symbolic limestone sculpture of the university’s mascot and the most photographed site on campus.
Another must-see stop, Old Main, is the university’s most recognizable building with its prominent clock tower and its administrative center. In the lobby, the impressive 1,300 square feet and grand frescoes highlight the university’s agrarian origins as well as several other aspects of the state’s economic drivers.
Overall, the sprawling campus has a total of fifteen museums and galleries. Two of the must-sees are the new Palmer Museum of Art, which opened in June 2024 and holds the most extensive art museum
Happy Valley, where felicitous adventures beckon
collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in its 20 galleries, and the Penn State All-Sports Museum, located in the famed 106,572-seat Beaver Stadium, the second largest in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world.
In total, 34 sports are considered since the university’s founding in 1855, including three that have been discontinued — boxing, bowling and rifle. The exhibits begin on the second floor with indoor sports like basketball, wrestling and ice hockey. Ironically, fencing, not football, has earned the university the most national championships.
The second floor also has the taxidermist remains of the last eastern (Nittany) mountain lion killed in Pennsylvania, shot in Susquehanna County in 1856.
Outdoor sports are covered on the first floor, which feels like walking into a shrine to some of Penn State’s most iconic athletic moments, including football champions and championships. Here, original uniforms, game balls, and trophies from major bowl wins, national championships and John Cappelletti’s 1973 Heisman Trophy are on display.
Most visits to the museum include a chance to peek into sprawling Beaver Stadium from the Mount Nittany Club Level, which also has a bird’s-eye view of the campus.
Story and photos by Dave Zuchowski
Sculpture of the Penn State mascot
For a serene place to relax and stroll, the Arboretum at Penn State opened in 2009 on a 340acre enclave adjacent to the Palmer Art Museum. You can pick up a free map at the Arboretum’s Overlook Pavilion, then explore the carefully planned and maintained 10-acre botanic gardens, featuring an array of themed landscapes, a lotus pond, a fountain and a vast collection of thousands of carefully labeled trees, bushes, shrubs and flower beds that provide brilliant flashes of color.
Of interest to children is the rambling Childhood's Gate Children's Garden with its buffalo and caterpillar sculptures, replicated limestone cave, glass house greenhouse and time spiral.
New since 2021, the three-acre Pollinator and Bird Garden is full of plants designed to attract birds and pollinators. Unique features include a bird blind and a honey bee observation hive. The most unusual garden elements are two dead Table Mountain pine trees that were harvested and mounted to serve as perches for birds, especially raptors, and as a source of food and homes for woodpeckers and other wildlife.
A noteworthy aspect of this project was the Arboretum’s use of volunteers to install the vast majority of the 143,000 plants in the garden.
One of the most “tasteful” places on campus, the Berkey Creamery has roots that date back to 1865. Since then, the methods developed by Penn State’s food and dairy scientists have made the Creamery a world authority on ice cream and dairy manufacturing.
The university’s legendary short course has attracted some of the biggest names in the ice cream industry, from Baskin-Robbins to Häagen-Dazs. For six days a year, industry pros flock to Penn State from around the world to learn how to craft ice cream perfection. Also, ice cream makers Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's are 1978 alumni of the Creamery’s correspondence course in ice cream-making.
The majority of Creamery products are made using milk produced by the University’s on-campus herd of over 200 cows. Students and visitors alike line up at the Creamery to choose from over 50 ice cream flavors, three sherbets, two sorbets and one frozen yogurt. At any given time, more than 20 flavors are being served in bowls, cones and half gallons. Annually, the Creamery hand-dips about 750,000 cones and bowls of ice cream.
The dairy legacy extends to other Happy Valley farms, forming what’s known as the Dairy Delight Trail. A brochure of the string of seven ice cream and cheese makers like the Amish Goot Essa and Meyer Dairy, which offers “flights” of four different ice cream choices, is available through happyvalleyagventures.com.
Old Main
The lotus pond at the Penn State Arboretum
Walkway to the Palmer Art Museum
Another notable tasting trail takes you through the Happy Valley countryside, featuring eight breweries, five wineries, three cideries and two distilleries. A special passport, which can be downloaded online at centralpatastingtrail.com, gives holders a $150 value for $35 while tasting craft beverages produced in the county.
If you’re into walking, an Art Walk brochure can lead you around the town of State College, where you can find 36 murals, sculptures, stained glass windows, mosaics, interesting architecture and more.
In nearby Boalsburg, the 1864 birthplace of Memorial Day, you’ll find the unexpected at the Boal Estate, which has been in the Boal family for over 200 years and tells the story of America as seen through eight generations of one family.
The Boals married wisely and even wed into Spanish royalty and descendants of Christopher Columbus. This explains why the most important Columbus collection in North America can be found in the Columbus Chapel, just a few yards down from the 34-room Boal Mansion.
In 1908, Mathilde de Lagarde Boal inherited the Columbus Castle in Asterias, Spain, from her aunt, Victoria Montalvo Colon. Mathilda’s husband, Colonel Theodore Davis Boal, imported the contents of the chapel and reassembled the artifacts in a building specifically constructed to the dimensions of the original chapel.
Visitors to the chapel, the storage space for thousands of Columbus’s family documents, can see Columbus’s admiral’s desk, 15th through 18th century paintings and sculpture, as well as relic pieces of the Cross of Christ, given to the Columbus family in 1817 by the Bishop of Leon, Spain.
The mansion itself holds many items of interest, like a lock of Napoleon’s hair, original signatures of five U.S. Presidents and a piano once owned by Dolly Madison.
A second-floor armory is an amazing collection of weaponry, starting with a chain mail suit and ending with swords, rifles and pistols from the Middle Ages through World War I. boalmuseum.com.
For places to dine, The Tavern, 220 E. College Ave, in State College, is located in a two-story historic building that features an array of delicious dishes offered at reasonable prices. Phone 814-238-6116.
Gigi’s Southern Table, 2080 Cato Ave., State College, is casual, yet chic, colorful and friendly, with a menu influenced by Southern hospitality. Phone 814-861-3463.
For more information, phone the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau at 814-231-1400 or visit happyvalley.com.
Nemacolin Castle Ghost Tours & Northside Ghost Walks
The Boal Mansion
Water feature at the Penn State Arboretum
The Roman Catholic Churches of Southern Fayette
St. Joan of Arc Farmington,
St. Mary Nativity Uniontown, PA
St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus Uniontown, PA
St. John Evangelist Uniontown, PA
St. Joseph Uniontown, PA
Ss. Cyril & Methodius Fairchance, PA
St. Hubert Point Marion, PA
GET AWAY AND STAY: FIND ADVENTURES IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Story by Michele Gillis
Photos courtesy of each location
Sometimes you just want to get away, but don’t want to go too far or stay in a hotel faced with a complimentary continental breakfast and no charm.
Luckily, Greene County isn’t too far away and combines outdoor activities, history and natural beauty together to give visitors exactly that.
In addition, it also offers several funky and delightful lodging options to choose from, catering to whatever kind of relaxing staycation you may be looking for.
Blessed Valley Lodging
Blessed Valley Lodging features a school bus that has been completely gutted and transformed into a secluded retreat located in Holbrook.
“I bought the bus because God gave me the vision of turning it into a place for people to stay and supplied all of the things we needed to get it done and rented,” said Daniele Frye, owner of the Blessed Valley Lodging. “I hope people experience a calmness where they can self-reflect if need be or just enjoy God's creation around them and make blessed memories of their stay.”
Frye said she, her husband Chris and their daughter Mercedes started the business together.
The bus, which has two beds and one bathroom, can comfortably sleep four guests.
“The bus is stationary with a private porch and a private dock as well as a fire pit with seating,” said Frye. “Your experience will be uniquely yours with fishing, hiking, visiting the animals, kayaking or just relaxing with those you love.”
Below: Blessed Valley Lodging is a remodeled school bus located in a serene location with a private porch and dock
Behind: Though Cole's Greene Acres Farm has many things to do, you can choose as much or as little as you want
If you are an animal lover, you also have access to petting the donkeys and goats on the property.
Blessed Valley Lodging is located at 136 Valley Chapel Road in Holbrook. .
Bootsie’s Bed and Breakfast
Bootsie’s Bed and Breakfast is located in a recently renovated historic residence believed to have been built around the late 1830s.
Step back in time as you immerse yourself in the quaintness of this inn and enjoy the serene country setting.
“I decided to open a bed and breakfast inn because I love to meet new people and hear their stories,” said Ruth Grooms, owner/innkeeper of Bootsie’s. “I have a culinary background and I love serving others by cooking for them.”
Grooms said that Bootsie’s would be a perfect staycation in Greene County because it feels like a cozy historic home in the country, but it is a 20-minute drive to some pretty incredible places.
“Those places include everything from college sports, locally owned restaurants and shops, to theater, hiking, hunting, fishing and so much more,” said Grooms. “It’s a great location to relax in a peaceful county setting and maintain the ability to access points of interest quickly.”
Each of the four guest rooms at the inn, named in homage to the owner’s grandmothers, is uniquely furnished, allowing you to choose the room that fits your needs.
“My greatest hope is that my guests experience
peace and comfort during their stay,” said Grooms. “The back of my promotional material says, ‘Sleep well, eat well, relax a spel,.’ and that’s exactly what I strive to provide for each of my guests.”
Breakfast at Bootsie’s is available from 8-10 a.m., or you can request in-room breakfast dining in advance.
Bootsie’s Bed and Breakfast is located at 695 Taylortown Road in Dilliner.
Cole’s Greene Acres Farm
Escape to the country and relax at Cole’s Greene Acres Farm, which is a working farm that loves to host guests.
Cole’s Greene Acres Farm is an 800-plus-acre family homestead founded in 2013 by Shane Cole and his wife, Deanna, after his 26 years of active military service.
“I’m an eighth-generation resident of Greene County, rooted within a five-mile radius of the 900acre family farm where I now live,” said Shane. “My 83-year-old father, Terry, has dedicated his life to piecing together historic family farmlands, preserving their legacy. I was raised on this sprawling property and look back on my childhood here with fondness.”
Shane said in the late 1980s, his mother, Jane, transformed the farm’s main log house into a charming bed-and-breakfast. She later managed a rental cabin, the Red Onion Cabin, well into the 2010s.
“When my wife and I returned to the farm in 2013, we were inspired to share its unique charm with others,” said Shane. “That vision grew into a family endeavor, with all our children and their significant others moving back to embrace the same wholesome lifestyle.”
Today, the farm is a haven for visitors seeking a peaceful escape.
They’ve added a pavilion for intimate country weddings, two cozy rental cabins, miles of scenic hiking trails, stocked ponds for fishing, tent camping sites, RV hookups and friendly farm animals. It’s a place where guests can reconnect with nature and unwind at a slower pace.
“When I tell people about our farm, they often ask, ‘Who comes to stay in a cabin or tent in Greene County?’” said Shane. “The answer might surprise you — we’re bustling with guests. Most are drawn by the promise of tranquility and the chance to experience rural life in Greene County.”
They continue to grow the farm while hosting rustic events and getaways.
The Red Onion Cabin has three bedrooms and one full bath. The main bedroom hosts one queen bed, and the other two bedrooms each have two twin beds.
The couch is also a pull-out bed.
If you love coffee, they have you covered there as well. They offer five different roasts of coffee that they curated locally by Hilltop Packs Coffee Co. The kitchen at the cabin is stocked with coffee and everything you need to make it, and a dozen fresh eggs for your stay.
Their website invites guests to go for a hike on some of their 20-plus miles of marked trails, book a hunt with friends or host a birthday party. The fun options seem almost unlimited at the farm.
“As a family, we love sharing our little piece of paradise and hope every visitor leaves with the same sense of relaxation and joy we’ve found here,” said Shane.
Cole’s Green Acres Farm is located at 502 Hoovers Run Road in Holbrook.
The Denny House
If you are feeling a little fancy, check out The Denny House, an elegant Victorian-era inn where time seems to have stood still. The original house was built in 1836, with a significant addition in 1902.
The moment you step through the front entryway, you can see the attention to detail and the commitment to restoring the home to its previous glory. Many of the wall fixtures and lighting fixtures are originals. The carved fireplace depicts the torch and wheat motifs that are repeated throughout the house.
“We purchased this urban mansion in the spring of 2021 and restored it to much of its original elegance,” said Pamela Marisa. “It is a place where guests are welcome to come for parties, cultural events and even leisurely weekend retreats. Of course, it is also the perfect place for a fairytale wedding or any event.”
Pamela said from the moment they stepped into The Denny House, they were captivated by its unique charms.
“We were inspired to transform it into a warm, inviting Victorian venue, a place we could open to the community, a place where history and community could intertwine,” said Pamela.
Andy Shane and his wife, Leigh Ann, are the innkeepers at The Denny House.
“As far as a staycation, it is totally for the experience of the home,” said Shaner. “You have the run of the whole house with no other guests, as well as our beautiful courtyard full of flowers.”
There are two porches with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing and taking in the local scene.
“When someone stays here, we want them to feel pampered,” he said. “As if they were Josephine Denny (original owner of the house) herself living the day away with nothing to do but relax, explore the house
and town and fall asleep in comfort.”
Shaner said the reason they opened it to overnight stays was to share the splendor of a bygone era with their guests.
“We have always loved local history, so this was a natural fit,” he said. “While you can stay locally for a few dollars less at a local hotel, the experience of waking up in such beautiful surroundings should always be an option. Each day includes a complimentary breakfast of your choosing, but I always recommend my wife’s French toast.”
While they are available for stays, they are most known as an event center for weddings, parties, reunions and other events. Their carriage house accommodates up to 100 guests, and the house itself can host gatherings of up to 25.
The Denny House is located at 145 W. High St. in Waynesburg.
Valley View Farm Schoolhouse
The Valley View Farm Schoolhouse, which dates back to the late 1800s, has been transformed into the perfect country getaway. The interior offers a warm and welcoming country charm. The house is located among the rolling hills of Greene County, and visitors can enjoy the Belgian draft horses grazing in the green pastures on this generational working farm.
Christy and Corbly Orndorff are the owners. They said the original one-room schoolhouse has been part of the Valley View farm for many years.
“My husband’s grandfather actually went to school there around 1914,” said Orndorff.
The farm hosts weddings and other events, and the schoolhouse has been used as a starter home and several other things over the years.
“In 2020, we started using the schoolhouse as a getting-ready space for brides who were having weddings on the farm. Then we decided to use it as an Airbnb so people could enjoy the space and the farm and the views in the country.”
There is a beautiful, comfy double bed to accommodate one or two guests.
Though the schoolhouse itself is secluded, it is very close to the interstate and within three miles of specialty shops, convenience goods, events and entertainment in the historic downtown of Waynesburg.
“We have had people who have gone on the cover bridge tours while they stayed in the area,” said Orndorff. “We've had people from all over come and stay.”
Orndorff said most guests are people who've been
in the city and want a break. They just want to come out and enjoy being on the farm and in what they consider to be a very peaceful and quiet space, as opposed to the noise of the city.
“I have always thought the schoolhouse, just because of the history of it, has been one of the neatest parts of the farm,” said Orndorff. “So to be able to share that with people was really the goal as much as anything.”
Valley View Farm Schoolhouse is located at 102 Orndorff Rd. in Waynesburg.
The Denny House allows guests to relax in the splendor of a bygone era
Bootsie's Bed and Breakfast
The interior of Blessed Valley Lodge
Kid Mania Kids Seasonal Consignment Event
Oct. 3, 4, & 5 Fri. & Sat. 9am-6pm Sun. 9am-2pm
Hall 1, 2 & 4
Trunk or Treat Show Oct. 12 Sun. 5p.m.-7p.m.
PA Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival
OCT. 17-18 & 19, 25-26 Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-6p.m. Sun. 10a.m.-5p.m.
Duncan Miller Glass Show & Sale Nov. 1 & 2 Sat.-9a.m.-4p.m., Sun. 10am - 3p.m.
Hall 2 & 4
All Clad Sale Dec. 5 & 6 Fri. - 9a.m.-6p.m., Sat. 9a.m. – 3p.m.
Deck The Barns
Dec. 19, 20, & 21 6p.m.-10p.m. Total Fairgrounds
Visit washingtonfair.org/events for more information
