Photo courtesy of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Winter at the West Virginia Botanic Garden: Slow season, full schedule
Winter might be the slowest season at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, but that doesn’t mean it’s a quiet one. When colder weather settles over the four-mile trail system and snow dusts the sculptural art tucked between the greenery, the garden shifts into a different kind of experience, one that invites visitors to explore and learn.
Photos courtesy of the West Virginia Botanic Garden
Story by Hannah Heiskell
Each year, the garden invites families and naturelovers to take part in a lineup of programs designed to educate even after the fall colors fade. From guided woodpecker walks to young birder outings that introduce children to wildlife, November and December offer a mix of family activities and naturebased events. Animal tracking programs give guests a chance to read the snowy landscape and learn how to identify the signs left by the animals who stay active all season long.
January rolls out one of the garden’s most unique traditions: the Owl Walk. Often sold out, the nighttime excursion brings visitors to the trail after dark to listen for the calls of local owl species. It’s become one of the garden’s signature winter experiences, reminding guests that winter forests are anything but quiet.
The biggest event of the season arrives in February with the George W. Longenecker Symposium, an annual gathering honoring the late landscape architect who helped shape the garden and bring its vision to life. The day-long program draws about
100 attendees to learn about gardening, landscape design and understanding the natural world as spring approaches. A bow-tie making class, taught by the horticulture team, wraps up February’s offerings.
While winter brings fewer out-of-state travelers, the colder months are a favorite for locals. With free admission and peaceful woods, the garden becomes a calm retreat. Some visitors even clip into crosscountry skis after a fresh snowfall. Although the visitors' center closes in January and February, the grounds remain open for anyone who wants a quiet winter walk.
Recent improvements, including upgrades to the Longenecker Shade Garden, continue to enhance the landscape year-round. Even without blooming flowers, staff encourage people to visit and experience the textures, shapes and serenity in the winter garden.
At the West Virginia Botanic Garden, the winter season may be slower, but it’s still full of life for anyone willing to bundle up and explore.
An ice sculpture at the 2023 Ligonier Ice Fest
Laurel Highlands prepares for annual ice fests
By April Barbe
“I smell snow,” Lorelai Gilmore said as she hops out of bed and runs downstairs.
Standing outside in her pajamas on a cold, crisp morning, she inhales deeply.
“Everything is magical when it snows. Everything looks pretty. The clothes are great; coats, scarves, gloves, hats,” Lorelai said.
While Lorelai is just a character on the TV show “Gilmore Girls,” the excitement she feels during the winter is true for many.
The ground is white, and the air is crisp. Folks are bundled up in their warmest attire, sipping hot cider or hot chocolate, enjoying the local ice festival.
Laurel Highlands is home to two ice fests, and organizers hope folks will enjoy all the frosty events have to offer.
The Fire & Ice Festival in Somerset has been an annual event for 31 years, according to Regina Coughenour, executive director at Somerset Inc., a
Main Street Program.
The event will be held this year from Jan. 16-18, just off the PA Turnpike Exit 110.
“We usually welcome around 6,000 attendees over the three-day weekend, with participation growing each year,” Coughenour said.
Each year, a theme is selected for the festival. Coughenour said this year’s theme is Somerset County History in honor of the 250th anniversary of the USA.
“Somerset County has a rich history of honor, volunteerism, hard work ethic, outdoor sportsmanship, whiskey rebellion and more. Somerset County has history both old and new, from Native Americaninspired maple production roots, steam engines and colonial traditions to soldiers in the Revolutionary, Civil and World Wars, to Quecreek mine rescue, the USS Somerset and so much more,” Coughenour said.
Somerset County is also where modern snowmaking originated and the resting place of the heroes of Flight 93, she added.
Ice carving at the 2024 Ligonier Ice Fest
She said guests will see themes including farming, coal mining, maple production and local historical icons like President McKinley and famous pamphleteer Harmon Husband.
Mastro Ice in Pittsburgh does the ice sculptures, and entry is free. There will be over 40 ice sculptures to see, as well as a scavenger hunt, historic displays, fireworks and special events such as a 5K and the chili/ soup cook-off. Any costs to enter the contest benefit the Main Street Organization, according to Coughenour.
The event also includes a winter marketplace with 34 artisanal vendors, food trucks and live music.
“Come for the ice, the winter scenes, the spiked cider, the theme that's woven throughout each year's event, and the atmosphere of community that can't be found anywhere else. From young to old, Fire & Ice offers activities, joy and intrigue for all ages,” Coughenour said.
For “Gilmore Girls” fans, the 35th Annual Ligonier Ice Fest in the center of town may also be a fun event to visit.
The fest will take place from Jan. 23-25 and is free to attend. It will include sculptures set up around the Ligonier Diamond as well as live ice-carving, according to Amy Beitel, executive director of the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Beitel said eight large blocks of ice will be carved on site, and Misty Haven Carriage will be on site to offer horse-drawn carriage rides through town for $5 per person.
“People often compare Ligonier to Stars Hollow because both towns share small-town charm and a ‘hallmark’ atmosphere that makes people feel at home,” Beitel said. “Like Stars Hollow, Ligonier has a beautiful diamond, where events bring people together, and each season has its own charm and magic. From Light Up Ligonier and Ice Fest in the winter, to farmer’s markets, summer concerts and The Stroll, a classic car show in the summer; to Bark in the Boro, the Scarecrow Contest and the Pumpkin Spice Festival in the fall, there’s always something happening in Ligonier that celebrates our community spirit.”
She said both Ligonier and Stars Hollow, the fictional town where “Gilmore Girls” is set, are known for welcoming local businesses, friendly faces and “timeless charm where everyone knows your name and even your favorite coffee order.”
“I really think it’s a compliment when people say Ligonier feels like Stars Hollow. It’s truly a nod to our heart, charm and sense of community and connection,” Beitel said.
An ice slide is carved at the 2023 Somerset Fire and Ice Festival
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The Poconos: A four-season destination
Story by Dave Zuchowski
For decades, people have flocked to the Pocono Mountains for its wealth of diverse tourist attractions.
Spread across four Pennsylvania counties in the northeastern part of the state, the region is known for its scenic natural beauty, luxurious resorts, cozy bedand-breakfasts, outdoor adventures and fun things to do for the whole family.
Many people think of the Poconos, translated from the native Lenape people as “stream that runs through two mountains," as a summertime destination. But James Hamill, public relations officer for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, said the Poconos are actually a year-round destination.
“We have six ski resorts with snow-making capabilities that give ski lessons and offer skiing for all ages and skill levels,” he said. “We also have four water parks. In the day, for instance, you can ski or snow tube at Camelback Resort, then, come evening, enjoy the indoor resort’s Aquatopia Water Park, where the water is kept at a comfortable 70 to 75-degree temperature.”
Aquatopia also has a transparent roof that allows year-round sunbathing, 13 slides, a wave pool, lazy river, a warm pool comparable to a hot tub with indoor and outdoor options and a slowrider, an imitation of a boogie rider or surfing.
Additionally, the Poconos are said to have the two largest snow tube parks in the country and a total of
three indoor water parks — Camelback, Kalahari and Grey Wolf.
Kalahari, by the way, happens to be America’s largest indoor waterpark, at 220,000 sq ft., with eight slides, including the first in the nation virtual slide called the VR Waterslide. After guests put on a headset, they are launched into an entirely new realm as they ride down the waterslide.
Over at Blue Mountain, the nation’s largest snow tubing park, visitors can pick from 56 snow tubing lanes. After 5 p.m., the park turns into a laser lightand-music show, with the lanes glowing different colors during the Sonic Snow Tubing experience.
Other outdoor winter activities in the Poconos include snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Eagle watching is an unusual winter activity and very popular in the Poconos. Eagles migrate south from Maine and parts of Canada to reach open waters in which to feed. The Pocono Mountains provide an ideal habitat with clean water and undisturbed land, offering plenty of food and large trees in which to roost, perch and nest.
Each winter, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy hosts guided Eagle Watch bus tours and educational events about eagles, where they live and how they live. Phone 570-226-3164 for more information.
Photos courtesy of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Snow tubing at Blue Mountain Resort
Looking to relax and rejuvenate? The Poconos has a total of eight spas, and the spa at Lodge at Woodloch, consistently ranked the top family resort in the country, offers a first-on-the-East-Coast experience called the Snow Room. After spending some time in the sauna, patrons enter the room and breathe in cool air. The holistic method of temperature changing brings your body back into balance. The spa service continues in one of the post-treatment relaxation rooms.
In Newfoundland, The French Manor Inn & Spa offers a unique, warm bamboo massage that helps you relax and detoxify your muscles. The French Manor also has a saltwater pool, free of chlorine odor, since the salt naturally cleanses the water. Furthermore, saltwater is excellent for softening your skin while you enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool.
The French Manor has been a four-diamond AAA Award winner for both the restaurant and overnight
accommodations every year since 2003. Phone 570676-3244 or visit thefrenchmanor.com.
For an interesting place to dine, Desaki Japanese Restaurant is the Pocono Mountains' foremost destination for sizzling hibachi and fresh sushi. The menu includes traditional items as well as unique creations such as soft-shell crabs, tuna ceviche and hibachi-style lobster tails.
Desaki is located at 2054 Route 611, just minutes from Great Wolf Lodge, Pocono Premium Outlets and Camelback. Phone 570-839-2500.
Frogtown Chop House dates to the early 1800s, but the dining experience is anything but old-fashioned. Located in the heart of the Poconos at 472 Red Rock Road in Cresco, the restaurant features everything from steak to seafood in a casual fine dining atmosphere. The signature dish is homemade and authentic Maryland crab cakes. Phone 570-895-4460.
Dessert at the Lodge at Woodloch's Tree Restaurant
Spa-pool at the Lodge at Woodloch
The Lodge at Woodloch
Lamb chops at the French Manor Inn
The ski lift at Camelback Resort
Waterpark at Camelback Resort
Special events
The Snowmen of Stroudsburg is a unique display of art and culture in which local artists showcase their talents by painting life-size snowmen, which are then placed throughout Stroudsburg, creating a winter wonderland for visitors to explore. Now through February 28, 2026.
The annual Jim Thorpe Winterfest in Jim Thorpe, Pa., takes place on Feb. 14 and 15, 2026. The annual celebration includes ice carvings, live entertainment, carriage rides (weather permitting), food and drink specials and the ever-popular Mug Walk.
Every day in December and on weekends in January, February and March, you can take a 70-minute train ride aboard a comfortable, vintage coach on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Board the train, pulled by a diesel engine, in Jim Thorpe and enjoy a narrated round-trip that follows the majestic Lehigh River over bridges, through Glen Onoko and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park.
The excursion will take you past high-rising cliffs, mountain scenery and wildlife that surround the train along the forested route to Old Penn Haven. Wellbehaved dogs are welcome to ride the train free of charge, and restrooms are available in the station and on the train. Phone 570-325-8485 or lgsry.com.
For more information on the Poconos, call 570844-2001 or visit poconomountains.com.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
A snowman in Stroudsburg, part of the annual event
Snowshoeing at Tobyhanna State Park
SENIOR
KITCHEN OPEN TUESDAY THRU FRIDAY 4:30 PM TO 8:00 PM
DAILY SPECIALS
TUESDAY: MEATLOAF OR PORK CHOP DINNER
WEDNESDAY: CHICKEN AND BISCUITS, SPAGHETTI WITH MEAT BALLS, MEATBALL HOAGIE, AND CHICKEN PARMESAN
THURSDAY: TACOS OR WINGS
FRIDAY: NEW YORK STRIP, CRAB CAKE DINNER, SHRIMP DINNER, FISH DINNER, SEAFOOD DINNER
A COZY DAY IN INDIANA: COFFEE, CANDLES AND COMMUNITY
Story and photos by Haven Stetor
As the winter season approaches, the streets of Indiana are filled with the smell of brewing coffee and the warm glow of holiday lights. There is a lot to do in this small town during the colder months, from creating a handmade gift to viewing local art. To start the perfect cozy winter day, one of the best places to begin is The Artists Hand Gallery & Espresso Bar.
The Artists Hand sits right along Philadelphia Street, and guests are immediately greeted with the warm smell of coffee and shelves full of art
from local artists. After you order from their wide selection of drinks, sandwiches and pastries, you can sit on a comfy couch by the window and watch the downtown come alive. The gallery walls surrounding the cafe showcase work by regional artists, with rotating exhibits that make every visit a fun surprise. If you find yourself there during the evening hours, The Artists Hand also offers a variety of events and classes that give you a chance to try something new, whether it is painting, drawing or just stopping by to interact with members of the community.
The Artists Hand, including some works on display
Philly Street Candle Bar, with glass vessels awaiting candlemaking
Once you’ve had time to relax, enjoy your drink and take in the artwork, your next stop is two doors down at Philly Street Candle Bar. This spot is perfect for the colder months because you can design your own cozy candle, from the scents you choose to the vessel you use. When you enter the candle bar, you are greeted with the warm environment of plants and knick-knacks from local vendors. The friendly staff will walk you through the process from writing down your scents to choosing the perfect vessel, making the whole experience easy and stress-free. Once you have a list of your favorite scents and a vessel picked out, you will sit at the bar to choose your top three fragrances and work with the staff to build a balanced blend before pouring the candle. Once the wax is mixed, the staff will pour the mixture into the vessel while you design a label for your candle, adding your own personal touch with a fun name or simple artwork. The candle is then left to cool, giving you plenty of time to wander around before picking it up later.
After your cozy breakfast and candle-making experience, the final stop on your winter day in Indiana is the iconic Jimmy Stewart Museum. Jimmy Stewart is one of Indiana’s most well-known figures, and the town takes pride in being the birthplace of the Hollywood star. Born in 1908, Stewart spent his childhood exploring Indiana. His childhood home still sits a few blocks away from the museum, marked with
a plaque, and his voice even plays at the crosswalks on every block. Details like that help tie the whole experience together, leading directly to what you will find in the museum.
Inside the museum, you can easily spend an hour or two walking through the six galleries filled with memorabilia from Jimmy Stewart's life. There are movie posters, personal items, military uniforms and pieces from some of his most well-known roles. Executive Director Janie McKirgan explained that the museum is set up so visitors can move at their own pace and really get a sense of who Stewart was offscreen. She mentioned that they show a daily matinee at 1 p.m., which is included with admission, so you can explore the galleries and then come back to watch one of his films in their small theater. McKirgan describes the space as a place where people can take their time, learn something new and get a closer look at the history behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.
Once you finish exploring the museum, it’s only a short walk back to Philly Street Candle Bar to pick up your finished candle. From there, you can take a few extra minutes to wander through the small shops and boutiques along Philadelphia Street, checking out local goods and enjoying the cozy small-town atmosphere. It’s a nice, easy way to wrap up the day and enjoy a little more from downtown.
Upcoming Events
Gun Show Jan. 10
9:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. Home Show Jan. 23 3:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Jan. 24
10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Jan. 25
10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Little Blessings Dressing March 5
3:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. March 6
10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m. March 7 8:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. Gun Show March 28 & 29 9:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. Ag Days April 17 2:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. April 18, 10:00a.m. – 9:00p.m.
FACILITIES
FOR EVENTS OF ALL
SIZES
From a meeting for 10 people to a trade show for thousands, The Washington County Fair grounds & Expo Center has the facilities and the experience to help make your event a success. The Fairgrounds venues are situated on 156 acres and include ve exhibit halls, ten barns, a show tent, show arena, a three thousand seat grandstand, and more parking than you will ever need. the show
