GoXplore - Spring 2026

APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2026 $2.00

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Plus

Head north for Franklin's May Garden Mart Visit Blair County attractions

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Photo by C.R. Nelson White trillium is surrounded by blue-eyed Mary — Collinsia verna, the signature flower of Enlow Valley. These blooms and more can be seen during the annual Enlow Fork Nature Walk.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Enlow Fork Wildflower Walk...................................... 6 Spring awakening in Morgantown...........................10 Franklin's May Garden Mart....................................12 Visit Blair County......................................................14 Spring Hiking Weekend in Laurel Highlands......20

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Take a trek at the Enlow Fork Wildflower Walk Story and photos by C.R. Nelson

Blue-eyed Mary — Collinsia verna, signature flower of Enlow Valley

Ready to trek away those winter blues?

When Wheeling Creek Watershed Conservancy hosts its annual “Spring Fling” on Sunday, May 3, in State Game Lands 302, consider it an invitation to get out of the house and go for it!

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The Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek and its deep, secluded valley offer a spring tonic of wildflowers, warblers and even some history — this stream became the county line between this western corner of Greene and Washington Counties in 1796.

Today, Enlow is almost as wild as it was back then, a natural wonder for those who come to get lost in the amazing profusion of wildflowers that carpet the forest floor and paint the hillsides for a few short weeks each year.

Even older history is waiting for those who walk the walk any time of the year.

A massive sycamore guards the old iron bridge that spans the creek — a centuries-old “marker tree” bent into directional shape by the Eastern Woodland tribes that hunted here for thousands of years.

(No pilgrimage is complete without giving it a hug!)

Pioneer roads followed that path, with houses and pastures in their time. Now all that remains of the Fisher farm are daffodils pushing through patches of non-native Siberian squill, above wetlands that were once cornfields. And everywhere, wildflowers — twin leaf, red, white and toad trillium, trout lily, squirrel corn, Dutchman’s breeches, Virginia blue bells, Solomon’s seal, phlox, geranium, cohosh, larkspur, Jack in the pulpit, wild ginger and acres of blue-eyed Mary, collinsia verna, the delicate signature flower of Enlow.

This stretch of watershed was nominated by the

7 state Department of Environmental Resources for inclusion in the state's Scenic River System in 1975.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy then added it to its list of natural areas. When WCWC was founded in 2000, the spring walk attracted other groups to conduct stream studies, guide tours and provide environmental information.

Serious birders will be in the canopy before 8 a.m. with the Ralph K. Bell Bird Club leading the way.

Counting species for the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas 3 is a project that is ongoing until 2029.

Guided wildflower walks begin informally at 10 a.m. and trek into the afternoon. Dress for the weather, bring a folding chair and don’t forget the water bottle.

WCWC will have refreshments and information, and the portable toilet stays on-site for those who come on later days to catch the wildflowers before they’re gone.

Enlow Fork is stocked for trout season and is a great place to bring the family and picnic for the afternoon — and maybe do a little birding for science.

Directions to State Game Lands 302 are online at enlowfork.tripod.com Search online about the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas 3 for a wide range of webpages and organizations that are connected to this project. Email Ralph K. Bell Bird Club, rkbellbirdclub@yahoo.com to participate in the ongoing Washington/Greene County counts or call 724-833-2622.

Centuries-old Indigenous “marker tree” still points the way

Crossing Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek State Game Lands 302

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Local businesses in bloom: Morgantown’s spring awakening

Photo courtesy of Mal Mohoit Mal Mohoit, the owner of Mal’s Farmers Market in Morgantown, poses with a watermelon.

By Hannah Heiskell For Mal Mohoit, spring isn’t just sunshine and flowers — it means a new beginning. As the owner of Mal’s Farmers Market, a local favorite in the Morgantown area, she has turned what started as a small roadside stand during the pandemic into a community staple.

“When I started, we didn’t even have concrete floors,” Mohoit said. “The community really showed up…and they continue to show up. They support the mission.”

That mission was making local, healthy food more accessible year-round. Her single produce stand has blossomed into multiple locations, including a Cheat Lake store that supports local farmers and serves as a gathering place for families.

just why I started it,” Mohoit said. “And it's way bigger than selling food… it really creates that community."

As temperatures rise, the market overflows with the first arrivals of the year. While the West Virginia soil still warms, the shelves fill with early produce from southern states, including Florida melons and Carolina greens. These early shipments serve as a bridge to early summer when local sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes finally hit the stands.

Just a few miles away downtown, spring takes a different shape — in floral skirts and thrifted tees.

Amity Whitelight, owner of Cruel Closet and vintage curator at That’s So Cute!, sees the season as a time for fashion reinvention.

Each April, Mal’s reopens for the season with a community party complete with live music, food and a petting zoo.

“Spring means the blossoming of a new wardrobe and persona for our customers,” Whitelight said.

“We’ll be curating the best pieces for everyone all winter long.”

“Seeing people happy and choosing to eat healthy food and just talking with each other, it reminds me

With warmer weather, business surges. For Whitelight, that’s not just because of fashion, but

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community connection.

“When the warm weather hits, everybody’s out, especially downtown,” she said. “Outdoor market season is amazing for letting people know that our store even exists. We want our store to be accessible to all, at markets or online, even.”

11 Photo courtesy of Jada K Mills Amity Whitelight creates a vintage fashion look at That’s So Cute! In Morgantown.

That accessibility also extends to the emotional side of fashion.

"When buying vintage, you’re truly purchasing a feeling catered by the item. For me, a t-shirt from the era a band was thriving in makes me feel that magnetic energy more. Whatever it may be, go with what feels good,” Whitelight said.

Between markets and makers, a thread runs through Morgantown’s spring: community. Whether it’s Mal’s Produce Stand’s customers comparing strawberries at the produce counter or students finding the perfect thrifted tee at That’s So Cute!, spring in Morgantown feels personal.

As Mohoit said, “It’s so small and just so grand at the same time.”

Photo courtesy of Amity Whitelight Assorted jewelry and sunglasses at That’s So Cute!

Photo courtesy of Mal Mohoit Children smile with strawberry samples at Mal’s Farmers Market.

Photo courtesy of Mal Mohoit A customer poses with produce at a Mal’s Farmers Market stand in Morgantown

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Visitors at the May Garden Mart shopping in Fountain Park with the Venango County Courthouse in the background in downtown Franklin.

Thinking spring?

Head north for Franklin's May Garden Mart

By Kristin Emery After what's been a brutally cold and snowy winter, you may very well be thinking spring, and that means getting ready for spring flowers, warmer temperatures and gardening. Part of your spring outdoor plans should absolutely include a day or weekend trip just a bit north to the annual Franklin Gardeners Association May Garden Mart. The FGA hosts this widely anticipated event each year in Franklin’s beautiful Fountain Park. Franklin is located in Venango County, just under a two-hour drive north of Washington County. "We invite over 50 vendors who bring everything from houseplants, bedding plants, flowers, planters, hanging baskets, shrubs and trees, garden art and supplies," says Cathy Volk, Chairperson of the FGA May Garden Mart. "We also feature experts who provide free advice and literature and vendors who offer services that could help folks maintain their outdoor areas."

Anyone with a green thumb or anyone who loves flowers will find plenty to see and do at the May Garden Mart. "It’s also a great place to bring Mom along to browse and find the perfect gift for her for Mother’s Day," suggests Volk. In fact, there is plenty to do for the entire family for the day or the entire weekend. "We also have delicious food offered by a few favorite local vendors. We offer a children’s tent

with age-appropriate activities, and one of our newer vendors offers face painting for the children while the adults enjoy a chair massage." Visitors will also enjoy musical entertainment each day and learn gardening tips from presentations by the Venango County Master Gardeners. "The FGA sells tickets at our tent to raffle off the multitude of beautiful items that are graciously donated by our vendors, and there are also some awesome raffle prizes from the FGA group, too," Volk adds.

How did this wonderful spring tradition get started? The FGA group started with five people at the first meeting back in June 1999. That fall, they shared a table at Applefest with the folks from Two Mile Run Park to boost membership and spread word of their plans. Those founding members were inspired to create May Garden Mart after they visited an event at the beautiful Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio. "The club was initially supported by many members of the Franklin Club, who joined as social members to support their vision," says Volk.

"Nearby Oil City had an existing Garden Club at the time, and their president was helpful to the board while planning the official startup and charter of the club in Franklin. Through the years since, the May Garden Mart annual event has grown a great deal

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Photos courtesy of Tom Myers of Eight One Four Photography

and improved greatly from all of the ideas that have been put forth by our wonderful members, which, as of 2026, numbers 25. We are blessed with a talented and dedicated group of volunteers!"

The May Garden Mart draws hundreds of people from across the local area, including Northwest Pennsylvania, Northeast Ohio and Western New York.

"Many of our vendors and our visitors tell us that they look forward to participating in this event each spring," says Volk. "Franklin is a great place to visit and has so much to offer. Many folks enjoy the performances at our historic Barrow-Civic Theatre and our great selection of fantastic restaurants while they’re in town, too." The May Garden Mart is always held on the first full weekend of May, which is appropriate given the timing of Mother's Day and the corresponding average date of the last freeze across the tri-state area. That's why Mother's Day is always the go-to rule of thumb for the safest date to start planting outdoor flowers and gardens without the threat of frost.

This year will be extra special for the May Garden Mart, which is celebrating its silver anniversary. "We are happy to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year," says Volk. "This event is our group’s annual fundraiser, and the proceeds help us as we plan, plant and maintain several beautiful gardens throughout the city and within our parks, sidewalk planters along downtown Liberty Street and at the various entrances to Franklin."

The May Garden Mart will be held this year on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no entrance fee, and the park is dog-friendly as long as your pup is leashed and any waste is promptly disposed of by its owner. For more information about the May Garden Mart, visit FranklinPa.gov/events or the Franklin Gardeners Association Facebook page, where you can find event details and photos from past years.

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Blair County attractions just a hop, skip and a jump away

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Story by Dave Zuchowski

Dave Zuchowski/for the Observer-Reporter Chimney Rocks

By driving about two hours east from Washington to Hollidaysburg, the county seat of Blair County, a visitor could literally spend days checking out the area’s numerous points of interest.

1882 Master Mechanic Building, the museum pays tribute to the lives and families of the rail workers, showing how they lived, worked, played, prayed and rode the rails.

A good first stop is Altoona, established in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, a town whose name is steeped in controversy. Some think it’s a reference to the Latin word altus (high). Some attribute it to Colonel Beverly Mayer, a civil engineer with the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, who named the town after Altona, in the Duchy of Holstein, Germany.

After viewing a 45-minute film in the museum theater titled “Altoona Works,” visitors can explore three floors of interactive displays, dioramas, animatronic elements and flip cards which ask questions and give answers. Along the way, people can hear stories narrated by workers with the push of a button, see rail memorabilia and learn about the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Still others think it may have come from John Wright, one of the town’s founders, who spent considerable time in Cherokee Country in Georgia.

There, he became fond of the Cherokee word, Alatoona, which he believed meant "the high lands of great worth."

Whatever the case, Altoona became the nation’s largest railroad town by the 1920s with 17,000 rail employees and 60,000 residents. However, with the decline in railroad demand after World War II, the workforce and population, which now numbers 43,963 according to the 2020 census, slowly began to diminish.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum Because the railroad played such a major role in the city’s growth, its legacy is being preserved at the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Housed in the historic

Outdoors, rolling stock displays include freight and passenger cars from the 1940s onward, a refrigerator car from the 1920s and a 1949 railroad fire truck.

Phone 814-946-0834 or railroadcity.org.

For sweet treats Those with a taste for Clark Bars and Mallo Cups might want to stop at the Boyer Candy Company outlet store at 821 17th Street in Altoona. Not only are the confections sold in various packaged styles and shapes, but there’s a sizeable inventory of gift items like stadium blankets, nostalgic candy boxes, coffee mugs and baseball caps, all adorned with the Mallo cup logo. Phone 814-944-9401.

A rail excursion Partnering with the Railroaders Museum, the

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Everett Railroad offers excursions through the countryside starting in Hollidaysburg. Off-season, the railroad stages themed excursions for Valentine’s Day, Easter, craft beer lovers, rose wine fans and more. In season, excursions are scheduled more frequently.

For more information and advance reservations, it’s best to check the website at everettrailroad.com.

Now for some cardio Overlooking nearby Hollidaysburg, Chimney Rocks is known for its captivating chimney-like rock pillars atop a high ridge. A level pathway follows the base of the stone wall to a dramatic overlook.

In clement weather, the site offers outdoor concerts and a picnic area. For a challenging bit of exercise, try the steep trail of stone and clay that leads to the Chief’s seat, a rock pad at the top of the pillars.

How about dinner in a historic hotel?

The U.S. Hotel Tavern is the only restaurant in Blair County housed in a historic property. Oozing charm and the coziness of a bygone era, the tavern,

15 located at 401 S. Juniata St. in Hollidaysburg, serves an innovative menu of tasty options.

In the cut block bar room, visitors can see a handcarved mahogany back bar, beveled silvered mirrors, leaded stained-glass windows, a brass foot rail and a flow-through spittoon, a relic found today in only a few states. Phone 814-695-2624, ushoteltavern.com.

A Revolutionary War relic I never anticipated coming across a Revolutionary War relic so far West, but Fort Roberdeau dates to 1778, when it was built to protect the nearby lead mine, crucial to the American war effort. Named for General Daniel Roberdeau, the fort was occupied only until 1780 and was never attacked by hostile forces.

Rebuilt in 1975-76 as a Bicentennial project, the stockade encloses several log buildings to represent officers’ quarters, a storehouse, barracks, a blacksmith shop and a lead smelter. The grounds are open from 8 a.m. to dusk for recreational activity, but entry into the fort and stockade is $5, with tickets available in the visitors center, a restored barn.

Dave Zuchowski/for the Observer-Reporter Inside Fort Roberdeau

16 Open May 1 through October 31, the fort is located at 383 Fort Roberdeau Road in Tyrone Township.

Phone 814-946-0048, fortroberdeau.org.

A convenient place to stay The Altoona Grand Hotel is close to both Hollidaysburg and Altoona. This large 215-room lodging enterprise was built in 1974 and features the area's largest indoor heated pool, a full-service restaurant, lounge, outdoor patio, complimentary continental breakfast, workout room and a tropical courtyard. Phone 814-946-1631 or altonagrandhotel.com.

For relaxation, possible therapeutic benefits Those afflicted with allergies, colds, COPD and more might want to try the salt spa experience at Just Breathe. Owner Tracy Dutko, Ph.D., LPC, with 20 years’ experience in the mental health field, has tried to create a holistic approach to wellness with salt room therapy sessions.

The salt spa features a salt box ($25 for a 10-minute experience), a salt room (25 minutes at $25 per person), a zero-gravity float pod, a variety of massage offerings and a retail store stocked with handmade, all-natural skin care products. Phone 814-943-SALT or justbreathethesalt.com.

Consider the arts In Downtown Altoona at 1210 11th Ave., visitors can delve into their cultural side by immersing themselves in the Altoona location of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

One of four venues, SAMA will stage a retrospective of key acquisitions and milestones over the years. The exhibition will travel to all four locations, including those in Bedford, Johnstown and Ligonier. Phone 814946-4464 to see when the exhibit will be on display at SAMA Altoona. sama-art.org.

Just around the block at 1208 12th Ave., the historic 1904 Mishler Theatre is home to the Altoona Symphony, a venue for the Altoona Community Theatre and for concerts featuring other genres of music. Phone 814-944-9434 or mishlertheatre.org.

Just up the street, the impressive Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is the seat of the Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown. Built in 1926, the cathedral is modeled after St. Peter’s in Rome and features 24 stained-glass windows and a 198-foot dome. altoonacathedral.org.

A culinary adventure Treat your taste buds to an often-overlooked cuisine at The Athenian Cafe, 217 Union Ave. in Altoona. The restaurant has been serving authentic Greek and American food in town for nearly 30 years.

While Greek dishes like spanakopita, moussaka, pasticcio and avgolemono soup reflect the restaurant’s Greek core, the restaurant also serves American-

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style burgers, salads, sandwiches, hoagies and even vegetarian dishes. In fact, the restaurant is reputed to have the best burger in town.

One of the owners joked that she’s toyed with the idea of putting up a sign saying “We serve some of the best American food around.” Beer and wine are also available.

The restaurant is planning to move to another location in the next few months, so it’s best to phone ahead at 814-949-0991 for the latest developments. atheniancafe.com.

An engineering marvel For its day, the Horseshoe Curve was quite an engineering achievement. Completed in 1854, the 2,375-foot curve gives passing trains a reasonable grade on which to climb or descend the mountain.

Chief Engineer John Edgar Thompson filled in the two obstructing ravines without heavy equipment, using only manual labor, for $2,495,000.

Designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2004, the curve has long been a tourist attraction with an observation platform in use as early as 1879. The nearly $6 million renovation of 1990 included a new visitors center with related rail exhibits and a funicular to the observation platform. Train watching is one of the major activities, as rail fans can sometimes see as many as three trains making their way over the curve at a time.

Admission is $13. The curve is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Phone 814-9417743, railroadcity.org.

For more information on Blair County, go to discoverblaircounty.com.

Dave Zuchowski/for the Observer-Reporter A winter view from the Horseshoe Curve

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17 Courtesy of the Railroaders Memorial Museum Railroaders Memorial Museum exterior

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Photos courtesy of Keystone Trails Association A previous Spring Hiking Weekend

KEYSTONE TRAILS ASSOCIATION SET FOR SPRING HIKING WEEKEND IN LAUREL HIGHLANDS Story by April Barbe Interested in hiking, biking or white-water rafting?

Then the Spring Hiking Weekend 2026, hosted by the Keystone Trails Association, is the perfect event for you.

The hiking weekend takes place from May 1 to 3 and will be in the Laurel Highlands this year. It is also the 50th anniversary of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, according to organizers.

“We’re thrilled to see the Spring Hiking Weekend take place in the Laurel Highlands,” said Eric Knopsynder, Go Laurel Highlands director of public relations and community outreach. “Nearly 80% of visitors to the Laurel Highlands participate in outdoor recreation, and we’re excited to be able to showcase what makes this region so special.”

This year, the event also features “Give Back to the Outdoors Extended Weekend,” which offers the opportunity to come a day early and participate in stewardship activities on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, said Haley Feaster, KTA communications manager.

Space is limited to 20 for the extended weekend, so sign up soon. Activity registration with a meal plan closes on April 9; this is the last day refunds can be issued for activities and meals, too. Activity

registration (without meals) closes at 8 a.m. April 22.

“We have been doing Spring Hiking Weekends since 1956! This year, we will be in the Laurel Highlands, one of Pennsylvania's designated Conservation Landscapes,” Feaster said. “There are many hikes and activities being offered during SHW. KTA is excited to feature the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in various hikes and during our keynote program.”

KTA’s lineup of activities includes caving and biking to whitewater rafting and educational sessions.

There are activities for all ages and ability levels.

“Spring Hiking Weekend, May 1–3, includes bike rides on the Great Allegheny Passage, hikes throughout the Laurel Highlands, rafting the lower Youghiogheny River, traversing the paths of Laurel Caverns and so much more,” said Kate Prisby, KTA manager of events and programs.

According to the American Hiking Society, hiking has many health benefits, including improving heart health, hypertension and diabetes, as well as preventing obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis and anxiety.

Endorphins released by the body during a walking workout can lift spirits and keep them there

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throughout the day or night — keeping the brain as healthy as the body, the society said on its website.

The spring weekend will be based out of the historic Summit Inn Resort. It will feature guided hikes, stewardship projects, bike rides, paddling adventures and evening programs all designed to highlight the region’s natural beauty and trail heritage.

KTA has secured discounted room rates at the Summit Inn through March 19 for registered participants. Camping options are also available nearby at Ohiopyle State Park, just 20 minutes away.

Activity registration with meals closes April 9, which is also the final date for refunds. Activity registration without meals closes at 8 a.m. April 22.

Participants can choose from a wide range of activities suitable for many experience levels, with daily carpools coordinated from the Summit Inn. Program highlights include: • Keynote program: Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Turns 50 by Mike Mumau, DCNR division manager for the Laurel Highlands

21 • Guided experiences: Laurel Caverns tour, wildflower walks, geology and history hikes and bird migration hikes • Adventure options: White-water rafting on the Lower Youghiogheny River and biking the Great Allegheny Passage • Workshops and talks: Wilderness First aid introduction and The Laurel Highlands Through the Written Word with author Ben Moyer Organizers of the Spring Hiking Weekend said it is made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Robert Waters Economic Development Fund of the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies and the Fayette County Tourism Grant Program through Go Laurel Highlands.

Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities on the state's trails, and a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation can enjoy together. For more information, visit kta-hike.org/shw2026.html.

For more about hiking, visit americanhiking.org.

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