SUMMER 2017 | VOL 01 | ISSUE 01
P I C K YO UR PATH Where to stop and smell the wildflowers along the Great Allegheny Passage
Striking Snacks Seven Ten Bistro’s unique take on bowling alley treats.
Clay Shooting Pro Get to know expert shooting instructor Mike Mohr.
Natural Nutrients Tips from the pros on organic gardening in the Laurel Highlands.
©2016 The Coca-Cola Company.
WELCOME
www.7springs.com CEO Eric Mauck Director of Marketing & Communications Alex Moser
Sales Director William Gregory
Publisher Bill Uhler Director Bob Cucciniello Production Manager Shelly Bryant Editor Kelly Gibson Graphic Designer Jenni Leiste Special Content Editorial Director Christian Williams Copy Editors Leslie Andres, Jean Teller, Ben Sauder Contributing Photographer Heidi Lewis Contributing Writers Katie Buchan, A.A. Forringer, Katy Ibsen, Alex Moser, Catherine Orlando For editorial inquiries Kelly Gibson (785) 832-6342 kgibson@sunflowerpub.com
Alex Moser AMoser@7springs.com
HAPPY READING! KELLY, EDITOR
PICK YOUR PATH Where to stop and smell the wildflowers along the Great Allegheny Passage
Striking Snacks Seven Ten Bistro’s bowling-themed dishes are a hit.
Clay Shooting Pro Get to know expert shooting instructor Mike Mohr.
Natural Nutrients Tips from the pros on organic gardening in Laurel Highlands.
ON THE COVER Cyclists coast along the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile hiking and biking trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
Highlands Magazine
For advertising queries Ed Kruger ekruger@altoonamirror.com
We’re so excited to present the premiere edition of Laurel Highlands Magazine. Our goal is to encompass the beauty and versatility of this little corner of Pennsylvania, where it’s easy to find rich history and culture, stunning landscapes and an abundance of outdoor activities. The hardest part for us was choosing where to begin. In this issue, you’ll experience the thrill of zip lining, take a biking trip along the Great Allegheny Passage, and meet your Laurel Highlands neighbor (and shooting expert) Mike Mohr. Laurel Highlands Magazine should excite and inspire you, whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor. We hope you learn something new about the area, find a new adventure and create lasting memories. This was a fun first issue to put together for you, from its delightful stories to its lovely design, and we can’t wait for you to savor it.
All material and photographs copyright Sunflower Publishing, 2017. Laurel Highlands Magazine releases twice a year.
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CONTENTS
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STAY Bowling and Bites The Delight of Seven Ten Bistro’s Bowling Alley Dishes
PLAY High in the Sky Experience the Laurel Highlands from the top of the Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour
DISCOVER Campfires & Constellations Take in the stars while you roast marshmallows on this scenic mountaintop excursion
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HELLO! Meet Mike Mohr Shooting the breeze with Laurel Highlands resident, elite shooter and clay instructor Mike Mohr
FEATURE Hit the Trail Unforgettable Journeys on the Great Allegheny Passage
FEATURE Organic Eating SanaView Farms offers all-natural growing tips for gardeners
ATTRACTIONS Recalling the Battle of Bushy Run Relive a small battle during the French and Indian War
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EVENTS
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#HIGHLANDSMAG
Advanced heart and vascular care now at Highlands Hospital Highlands Hospital is proud to announce a new partnership with the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, a part of WVU Medicine – West Virginia’s largest and most advanced academic medical center. The cardiology clinic is now open at Highlands Hospital and is accepting patients.
Brian Kazienko MD
Cardiology
For appointments, call 844-484-0300.
highlandshospital.org 401 East Murphy Avenue | Connellsville, PA 15425 Highlands Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer. TDD/TYY 628-4816-724
STAY Story by: Alex Moser | Photography by: Seven Springs
BOWLING AND BITES TH E DE LIG HT OF SEVE N TE N B ISTRO’S BOWLI NG ALLEY DISH ES
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hen Executive Chef Sandro Marcato first decided to add a dining option to the newly renovated bowling alley at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, he knew he had to go check out some local bowling alleys. Not only did he improve his bowling scores, he also developed a wonderfully eclectic menu. “I tried to come up with imaginative, shareable items that cannot be found anywhere else on our mountain,” Chef Sandro says. “I am very proud of the menu and atmosphere that my team created here.”
SPACE The new space adjacent to the bowling alley is a vibrant, fun location for those who want to bowl or simply unwind. Guests can roll a few frames, strike up a conversation and order from an innovative menu. This cozy, rustic space featuring reclaimed birch wood from the area offers seating for 60. The walls are decorated with old duckpins, sourced from a closed Pittsburgh bowling alley.
DRINKS Seven Ten Bistro’s unconventional food is a clever and delicious draw for visitors and residents alike.
Bowling and beer have been a common pairing since the end of prohibition, and Seven Ten’s extensive beer menu features craft beers such as Elysian Space Dust from Seattle, Washington, some local favorites such as Yuengling and Pittsburgh’s own Iron City Light. For those folks who are not into hops, there is a full bar stocked with wine and spirits.
Visitors enjoy relaxed dining while they bowl a few frames at Seven Ten Bistro’s recently renovated bowling lanes.
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The new space adjacent to the bowling alley is a vibrant, fun location for those who want to bowl or simply unwind.
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As a play on traditional bowling alley snacks, Executive Chef Sandro Marcato’s menu brings together classic elements with an upscale twist.
Seven Ten Bistro Located at Seven Springs Mountain Resort (777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA, 15622; 7springs.com/dine)
FOOD We suggest starting off with Seven Ten’s salads. The 7-10 Chopped Salad comes with turkey, mozzarella, cucumber, chick peas and red onions. The grilled chicken and beets salad with apple, crumbled goat cheese and pecans is accompanied by a sweet strawberry vinaigrette. Choose from a number of appetizers that pair perfectly with an ice-cold craft beer. The bacon-wrapped marinated chicken drumsticks are a can’t-miss. The chef soaks the drumsticks in a soy-honey-Sriracha marinade for 24 hours then wraps them in bacon and bakes them to perfection. These are a cool twist on hot wings, but with more meat and less mess. Their bowling alley manager appreciates this too. The pièce de résistance is the tater tots waffle sandwich. Chef Sandro smashes tater tots into a waffle iron, creating a different kind of bread than one would find on a regular sandwich. He fills the tot waffles with rosemary ham and swiss cheese. We recommend sharing this with a friend or four. It is enormous, filling and goes well with an IPA of your choice. One more recommendation: bowl first before consuming this delicacy. If you’re looking for a little more protein to aid your game, The Belly Stack cannot be beat. Served on a ciabatta roll with piles of smoked pulled pork and prime beef brisket, then doused with chipotle aioli, this creation will power you up and have your taste buds humming as you seek your perfect 300 game (or simply attempt to break 100).
GOLF
DESSERT Finally, Seven Ten features a few delectable desserts that are sure to put any visitor at Seven Springs in the right frame of mind. The decadent chocolate “split” will do just that; it’s a chocolate cake filled with gooey salted caramel and topped with even more chocolate. Sweet and salty is always a winner. Seven Ten Bistro provides a truly unique, fun dining experience in the mountains.
Monday
OUTING
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2017
JULY
at the Highlands Magazine
Sunnehanna Country Club
For more information visit our website at www.1889foundation.org/golf-outing or call us at 814.532.0100
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PLAY Story by: Katie Buchan | Photography by: Seven Springs
HIGH IN THE SKY
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EXPE R I E NCE TH E LAU R E L H IG H LAN DS FROM TH E TOP OF TH E LAU R E L R I DG E LI N E Z I PLI N E TOU R
Tips for First-Time Zippers
WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING You’ll be zipping around, high above the ground, so athletic gear is the way to go. Be comfortable and flexible. Don’t forget closed-toe shoes.
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It may seem scary, but just don’t look down on your first platform. You’ll feel like you are on top of the world after you take the leap, so just relax and have a good time.
LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR Safety is very important. In order to have a good time, it’s important to listen closely to the guide and make sure you follow all of the rules.
Highlands Magazine
he Laurel Highlands offer striking scenery, from the abundant varieties of flora and fauna to the dramatic rolling peaks and valleys. In 2012, a new way to experience and learn about the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s mountains was introduced: the canopy zip line tour. Visitors hoping to get up close and personal with the wilder side of the Laurel Highlands will find their hopes realized at the Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The course, known in the industry as a canopy tour, is built directly into the treetops of otherwise inaccessible areas on the north face of the 5,500-acre resort’s mountain. Accompanied by two highly trained guides, guests at the Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour are taken across a total of 10 zip lines, spanning more than a mile in length and reaching heights of up to 150 feet. Also on the course are two sky bridges and a rappel station. This may sound like an experience reserved only for the bravest and most adventurous visitors, but the course is designed to accommodate most individuals of reasonable health with average mobility and strength. The tour begins with a brief, ground-level training session and progresses gradually, with each zip adding a little more distance, height and speed as the group makes its way through the course.
HAVE FUN
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Flying above rolling meadows and black diamond slopes, through tight channels cut out of tree branches and over an expansive valley, each guest on the Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour will gain a new aerial perspective of the Laurel Highlands. Between each adrenaline-inducing zip is a quiet perch on a platform within a red oak, ash or beech tree. During these brief stops tucked in the forest, guides share some insight on the ecology and history of the area. From how the variety of tree species interacts with the local wildlife to the stories behind the names of each platform, visitors walk away from the tour not only with the memory of a heart-pounding ride through lush scenery, but also with a deeper understanding of the natural workings of the Laurel Highlands. Within the canopy of the trees, some tours even experience a chance encounter with local wildlife, such as deer, foxes and birds of prey. The course takes visitors on an unforgettable ride through the forest before culminating in its grand finale, a 1,500-foot zip known as the Timberline Terror. Towering 150 feet from the ground, this massive zip line stretches across the valley and treats visitors to an incredible vista of mountains, adding an element of breath-taking excitement to the experience of flying high above the forest.
Savory food is an art form.
Each week we offer fresh features by our creative chef, plus a unique selection of wines and craft cocktails. Join us for wine flight specials, tastings and food pairings. Tucked into the hills of the Laurel Highlands just minutes from Seven Springs, our cozy bar is a hidden gem.
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Open Thur, Fri, Sat at 5 pm • mainstreetwinebar.com
Private Parties any day of the week. Outdoor seating on the deck. 724-593-9463 (WINE) • 4147 Main Street, Stahlstown, PA 15687
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Highlands Magazine
Fl ying ab ov e ro l l i n g mead ows and bl a ck di amond slopes, t h r o u gh ti ght channels cut o u t o f tree branches and o ve r a n expans i ve v alley, each gu e st on th e Laurel Ridge l i n e Z i pl i ne Tour will ga i n a n e w aeri al p erspective o f t h e Laurel Highlan ds.
More Info To learn more about the Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour, visit 7springs.com/adventures.
Sarnelli’s Corner
ONE SEVEN SPRINGS, PA.
STOP SHOPPING
H SEPT. 15-17, 2017
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For more information and discount pre-sale passes, visit
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www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com or call 800-234-3368
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PA WINES WINES FROM ITALY 9am - 9pm DAILY 724-593-2002
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12PKs - CASES - KEGS 9am - 11pm DAILY 9am - 9pm SUNDAY 724-593-2008
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More than 150 practical workshops presented by the nation’s leading experts at each event!
GROCERIES - DELI PA LOTTERY 7am - 11pm DAILY 724-593-2001
Corner of Routes 31 & 711 South, Jones Mill, PA 15646
DISCOVER Story by: Kelly Gibson
CAMPFIRES & CONSTELLATIONS
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TA K E I N T H E S TA R S W H I L E Y O U R O A S T M A R S H M A L LO W S O N T H I S S C E N I C M O U N TA I N T O P E X C U R S I O N
Turning 65?
Call us.
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or groups yearning for a relaxed outdoor experience, try a mountainside campfire, available in the summer and fall through Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Typically hosted in the evenings for two-hour time slots (and only available for groups of 20 or more), the mountainside campfire allows residents and visitors to enjoy the delights of a campfire without the actual camping. “It’s really fun,” says Hope Barnhart, family activities manager at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. “We go up to Stowe Slope for a beautiful view. Employees go with the party and make the fire, make food, get everything going. Then they maintain the fire and talk to the guests if they need us.” A Seven Springs campfire is a great excursion for family reunions or other large gatherings, according to Barnhart.
We can answer all your Medicare questions.
Happy Birthday!
814-254-4258 Authorized agency for
508 Luray Avenue, Johnstown, PA
—H o pe B a r nha r t, Sev en Sp ring s f a mi l y a cti vi ti es ma na ger
Highlands Magazine
“When y ou see chi l dren from the ci ty who have n ever been to a c ampfire, it’s so rewarding .”
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QUICK FACTS:
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To book, call (800) 452-2223 ext. 7037 At least 20 people must attend Trip takes approximately 2 hours Cost per person is $12 (including s’mores) or $14 if you want hotdogs Campfires are offered from Memorial Day through October
“It’s special because a lot of people come here as part of large groups for family reunions or just for vacations and get-togethers, and they want to do something unique together,” Barnhart says. She says this gives them something to do outdoors in a relaxed environment that isn’t too physically taxing, and allows everyone to enjoy an experience they don’t necessarily have the opportunity to encounter often. “A lot of people love the mountains and come to the mountains but have never been to a campfire before,” Barnhart says. “When you see children from the city who have never been to a campfire, it’s so rewarding.” The mini-trip offers food options, including hot dogs and lemonade. Participants can roast their own hotdogs over the open flame and enjoy eating outdoors. But a crackling fire is not quite the same without s’mores— the gooey amalgamation of chocolate, melted marshmallow and graham crackers, smashed together into a sweet sandwich. It’s even more delicious when enjoyed in the fresh air, surrounded by beauty. “The view is so incredible,” Barnhart says. “People love sitting around the fire and having a nice time and getting away.”
Custom ContraCting
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Welcome to the Everett Railroad, a small independent railroad located in the borough of Hollidaysburg, near Altoona, Pennsylvania.
1920’s steam Locomotive • HoLiday events FamiLy train rides • FreigHt transLoading Our trains operate select weekends throughout the year and we feature holiday and event themed rides. Among the fan favorites are the ever popular “Easter EGGSpress”, “Pumpkin Patch”, “Santa Express”’ and “Ice Cream Special” train excursions. Freight - 814.695.9628 • Excursions - 814.696.EVRR (3877) Go to our website for our 2017 schedule & to make a reservation
everettrailroad.com/ride
244 Loop Road, Hollidaysburg, PA
See you at the depot!
HELLO! Story by: Catherine Orlando | Photography by: Heidi Lewis
MEET MIKE MOHR
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S H O O T I N G T H E B R E E Z E W I T H L A U R E L H I G H L A N D S R E S I D E N T, E L I T E S H O O T E R A N D C L AY I N S T R U C T O R M I K E M O H R
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ou may not know it, but Laurel Highland resident Mike Mohr is an accomplished shooter and Level III certified expert in the sport. “It’s pretty rare,” Mohr says, “you may have one Level III expert from each state, more when you get to Texas. It was very challenging.” Mohr is the senior director of sporting clays at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion. The trajectory of Mohr’s career is similar to a well-set sporting clays course: not an immediately obvious start, but ultimately following a natural curve. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Mohr began shooting with his uncle. “My father was not much of a hunter, but my uncle was,” Mohr says. “He took me on my first duck hunt, and that’s what got me into it.”
Highlands Magazine
As an adult, Mohr worked for the Baltimore Electric Co. then moved into the country of western Maryland. In 1997, he began working in hospitality at Nemacolin Woodlands resort. Around this time, Nemacolin began building a sporting clays course, and brought in outside help to design and run the new venture. Interested in working a less hectic schedule that would allow him more time with his kids, Mohr interviewed with the new sporting clays director. Two weeks before the grand opening of the course, the director left, and Nemacolin approached Mohr to take the position temporarily. The position eventually became permanent—he ran the course for 10 years. “Apparently, I did a good enough job that they decided to keep me at it and we never did hire anybody else,” Mohr says. During his tenure at Nemacolin, Mohr honed his craft, gained experience and collected accolades. In 2000, he became a Level I certified shooting instructor. He went on to earn his Level II certification in 2003, and tested for the impressive Level III rank in 2005. From 2000 to 2013, he was also active in competitions and sat on the board for the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA). In 2007, Mohr met Bob Nutting, owner of Seven Springs, who recruited him to run the new sporting clays course at the resort. Mohr says he didn’t think twice about the move. “He was a shooter, so he was easy to talk to,” Mohr says of Nutting. “He understood the concept of what we needed to do, what we needed to build.” From 2007 to 2009, Mohr and Nutting worked to build the course, keeping the environment and preservation in mind. “The building is actually a silver certified LEEDS building; it has geothermal heating, no downspouts for water, water just runs off naturally,” Mohr says. “There’s an environmental stewardship plan in place as well, and the clays are biodegradable.” The environmentally friendly clays are a point of pride for Mohr and the resort. Sporting clays are typically made of lead and wear down the land. Mohr and his team employ several techniques to treat the ground and grass. They also plan for existing trees and new growth in the area.
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These tactics have encouraged growth in the clay-shooting program over the past few years. “We’re actually outgrowing this facility already with corporate events,” Mohr says. In the beginning, the space hosted about seven corporate events throughout the season, beginning in June. Now, there are more than 100 events on the calendar, spanning from March to November. The team plans to develop a third course to accommodate individuals and lessons during these corporate sessions. With Mohr at the helm, it should come as no surprise that sporting clays have taken off at Seven Springs. His exclusive training certification and focus
Mike Mohr, clayshooting instructor at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, is a Level III expert shooter. For the past 10 years, Mohr has taught shooting at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
on safety and top-notch courses are a fraction of what leads to the success of the program. Another component is Mohr himself. A self-recognized people person, Mohr says teaching is his favorite thing. “I’m not shy,” Mohr says. “I get to know [a student’s] background. I want to know what you do for a living. That way, I can relate it to shooting. An accountant is going to be different from an attorney, and I’ll use a different metaphor.” Mohr cares about his students, and it’s evident. He said one of the greatest memories was helping a blind student shoot a course. “We practiced a few times,” Mohr says. “I would pull, and
announce that, and he’d get the muscle memory of raising the gun. He wanted to hear the clay explode. When he shot it, everyone was cheering.” That particular student went on to top a few of his friends during a shooting course. Mohr gets feedback from his pupils around the clock. “Sometimes I’ll be at dinner and I’ll get a text that so-and-so shot 94 out of 100 clays or a call that someone has shot better than ever,” he says. His passion is obvious, and he has no plans to stop. As far as what’s next, he said, “You can be old and overweight and still shoot a gun in this sport. I don’t think I’ll ever retire.”
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Hit the
Unforgettable journeys on the Great Allegheny Passage Story by: Katy Ibsen Photography by: Laurel Highlands CVB
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SEVEN SPRINGS
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The popular mountain resort Seven Springs offers Great Allegheny Passage packages.
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hose seeking adventure in the Laurel Highlands region need not look far—the Great Allegheny Passage remains a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, welcoming visitors year-round onto its scenic 150 miles. What began as an effort to convert multiple railroads from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, resulted in a treasured destination for anyone seeking a unique rail to trail journey. Larry Walsh, a local writer and area cyclist, has followed the creation of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), traveled its miles (many times over), and shared the experience with others through his writing. “I bike the entire trail, in segments, at least once a year, usually early in the morning—and usually by myself,” says Walsh. “I enjoy seeing the trail and the surrounding woods in the country and the towns and [Pittsburgh] come alive in the early morning.” Regardless of where you live, or are staying, in southeastern Pennsylvania, you’ll want to make time to explore this outdoor treasure.
From Rail to Trail The GAP was built on non-operational railroad corridors that include the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, the Union Railroad and the Western Maryland Railway—measuring 150 miles from Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh (the west end) to Cumberland, Maryland (the east end). Trail-goers can even extend the GAP all the way into Georgetown, in Washington, D.C., via the C&O Canal Towpath out of Cumberland. “The transformation of old railroad corridors to multipurpose trails is usually a long, arduous process that often takes years,” Walsh says. “The GAP was no exception.” Something as significant as a 150-mile trail, converted from railroad tracks, wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated individuals. The Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA), founded in 1995, is made up of seven trail or park organizations that maintain the GAP. Together they advocated to create awareness of the trail conversion project, completing varying segments of the trail. From 1986 to 2013, the conversion took place, and together the ATA raised an estimated $80 million to make the trail a reality. All told, there is a reason this trail ranks No. 1 on many hiking and biking trails—it’s incredible. “It is an all-seasons trail that is so accessible. There is parking at each of the major trailheads and most of the minor ones,” Walsh says. “The GAP is scenic, historic and beautiful. In addition to bicyclists, it welcomes walkers, joggers, runners, birders, singles, couples, families pushing baby carriages.” The trails’ achievement, while seen every day by the many folks who travel it, was recognized by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, who named it the first trail to its Hall of Fame, which was initiated in 2007. Today the conservancy uses the GAP for its annual Sojourn Ride in mid-June.
The Experience Mile zero of the Great Allegheny Passage is located in Cumberland, Maryland, where many riders (and even walkers) will start a pilgrimage of the entire trail. “Although I’ve met a few riders who have pedaled all 150 miles in a day, and some who have done it in two days, I think the best way to enjoy the trail and the towns along the way is to bike it in 30mile segments,” Walsh says. “It gives recreational bicyclists an opportunity to ride morning, mid-day or afternoon, stop to read the interpretive signs along the trail and explore the towns where they will spend the night.” Walsh rides the trail about once a week for shorter trips. Knowing the trail well allows him to hit his regular stops.
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MAJOR TRAIL TOWNS Regardless of where you launch your GAP journey, be sure to pop into one of the major trail towns: Pittsburgh, Homestead, McKeesport, West Newton, Connellsville, Ohiopyle, Confluence, Rockwood, Meyersdale, Frostburg and Cumberland. Each community has food and lodging. But often there is more to experience. According to Larry Walsh, local rider, “they each have rich histories and friendly residents willing to share them. Their visitor centers have all kinds of information about the town’s past and present.” Walsh also notes that Pittsburgh, West Newton, Connellsville, Confluence, Meyersdale, Frostburg and Cumberland offer places to stay, restaurants and services like banks, bike shops and Laundromats.
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But what about your luggage? Walsh shares that Sunshine Luggage Shuttle in Confluence picks up and drops off luggage anywhere between Pittsburgh and Cumberland.
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Visit www.gaptrail.org to plan your trip.
Coffee • Tea Pastries • Local Goods
“Some favorite out-and-back trips include a 22-mile roundtrip from Confluence to Ohiopyle; a 20-mile roundtrip from Confluence to the Pinkerton High Bridge and Low Bridge that are connected by the Pinkerton Tunnel, and a 36-mile roundtrip from Confluence to Rockwood,” he says. Walsh is one of many enthusiasts who rave about the trail and the memories he has from his journey. Laurie Moser, a local rider based in a suburb of Pittsburgh, typically picks up the trail at Point State Park, riding to various locations throughout the warmer seasons. She even bikes the trail to see her grandchildren who live in a nearby community along the GAP. Moser rode the entire length of the trail, or what had been completed at the time, in 2009. “I had a blast,” Moser says. “I just loved it! It took us about six days.” Among her highlights were the new bridges, the modern windmills, Harper’s Ferry and even the friendly—and funny—trail stewards. “I loved being at the Eastern Continental Divide,” Moser says. “I got a kick out of that— and I loved the bike ride down from the divide into Cumberland. It’s like we were going 24 miles per hour—it was so much fun.” While the trail is open year-round, cyclists tend to ride April through November, according to Walsh. Depending on the snowfall, December through March will see crosscountry skiers, snowshoers and dogsledders. “The 3,294-foot-long Big Savage Tunnel is closed for the winter from the first Friday in December until the first Friday in April,” he says. “But, if the weather cooperates, as it did this year and in 2016, the tunnel can be opened on a Friday in mid- to late March.” And those taking a leisurely stroll along the GAP can enjoy the area’s wildlife, especially along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail segment. Walsh knows firsthand how close the wildlife will get; “I had the right wing of a scarlet tanager brush my nose as it flew across my face years ago.” Whether you enjoy trails or are simply looking for a bucket list item, the GAP is not to be missed. Enjoy the full journey, or spend a few days exploring the neighboring towns connected by former historic railroads. “Every ride is different,” Walsh says. “The weather, the light, and the people you see along the way.”
724-593-RIDE www.SilverHorseCoffee.com 3846 State Route 31 Donegal, PA 15628
Visit the Laurel Highlands Premier Dining Destination
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www.outofthefirecafe.com
3784 State Rt. 31 • Donegal • 724-259-8887
Take a pit stop … At the fountain in Point State Park that overlooks the merger of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers to form the Ohio River. Bird watch … Homestead (bald eagles); Confluence (bald eagles, osprey and redtail hawks). Hike … Ohiopyle State Park, lots of well marked trails for hikers of all abilities.
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Grab lunch … Anywhere along the South Side segment of the trail in Pittsburgh; the Trailside Restaurant, Pub and 6-pack shop in West Newton; Valley Dairy in Connellsville; Falls Market in Ohiopyle; River’s Edge Café in Confluence; Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House in Rockwood; G.I. Day Room in Meyersdale (started by two World War II veterans); the Trail Inn Café in Frostburg; the Queen City Creamery and Crabby Pig in Cumberland.
Grab a beer … OTB (Over the Bar) Bicycle Café on the South Side of Pittsburgh; Rock Bottom Brewery in Homestead; the Trailside Restaurant, Pub & 6-pack shop in West Newton; Bud Murphy’s Sportsbar & Restaurant in Connellsville; Falls City Restaurant and Pub in Ohiopyle; River’s Edge Café in Confluence; Rock City Café in Rockwood; Morguen Toole in Meyersdale; Hurryback Inn in Frostburg; Crabby Pig in Cumberland. Eat a picnic … Cedar Creek Park
Cross a bridge … There are dozens of bridges on the GAP. Among the best: The Fort Pitt Bridge and the Hot Metal Bridge (both over the Monongahela River) in downtown Pittsburgh; the Riverton Bridge over the Monongahela near the town of Duquesne in the Mon Valley; the High Bridge and awardwinning Low Bridge over the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park; the Pinkerton High Bridge and the Pinkerton Low Bridge over the Casselman River between Confluence and Rockwood; the 1,900-foot-long Salisbury Viaduct (bridge) and the Keystone Viaduct, both near Meyersdale.
THE GAP QUICK HITS Along the Great Allegheny Pass, be sure to look for these ideal destinations. TH E B E ST P LAC E TO …
See a train … There are, on average, 30 CSX freight trains a day—plus two Amtrak trains (one in the morning and one in the evening) that travel along the Youghiogheny and Casselman Rivers between McKeesport and Cumberland. There are many more freight trains (CSX, Norfolk Southern, etc.) along the Monongahela River from Pittsburgh to McKeesport.
Learn some history … Anywhere along the trail at the various information centers. Several towns have libraries and/or historical associations. See the wildlife … anywhere along the trail, even in Pittsburgh, Duquesne, McKeesport and Homestead. Fish … anywhere along the Monongahela, Youghiogheny (has a trophy trout section near Confluence) and Casselman rivers.
Camp … The campground next to the Dravo Cemetery and along the Youghiogheny River in Buena Vista; Cedar Creek Park (beautiful) along the Youghiogheny River; the Outflow Campground in Confluence along the Youghiogheny River; the Husky Haven Campground along the Casselman River in Rockwood; the Trail Inn Campground in Frostburg. Park … There are parking lots at each of the major trailheads and most of the minor trailheads. Swim (if that’s even possible) … The Monongahela, Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers. Kayak … The Monongahela, Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers. Fill the water bottle … At all of the major trailheads and many of the minor trailheads. Take a selfie … From the center of the Hot Metal Bridge with the Pittsburgh skyline behind you. Also, at any of the major bridges and tunnels along the trail.
Get back your ‘get up and go.’
We’re focused on helping you heal and recover more quickly, so you can get back to the life you love.
Orthopedic Care at Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at
Windber features:
• Experienced Board-certified orthopedic surgeons who specialize in total knee replacement, total hip replacement utilizing direct anterior approach, shoulder procedures, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, and foot & ankle care • Some of the most advanced orthopedic technology in the region, providing you with better treatment and diagnosis • Our TotalCare program providing comprehensive, personalized care and support from diagnosis to rehabilitation
To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bizousky or Dr. R. Brandon Trale,
call 814-535-6521.
www.windbercare.org
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Highlands Magazine
Organic Eating
SanaView Farms offers all-natural growing tips for gardeners
Story by
Catherine Orlando Photos by
Heidi Lewis
Highlands Magazine
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Highlands Magazine
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Janet McKee (left) and Kevin Kesler both manage the day-to-day needs of SanaView Farms in Donegal. McKee says organic farming has helped her in her own personal path toward health and healing.
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Currently, three to four acres of the land are devoted to growing a variety of organic produce—strawberries, blueberries, carrots, beets, cucumbers, peas, beans, potatoes, pumpkins, various squashes and the heirloom tomatoes for which the farm is famous. “We’re producing our tomatoes in early June or July, which is unheard of,” McKee says. The farm also grows greens throughout the year, even during winter, with the use of innovative techniques and an unheated high tunnel, which is a long, semi-circle shaped structure that acts as a grow house. Interested in growing organic produce in your own little corner of the world? Here are McKee’s tips for getting started:
“I thought it would be fabulous to start an organic farm.” –Janet McKee, founder of SanaView Farms
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anet McKee began her path to health and healing years ago when she started a holistic health practice after facing personal challenges. Now, SanaView Farms in Donegal is an extension of what has become her life’s work and mission. “I thought it would be fabulous to start an organic farm,” McKee says. She purchased the 52-acre property in late 2012 with the goal of growing organic produce, hosting workshops, events and a summertime farm stand. Kevin Keslar, the great-great-grandson of the original property farmers, joined McKee as farm manager after he helped rebuild a greenhouse that had been ravaged by a windstorm.
Soil.
As the foundation on which your garden is built, healthy soil can nourish seedlings into healthy plants. McKee encourages farmers to practice a no-till approach. Tilling turns over the soil and aerates it. However, it also disrupts the good microorganisms, bacteria and fungi systems in place. Nourishing the soil is another helpful step in maintaining healthy soil. In the same way hair conditioner works, mulch and crop cover keep nutrients sealed in and junk (like pesky weeds) out.
Compost.
McKee recommends composting vegetable scraps and other natural waste produced in your kitchen. Though it takes some time to get going, a home compost bin is an excellent addition to your farm or garden. “Compost is one of the most nutrient-dense materials you can add to your garden,” McKee says. Additionally, you’ll reduce the amount of garbage sent to a landfill. Adding this organic matter to the soil and using a topcoat of natural (not dyed or treated) mulch, wood chips, leaves or grass will keep your plot primed for producing.
Seeds, plants and water.
At its most basic definition, organic farming means forgoing the use of pesticides and other chemicals used to aid in the growth cycle. Yet it is also important to be discerning about the plants, seeds and water source you’re using. SanaView benefits from a nearby spring that is passed through a UV filter before watering crops. At home, consider using filtered spring water when you can—especially for small-scale indoor plants. McKee also suggests using local organic plants or quality organic seeds in your plot.
Be Superstitious.
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Farm lore is backed in science, which is why The Farmers Almanac and other references exist. Keslar has planting instructions for every day of the calendar year charted out based on constellations and other astronomical happenings. “My grandmother always said ‘never plant potatoes [a root vegetable] on a flower day,’” Keslar says. “Her family made the mistake many years ago, and when the plants matured, they flowered with no potatoes in the ground. It sounds crazy, but it matters.” Familiarize yourself with growing seasons, planting zones and the like to increase your harvest.
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MORE THAN JUST A FARM SanaView focuses on holistic health. In addition to growing organic produce, SanaView holds workshops focused on health and healing and is the perfect location for a wedding, reunion or other private event. Buildings on the property can be rented for overnight retreats and getaways. The farm is a historic landmark featuring 1800s-era buildings. SanaView is committed to preservation and conservation of the land.
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For more information, visit www.sanaview.com/ farm or check them out on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Design your own world.
Keslar also suggests playing music for your plants. While the science on this one is still debated, there are plenty of anecdotal stories that sound helps growth. At SanaView, a radio plays classical music to young seedlings. “One year, they were all Pittsburgh Steelers fans,” Keslar jokes, referencing the time he left the radio tuned to a sports channel.
No Mistakes, Just Lessons.
We are inspired by elements of nature. Whether you own a mountain or lake home, or want to bring a piece of the outdoors into your space, our store is full of surprises. Through our travels, we bring work from artisans who design the most creative home furnishings available. Visiting us is an adventure filled with exploration and discovery. Our interior designers will help you create the home of your dreams. Rustic Lodge is a destination spot in the Laurel dr Highlands. Add us to the list of your day’s adventures.
One winter, McKee decided to try prolonging the season by growing in a heated greenhouse. Her efforts ended in a harvest of knowledge instead of produce. “Scary things develop in a heated greenhouse,” she says. First, the heat source was a wood burning stove that Keslar had to tend to every few hours to keep burning. Late night, frost-filled trips to the stove kept the greenhouse warm, but this warm, plant-filled space proved most successful at growing insects. The bugs gorged through the winter, and McKee recalls that they were huge and terrifying by spring. However, this experience led SanaView to develop its high tunnel. Now, the farm can produce throughout the year, without the cost or effort of heat, because of this unique technique. “People say you can’t grow like that, not in the mountains. But we do,” McKee says. Lesson learned, courtesy of a season spent catering to pests.
& Donegal, PA 15628 • www.rusticbest.com • 412-756-8300
Make it Yours.
Anyone can try their hand at organic farming, regardless of capability or amount of usable land or space. For first-timers who may not have a yard or who prefer to start small, consider growing micro greens. Typically grown in shallow containers with drainage holes and a few inches of soil, this crop packs a punch. “Micro greens typically have four to 40 times the nutritional benefit of a fully mature plant,” Keslar says. For more experienced growers, test the boundaries of what is typical or comfortable for you. Experiment with a new organic crop, or switch up your materials to include more compost or a different crop cover. “Don’t feel overwhelmed. Try it, have fun with it,” McKee says. She should know; McKee identifies the farm as her most challenging yet most rewarding venture to date. Incorporate these tips and know-how into what will hopefully be a rewarding journey into organic gardening from the comfort of your own home.
1500 Glenwhite Road Altoona, Pa 16601
1300 Ninth Avenue Altoona, Pa 16602
• The visitor center details the challenges, design and construction of the World Famous Horseshoe Curve
• Visit the newly constructed roundhouse
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• Come see the newly cleared view shed
• Three full floors of interactive exhibits
• Ride the funicular or walk the steps to the top
• Relax and enjoy two historic films in the theater
• Picnic tables at the top allow leisurely train watching
• Visit our gift shop for one of a kind souvenirs
For hours and rates visit railroadcity.com or call 1-888-4-ALTOONA
ATTRACTIONS
Story by: A.A. Forringer | Photography by: Heidi Lewis
RECALLING THE BATTLE OF BUSHY RUN Reliv e a small battl e dur i ng the Fr ench and Indi an War
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n the winter of 1762, Chief Pontiac of the Odawa tribe watched the British take over French forts at the end of the French and Indian War, and, when spring came, he saw more settlers cross the Alleghenies, breaking the treaty the British signed in February 1763. Warriors from several different American Indian tribes lead by Chief Pontiac began to raid settlements, burn down farms and take over forts on the frontier. In July, 500 colonists crowded into Fort Pitt as Chief Pontiac’s warriors lay siege. With the threat of both starvation and smallpox, the situation at Fort Pitt became more dire with every passing day. Colonel Henry Bouquet, the commander at Fort Pitt and a Swiss mercenary who fought for the British during the war, was in Carlisle when word of the siege at Fort Pitt reached him. Bouquet gathered his forces and began moving as quickly as possible toward Fort Pitt. On August 5, the relief column marched 17 miles, and by afternoon most of the men’s canteens were empty, but they were less than a mile from Bushy
Run Station where they could find water and rest for the night. The soldiers marched up the final hill where Chief Pontiac’s warriors ambushed them. Bouquet ordered a fighting withdrawal, which was accomplished in good order, to the top of Edge Hill where soldiers built a makeshift fort using the bags of flour they were transporting to feed the 500 at Fort Pitt. The long, dark night passed slowly in the “Flourbag Fort”—soldiers were low on water, and casualties were sheltered inside atop Edge Hill. Bouquet had no cannons. He left them behind to move faster to relieve Fort Pitt, and it appeared to him the forces facing him equaled his 400 men. He knew an attack was coming in the morning and readied his troops with a tactic he hoped would defeat the adversary. At dawn, when the warriors struck, part of Bouquet’s line collapsed and retreated. Pontiac’s forces rushed into a hole in Bouquet’s defenses, but suddenly from their flank, the same soldiers who appeared to run away returned and caught them in a pincer movement. The attack was broken and Pontiac’s warriors withdrew. Bouquet, his soldiers and the flour arrived at Fort Pitt four days later to find that Pontiac’s warriors, who had been laying siege to the fort, had been drawn away to fight at Bushy Run. The siege of Fort Pitt ended and marked the beginning of the end of Pontiac’s War.
Located in Westmoreland County, the Bushy Run Battlefield site includes historical markers and a comprehensive museum, which maps out the course of the short battle during the French and Indian War.
Highlands Magazine
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ATTRACTIONS VISITING THE SITE TODAY Bushy Run Battlefield is the only park in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to Pontiac’s War, and it remains topographically similar to the battlefield from those two hot and humid days in August 1763. The park is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Budget cuts in 2009 placed the park in danger of closure, which is when the Bushy Run Heritage Society stepped in and began managing the park, and it continues operating with donations and self funding. The park grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to dusk year round and the visitors’ center
is a great place to learn about the battle as well as about colonial life on the Pennsylvania frontier. The visitors center is open Wednesday through Saturday, May 3 through October 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s also open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the center is $5 for adults. Bushy Run Battlefield, located at 1253 Bushy Run Road in Jeanette, is less than five miles from Pennsylvania state Turnpike Exit 9 (Route 66), and is just outside the town of Harrison City. The visitors’ center takes approximately 30 minutes to tour at a leisurely pace, and includes a 13-minute video produced in 2009 on Pontiac’s War, and the battle itself. Included in the entry fee of the center is a guided tour
of the battlefield either by walking (1 hour and 15 minutes) or with a guide in a seven-passenger golf cart (45 minutes). All guides are volunteers and typically only one is on duty during the weekdays and two on weekends. If given enough advance notice, larger groups can be accommodated. In addition to the guided tour, numerous hiking trails (including a self-guided nature trail) meander through the fields and forests of the 213-acre park. No food is sold on the grounds, but bottled water is available at the gift shop, which also sells souvenirs and books. A pavilion is available by reservation for events and is located adjacent to the parking lot.
The Bushy Run Historical Society oversees the upkeep and management of the museum. Artifacts from the 1763 battle give a glimpse into Pontiac’s War and colonial Pennsylvania.
SOMERSET ORTHOPEDICS At Somerset Orthopedics, the team of Dr. David Girdany and Dr. Michael Sobolewski offer a wide range of orthopedic procedures using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Hip, Knee & Shoulder Replacements Rotator Cuff & ACL Surgery Arthroscopic Surgery Fracture Care & Sports Medicine Hand Surgery Including Carpal Tunnel
Dr. Michael Sobolewski
Dr. David Girdany
1281 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 814.443. 814.443.1281
It’s not just a sub, It’s an EM’S SUB 434 Main St. Johnstown, Pa 15901 (814) 535-5919
167 West Patriot St. Somerset, Pa 15501 (814) 445-2100
612 Goucher St. 1577 Forest Hills Dr. Johnstown, Pa 15905 Salix, Pa 15952 (814) 255-6421 (814) 266-3948 1111 Scalp Ave. Johnstown, Pa 15904 (814) 269-3493
EVENTS Rib & Wing Festival
APRIL 1–DECEMBER 31
Wright for Wright: The Experimental Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Homes Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Mill Run Wright for Wright, an exhibit in the Speyer Gallery, explores the important design aspects of each Frank Lloyd Wright—designed home as well as their function within Wright’s life and legacy.
APRIL 28–AUGUST 31, FRIDAYS, 6–10 P.M.
Music on the Porch Friday Night Mount Pleasant Enjoy food and drink on the front porch of McCali Tavern while house guitarist Fred Adams or other friends entertain.
MAY 5–AUGUST 6
Dennis Sheehan: Atmospheres and American Tonalist Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, Ligonier
On view May 5 through August 6, the exhibition features nearly 50 oil-on-canvas paintings by New England artist Dennis Sheehan, whose work is often described as reminiscent of the masters of the Barbizon School and the American Tonalists.
APRIL 20–OCTOBER 26, THURSDAYS, 6–8 P.M.
Arabesque Antiochian Heritage Museum, Bolivar
Authentic Middle-Eastern dinner served in the museum’s indoor gallery courtyard. Limited seating; reservations required. Call 724-238-3677 x400.
MAY 18–OCTOBER 12, THURSDAYS, 6–9 P.M.
Bike Night Stone House Restaurant & Country Inn, Farmington
Join us at the Stone House every Thursday 6-9 p.m. for bike night! There will be prizes, games, giveaways, live music and barbecue.
MAY 30–SEPTEMBER 3
Blue Star Museums The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg
The Westmoreland is one of more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and thousands of museums across the country.
JUNE 6–JULY 30
Handle with Care The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg
A collection of approximately 15 works, this exhibition of sculpture in the Robertshaw Gallery invites visitor engagement, allowing them to, as the title suggests, handle the objects with care, thus interacting with artwork in a way that is generally not allowed in an art museum.
JUNE 7–AUGUST 30, WEDNESDAYS, 5-8 P.M.
Lincoln Highway SupperMarket Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, Latrobe
The Lincoln Highway SupperMarket is where old and
new friends share a picnic table and enjoy freshly prepared a la carte items made by seven of the best chefs in the region (for only a $3 car fee). Listen to live music and visit the Lincoln Highway Experience museum to see how “One Road Changed America Forever.” No smoking, pets or outside food and drinks.
and died in the mines. It includes live entertainment; street dances, fireworks, food and craft vendors; children’s petting zoo and games, parade, and other fun family activities.
THURSDAYS, MAY 25–AUGUST 31, THURSDAYS 6-9:30 P.M.
The 14th annual National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival, managed by the Confluence Lions Club, will host chainsaw carvers from around the world. They will be carving, displaying, and selling their carved items to the public.
TGIS “Thank Goodness it’s Summer” Free Concert Series The Palace Theater, Greensburg
Westmoreland Cultural Trust is proud to announce its 13th annual TGIS concert series lineup featuring 15 weeks of local/live entertainment in the S&T Bank Courtyard and Megan’s Suite at The Palace Theatre (21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg).
JUNE 12–16
Super Hero and Princess Days at Living Treasures in the Laurel Highlands Living Treasures Wild Animal Park Dress up the family as their favorite super hero or princess and join us for a special enrichment day at Living Treasures in the Laurel Highlands.
JUNE 15–18
Miners’ Memorial Day Festival Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation, Windber The Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation sponsors the Miners’ Day Festival with assistance from WAVE (Windber Area Visioning Experience) and the Windber Hotel staff. The annual event honors coal miners who worked
JUNE 15–17
National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival Addison Community Park, Addison
JUNE 17
Beer & Gear Festival Ohiopyle
The Ohiopyle Beer and Gear festival features more than a dozen breweries with top-notch ales. There will also be multiple outdoor and whitewater vendors, live music, awesome gear, and some foot stomping bluegrass. Everyone must have an ID. Please, no pets.
JUNE 17
Comedy Night with Jim Krenn Seven Springs
Join us for a night of laughs with comedian Jim Krenn and his opening act, Derrick Knopsnyder, at Seven Springs in the Matterhorn Lounge. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. for adults age 21 and over (bring proper ID to show at the door). Tickets are $25 and are only available online through ShowClix or over the phone at 1-888-718-4253.
JUNE 10, 2017– SEPTEMBER 17
The Art of Movement: Alexander Calder, George Rickey & Tim Prentice The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg
Organized by The Westmoreland’s Chief Curator Barbara L. Jones, The Art of Movement brings together the work of Alexander Calder, George Rickey and Tim Prentice, all of whom are leading proponents of kinetic art. All three use repetitive abstract patterns, work with balance and counterweights, use no mechanical or electrical operating parts, and wait for the air to activate their work.
JUNE 29–JULY 2
Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival Greensburg
Enjoy art, live music, food and family fun at the 43rd Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, held every year at Twin Lakes Park during the Fourth of July weekend.
JULY 1
Frosty Mugs of Thunder Brewfest Somerset Historical Center, Somerset
Join us for an evening of beer, music, and good food at the third Annual Frosty Mugs of Thunder Brewfest! Regular admission includes a tasting mug and the chance to sample some of your new favorite beers from local and national breweries. Food can be purchased from several vendors. This is a 21+ event. Must have valid ID.
JULY 8–9
WWI Living History Weekend Somerset Historical Center, Somerset Military and civilian living historians will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the US involvement in WWI. Regular admission.
JULY 14–16
Rib & Wing Festival Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs
Living History Weekend Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown
Join gunsmith Jim Everett and other craftsmen as they use the tools and techniques of their 19thcentury predecessors to make rifles and other items. Tours of the Inn also available.
JULY 21–22, 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Summer in Ligonier Arts & Crafts Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ligonier
Enjoy arts, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, merchant sidewalk sales, kettle corn, kids activities, balloon artists, face painting and more.
JULY 27–AUG 5
Fayette County Fair Dunbar
Fayette County Fair is a pay-oneprice fair. All paid admissions include carnival rides, the outdoor arena and indoor arena entertainment. With a total attendance of nearly 100,000 people, our fair ranks as one of the largest fairs in Pennsylvania.
JULY 28–30
UFO Festival Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant
Celebrating Kecksburg UFO Incident of December 9, 1965, this free festival, hosted by all volunteers, brings in speakers to discuss UFOs, Bigfoot and paranormal activity.
JULY 29
AUGUST 5–6
SEPTEMBER 6–10
The site’s premiere event for the year pits the forces of his Royal Highness King George III against a confederation of Native Americans. See all the colors of war in the vibrant recreations of the two-day battle of Bushy Run, brought to life by reenactors. Learn how the battle progressed, as well as how people lived in the mid18th century. The morning battle starts at 11 a.m. The afternoon engagement begins at 2 p.m.
The Farmers and Threshermens Jubilee is a country festival where antique machinery takes center stage. For more than 60 years, this festival has showcased the early machines of agricultural life. During the Jubilee, there are demonstrations, parades and contests featuring these amazing antiques.
254th Anniversary of the Battle of Bushy Run Jeannette
AUGUST 18–26
Westmoreland Agricultural Fair Greensburg Westmoreland Fair prides itself in showcasing Pennsylvania’s No. 1 industry: agriculture. Enjoy free concerts, demolition derbys, truck/ tractor pulls, rodeos, carnival rides, strolling performers and more.
AUGUST 19–20
Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival Ligonier
Clean up the camper, dust off the lawn chairs, and get ready for a great weekend in the Laurel Highlands. The festival benefits the Ligonier Township Volunteer Fire Department, Station #44. This is an affordable, wholesome, family festival that provides a great bluegrass experience.
AUGUST 25–27
Seven Springs Wine Festival Seven Springs Mountain Resort
The 34rd annual Jambrewzle Music, Brews, & Arts Festival will include music, beers, vendors, fire performances, and more. All ages welcome. There will be family friendly activities. 21+ wristband for alcohol.
The Seven Springs Wine Festival, August 25–27, showcases wineries from all over Pennsylvania and offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves wine. The festival features complimentary wine sampling from 30 wineries, daily seminars, live entertainment, a variety of crafts and musical entertainment.
JULY 29
SEPTEMBER 1–4
Fifteen years later, join us at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site for a celebration in honor of the courageous miners and their heroic rescuers. Festivities include live music, food from local vendors and food trucks, fun and games for the kids. Plus, enjoy a car cruise, bonfires, yummy treats and fireworks. The Quecreek Visitors Center will be open for free tours.
The annual Labor Day Festival features exhibitors from 15 states. Browse and shop for unique treasures, while enjoying an eclectic mix of entertainment for the whole family—from ventriloquists to balloon animals.
Jambrewzle Four Seasons Brewing Co., Latrobe
Quecreek Mine Rescue 15th Anniversary Celebration Somerset
24th Annual Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival Greensburg
Farmers and Threshermens Jubiliee Rockwood
SEPTEMBER 8–10
Mountain Craft Days Somerset Historical Center, Somerset
More than 125 craft artisans, musicians, and entertainers will be on hand to interpret the rich frontier heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania. Mountain Craft Days was founded in 1970 to preserve and interpret the wonderful historic craft and trades heritage of Somerset County. Proceeds from the event benefit the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County and are used to help preserve and interpret Somerset County’s history and heritage.
SEPTEMBER 9
Autumn Mum Festival Fayette County Cultural Trust, Connellsville
Come and experience the Connellsville Mum Festival. During this one-day event we close our main street and line it with craft and food vendors, entertainment and Mums for purchase.
SEPTEMBER 15–17
Mother Earth News Fair Seven Springs Mountain Resort
The Mother Earth News Fair is a fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event featuring dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops from the leading authorities on: renewable energy, small-scale agriculture, gardening, green building, green transportation and natural health. Attendees enjoy an array of entertainment options, organic local food and beverages, as well as outdoor gardening and livestock demonstrations. Call The Mother Earth News Fair customer care staff at 1-800-234-3368.
SEPTEMBER 15–17
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Scottdale Fall Festival, Scottdale The Festival is a three-day celebration that includes a dog show, live entertainment, a 10K / 5K race, ethnic foods, children’s area, a teen dance, and much more. The festival is held at the Gazebo in Scottdale.
Highlands Magazine
Seven Springs Mountain Resort presents the eighth annual Rib & Wing Festival. Dig into mouthwatering ribs and wings cooked fresh by award-winning ribbers from all over the country, rock out to live musical entertainment, cool off at the beer garden, play some games in the Kids’ Zone and more! Tickets are available at the main ticket gates the day of the event.
JULY 15–16
EVENTS
musical entertainment, discover the unexpected with a variety of novelty performers or hop on the chairlift for an aerial view of the fiery colors of autumn. Artisans and crafters from far and wide will have their handmade creations on display.
OCTOBER 1
Annual Ex-PAWS-ition Christian W. Klay Winery, Chalk Hill
Mother Earth News Fair
SEPTEMBER 16–17, 12–5 P.M. Derry Railroad Days Derry
Derry Railroad Days is an annual celebration of the railroading heritage of Derry. Each September the community celebrates this in a variety of ways, including a traditional parade, the Railroad Days festival, a picnic, and much more.
SEPTEMBER 16, 10–5 P.M.
Murrysville Heritage Festival Murrysville
The Murrysville Heritage Festival is a full day of music, arts, history and food, with costumed reenactors and vendors, offering a taste of life in Pennsylvania history. Event is free and held at the Sampson/Clark Toll House.
SEPTEMBER 16–17
Smiscksburg Apple Festival Smicksburg
The apples are ripe for pickin’ and that we did... Come enjoy the festivities and entertainment this fine weekend!
SEPTEMBER 17
Laurel Highlands Chili Cook-Off & Mountain Harvest Festival Christian W. Klay Winery, Chalk Hill
The beautiful landscape at the Christian W. Klay Winery is the perfect setting to enjoy a great time with great food! Live entertainment, food and craft vendors, wine tasting, a grape stomp and activities for the kids. Admission benefits scholarships.
SEPTEMBER 22–24
Mount Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival Mount Pleasant
The Mount Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival is an annual street festival that celebrates our area’s glassmaking history and ethnic diversity. Celebrating 30 years, this free event features more than 100 vendors and includes glassmaking demonstrations, contests, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more.
SEPTEMBER 23–24 FestiFall Point Marion
This event is co-sponsored with the Friendship Hill Association and celebrates the life and times of Albert Gallatin, the original owner of Friendship Hill. This free event includes demonstrations of historic trades and crafts, as well as music of the era.
SEPTEMBER 23
Ligonier Highland Games Ligonier
Follow the skirl of bagpipes to beautiful Idlewild Park for the annual gathering of the Clans. Join your friends, neighbors and fellow fans of all things Scottish at the Ligonier Highland Games and experience dancing and exciting competitions, including traditional Scottish heavy athletic events tossing the caber, the Scottish hammer throw, sheaf tossing and stone.
SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 29 Faranda Harvest Festival Hollsopple
Come and have some fun and play some games. Solve the five-acre corn maze, take a hayride and sit by the fire ring. Dress warmly and bring your flashlight. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Food available.
SEPTEMBER 30
Ebensburg PotatoFest Ebensburg
The Ebensburg PotatoFest is an annual event celebrating Cambria County potatoes and growers. The festival is a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, entertainment, and food for the entire family. More than 200 crafters and artisans line the streets for blocks with homemade wares and food of all kinds.
SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 22 Autumnfest Weekends Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Autumnfest is culture and kitsch rolled perfectly into one. Every weekend of Autumnfest, explore a vibrant world of themed family fun all over the mountain. Enjoy live
Bring your furry friend for a day out in the autumnal beauty of the Laurel Highlands and join us as we celebrate the Annual Ex-PAWSition. There will be a pet parade and contest, vendors, food, a pet blessing and more. $5 donation at the gate benefits local animal charities.
OCTOBER 1–29
Fall Fest Schramm Farms & Orchards, Jeannette
The month of October, the fields of Shramm Farm and Orchards are filled with a huge selection of pumpkins. There is something for the whole family, including play hay, two corn stalk mazes, pony rides, hay rides and a corn box. There is also a wide selection of refreshments including fresh-cut french fries, apple cider slushes, and homemade candy and caramel apples.
OCTOBER 6–8
Confluence Pumpkinfest Confluence
Beginning the first Friday in October in the village of Confluence, this festival gives arts & crafts and food vendors the opportunity to show and sell their goods in the town park. It also features the Pumpkinfest Queen Pageant, a 5K run/walk, an antique and classic auto show, a parade and a pumpkin contest.
OCTOBER 6–7
Springs Folk Festival Springs
The Springs Folk Festival invites you to join in the celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. Watch the men and women baking bread and weaving, the men hewing logs and threshing grain, and the children enjoying themselves on an old-time hayride. Visitors can expect an exceptional array of quality handcrafted items and sample apple fritters, kettle corn and homemade ice cream.
OCTOBER 6–28, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY
Night at the Zoo Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Jones Mill
This non-scary family event invites you to take a walk in the dark through our torch-lit walkways to view the interesting behaviors of wild animals at night. Hear the calls of many vocal animals, and spot the glowing eyes of the big cats and alligators. Come in non-scary costume. Children’s admission is free with purchase of adult ticket.
OCTOBER 7–8
Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival Delmont
For more than 30 years, the Delmont Apple ’n Arts Festival has featured more than 150 arts and crafts vendors and 30 food vendors. You can find handmade items from local crafters, delicious food, hot apple cider and homemade apple treats. The Delmont Apple ’n Arts Festival provides funds to local charitable organizations that provide assistance to those in need.
OCTOBER 7–15
Bedford’s Fall Foliage Festival Bedford
Organized entirely by volunteers, this event provides activities and entertainment for folks of all ages. Over 400 craft booths, demonstrating artisans, live entertainment and festival food. Children’s activities and interactive live theater.
OCTOBER 13–15
Fort Ligonier Days Ligonier
Fort Ligonier Days, one of the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events in America,” is a threeday festival that commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier, a key engagement of the French and Indian War fought on October 12, 1758. On the grounds of the Fort, you will find a living history encampment showing frontier life, military tactics, drills, cannon firing, ceremonies, Highlanders, redcoats, French troops, frontier men and women, Indians and music from 1758. Visit Fort Ligonier’s official web site for more information. A favorite at the fort is the re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Ligonier at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
GRILLE & EVENT CENTER
Lodging Oakhurst Grille & Event Center
814.443.2897
is a full service restaurant, serving All You Can Eat Buffets, Steaks, Pastas, Burgers and Seafood. Their new bar/lounge offers premium cocktails and craft beers. Looking for somewhere to hold a wedding, birthday, anniversary or meeting? They have banquet halls that can hold up to 300 guests. Check them out online at www.oakhurstgrille.com 2409 Glades Pike Somerset, PA 15501
Lifestyle
Local
“My goal is to provide the most comprehensive, reputable, and high-end service company in the Laurel Highland ski region... In short, if you need it... allow the Mnt. Concierge and my incredibly dedicated workforce to get it for you.” Tate – CEO LLC
www.mntconcierge.com
814.418.1062 In addition, I am also the CEO of AirRade. A not-for-profit recreation-focused ski/snowboard/surf company through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. You will see us on the slopes.
www.airrade.club
#highlandsmag
#highlandsmag
From skiing to shooting to celebrating, here’s a glimpse into recent Laurel Highlands events and the people who lived them. We’d love to see how you choose to adventure here. Use the hashtag #HighlandsMag for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue! (Photos courtesy Seven Springs Mountain Resort Facebook)
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#highlandsmag CALLING ALL WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS! Want to be a part of Laurel Highlands Magazine? We’re seeking freelance writers and photographers to help us tell the stories of the people who live, work and play in the Laurel Highlands region. Email laurelhighlands@sunflowerpub.com.
Microgreens
Aquaponics
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7209 Route 819 819 Route 119 North 261 Lincoln Highway Mount Pleasant, PA New Stanton, PA Jeannette, PA Open 7 Days a week 10AM-6PM
(724) 547-2693
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www.hillsideorchardsllc.com
Check Out Our Other Locations New Stanton Rest Stop on the turnpike 10AM-8PM April - November 30th And Ligonier Farmers Market on Saturdays
ZEBLEY MEHALOV & WHITE, P.C. Law Offices
Real Estate • Wills & Estates Family Law • Bankruptcy • Social Security Disability Personal Injury • Criminal Defense • DUI - Traffic Offenses A Local Law Firm Serving Southwestern PA
724-439-9200
Toll Free: 888-439-9200
www.zeblaw.com
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