Love is in the Air in Forest Region

By SANDRA RHODES
Visitor & Member Services
ANFVB

Love is in the air in the Allegheny National Forest Region – no matter what your passion is.

The Allegheny National Forest Region, located 90 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y., in northwestern Pennsylvania, has it all whether your love is someone, food or an activity. During the winter months in northwestern Pennsylvania, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite passion.

The Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Lounge in Kane hosts a Valentine Wine & Chocolate Tasting that will surely sweeten your lover’s day. On Saturday, Feb. 11, the winery, located at 309 Flickerwood Road, just off of Scenic Route 6, will pair wines and chocolate delicacies. The event, which starts at noon, is the perfect way to celebrate the weekend and your love. For more information, check them out at www.flickerwood.com.

If you love to play in the outdoors, the Allegheny National Forest Region has just the thing for you.

The Marilla Winter Trek, hosted by the Tuna Valley Trail Association, is an annual event that takes place at the Marilla Reservoir on Route 346 just west of Bradford.

The event, held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, includes cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, geocaching or walking the Marilla Trail System, a system of five trails ranging from easy to more difficult.

If you are new to these winter sports, have no fear - there will be lessons on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and guided snowshoe. Afterward, sit by the fire and enjoy the refreshments. For more information, call 814-362-9928.

Want to plan your own outdoor adventure? You will go nuts at the Country Squirrel Outfitters, located at 3 Main Street, Ridgway. The Country Squirrel Outfitters rents cross-country skis and snowshoes and sells many more items. Backpacks, clothing, equipment, hats, gloves, and goggles are just a couple of items available here. For more information, go to www.countrysquirreloutfitters.com.

While you are in the region, there are many other ways to indulge your loves.

Red roses, a sign of true love, are always a favorite during February. But for something different, why not combine a unique mix of flowers presented in a vase decorated with jewelry? Visit Grahams Florist and Gift Shop at 9 Kennedy St., Bradford, and ask Candy to design a personalized gift for your sweetheart for her special day.

If food is your passion, while in Bradford, stop at The Grocery Stretcher, 32 Main St., to make up a gift basket of Amish cheese and meats, adding some fresh from the oven specialty breads from John Williams European Pastry Shop, located just around the corner at 20 Mechanic Street.

Check out Tortugas West Texas Bar & Grill, 109 Main St., if you are more of a chicken wing and beer couple. This restaurant, located at 109 Main Street, Bradford, offers 34 flavors of chicken wings, including peanut butter and jelly, whiskey BBQ, butter and garlic parmesan, cinnamon sugar, lime and jalapeno, and maple brown sugar.

One flavor that is hot right now – literally – is the Phantom wings. The chefs at Tortugas are putting out a challenge to anyone who thinks they can tackle these wings. On Sundays, if you can eat 20 Phantom wings in 20 minutes, you receive the wings for free; $10 from the chef working that day and a free drink to wash it all down. Up to the challenge? Sign up on the restaurant’s website at www.tortugasrestaurant.com.

Romance Packages are available at two exclusive lodges in the Allegheny National Forest Region.
The Gateway Lodge, Cooksburg, offers a Valentine Romance Package which features a two-night stay in one of the lodge’s deluxe fireside Jacuzzi suites.

Available Feb. 3 to 5 and again Feb. 10 to 12, this special includes breakfasts and a Saturday night candlelit chef tasting for two, complete with wine parings and live musical entertainment. Prices are $499 per couple Feb. 3-5 and $599 Feb. 10-12.

A Moonlight Romance Package is available Feb. 17-19 and 24-26. It includes two nights in a suite, breakfast both mornings and dinner one evening. Couples can also take advantage of the Spa Romance Package, which includes Elemental Nature Messages, roses, champagne and chocolates. Call 814-778-8017 for reservations or click on www.gatewaylodge.com.

A Two Night Romance Package at the Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford offers a choice of accommodations in the Main Lodge, a wonderful historic redwood grand lodge, or two nights in the master suite of a deluxe cabin. Four-star fine dining, breakfast, lunch and dinner for two are included. Chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and candles are delivered to your suite on your first night’s turndown service. In suite, fireside couple’s Glendorn Signature massages are included with this package. Guests also have a choice of other on-site activities such as horseback riding that will create great memories of your forest get-away. Glendorn robes and mugs are your keepsake gifts with this package. Phone 800-843-8568 or visit www.glendorn.com.

To find out more about the Allegheny National Forest Region or to request a free travel guide and map, call the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or log onto www.visitANF.com for more information.

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