Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau The Allegheny National Forest Region may be hundreds of miles away from Washington, D.C., but still has had plenty of presidential connections throughout the years. The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) was created in 1923 after President Calvin Coolidge signed a proclamation for federal purchase of available private lands for national forest purposes. Located in northern Pennsylvania, just 90 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y., the ANF now consists of more than 513,000 acres. Decades before Coolidge, President Theodore, a forward-thinking conservationalist, developed a master plan for managing the nation’s natural resources. This plan included the ideals of developing ways to keep the Earth and its resources safe for generations to come. To help meet this goal, the federal government created the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. In 1911, when William Taft was president, Congress passed the Weeks Act, allowing ...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Love is in the air in the Allegheny National Forest Region in northern Pennsylvania. If you are looking for a romantic getaway for you and your significant other for Valentine’s Day or just a weekend escape, here love takes on many forms – romantic, culinary and recreation. In this neck of the woods – located about 90 minutes south of Buffalo, N.Y. – there’s plenty of activities and attractions to satisfy whatever your heart desires. The Mountain Laurel Inn in Bradford, a lovely Colonial Revival home built in 1894, features a sweeping circular central staircase and seven elegantly decorated guest rooms. When you book the Romantic Getaway Package with your one night’s lodging, you will be treated to fluffy robes, fine chocolates, scented candles, crystal champagne glasses and romantic music in your room. In addition, guests will enjoy a hors d’oeurves platter and beverages, plus a $25 gift certifica...

A photo of the Kinzua Viaduct taken while it was still intact won first place in the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau’s Fall Photo Contest. The winning photo, taken by Nancy Pascarella of Bradford, shows a side view of the Viaduct with blazing orange foliage surrounding it. Mike Black, also of Bradford, received second place for a photo taken of a railroad in the Hutchins area. The third place winner was Linda Milliron of Eldred for a photo of “Charlie’s Pond” in the area of Moody Hollow Road in Coryville. Pascarella will receive a $100 prize. Black and Milliron will each receive $50. The photos were required to be taken in sites within McKean County. The three winning photos will be on display at the Visitors Bureau, located in the Old Post Office, at 80 E. Corydon St. All of the entries may be used in different promotional projects by the ANFVB. The members of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Board of Directors judged the contest. The Allegheny National Forest V...

Two friendly leaf-shaped characters will be making the rounds at local fairs and festivals as well as welcoming visitors at the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Welcome Center in Bradford. These characters, which are actually life-size, stand-up, leaf-shaped figures, have a circle cut out for faces, so people can poke their heads in and get their picture taken. The adult-size cutout is a leaf with an acorn on top. The child’s version is an acorn with the top of the nut shaped like a hat. “We are very excited about our new ‘employees,’ said Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “They are going to be great ambassadors for tourism in McKean County. I think visitors, both young and old, will enjoy taking their pictures with the leaf cutouts as a reminder of visiting the Allegheny National Forest.” A set of the leaf characters is available for use at local fairs, festivals and events, courtesy of the “Fun with Trees & Leaves” program...

As the summer continues to sizzle, there’s one place you can go to cool off. That place is the Allegheny National Forest region, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, just 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, N.Y. The Allegheny National Forest region not only has unbelievable scenery, it also has many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast to recreate. The Allegheny Reservoir offers the visitor a chance to cool down. There are six boat launches along the Allegheny Reservoir. Each of these areas is a launching pad for fun. The gentle currents of the reservoir and the cool breezes will whisk away the summer heat. The canopy of the forest trees offer shade from the blistering sun. But the Allegheny National Forest region not only provides the scenery, but also the means to enjoy it. For swimming, Kinzua Beach is just the right place to set down your beach blanket and soak in the sun. Located just off of Route 59, 17 miles east of Bradford, there is no admittance cost and the parking is convenien...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau There’s no better way to spend Independence Day weekend than to take in the sights and sounds at a state park. The Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, Pennsylvania, and Allegany State Park, in Salamanca, New York, both offer a multitude of activities beginning on Friday, July 2. Step back into history at the Kinzua Bridge State Park for a History of the Bridge Talk and Walk which take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is located on Route 3011. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is the home of the former Kinzua Viaduct, which was once billed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The Kinzua Viaduct was built to span the Kinzua Gorge as a railroad viaduct in 1882. The viaduct was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003, but will be reborn in 2010 and will open as the Kinzua Sky Walk in the fall. Railroad enthusiasts need to come on board to a couple of programs at the park....

When the Workshop Trailblazers ATV Club won a contest to ride with ATV enthusiast Brian Fisher at their favorite location, they had just one spot in mind – Majestic Kamp & Lost Trails in Coleville, just outside of Rew. That ride will be aired on Fisher’s ATV World on the Outdoor Channel on Monday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 12:30 a.m. It will also air in September. Brenda Fitch, owner of Majestic Trails, located on Route 46, explained that Fisher’s ATV World is a show that promotes new ATVs, equipment and riding areas. The Workshop Trailblazers, out of York, won a “Ride with Brian” by coming in first place in the Club Contest for having the most club members present at the 2009 Fisher’s ATV Reunion in Patton, Pa. “They toured our place here and did a lot of interviews,” Fitch said of the television crew. “We were very pleased and excited that a club from York chose Majestic Trails here in Rew as their favorite riding park.” The crew was on site May 6-May 8. Fitch said...

The hot days and warm nights of summer are the perfect time to stake down a tent or pack up the RV and pull out the backpack to enjoy some family fun in the Allegheny National Forest region in Pennsylvania. Temperatures in the higher altitude of the Allegheny Plateau provide cool breezes on those hot summer nights and the pristine shore line of the Allegheny Reservoir provides plenty of opportunities for water adventures. The lush green forest lands of the Allegheny National Forest region draws thousands of visitors each year to experience life in the Pennsylvania Wilds whether you want to camp in the woods or stay in one of the many cozy cabins available in the region. Allegheny Site Management handles all the camping within the Allegheny National Forest, including Willow Bay, which has access to the Allegheny Reservoir. At Willow Bay, there are six primitive cabins with a porch swing, electric, nearby water and showers, parking and a fire ring. Cabins along the shoreline provide beau...

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) and the 11 other Pennsylvania Heritage Areas, including the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor were inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism. According to the Office of Governor Edward G. Rendell, induction into the Keystone Society for Tourism is the highest honor Pennsylvania confers on leaders in the tourism industry. Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas were honored with the Enterprise Award, presented "to champions of a cooperative alliance that has spurred economic development through significant financial investments" to regional anchor attractions. Recipients of this award "demonstrate skillful management and facilitation of diverse resources necessary to frame, brand, and position a destination or attraction." In northwestern and northcentral Pennsylvania, the Lumber Heritage Region has been recognized for the management and facilitation of diverse resources designed to enhance the anchor attractions of the Lumber Region, such as ...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Two new trails have been thrown into the mix for those seeking to become Tuna Trekkers. The Tuna Valley Trail Association is again sponsoring the “Trekking the Tuna Trails” campaign to benefit the McKean-Potter Counties America Red Cross. Now in its second year, the Tuna Trekker campaign has added two new trails as well as a geocaching component. The Tuna Trekker season starts May 15 and runs to Aug. 15. “People have three months to do it,” organizer Rick Lutz said, adding that there are now nine trails and 31 miles to trek before becoming a true Tuna Trekker. Participants in the Tuna Trekker program are to get pledges for each mile they walk on the trails and then get out and walk. Walkers will have a log to complete; there’s space for a photo of the participant – for a photo contest - and a witness signature. Anyone who finishes each of the TVTA developed trails, pledges a minimum of $30 and comp...

By SANDRA RHODES ANF Visitors Bureau Travel and tourism in the Allegheny National Forest region is growing every day and local tourism officials are excited to spread the news. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, the official tourism promotion agency in McKean County, will hold an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. May 13 at the Visitors Center, located at the Old Post Office, 80 E. Corydon St. in Bradford. “This will give everyone in the community a chance to learn about what the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau does,” said Executive Director Linda Devlin. The goals of the ANF Visitors Bureau include increasing the number of people visiting the area, increasing the average length of stay, and working to increase the amount of revenue per visitor spent in the area. This is accomplished in a multitude of ways such as printing an annual visitors guide and map, brochure distribution, attending trade shows, working with media and press, and by marketing the region’s unique att...

Pennsylvania Crude: The Road Trip, the tourism promotional marketing DVD created for Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, Warren County Visitors Bureau and the Allegany County (N.Y.) Office of Development, received several awards, including Best of Show, at the ADDY Awards Friday night at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. In the first 25 years of the oil industry, the Northwestern Pennsylvania counties of Butler, Venango, McKean, Crawford and Warren, and New York’s Allegany County formed the producing heart of the North American oil industry. Energy is a topic on everyone’s mind and these themes were utilized in the creation of Pennsylvania Crude: The Road Trip. Black Sheep Media, headed by Joe Ferralli, produced the DVD which harkens back to an old-fashioned road trip. It offers a set of suggested driving tour itineraries...

The Pennsylvania Wilds is pleased to announce that awards have been granted, designs accepted, and that signs are beginning to be installed across the region as part of the Pennsylvania Wilds Business Signage Program and the Pennsylvania Wilds Community Signage Program. At least one community or business sign was awarded to every county in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Grants provide up to $1,000 to business owners to upgrade existing business signage, and up to $3,000 to communities that want to construct welcome signage. The program was funded by $25,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, and $25,000 in grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development. “The primary goal is to help people improve the look and feel of their communities,” said Pennsylvania Wilds Community Outreach Specialist Sam MacDonald. “Great business and welcome signage can make communities more inviting to locals and visitors alike. One of the great st...

The Pennsylvania Wilds is sharing in nearly $3 million dollars worth of Regional Marketing Partnership grants awarded today. $90,000 is going to the 12-county region that includes McKean, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties. As for Tourism Promotion Assistance grants, the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau will receive nearly $14,000; the Potter County Visitors Association, nearly $5,000; and the Warren County Visitors Bureau, a little over $7,000. “Even in a challenging economy, Pennsylvania recognizes the need to invest in our tourism industry because it generates more than $28 billion in economic impact – an amount greater than the recently enacted state budget,” Governor Ed Rendell said. Pennsylvania is the fifth-most visited state, attracting more than 140 million visitors a year. More than 600,000 Pennsylvanians work in the tourism industry, drawing paychecks totaling $18 billion. governor's web sit...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau The multitude of outdoor activities in McKean County doesn’t end when summer dues – they only get more colorful. The bright hues of red, orange and yellow start dotting the hillsides as a true reminder that Fall is Bigger Here. There’s perhaps no better way to experience the vastness of the area and the kaleidoscope of colors than on a bicycle. A hub of activity for bicyclist can be found in Smethport, the county seat. Smethport’s history is rich in lumber and, surprisingly, bicyclists. This stunningly picturesque region is geographically blessed with some of the most advantageous bicycling routes in the nation. The hills that surround this town offer fantastic vistas as well as challenging bike trails. Those who want to rise to the challenge can take part in A Wheel Around the Hub cycling race on Saturday, Sept. 19. This race is two-pronged – one is a 53-mile, seven-circuit Gold Watch Race, the ot...

Mary Jane Hand, center, takes over as president of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau’s board of directors Thursday. Hand replaces Tom Frungillo, left. Also pictured is Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau. The slate of officers is Hand as president, Stacey Ackley, vice president; Wayne Pearson, associate vice president; Kevin Kost, secretary; and Steve Cottillion, treasurer. The bureau is the official tourist promotion agency of McKean County. ( Photo courtesy of Sandra Rhodes, ANFVB )

Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau Executive Director Linda Devlin was my guest on Thursday's LiveLine: Governor Ed Rendell: (717) 787-2500 DCNR Acting Secretary John Quigley: (717) 772-9084

Leadership McKean participants became tourists at several of McKean County’s prominent attractions during a private bus tour. This session included presentations by Linda Meabon, Zippo Manufacturing Company museum curator and historian, Linda Devlin, Executive Director Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau, Steve Appleby, Eldred World War II Museum and Learning Center, Lu Vandermark, McKean County Historical Society Old Jail Museum, Terri Dennison, Route 6 Heritage Corporation and Route 6 Tourist Association, Ta Brant, Small Business Ombudsman, Pennsylvania Wilds, Holly Dzemyan, Environmental Education Specialist and Jason Zimmerman, Park Ranger for Kinzua Bridge State Park, and Ron and Sue Zampogna, Flickerwood Wine Cellars. The theme of McKean County’s rich history and heritage was expressed at each stop on the tour. Visitors are attracted by the beauty and versatility of our natural resources and the authentic experience of rural America. Small businesses to serve the tourist...

BRADFORD, Pa. – Allegheny National Forest Bradford District Ranger Anthony Scardina will be the featured speaker at the buffet breakfast hosted by the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau to commemorate National Tourism Week. The event will start at 8 a.m. May 14 at the Barrel House Restaurant & Tavern in Lantz Corners at the intersection of U.S. Route 219 and U.S. Route 6. Scardina will talk about recreation and tourism possibilities on the Allegheny National Forest. “This is a chance for all of us to celebrate what we have here and what we can offer people who travel from outside McKean County,” Executive Director Linda Devlin said. Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania is the fourth most visited state in the country. The Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau promotes tourism within McKean County and the Pennsylvania Wilds. In addition to the breakfast, there will be a “brochure swap” where current members, and potential members of the V...

From left is Kristina Luzzi of American Refining Group, Shane Oschman, president of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kelly Platko of Roseart look over one of the pieces that are part of the Oil 150 display at KOA Speer art gallery at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Tuesday. Luzzi and Platko, who organized the show which was comprised of oil memorabilia, are members of Bradford's Oil 150 committee. This was one of the first major events to kick off the 150th anniversary of the discovery of oil. This was also the Business After Hours event sponsored by the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. Luzzi and Platko will be on the LiveLine on May 12 to talk about this and other Oil 150 events. ( Photo by Sandra Rhodes, ANFVB )