Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Kinzua Bridge State Park -Winter Day Walk. Sat. Jan 15, 2022 at 10 am. Join in the fun with a short walk around the main parking area to take in the beautiful scenery. Dress for the weather and meet in front of the Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center. Then enjoy visiting the Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitors Center to learn the history of the Kinzua Viaduct-Kinzua Sky Walk, 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett, PA. #visitanf #anfvisitorsbureau #pastateparks #kinzua  

On my return to Smethport from a year-long teaching assignment at a university in China, I was told of a biplane ride that operated out of Bradford Regional Airport. Would I be interested? Picturing a rickety crate that would wobble down the runway before risking a tepid leap into the air, it was easy to dismiss the idea. After all, I could quench my thirst for adventure in a variety of other ways — without having to entrust my soul to a patchwork machine ushered back to life with long forgotten parts exhumed from a scrap yard. Read the rest of Matt Muller's story -- and see video -- here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Coming out of the most successful national tourism week to date, the Pennsylvania Association of Travel and Tourism, or PATT, is gearing up for its official public launch in order to continue the positive momentum that has swept over PA tourism. Focused on its future, Pennsylvania’s tourism industry has mobilized to form a new statewide association to enhance its advocacy, public awareness and professional development programs. PATT’s top priorities are developing a strategic plan for PA tourism, restoring funding for the industry through the creation of a public-private tourism organization that would market and promote Pennsylvania Tourism and campaigning for a post-Labor Day school start so that the tourism and travel industries in PA can take advantage of the most traveled weeks of the year. PATT is hoping to shed a light on the abundant positive impacts of tourism. Pennsylvania tourism is a critical component of the state’s economy. In 2010, Pennsylvania tourists spent more than ...

A blue-day sky with a light breeze drifting through the treetops deep within the Allegheny National Forest was the picture perfect setting for the trail dedication of the newly constructed Bullis Hollow Trail that took place at 10 a.m. today. Forest Supervisor Erin Connelly opened the dedication by highlighting the important numbers associated with this trail-2.5, 8.3 and 305. Volunteers from the Tuna Valley Trail Association first approached the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) with an idea for a new trail that would connect the Tracy Ridge Trail System to the Marilla Trail System located just west of the City of Bradford -2.5 years ago. Working together through the summer season of 2011, Tuna Valley Trail volunteers and ANF personnel completed on the ground final trail layout along with archaeological and biological surveys. Environmental assessment work was completed by Allegheny National Forest personnel in the fall of 2011 and trail construction was just completed in May 2012. The...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau It’s been 40 years since Father’s Day was named a federal holiday so it’s the perfect time to explore the Allegheny National Forest Region, located in northwestern Pennsylvania with dad. Surprise dad by building an adventure that will allow the both of you to share the forest by air, on land, or by water. Vintage Biplane Rides, operated by experienced pilot Bruce Klein, allows you to soar over the amazing Kinzua Sky Walk and the Allegheny National Forest in a beautifully restored 1943 Boeing Stearman. Featuring an open cockpit, a biplane offers a safe, enjoyable and memorable opportunity to fly with some wind in your hair, a little sun warming your face and a lot of joy in your heart. Flights take off from the Bradford Regional Airport, 212 Airport Road, Lewis Run, Pa., located along Route 59 just southeast of the City of Bradford. Rides are $80 per person; group ra...

Saturday at FlickerFest at the Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Lounge in Kane the Zampogna family unveiled their new wine, Kinzua Journey, a semi-sweet white wine. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the wine will be donated to the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau to help promote tourism in McKean County and the ANF Region. Sharon Zampogna, Ron Zampogna, Sue Zampogna, Sandra Rhodes, Tammy Zampogna-Liberato, Tim Zampogna (Standing), Rick Zampogna and Julie Julie Zampogna-Wehner (kneeling). ANFVB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau If you want to take a trip down the Tuna, Brian Pfister is your man. Bradford native Pfister has started B’s Canoeing Guide Service, which allows people to canoe seven miles of scenic water trails during a six-to-seven hour trip on the Tunungwant Creek. Registration will run from 9 to 10 a.m. with the trip setting off at 10:30 a.m. Lunch, consisting of sandwiches, potato chips and a white cake with homemade maple syrup, will be provided; bring your own beverage. Alcohol is prohibited. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required. Pfister can accommodate up to 10 people per trip. Adults and children at least 8 years old are welcome. Life jackets are mandatory. Parents need to provide life jackets for their younger children; life jackets will be provided for adults. Pfister explained that starting a business like this is just a natural progression sin...

Maybe the Bigfoot Expo in Chautauqua County a couple of weeks ago and the "Finding Bigfoot" TV show has prompted the passing around of this photo on the Internet. A woman says was she was told it was taken last night in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Well, if you ask us, it looks pretty darn similar to this photo taken from the trail camera of a Johnsonburg man ... in 2007. ANFVB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau There are plenty of opportunities to show some appreciation to your mother this Mother’s Day in the Allegheny National Forest Region, whether it’s creating a craft together, shopping for some bling or sipping some wine. Mark off the weekend of May 12 and May 13 for mom and treat her to something special here at Trail Central, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, just 90 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y. You won’t need to needle mom into going to this great little store. Keeping Ewe in Stitches, at 10 Chestnut Street in Bradford, is a wonderful place to pick up your knitting and crocheting supplies and you can even start a project to take home with you. Call Doris at 814-331-4860 for details. Another crafty place is Paper to Pages at 20 Congress Street, Bradford. This unique craft store also has classes that can help you create memories that last a lifetime, as well as a place to keep those memories. He...

In recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week we spoke with Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, about the importance of tourism to McKean County and the forest region. You can listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By SANDRA RHODES Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Tourism in McKean County uncorks many possibilities for business here so it only seems fitting that a new wine was unveiled Tuesday night during Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau’s Spring Fling to celebrate National Tourism Week. Kinzua Journey, a new wine developed by Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Lounge in Kane, is now for sale with part of the proceeds to be donated to the ANFVB to help support tourism in McKean County. Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania. Flickerwood co-owner Sue Zampogna said the tribute to the new Sky Walk is as much a celebration of the rebirth of this amazing attraction as it is a resurgence of their business from tourists. “When the Sky Walk opened last September, we were amazed at the business we had at the winery from folks who had gone to the Sky Walk,” she said. “After nine years of little to no business from tourists going to the Kinzua Bri...

By SANDRA RHODES Guests at the Lodge at Glendorn now have more than a half a million acres of land to enjoy after the Relais & Chateaux attained a new outfitters permit and land in a nearby county. The outfitters permit from the Allegheny National Forest allows the employees of Glendorn to do all of the activities they do on property on the ANF, the only national forest in Pennsylvania. “The Allegheny National Forest adjoins our property,” said Glendorn manager David Okerlund. “This is going to allow us to utilize that land – 517,000 acres – for our guests to enjoy.” In fact, there is access to the ANF right from the Glendorn property so, in essence, a guest never leaves Glendorn and can experience all the ANF has to offer with a Glendorn guide, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and biking. “This will certainly enhance our guests’ experience and further expand on what we currently offer,” Okerlund said. Glendorn, an ORVIS-endorsed fly-fishing guide, also purchase...

Earth Day – held on April 22 – was created to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment. Two new events this year in the Allegheny National Forest Region will embrace and celebrate nature’s beauty - a guided hike along the scenic Marilla Springs Trail and the “Wild & Scenic Film Festival” at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Both are free and open to the public. The Allegheny Outdoor Adventures Club is hosting a hike from 9 a.m. to noon at Marilla Springs Trail, one of the many scenic trails of the Tuna Valley Trail Association. Hikers are invited to meet before 9 a.m. at the Marilla Springs parking lot on West Washington Street, located along Route 346, about five miles west of the City of Bradford. Trail maps are available online in a downloadable format at www.tunavalleytrail.com . The group is expected to walk 3.6 miles on the trail then turn around. However, hikers are allowed to turn back during any part of the hike. Hikers can participate ...

The new owners of the FooteRest Campground & Cabins in Lantz Corners are ready to open their doors. Tom and Ellen Paladini take over today as owners of the campground, which is conveniently located on Route 219 near the intersection with scenic Pennsylvania Route 6. The campground features a total of 192 sites, including 158 camper sites, 30 tent and four cabins. Paladini plans to focus on enticing families and outdoor recreational enthusiasts to visit the region. One of his first projects at the campground will be expanding the playground and adding new fun activities for children. “We are ready to open our doors and welcome hikers, bikers and families,” Paladini said. “All are welcome.” Both Tom and his wife Ellen enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including mountain biking, kayaking and hiking. They especially enjoy flat water kayaking in remote areas. Paladini is no stranger to running campgrounds. He has been in the business for about 25 years and has managed campgrounds...

By SANDRA RHODES Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Spring is in the air in the Allegheny National Forest Region – a time when the birds return from the south and the native wildflowers peek their way to the surface. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, this region is ripe with opportunities to see your favorite feathered friends as returning songbirds fill the air with sweet melodies. A variety of trails, both on land and water, provide unique opportunities to experience the thrill of springtime in the forest. One of the best places to catch a glimpse of birds is on the General Kane Trail at the Kinzua Bridge State Park just outside of Mount Jewett. In addition to the red-breasted robin, the official harbinger of spring, walkers on this one-mile loop hiking trail can see ruffed grouse, turkey, blue jay, junco, starlings and the occasional bald eagle, golden eagle and goshawk, among many others. While at the General Kane Trail, make sure to take in...

ANFVB, Pitt-Bradford to hold photography workshop There’s a workshop in the Allegheny National Forest Region that will bring everything into focus – at least as far as taking a good photograph goes. A three-day weekend photography workshop, sponsored by the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will be led by award-winning photographer Ed Bernik of North East. Bernik, a photographer with Forest Press, a subsidiary of the ANFVB, will show workshop attendees the art of seeing, how to choose a lens and become more knowledge about exposure, composition and flash when shooting in color and black and white. The workshop will start at 7:30 a.m. Friday, May 18, and will end at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20. The group will meet in room 218 of the Frame-Westerberg Commons at Pitt-Bradford, and will explore the Allegheny National Forest Region throughout the weekend. Attendees are asked to bring a digital DSLR camera and, if available, wide-angle, telepho...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau The Kinzua Sky Walk was only open for three months in 2011, and that was enough for the Kinzua Bridge State Park to be voted Park of the Year. The Kinzua Bridge State Park, home of the Kinzua Sky Walk, was selected as Park of the Year by the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation. Park officials will receive the award during a banquet May 1 at the Harrisburg Country Club. When submitting the nomination, Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, expounded on the importance of McKean County’s only state park, which was the home of the historic Kinzua Viaduct from 1882 until the viaduct was destroyed by a tornado in 2003. “The state park officials realized that this viaduct was an important asset to not only Pennsylvania’s history, but also to the birth of aviation engineering and seized the opportunity to bring the park back to life,” Devlin said. “The po...

With the idea there’s power in numbers, the tourism agencies in McKean and Cattaraugus counties are partnering to bring visitors into the region. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization for McKean County, and the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., have joined forces with FORE! Golf magazine to entice golfers to come to the region. The group has developed marketing materials and golf packages that will be used at travel shows and other distribution areas. The group plans to attend the Toronto Golf & Travel Show in March to promote packages and distribute information on golf courses as well as other attractions in both areas. Focusing on Toronto as one of the key markets in this joint effort helps the agencies reach their target audience, said Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “There’s already a steady stream of visitors coming from Canada to Ellicottville,” Devlin s...

Come rain or snow or shine – the Marilla Winter Trek will take place on Saturday. The annual event, now in its third year, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Marilla Reservoir, located five miles west of the City of Bradford on Route 346. Sponsored by the Tuna Valley Trail Association, the winter trek generally includes cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the agenda. However, in the event Mother Natures does not come through with some snow, the event will still be held and would focus on hiking the Marilla Trail System. The event, free and open to all ages, provides an outlet for people to escape cabin fever and hit the trails. A free shuttle service will be held to the top of Marilla Springs Trail for a four-mile return hike and Hidden Valley Trail for a one-mile return hike. A new geocaching component will take place from noon until 2 p.m. Temporary event caches – artic animals that turn white for winter - were placed along the Marilla Bridges and the Marilla Springs trails....

By SANDRA RHODES Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau A kiss may be just a kiss, but to kiss a loved one in the Allegheny National Forest … now that’s amore! Between the trails and the ambiance, there are plenty of places to kiss your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Here are the top 10 places: The Lodge at Glendorn Cozying up in front of the grand, stone fireplace at the Big House at this Relais & Chateau would warm up your sweetie for a little smooch. It’s the perfect end to an evening after enjoying a gourmet meal fixed to your liking by Chef Joe Schafer. glendorn.com Under a street light at Zippo/Case Museum You can rekindle an old flame with a kiss under these specially made streetlights that provide a glow from Zippo lighters. Afterwards, stroll through the Zippo/Case Museum at 1932 Zippo Drive, Bradford, hand-in-hand and view some great displays showing off two American icons. zippo.com Rimrock Overlook Any couple will be able to take their ...