2017-03-24 17:27:39
Views from the rolling country roads of these valleys summon artists, and for generations, farmers have treasured this area’s fertile land. This region features funky historic towns surrounding small colleges, antique shops off the beaten path, and romantic covered bridges. Waterfalls, riverbanks, and forests beckon to be explored by footpath — or enjoyed with a picnic on a lazy summer day. The history lives on in quaint historic districts, unique museums, and preserved homes. Revisit timeless pleasures here: riding a carousel, traveling by train, and leisurely pedaling a bicycle. Ricketts Glen State Park The Children’s Museum, Bloomsburg Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Coal Township East & West Paden Covered Bridges, Fishing Creek Township Knoebels Amusement Park, Elysburg A HAPPY DAY KID-APPROVED: Ride horses through the pastures and woods at New Creations Farm in Danville, and then shop for homegrown canned goods at its country store. Kids delight in the classics — antique cars, the grand carousel and giant wheel — at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg. Handson exhibits at The Children’s Museum in Bloomsburg let kids brush the giant teeth of a big mouth and crawl through tunnels to learn about underground animal homes. Feed the beloved giant Aldabra tortoises, Al and Henry, part of Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood since 1967. ADVENTURER: Water ski Lake Augusta, near the confluence of the Susquehanna’s West and North Branches at Shikellamy State Park in Sunbury. Ride off-road to your heart’s content around 6,500 acres of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Coal Township. Hike the challenging, steep, and slippery 7.2-mile Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton for a reward of 21 stunning waterfalls. If it’s cold enough, bundle up for ice fishing on Lake Chillisquaque, boasting robust resident largemouth bass, walleye, and bluegill in Danville’s Montour Preserve. HISTORY BUFF: Visit the remains of Fort Augusta and tour the handsome Hunter House — home of the Northumberland County Historical Society in Sunbury. Learn how buggy makers distinguished their buggies with paint, often requiring nine to 12 coats and just as many days at the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum. Stroll through historic downtown Lewisburg, noting the main street, town square, and numbered streets earning it the “Pennsylvania Town” historical distinction. Tour the Joseph Priestley House and laboratory in Northumberland to learn of Priestley’s many discoveries. GO FOR THE ... THRILL OF THE RACES Satisfy your need for speed by racing regular, “street-legal” cars on the two-lane drag strip Friday nights at Numidia Raceway in Numidia — or just watch the mini-vans race Camaros and Mustangs. National Hot Rod Association-sanctioned Numidia is known for its track surface quality (and cheesesteak!). EVENTS CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS April 28 – May 13, 2017 The Celebration of the Arts brings local artists to Lewisburg to share their artwork, poetry, and music throughout April and May. ANTHRACITE HERITAGE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS May 26–27, 2017 The festival kicks off Friday evening with a parade followed by entertainment and a luminary memorial. Saturday vendors line Shamokin’s Market Street offering ethnic food, crafts, art, exhibits, children’s activities, and historical exhibits. 162ND BLOOMSBURG FAIR Sept. 22 – Oct. 30, 2017 Visit Bloomsburg to see the largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania, hosting topnotch musical acts, hundreds of exhibits, food stands, craft stands, livestock, poultry, and rabbit exhibits daily. COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL Oct. 5–8, 2017 Situated around Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, this festival celebrates the arts with more than 385 crafters, live entertainment, and guided tours of local covered bridges. MIFFLINBURG OKTOBERFEST Oct. 6–7, 2017 In Mifflinburg, enjoy authentic German entertainment, buggy rides, and plenty of beer and wine to keep your stein full.
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