I live in PA. To the west of me we have lots of exciting things to do in Pittsburgh: Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Carnegie, Pittsburgh Zoo, and loads of other things. Much farther east is the Philadelphia area with South Street, the Mutter Museum, hosts of other museums, lots of historical landmarks, the Flyers, the Eagles, lots. Then there’s South Central Pennsylvania. No major cities, hours away from either of the most notable cities in Pennsylvania. But I’m here to tell you that there is plenty to do in South Central PA. If you live in the area or are headed to the area, allow me to give you some idea of fun and unique things to do for your staycation in South Central, PA.
Johnstown Incline Plane – Have you ever seen or been on an incline plane? Do you even know what it is? Sure Pittsburgh and other places have inclined planes but did you know the one in Johnstown, PA is the steepest vehicular incline in the world and you can look it up in the Guinness Book of World Records? You can take a round trip ride on the incline plane either with or without your vehicle. I’ve personally been on this a few times and the views a beautiful especially from the restaurant at the top.
Horseshoe Curve – In Altoona, PA and surrounding area, everyone knows about the horseshoe curve. This is a site to see and a railroad enthusiast’s day of fun. Check out out the railroaders memorial museum. Then take a beautiful nature walk or ride the “funicular” to get an amazing view of the horseshoe curve railroad.
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aerial view of Altoona Horseshoe Curve railroad picture credit: wikipedia.org
Thunder in the Valley – This huge motorcycle event takes place June 26-29 for 2014 and June 25-28 in 2015 if you want to plan a trip next year. This event brings bikers from local towns to out of state. This event grows bigger each year bringing in literally over 100,000 bikers. The main events take place in down town and a few of the Johnstown parks but you can also find events happening in Windber that includes food vendors, stunt bike shows, games, bands, and children’s activities. Richland area also has Thunder in the Valley events. There are children’s areas and family friendly activities. If you’re looking for more adult fun you can hit any of the bars in town for specials as well as late night bands.
Shawnee State Park — this was a favorite spot for our family growing up. Man made beaches on the lake for swimming, fishing areas, paddle boat rentals, hiking trails, and more. Pack your lunch and make a day out of it. The scenery is beautiful. The beaches of changing areas and shower, life guards, and playground areas as well. This beautiful park is located in Schellsburg, PA. While driving there you’ll also see a few farms that allow for “pick your own” fruits and vegetables for a fee.
Windber Miner’s Memorial Festival – usually takes place father’s day weekend in June. There’s games, basket raffles, bands play free on 15th st and Graham Ave, there’s a fireworks display one night, food vendors, children’s games, car show, and more. I recommend picking up a pie from “The Pie Shoppe” stand…yummy! Love the Razzleberry pie
Sports – Just about any time of year you can see semi-pro leagues playing. The War Memorial in Johnstown has the Johnstown Tomahawks hockey team and the Altoona Curve baseball team offer reasonable prices to watch a competitive game.
Johnstown Flood Museum – If someone from out of the area is familiar with Johnstown, PA it’s usually because of the historic flood of 1889. Thousands lost their lives when South Fork Dam gave way. The museum has educational information on how and why it happened. There is a movie as well. Well worth watching but trust me when I say it will give you chills. The dam has of course been restored and is in safe operating condition today and you can still see it. When you get a ticket to the Flood museum it includes admission to the Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center where you can learn about the melting pot of people that is our area and how the area started. There are hands on activities for the kids in the children’s museum area.
Somerset Historical Center – takes you back in time to an settlers village. See how the settlers to the area lived with actual restored houses, old fashioned farming and tilling equipment, and learn about the vocations of early settlers. Have you ever seen a cooper work before? See how a cider press works and see a maple sugar camp. Depending on what time of year you visit, there is something interesting and educational going on.
If you want some ideas for family staycations in our area, check out my guest post here: http://www.fiatusaofnewportnews.com/family-staycation-ideas.htm