Travel

November 30, 2022

Wilds Child: Exploring historic Bellefonte

If you’re looking for a community to get you into the holiday spirit, Writer and mother Tia DeShong says to look no further than Bellefonte. The Borough of Bellefonte is, itself, like a town out of a Christmas card, with streets full of boutiques, artisan shops, cafes, museums, restaurants, history, and culture.

November 28, 2022

The Pine Creek Rail Trail

Lou Bernard accidentally discovered the Pine Creek Rail Trail for himself while biking. Once he realized what an amazing journey it was (even though he himself was only on it for a short time), Lou decided to do a little research about what makes the trail so special and all the things people can explore along its miles of scenic beauty.

November 15, 2022

A Trip to Tionesta

Although writer Lou Bernard never set out to go to Tionesta, he found that he quickly fell in love with the little community, which is the seat of Forest County. With its stolen courthouse, the gravestones next to its library, the Tionesta Market Village, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and a rare lighthouse on the shores of the Allegheny River... well, Tionesta has plenty of unique stories in its history.

October 27, 2022

Wilds Child: Climbing Beartown Rocks

Although Tia DeShong doesn't think of herself as a particularly cautious mother, she admits seeing her young sons standing on the edge of a large boulder (with only trees and rocks 20 feet below them) made her breath catch in her throat. So why did she decide to bring her kids to Beartown Rocks? Tia says helping them to learn to take chances when they are young sets the foundation for healthy resourcefulness, confidence, and independence when the stakes are higher than a tall boulder.

September 22, 2022

Wilds Child: The Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park

Although Sinnemahoning State Park's visitor center has nature exhibits and wildlife tunnels that are perfect for little learners, writer and mother Tia DeShong found that it was enlightening for both herself and her two young boys. She calls it "hands-on learning at its near-finest" (perhaps even better than the real thing since no actual bobcat dens were required).

September 1, 2022

Wilds Child: The Elk Country Visitor Center 

Growing up in Ridgway, Tia DeShong's two young boys are no strangers to elk. When asked, they will gladly demonstrate the sound of an elk grunt or bugle. The boys (and Tia herself) were impressed with the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, where they got to know these familiar creatures a little better. It also served as a good reminder of being respectful and keeping your distance... which can sometimes we just as difficult for adults as it is for children!

August 16, 2022

Lunch at Doolittle Station

Lou Bernard and his family drive to Doolittle Station in DuBois, a restaurant and entire plaza filled with eclectic array of kid-friendly things, like trains, frogs, dinosaurs and even Bigfoot himself!

August 4, 2022

Wilds Child: Camping at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

Mother/writer Tia DeShong admits... she was not excited about camping with her two young boys at the PA Grand Canyon. Camping is an adventure, but she knew realistically that it might mean meltdowns, screaming, boredom and homesickness. Nevertheless, she knows that it's worth the effort. She's even excited to go again!

August 3, 2022

Cook Forest and the Swinging Bridge

Lou Bernard and his wife take their 7-year-old son to Cook Forest, where Lou is enamored by the ancient trees and Paul finds a swinging bridge that captures his imagination.

July 1, 2022

Fourth of July 2022: How PA Wilds Celebrates

The 4th of July, the Independence Day of the United State of America, is a time to celebrate our country and the people who live here. How does our PA Wilds region celebrate the 4th of July? Check out what events are happening in these towns!