Posted by
Brian Paff on Fri, May 11, 2012 @ 07:01 AM
Here's a summary of our top picks for the weekend of things to do in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. So whether you're staying here at Laurelville, a local resident or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the wonders in our own backyard.
Friday, May 11
Mom's Night of Pampering (Mommy Gear, Ligonier, Pa.)
This special evening engagment at Mommy Gear (Ligonier, Pa.) is designed for women of all ages. Midwives from Somerset hospital will be on hand for Q&A about woman-centered births, and guests will enjoy eco-friendly manicures, yoga stretches, massage techniques for labor & relaxation, mocktinis, dessert and other pampering activities.
The evening will run from 6-8 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but you are encouraged to bring gently-used bras to donate to women in need. Call 724.238.9633 or visit www.mommygear.com more information.
Saturday, May 12
May Mart Plant Sale (West Overton Museums, Scottdale, Pa.)
The annual plant sale hosted in the barn at the West Overton Museums features a wide variety of plants, including heirloom tomato and vegetable plants, annuals, perennials, herbs and hanging baskets. Vendors will also be on hand selling fresh pastries and drinks.
The event runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.; admission and parking are free. Proceeds benefit the West Overrton Garden Society, the group responsible for maintaining the gardens and landscape at West Overton Village. To learn more, call 724.220.5251 or go to www.westovertonvillage.org.
Sunday, May 13
Mother's Day Tea (Historic Log Cabin Inn, Donegal, Pa.)
Celebrate Mother's Day at the Historic Log Cabin Inn. This afternoon tea is a great opportunity to enjoy the companionship of other women in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Allow Judy Trabbold to prepare tea and dessert for you while you sit back and relax on a Sunday afternoon.
Tea will be served from 2:00-3:30 p.m.; admission is $10. Call 724-550-3884 or email mothersdaytea@historiclogcabininn.com to reserve your place for this special event.
Planning your vacation in the Laurel Highlands?
Our region, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is filled with attractions for the whole family. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a variety of resources, including a customizable trip planner, spotlights on area attractions, special offers and a calendar of events. Visit www.laurelhighlands.org or call 800.333.5661 to start planning your trip today!
Posted by
Brian Paff on Thu, May 10, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
In this edition of the Beyond Laurelville Podcast, we talk about pottery, art and spirituality with Justin Rothshank. A studio artist who lives in Goshen, Indiana, Justin formerly participated in Pittsburgh's PULSE program and was a founding member of Union Project, a community arts organization operating in the East Liberty neighborhood.
In this podcast conversation, you will learn more about:
- How ceramic decals play a role in Justin's artwork
- What he appreciated about his experiences with PULSE and Union Project
- How Justin views his spirituality interacting with his artwork
Download .mp3
To learn more about Justin's artwork—as well as that of his wife, Brooke—visit www.Rothshank.com, where you can find out about some of the processes behind his discipline, read reviews and shop for pieces of pottery.
You can also connect with Justin Rothsank Ceramics on Facebook.
NOTE: The Beyond Laurelville Podcast is produced weekly and features content related to Laurelville programs as well as broader conversations about spirituality, peace & justice and discipleship. You can subscribe to this podcast via iTunes, in your RSS reader or by email.
Special thanks to Jeff Raught for creating and producing theme music for the Beyond Laurelville Podcast (copyright 2011). You can learn more and listen to Jeff's music at www.jeffraught.com.
Posted by
Brian Paff on Fri, May 04, 2012 @ 07:27 AM
Here's a summary of our top picks for the weekend of things to do in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. So whether you're staying here at Laurelville, a local resident or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the wonders in our own backyard.
Friday, May 4
Satisfaction (Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Johnstown, Pa.)
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown will host Satisfaction for a one-night engagement at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. A touring tribute act since 2001, Satisfaction commemorates forty-five years of music and memories produced by The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest rock-and-roll bands of all time.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $28-$35; call 814.269.7200 or visit upj.pitt.edu for more information.
Saturday, May 5
Spring Classic 5K (Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.)
Lace up your running shoes for the Laurelville Spring Classic 5K run/walk on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. Awards will be given to overall and age-group winners. The race will take place on a scenic course in the foothills of the Laurel Highlands. Also scheduled are a series of Jr. Jog races (ages 2-12) at 9:45 a.m. and a family relay at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the race go toward summer camp scholarship funds.
Race-day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. in the Laurelville dining hall. For more information, call 724.423.2056 or visit Laurelville.org/5k.
Sunday, May 6
Annual Spring Open House (Glades Pike Winery, Somerset, Pa.)
Glades Pike Winery invites you to celebrate winter's end at its Annual Spring Open House. Enjoy food courtesy of the Confluence House Bed & Breakfast, wine tasting and live entertainment at this Southwest Passage Wine Trail member in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands.
The event runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; visit www.gladespikewinery.com or call 814.445.3753 to find out more.
Planning your vacation in the Laurel Highlands?
Our region, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is filled with attractions for the whole family. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a variety of resources, including a customizable trip planner, spotlights on area attractions, special offers and a calendar of events. Visit www.laurelhighlands.org or call 800.333.5661 to start planning your trip today!
Posted by
Brian Paff on Fri, Apr 27, 2012 @ 07:32 AM
Here's a summary of our top picks for the weekend of things to do in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. So whether you're staying here at Laurelville, a local resident or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the wonders in our own backyard.
Friday, April 27
Gerald Wagner: Works in Clay (Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington, Pa.)
Come to the Touchstone Center for Crafts to view the work of ceramics artist Gerald Wagner, on display in the Iron Gate Gallery. Wagner is based in Uniontown, Pa., and he is known for pottery that utilizes line and geometric precision.
The gallery is open to the public from April 20 through June 15. To learn more, go to www.touchstonecrafts.org or call 724.329.1370.
Saturday, April 28
Stonycreek Boatercross & Freestyle Events (Holsopple, Pa.)
Come take part in and/or watch a series of fun, friendly kayak competitions—choose from freestyle rodeo and boatercross—on Stonycreek River in Holsopple, Pa. (near Johnstown, Pa.). Depending on weather and water levels, the events will either take place at the Stonycreek Playpark at Greenhouse Park on Tire Hill Road (Johnstown, Pa.) or at the “Beach Hole”, approximately ½ mile from the regular Stonycreek River Canyon put-in.
Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the competitions begin at 11 a.m.; call 412-610-2303 or email jay@stonyboater.com to learn more about this event.
Sunday, April 29
Cooking Class with Chef Greg (The Supper Club, Greensburg, Pa.)
From 1-3 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month, Chef Greg Andrews opens the kitchen at The Supper Club and teaches participants how to prepare 5-7 different meals. You'll receive generous tasting portions of the featured items and learn more about food and drink pairings. This month's theme is "Back to the Basics."
Space is limited. Registration costs $50/person (save $5 when you pre-register or bring a friend); call 724-691-0536 (ext 2) or email ashleeandrews@supperclubgreensburg.com to reserve your space.
Planning your vacation in the Laurel Highlands?
Our region, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is filled with attractions for the whole family. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a variety of resources, including a customizable trip planner, spotlights on area attractions, special offers and a calendar of events. Visit www.laurelhighlands.org or call 800.333.5661 to start planning your trip today!
Posted by
Brian Paff on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 @ 11:03 AM
In this edition of the Beyond Laurelville Podcast, we talk about the important roles of food and faith in the life of a family with Melodie M. Davis. Melodie is a writer from Harrisonburg, Virginia, who produces a variety of content for Third Way Media, a department of the newly formed MennoMedia.
Melodie is the author of nine books, including Whatever Happened to Dinner? Recipes and Reflections for Family Mealtime (Herald Press, 2010). She is also writer of the syndicated column, Another Way, which has been running since 1987.
In this podcast conversation, you will learn more about:
- What Melodie has learned about the connections between faith, food & family
- How the Shaping Families radio program is providing a valuable medium for conversations about family life.
- Why Melodie has written her weekly column for the past twenty-five years
Download .mp3
You can follow Melodie's syndicated column, Another Way, and listen to the Shaping Families radio program online at MennoMedia's Third Way Cafe. You can also find many of Melodie's books, including Whatever Happened to Dinner?, in the MennoMedia store.
NOTE: The Beyond Laurelville Podcast is produced weekly and features content related to Laurelville programs as well as broader conversations about spirituality, peace & justice and discipleship. You can subscribe to this podcast via iTunes, in your RSS reader or by email.
Special thanks to Jeff Raught for creating and producing theme music for the Beyond Laurelville Podcast (copyright 2011). You can learn more and listen to Jeff's music at www.jeffraught.com.
Posted by
Brian Paff on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 @ 07:02 AM
Here's a summary of our top picks for the weekend of things to do in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. So whether you're staying here at Laurelville, a local resident or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the wonders in our own backyard.
Friday, April 20
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, Pa.)
Come to a Valley Players of Ligonier production of the Tony award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This hilarious musical will re-orient you to both the joys and struggles of adolescence as six teenagers vie for top honors in a spelling contest. (Note: This show does contain some adult content)
The show begins at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings; Sunday features a 2:30 p.m. matinee. For tickets, call 724-238-6514 or visit the Ligonier Theatre box office. More information is available at www.valleyplayers.org.
Saturday, April 21
Earth Day Wine Tasting (Savage River Lodge, Frostburg, Md.)
Celebrate Earth Day with a sustainable wine tasting from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Savage River Lodge. Featured will be seven wines made from organic ingredients as well as locally grown food pairings. While you're there, explore more than 700 acres of mountainesque terrain surrounding the lodge in beautiful Frostburg, Maryland.
Cost is $40/person (includes paired appetizers). Space is limited; make reservations via email (info@savageriverlodge.com) or by calling 301-689-3200. Visit www.savageriverlodge.com to learn more.
Sunday, April 22
Westmoreland Earth Day (Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa.)
On Sunday from 11-4, Saint Vincent College will again play host to the annual Westmoreland Earth Day celebration. Come learn more about the connections between communities and local natural resources and find out how you can take a more active role in caring for the earth.
Admission is free, and the event features activities for the whole family. Laurelville will actually be on hand as a participating vendor, so look for us as you take in the Earth Day festivities. For more information, call 724-537-5284 or visit www.westmorelandearthday.org.
Planning your vacation in the Laurel Highlands?
Our region, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is filled with attractions for the whole family. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a variety of resources, including a customizable trip planner, spotlights on area attractions, special offers and a calendar of events. Visit www.laurelhighlands.org or call 800.333.5661 to start planning your trip today!
Posted by
Brian Paff on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 @ 07:41 AM
Here's a summary of our top picks for the weekend of things to do in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. So whether you're staying here at Laurelville, a local resident or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the wonders in our own backyard.
Friday, April 13
Art on Tap 5.2.7 (Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, Pa.)
Come to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for Art on Tap 5.2.7, a fun way to unwind with friends and colleagues at the week's end. The event takes place from 5-7 p.m. on the second Friday of each month and features live music, scavenger hunts and more.
This month, enjoy the sounds of recording artist Bill Stankay, an artist who mixes his love of the visual arts with mood changing sound recordings. Also on hand will be artist Gabe Felice and his psychic drawing contraption.
Admission costs $7 and includes two drink tickets. For more information, visit www.wmuseumaa.org or call (724) 837-1500.
Saturday, April 14
Compost Workshop (Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, Latrobe, Pa.)
Westmoreland Cleanways will lead this interactive workshop designed to provide you with knowledge and skills for composting food scraps and lawn clippings—a fitting activity as the spring growing season gets under way.
The workshop is being held at 10 a.m. at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve on the gorgeous campus of St. Vincent College. Registration costs $10; compost bins are not provided. Call (724) 537-5284 or visit www.wpnr.org for more information.
Sunday, April 15
The Secret Garden (Geyer Performing Arts Center, Scottdale, Pa.)
Visit the Geyer Performing Arts Center for an afternoon matinee performance of The Secret Garden at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. This lovely musical adaptation of the popular children's novel is being presented by the Actors & Artists of Fayette County and is directed by Martha Oliver.
Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online at www.geyerpac.com or by calling (724) 887-0887. Also, make reservations for the $25 dinner theater option available through Miss Martha's Tea Room by calling (724) 887-6574.
Planning your vacation in the Laurel Highlands?
Our region, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is filled with attractions for the whole family. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a variety of resources, including a customizable trip planner, spotlights on area attractions, special offers and a calendar of events. Visit www.laurelhighlands.org or call 800.333.5661 to start planning your trip today!
Posted by
Brian Paff on Thu, Apr 12, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
In this edition of the Beyond Laurelville Podcast, we talk about creation care and with Matt Hickman. He is associate pastor of youth and family life at the Mennonite Church of Normal (Normal, Ill.).
Matt is also a blogger whose writing covers themes such as Anabaptist theology, creation care, peacemaking and popular culture.
In this podcast conversation, you will learn more about:
- What Matt learned as a result of a Lenten fast geared toward ecological sustainability
- Why he believes caring for the environment is part of our call to discipleship
- How members of the Mennonite Church of Normal are working at the concept called "placemaking"
Download .mp3
To learn more about Matt Hickman and read some of his musings and meanderings on creation care and other faith-related matters, visit www.simplypastormatt.com or follow him on Twitter (@itspastormatt).
NOTE: The Beyond Laurelville Podcast is produced weekly and features content related to Laurelville programs as well as broader conversations about spirituality, peace & justice and discipleship. You can subscribe to this podcast via iTunes, in your RSS reader or by email.
Special thanks to Jeff Raught for creating and producing theme music for the Beyond Laurelville Podcast (copyright 2011). You can learn more and listen to Jeff's music at www.jeffraught.com.
Posted by
Brian Paff on Mon, Apr 09, 2012 @ 02:27 PM
It's springtime, and we're finding that each day reveals new beauty to behold here at Laurelville. As winter becomes a distant memory, consider these options for your next retreat or getaway in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands:
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture
Blossoming flowers and sprouting leaves provide picturesque backdrops for visitors to Wright's Fallingwater (Mill Run, Pa.), Kentuck Knob (Dunbar, Pa.) and Duncan House (Acme, Pa.), all of which were greatly influenced by the revolutionary architect's love and appreciation for nature. What better time to visit his masterpieces, then, than during the height of spring's beauty? Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the Laurel Highlands.
PA Wineries
Area wineries representing the Southwest Passage Wine Trail are marking the end of winter and a new season's beginning with the Spring Thaw Wine & Food Fest at Hidden Valley Resort. This is just the kickoff of things to come, as many of the wineries in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands savor the warmer weather with live performances, festivals and other special events.
Even if you're not a wine connossieur, these events can be a fun way to spend time outdoors enjoying spring's beauty in the region. Learn more about wineries in the Laurel Highlands.
Hiking & Biking
One of the best ways to experience spring in all her splendor is to lace up a pair of hiking boots and get into the backcountry. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail covers 60+ miles of simply gorgeous terrain, and the numerous state parks in our region feature a variety of day hikes for the whole family.
And if you're not a hiker, you can still get plenty far (farther, actually) into the backcountry on a bicycle. Learn more about hiking and biking in the Laurel Highlands.
Local Food
The local food movement is gaining momentum, and we're able to reap some of those benefits. Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands features a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants whose kitchens utilize locally grown ingredients to produce some exquisite meals that are priced quite reasonably.
Plus, a litany of farmer's markets will sprout up later this spring, offering visitors access to fresh produce grown and distributed locally. Learn more about restaurants in the Laurel Highlands.
Want to know more?
A great resource for spring activities and places you can do them is the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. You can also give us a call at 724.423.2056 and we'd be happy to provide you with the information you're looking for.
Posted by
Brian Paff on Fri, Apr 06, 2012 @ 06:32 AM
Here's a summary of our top picks for the weekend of things to do in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. So whether you're staying here at Laurelville, a local resident or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the wonders in our own backyard.
Friday, April 6
Fly Tying Symposium (Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, Pa.)
Learn fly tying patterns from local and regional experts during a symposium hosted by Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This is a great opportunity to network with other fishermen and women in the region and prepare for trout season in the Laurel Highlands.
The symposium begins at 7 p.m. The Grill at Sporting Clays will be open for food and drinks during this special event. For more information or to make reservations, call 800.452.2223 (x7899) or email fishing@7springs.com.
Saturday, April 7
Day Trek (Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle, Pa.)
Explore the beautiful wildlife and terrain of Ohiopyle State Park during a guided day trek. Hikes typically range from 6-8 miles in length and showcase some of the region's most beloved trails.
Day trek hikes in Ohiopyle State Park are sponsored by Venture Outdoors and cost $8/person ($5 for members). Saturday's day trek begins at 10 a.m. and is moderate in difficulty. Hikes are dog-friendly. Visit www.ventureoutdoors.org or call 412.255.0564 for more information.
Sunday, April 8
Easter Breakfast and Brunch (Ligonier Country Inn, Laughlintown, Pa.)
Enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon with family and friends by visiting the Ligonier Country Inn on Easter Sunday. Innkeepers Maggie and PJ Neid help create a warm and hospitable atmosphere at this charming bed & breakfast in Laughlintown, Pa.
Breakfast costs $7/person and is served from 8:00 a.m. until 9:45; brunch is priced at $14/person and is served from 10:00 until 3:00 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To learn more, go to www.ligoniercountryinn.com or call 724.238.3651.
Planning your vacation in the Laurel Highlands?
Our region, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is filled with attractions for the whole family. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a variety of resources, including a customizable trip planner, spotlights on area attractions, special offers and a calendar of events. Visit www.laurelhighlands.org or call 800.333.5661 to start planning your trip today!