Weaver's Mill Covered Bridge is surrounded by agricultural land in Lancaster County. For a guide on other covered bridges in Lancaster County, the county with the most covered bridges in PA, check out our guide.  I particularly like the large stone entry ways leading up to the bridge.  The bridge is 82 feet long and dates back to 1879. It utilizes the Burr Arch-Truss method of construction and it crosses the Conestoga River. Coordinates:  40.141323, -75.997804 ..read more

We have gone to Beartown Rocks before, and I appreciated it even more on this visit. This rock city is very pretty, and the sandstone weathering on this outcropping is especially beautiful and different from other rock cities across the state. Us and the pups had a great time walking around it.  The weathering, moss, lichen, and odd shapes of the rocks is something that is so neat to see. The weathering process in general is such a neat concept and the wildly different results depending upon the makeup of the rocks is a terrific insight into the power of nature.  These rocks pred ..read more

   So March, April, and early May are the prime times of the year to see early wildflowers. As the leaves begin to grow on the trees, the red blooms begin on the maples, and the flowering trees show off their brilliance, the forest floor comes to life as well. From long fallen brown leaves on forest floors from autumn, new life sprouts up with beautiful wildflowers adding color back to what looked lifeless just weeks earlier. I have updated this list with a few more fantastic destinations that I have stumbled across since we first published this list. Late May through autumn provide ..read more

I will start by saying that French Creek, also known as the Venango River, is a treasure. This waterway is as substantial as many small rivers and riding along it is so picturesque, especially in the area of Cambridge Springs, Saegertown, and Meadville. For comparison, the Clarion River is of both a similar length, width, and depth, with French Creek's depth monitor actually being much deeper. It starts up in Chautaqua County, New York and meanders through northwest PA and eventually comes to a confluence with the Allegheny River in Franklin. The Venango name is likely derived from Seneca Nat ..read more

Another year gone by for us here at Interesting Pennsylvania and Beyond. Life is hectic, but adventure is always fun! That is what we aim to take out time for on this page. To cover the beauty that is right around the corner, everywhere in the commonwealth. Over the years we have hit all 67 counties and are still finding new spots, or new scenes from the same spots, as we revisit them. We created this page as one of the first Pennsylvania based travel blog and were unaware of anyone else doing this at the time. We aim to bring attention to the many great things our state had to offer. Some th ..read more

Driving from the southeast through Route 40/National Road back to Pittsburgh is one of my favorite routings. It is scenic and exciting, crosses waterways, and goes up and down hills and curves from Western Maryland. My favorite kind of driving. As we were driving, it was just getting toward sunset and we were seeing some of the first snow that we saw all year. Heading out of Maryland is pretty spectacular on I-68. Getting to see the Alleghenies unfold like that is pretty spectacular, as you glide across the edge of mountains. I enjoy riding on the Turnpike, up through Breezewood, but I really ..read more

Harrisburg has an absolutely stunning train station. It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad from 1885-1887 and was significantly rebuilt after a fire in 1905, giving it its current distinctive barn roof, which is one of my favorite aspects of this classic station. Everything about this station is grand, from the entrance and ornate lobbies, to the train shed over the tracks. This is a grand entrance into the city that many larger cities should be envious of, especially New York City. PRR 4859. This sleek GG1 electric locomotive was built at the Altoona Works and designed by GE. It was the ..read more

There are a number of pretty roadside overlooks in Buchanan State Forest, several of the prettiest and easiest to find ones are located on Martin Hill Rd and Blankley Hill Rd. They are both essentially the same road and if you follow them you will see at least 3 scenic overlooks looking on either direction of the ridge.  The Sweet Root Gap Vista is at the top of the gap in which the Sweet Root Natural Area and trail are based. The Mid-State Trail goes through this spot. If you are headed from Maryland's Rocky Gap State Park, a popular destination for Pennsylvanians, it is gr ..read more

The Ligonier Valley Train Station is a former depot and headquarters for the 10 mile long shortline railroad that ran from Ligonier to Latrobe with perhaps the most notable contribution of the rail line still remaining, beautiful Idlewild and Soak Zone Amusement Park. This building in Ligonier is beautifully intact. The line itself is gone, with most of the right-of-way being in the beautiful westbound section of Route 30/Lincoln Highway along Loyalhanna Creek. A few stations remain beautifully intact though, including this one, the stations within Idlewild Park, and Darlington, which is adja ..read more

  It is that time of the year again. If you are looking for some gifts for the holiday season, here are some ideas that should help you out! Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh 1) Our 2024 Pennsylvania Calendar Our annual 2024 Pennsylvania Calendar is a great gift that features sights from many different sites across the state. It is available through the dropdown menu at the top of the page. We also have a bulk discount for quantities of two or more. 2) Andy Vasquez Furniture: Andy is a friend of mine from my high school days. He is in the custom furniture business, bu ..read more