VALLEYS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA
Stretching from the foothills of the Endless Mountains to the Southern Alleghenies, the Valleys of the Susquehanna are known as the outdoor playground of central Pennsylvania. Mile after mile of green rolling hills and enchanting pastoral landscape are the backdrop to this Road Adventure. Along the way, you’ll come across picturesque covered bridges and rail trails featuring historic points of interest. Take time to explore the charming hamlets that punctuate the route, including Bloomberg, Danville, Milton, Sunberg and State College where you’ll find unique shops, galleries, fine fare and incredible colonial architecture. For outdoor enthusiasts, the region includes six state parks with abundant hiking, wildlife watching and camping. Those wanting a different kind of adrenaline rush will find it at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Danville. If your family loves America’s pastime, take the short drive from Danville to Willamsport and tour the World of Little League Museum. With no shortage of campgrounds and traveler amenities in the Valleys, your only problem will be choosing which ones. Not sure where to begin? Just leave everything to your AAA Travel Services expert and let the white glove adventure begin.
TOUR HISTORIC LEWISBURG
Historians call Lewisburg “Pennsylvania Town” because of the unique way the city was laid out during colonial times. Visitors to this quaint village will marvel at the Federal and Victorian architecture that unfolds as they stroll along the city streets. At dusk, three-globe, cast iron lampposts illuminate the streetscape in a soft glow, making it feel as through you’ve been transported back in time. While museums and historic sites abound in Lewisburg, the town is also known as a robust arts community. The Campus Theatre is a must-see for movie enthusiasts. Built in 1941, the Art Deco theatre has been authentically restored, melding original lighting and murals with state-of-the-art technology. Did we mention fresh popcorn and real butter? On the campus of Bucknell University, The Weis Center is nationally recognized for excellence in performance arts. For an art experience of another kind, take the Poetry Path through downtown Lewisburg and the university. Along the way, visitors can stop at designated points to read and hear recordings of poems recorded by the poet. With an abundance of exquisite galleries, boutiques, eateries and local brew houses, Lewisburg is your central Pennsylvania vacation headquarters.
ART ALONG THE WAY
Art Thrives on 45 is one of seven Pennsylvania Artisan Trails that loop through the state’s highways and byways. The trails enable artists in various regions across the state to showcase their work. Visitors are encouraged to stop and tour the individual studios. Route 45, which traverses the Valleys of the Susquehanna region, spans 100 miles starting in the village of Water Street in the west and continuing to Mooresburg in the east. Along the way, you’ll discover artists working in a variety of media. Most of these incredible works will never find their way to a gallery, as visitors have the first chance to procure these fine pieces.
GET BACK TO NATURE
For a more rustic Road Adventure, travel north from Lewisburg to the Susquehannock State Forest – home to the headwaters of the Susquehanna and Allegheny Rivers. Covering more than 265,000 acres, this rugged section of the Allegheny Mountains offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the state – including some 550 miles of hiking trails. One of the better known loops is the Susquehannock Trail System. This 85-mile trail winds through scenic woodlands and valleys with few steep grades. Pranksters sometimes have fun with hikers, such as the sign at mile 30.9 that reads, “Spook Hollow – Susquehannock Trail. Keep to the center of the trail, stay within sight of companion, refrain from looking back. Do Not Try to Run.” Pranks aside, incredible scenic vistas and the chance for wildlife viewing make this a spectacular experience. Other adventures include horseback riding, biking, hunting and fishing. In the summer, a 43-mile ATV trail opens. Both primitive and motorized camp sites are available. At the end of each day, you’ll enjoy returning to the comfort of your vintage trailer to spend a relaxing evening beneath the spectacular sky.
Are you ready for an adventure?
