Uncover hidden gems close to your own home to treatment cabin fever and provides in to your journey itch: the Nationwide Heritage Space of the Oil Area
The uncertainty about travel is expected to continue into spring.
Take this opportunity to discover some hidden gems near your home to cure your cabin fever and give in to your itch of adventure.
Historic outdoor recreational wonderland
The National Heritage Area (ORNHA) of the oil region of northwest Pennsylvania offers more than 100 km of paved trails for casual walks and bike rides, breathtaking mountain biking and hiking, world-class fly fishing, fantastic creek kayaking, and motor boating on the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River Water Trail – all in the “valley that changed the world”, the birthplace of the oil industry in 1859.
The ORNHA was designated a National Heritage Site by Congress in 2004, a new type of national park based on historical significance. It’s like a museum that you can walk, cycle, fish and paddle through. In the communities of Emlenton, Franklin, Oil City, and Titusville, and in the forests, rivers, and trails that surround them, you’ll find information boards, brochure-guided walks, and relics of oil exploration.
A dozen golf courses, bird watching, camping, Oil Creek State Park, Two Mile Run County Park, 150 acres of Justus Lake, and the longest continuous stretch of the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail make the area an outdoor recreational paradise.
Art & culture in the oil region
Travel back in time with Victorian-style architecture and immerse yourself in history and culture. Visit the Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry and DeBence Antique Music World, a museum of mechanical musical instruments such as pianos and music boxes, some of which are more than 100 years old. After the state fully reopens, visit the Drake Well Museum and Park, where the first commercial oil well was drilled in 1859, to explore the outdoor and state-of-the-art indoor exhibits and enjoy special events.
During operation, the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad excursion trains offer guests an exciting tour of the “valley that changed the world”. can even send a postcard from the country’s only operational rail post bus. Special events include wine tastings and the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. You can even book an overnight stay at the Caboose Motel and sleep in a stationary train carriage.
The National Transit Building, built in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, is home to the Oil Valley Center of the Arts, which offers a variety of courses to the public. The building also includes the Oil Creek Earthworks Pottery Studio, the Transit Art Gallery and gift shop, as well as the National Transit Art Studios, where many artists create and exhibit their work. The graffiti gallery in the adjacent National Transit Building Annex shows the work of local and regional artists. Exhibitions, open studios for artists and special events are planned throughout the year.
So much to do
Stroll downtown while socially aloof and enjoy the murals that highlight the area’s history. A variety of shops sell unique products including specialty olive oils, vinegars, chocolates, wine, antiques, jewelry, clothing, and housewares. Breweries, distilleries, and wineries combine great drinks with equally delicious food. Local theater, live music, free outdoor concerts, street fairs, and community festivals all add to the vibrancy of these quaint communities.
History buffs can delve deep into the historical societies, libraries, and visitor centers, and read the numerous plaques that boast of the region’s historical significance.
The Washington’s Trail 1753 self-guided car tour winds its way from Williamsburg, Virginia, through Allegheny County and the oil region to Waterford, Erie County. A 21-year-old George Washington then traveled to deliver an evacuation order to the French stationed there.
Selfie opportunities are available at scenic vantage points, waterfalls, historic sites like the Rockland Iron Furnace and the neighboring rail tunnel, and public art. The monuments include one dedicated to local soccer legend John Heisman, after whom the annual best college player award is named. He was a soccer star at Titusville High School.
Take the trip!
Ready for a road trip to the oil region? Visit the official tourism website – oilregion.org – for details and an Oil Region Guide to start planning today!
Funded by the Oil Region National Heritage Area.
This is a paid article submitted by our content partner.
This is a paid article submitted by our content partner.
Categories:
Allegheny | Local | Partner News
Comments are closed.