Day 5 Discovering Pennsylvania's Route 6

After painting for a few hours at Arvgarden, we went into Wellsboro and walked around this lovely town. We were told the old elm tree by the Courthouse was the oldest and the largest in the state of Pennsylvania and it is very beloved.

Though speculators have recently said they may have found an orphan tree in the woods outside of town that maybe older, we’ll give this tree its due today. The way I see it, it is pretty awesome to have both trees within the Wellsboro limits.  

In the park across from the courthouse is the famous Wynken, Blynken and Nod statue with a nameplate of the children’s nursery rhythm. Turning around and looking beyond the park, it’s clear that Wellsboro has a wonderful main street.

On Central Avenue there is a sweet, very crowded little café, Native Bagel, with some really great food. It had  homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter icing to die for. So much for watching what I eat!

Of course our drive to Wellsboro had to include Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon about ten miles out of town. As we got closer the paved roads became gravel and was at times a little scary. It was worth the drive though. The view was magnificent. It was so green, filled with trees, and ran so very deep. If they only had the right size in the gift store, I would have walked away with a tee shirt. 

We left the Grand Canyon of PA and stopped in Port Allegheny to see a really quaint diner we had seen on the way to Wellsboro. It was bright red and just begged to be photographed. I wish it was open to find out more about it. It’s name was "The Diner," of course.. 

Day 4 Discovering Pensylvania's Route 6

Avrgarden was amazing. 

Let me tell you more.

We were on our way to Wellsboro and there was a lot to be excited about. I was finally going to meet Malerie Yolen-Cohen, a freelance writer who has written for many magazines including National Geographic. She is currently on a 6 week trip across the United States documenting the many fascinating people and places found along on Route 6. Her blog, entitled “Stay on Route 6,” is a most enjoyable read and well worth a look. 

Our paths were to cross in Wellsboro and we were going to meet for dinner at a wonderful restaurant called “Timeless Destination.”  As luck would have it, this fine eatery was hosting volunteers from the American Cancer Society as servers, with all tips being donated to the Relay for Life. It was a great night to be there.

Prior to that we needed to check into a special place called Arvgarden, a 130 acre Swedish sheep farm that’s also a B&B. 

Day 3 Discovering Pennsylvania's Route 6

Warren is a really nice town, very picturesque with lots to do. One of the first sites is the beautiful bridge that spans the Allegheny River and is a modern replica of the original bridge. On the one side is the tree-lined Crescent Park and the other side its old fashion, yet vibrant business district.

The center of attention in its business district is a majestic triangular building named The Point with its new fountain. The fun part of the sculptured fountain is the bird at the top facing the heavens as water is released through its beak.

The neighborhood is wonderful to walk through. Stately homes and quaint Victorians are common place while buildings like the Library Theater, the County Court and several churches only add to their grandeur.

Eating at the Plaza Restaurant takes you back to another time. Resembling a diner inside with the mirrors and a nostalgic ambience, it is definitely a hopping place where the locals get together and pass the time away while enjoying great food.

You will definitely see more than one painting of this fine town.

After leaving Warren we stopped in the town of Sheffield. As I was taking a photo down the street of some obviously historic buildings, a fellow stood in the middle of the road and posed for me.

I couldn’t resist talking to him.

Day 2 Discovering Pennsylvania's Route 6

Day two of “Discovering Pennsylvania’s Route 6” started with meeting 3 really awesome women at the Higher Education Building in downtown Corry.

Lori Trisket is the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, Pam Carrier is executive director of Community Development and Wendy Netters is the President of the Corry Art Guild. All were very gracious with their time and thoughts as they took us around town to see the highlights.

Across the street from the Higher Education Building (formerly a hotel) is a beautiful city park, well loved and used by the community. We then visited Meade Park towards the outskirts of town where many young couples come for photos after their wedding ceremony. Its beautiful lake and stone walking bridge is perfect for any special occasion.

Soon we were off to the oldest and longest-operating Fish Hatchery in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I found a wonderful view to paint towards the back of the property. It was the edge of a hatchery building that reflected in a pool of water left behind by the recent heavy rains.

The colors of the surrounding woods and sunlight made it an unforgettable scene.

We stopped by a B&B called "Victoria on Main" and met Kathy, the innkeeper to this marvelous Victorian Inn, which has graced Corry since 1867. Corry has so much history it will be a pleasure to paint and capture these memories.

Discovering Pennsylvania's Route 6 Artisan Trail - First Day Out

The weather was rainy, but it did not diffuse the excitement of hopping into our gas efficient Camry hybrid and heading north to Meadville. After a long morning in which we finished up some work and packed, we finally headed out having no clue where the day was going to lead nor where we were going to sleep.

We passed Grove City and I quietly waved as we whizzed past the exit for Wendall August Forge. I definitely have a warm spot in my heart for that company, no wait, it's more like a family, who have embraced my work and have created beautiful metal ornaments of my artwork.

As we entered Meadville's Market House I felt as if I was walking back into a simplier time. It was a wonderful collection of artist's work, gifts that were extrodinary, and foods and soaps that were created with health in mind.

As Tom looked at boxes of old records and I purchased a couple bottles of locally-produced pop,  I heard a familiar voice draw me from my thoughts.