Unveiling the 2023 Artisan Trail! |
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April is Artisan Trail Month along PA Route 6, and just in time for celebration, we unveil the 2023 Artisan Trail Map. This year's map features 81 artisans including potters, photographers, wineries and distilleries, art and culture centers, and much more. View and download this year's map by clicking this link.
This month, we are also pleased to showcase our newest members to the trail -- all 21 of them! Scroll down to learn more about these talented artisans along PA Route 6!
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Our Road, Your Communities!
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April 9th is Easter Sunday |
Have you ever wondered how the Easter Bunny became synonymous with Easter?
According to NBC News, "the first Easter bunny legends were documented in the 1500s. By 1680, the first story about a rabbit laying eggs and hiding them in a garden was published. These legends were brought to the United States in the 1700s when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania Dutch country, according to the University of Florida's Center for Children.
"The tradition of making nests for the rabbit to lay its eggs soon followed. Eventually, nests became decorated baskets, and colorful eggs were swapped for candy, treats and other small gifts."
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The Potter-Tioga Maple Festival is held annually on the first weekend of May in downtown Coudersport. This year's event is scheduled for May 6th and 7th.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the festival, which features the Maple Sweetheart Parade, maple product demonstrations, arts and crafts, street vendors, flea market and town wide yard sales, antique car show, and much more.
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Here's a glimpse at what's happening along
PA Route 6 this month:
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Fridays through Mondays, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: Experience the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, recurring through November. E xplore 300 feet beneath the earth through one of Lackawanna County's anthracite coal mines that originally opened in 1860. Follow your guide through the winding underground gangways and tunnels past three different veins of coal. Listen as they take you back in time and show you the day in the life of the area's workers that powered the Industrial Revolution.
Saturday, April 8th: Join the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for an up-close look at their Linesville State Fish Hatchery and encounter firsthand how hatchery staff produces millions of Walleye and other fish for Pennsylvania waterways each year. Exhibits, demonstrations and activities are provided during this popular event.
Friday through Sunday, April 14th-16th: Join Silver Birches Resort for Wally Wine Fest! It's a fun filled wine weekend in the Pocono Mountains. Enjoy wine tastings featuring small plates during one of the two-hour sessions (12 p.m. - 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) The weekend kicks off at The Setters Inn featuring the Slab & Cab Wine dinner on Friday, April 14, followed by two days of festival fun at the Waterfront at Silver Birches and a Bubbly Brunch at The Settlers Inn on Saturday and Sunday. Tables will be communal. Arrive early and shop before sessions. Enjoy live music, marketplace and silent auctions. Visit website for a full list of weekend fun.
Saturday, April 22nd: The 3rd Annual Corry Celebrate Trails Day 2023 at the beautiful Corry Junction Greenway Trail. There will be refreshments, live music, games, raffles, and vendors at the American Legion Post 365 Pavilion and plenty of fun for the whole family along the trail!
Saturday, April 29th: Come and celebrate Artisan Trail member Conneaut Wine Cellars' 41st Anniversary! Enjoy snacks made with their wines, take tours of the cellars and enter your name to win many great prizes! Additional discounts are available and there is no tasting fee for specialty wines.
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Discover Pennsylvania Leeks |
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Join the fun and celebrate a Pennsylvania tradition. Leeks, known in some places as ramps, are an aromatic, onion-like plants that adds taste to any dish or drink. In fact, Artisan Trail member CJ Spirits has created a line of adult beverages that incorporate leeks, and at this year's Leekfest will be releasing their 2023 Wild Leeks Vodka. Festivities begin at noon and run until 11:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, leek-inspired foods, and a leek-dip contest.
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As Ed Byers writes on the PA Wilds blog, "Much like the opening day of trout season, the return of the red-winged blackbird and the switch to Daylight Saving Time, the emergence of wild leeks in these parts is among the true harbingers of spring."
This blog posts discusses the trending popularity of leeks and leek-inspired dishes as well as tips about how to prevent the over harvest of this edible natural resource.
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This article on Keystone Answers: Discovering Pennsylvania discusses not only where to find leeks but what to do with them once you have them. They also discuss the health benefits of leeks: "Wild leeks are full of valuable nutrients and minerals. Indigenous people and early Appalachian settlers believed that they provided an essential infusion of vigor after a long, cold winter with no fresh plants to eat. In addition, it was thought that consuming wild leeks helped cleanse the blood and prevent illnesses like the flu."
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Reminder: Facade Program Deadline is April 21st! |
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To download and complete the application, click here.
Before applying, contact our Facade Program Coordinator Vanessa Billings-Seiler ( facade@paroute6.com) to discuss the details of your project. We look forward to helping businesses and non-profits in Lackawanna County improve their facades! |
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2023 PA Route 6 Annual Meeting & Educational Workshop |
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These two days of learning and fun will be capped off by the presentation of the annual "Do 6" awards following the annual meeting. "Do 6" awards will be presented in the following six categories: Heritage Tourism Award, Heritage Partnership Award, Heritage Leadership Award, Heritage Community of the Year Award, Artisan of the Year Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Nominations Now Open for 2023 Annual "Do 6" Awards |
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Each year at the Annual Meeting & Educational Workshop, the Alliance recognizes and celebrates just a handful of those outstanding individuals and groups through their annual "Do 6" Awards Ceremony. These individuals, organizations, and businesses exemplify the mission of the PA Route 6 Alliance to protect, preserve and enhance the scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s northern tier.
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Join Us in Welcoming the Newest Members of the 2023 Artisan Trail |
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Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center (BCPAC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1984, that provides creative and performing arts programs and entertainment for Bradford and the northcentral region of Pennsylvania. One of BCPAC's goals is not only to present professional artists and performing troupes from outside the area, but to also showcase, when possible, talented artists and performers from or living in Bradford.
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Earth, Wind and Wire in Cambridge Springs opened in 2018 and is home to a variety of locally made products. Stop in for a unique collection of rocks and gemstones, handmade jewelry, wire art and home decor. The artistic touches of the owners are throughout the store, including the upcycled lighting fixtures!
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Enjoy world-class craft beer at Logyard Brewing, located in the Black Cherry capital of the world. Why the name Logyard? There are deep family roots in the Allegheny's forestry. The brewery is located on one of their old log yards. Logyard Brewing specializes in hyper-local ingredients native to the PA Wilds. Stop in for a glass of fine crafted beer and some yummy eats!!
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Davenport Fruit Farm has been a part of Meadville since 1910 and remained in the Davenport family for three generations. The current owners, who appreciate the beauty and history of the farm, are continuing the fruit farm and have expanded it to 1,400 fruit trees. With the fruit grown on the farm, they have added hand-crafted ciders and wines for all to enjoy. Come taste what they have to offer in the original barn that now houses their tasting room.
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Designs by Olivia Grey is a veteran-owned and operated store taking great pride in offering the best all natural soy candles, wax melters and accessories. Each candle is hand poured in small batches to guarantee customer satisfaction on every purchase in a wide variety of scents so everyone can find something they love.
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Blossoms and Bloom Boutique has been in operation since 2017 and their sister store, Loefflers' Flowers and Gifts, which has been in business for 92 years, are currently owned by the same family. They are full-service florist shops where beauty and creativity are at the heart of their business with the utmost attention given to every last detail.
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Located in Milford, Schrader Creations is run by three generations of dedicated crafters. Together they create a variety of handmade home goods that they sell in their shop. There is also availability for local artisans to showcase their creations. 90% of the shop is handmade by local crafters and artisans.
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Twisted Vine Winery specializes in uniquely flavored wines, high quality food, and great service. Along with their wines, they have local craft beers on tap as well as hand-crafted cocktails. Along with their flagship store in Kane, Twisted Vine has locations in Dubois, Indiana (PA), and Phillipsburg.
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Dahlia Home Décor & More in Corry is a gift boutique that offers artisan creations, repurposed furniture, jewelry, handbags and so much more.
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Located in Corry, Before the Barrel Distillery's name comes from what they make. Many spirits are aged, meaning that they are placed in a barrel for some amount of time. They make distilled spirits which are un-aged, so you get your spirits "Before The Barrel". As a result, their focus is creating a variety of "Flavored Moonshines." They often host live entertainment and are available for private events.
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Voodoo Brewing Co. was founded in 2005 in Meadville, PA, with their first taproom opening in 2012. Since that time, the brand has seen explosive growth which led them to open a production facility with enough space to keep their globally recognized inventory expanding indefinitely. They have received accolades from all over the world because of their attention to detail and quality of ingredients. They have taprooms all over the country.
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Moosehead Pottery in Erie creates unique, one of a kind, custom stoneware beer growlers and functional pottery. Their pottery is designed to be used and new pieces are being added all the time so check out their website for the newest designs. Their growlers express the "Art" of beer. No two growlers are exactly alike so you know when you purchase one that it is truly a one-of-a-kind piece.
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Blossburg Company Store is your one stop shop for all of your yarn project needs. They feature local, Pennsylvania and USA made yarns, knitting & crochet notions, kits, patterns, sewing supplies, cross stitch, & antiques! Have a project you are working on a need a little help? Stop in and ask for some advice. They also offer classes throughout the year.
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Sitting up a little branch in the quiet little town of Duke Center, PA, Little Mountain Winery is a peaceful destination to enjoy some wine and country hospitality. The owners took their hobby of making wine to share with friends and opened a location in 2021 where they can share their wine with everyone.
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In the quaint town gazebo in Port Allegany, enjoy local musical talent every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. throughout June, July, and August. To see their schedule of concerts follow them on Facebook. They are also seeking bands and musicians of all genres to perform in their weekly Town Concert Series.
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Glass Growers Gallery is more than glass and more than an art gallery, it’s also a gift shop. A significant part of Erie’s creative culture since 1974, they showcase and sell functional artisan handcrafts of jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, metal as well as paintings and photographs.
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Located in Hawley, “B” Madigan creates one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry pieces that she carries in her shop. She is a master in wire wrapped jewelry and lamp work glass making. In addition to her creations, the shop is the home to many local artisans’ work.
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Miss Elly ‘s Antiques, located in an 1870’s Victorian, is filled with a pleasant blend of styles featuring furniture, paintings, prints, vintage textiles and linens, art pottery, glassware, and more! As an added bonus you will find that many of these antiques have been repurposed or recycled to create new interesting pieces. This shop is a treat to see!
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Ekey Marketplace in Warren is a locally owned and operated business that consists of several shopping experiences. This one stop shop offers a floral shop, a garden center, a boutique, a gift shop, a wine cellar and the patch which is locally grown produce and specialty food items.
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Lina’s Alchemical Shoppe in Hawley is exclusively a destination place for spiritual and magical experience. Everything offered in her shop is grown, processed, crafted, painted, assembled and created by Lina herself. Her mandalas are examples of practice, patience and dedication in developing her own technique.
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A must-stop in Erie, Romolo Chocolates, has been crafting chocolates and confections for 25 years. Their retail store is three stores in one: a chocolate shop, a gift shop and a café. What is really sweet about the chocolate shop and the Cocoa Café is they are theater-style, so visitors can watch them make chocolates, cakes and cookies while they shop or sit and enjoy drinks and sweet treats.
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11 West Main Street
Galeton, PA 16922
814-435-7706
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