Soon the house will be full of the smells of pies, stuffing, turkey and ham. Extra chairs will be brought out from storage. Parents will dust the places in the house that typically get overlooked, and kids will anxiously await the arrival of their favorite aunts, uncles and cousins. The holiday travel season is here! Whether you have family visiting the PA Wilds for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s, there’s nothing like welcoming your extended family members and making them feel at home.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of travelers make their way to the Pennsylvania Wilds, eager to get a view of some of the most gorgeous fall foliage in the world. These “leaf peepers,” as they’re called, know there’s something special about Pennsylvania’s autumn leaves… scientifically, Pennsylvania is a prime viewing spot.
If you’re just beginning to get into the world of hiking, we have some tips to keep you safe and happy… and some PA Wilds-made products that will help you celebrate and remember those great outdoor experiences! Remember, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” and the most important tip for starting hiking is, well, to start hiking!
On April 8, 2024, parts of the world will experience a total solar eclipse… including a small part of the northwestern section of the PA Wilds region! This includes places like Warren and the Allegheny Reservoir, along with parts of Warren County and McKean County.
Maple syrup and other maple products are a big part of Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy… and it sure is sweet to get an inside look at how those products are made. According to the PA Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania produced 178,000 gallons in 2020, 168,000 gallons in 2021 and 164,000 gallons in 2022. That’s just from the approximately 250 producers that sell the product on the market, including some here on the PA Wilds Marketplace!
"Hippies use Side Door Soaps!" Rhianna Speck, creator and owner of Side Door Soaps, thinks that the products you use on your body should smell good and be good for you... and represent your unique self! Side Door Soaps & Sundry Co. handcrafts soaps, lotions and balms for sensitive skin using essential oils and plant materials that are nourishing and wholesome to offer dry, itchy skin a gentler cleansing and moisturizing option for a family-friendly budget.