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Commercial Recreation
Resources
Adventure/Outdoor Commercial Recreation
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Yough River Transport
Shuttle service that caters to bicyclists along the Yough
River Trail (YRT), the Allegheny Highlands Trail, and the C&O Canal.
David & Karan Tressler
134 Twin Oaks Drive; Dunbar, PA 15431
Phone: 724-277-0550
E-mail:
info@youghrivertransport.com
Web:
http://www.youghrivertransport.com/
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Hazelbaker's Bottom Yough Outfitters
Hazelbaker's Recreational Services provides canoe, kayak & raft rentals and
guided canoe/kayak/raft/fishing trips on the Youghiogheny River. Camping is
available on primitive riverfront campsites and picnic pavilions are
available for rent. They also have a small store.
654 Layton Road; Perryopolis, PA 15473
Phone: 724-736-8155 or 1-800-427-4837 (1-800-42-RIVER)
E-mail:
hazelbakerscanoes@worldnet.att.net
Web:
http://www.hazelbakerscanoes.com/
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River’s Edge Camping and Cabins
Family campground along Youghiogheny River, Yough River Trail and the
Allegheny Passage. Developed full service campground with RV sites with
full hookups, tent sites, group camping, camper cabins. Also have
canoe/kayak/tube rental and camp store, game room (arcade games, pool
tables), swimming pool, pavilion rental, playground, volleyball, horseshoes,
basketball, laundry, restrooms and showers.
1101 River’s Edge Road; Connellsville PA 15425
Phone: 724-628-4880
E-mail: recampground@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.campriversedge.com/
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Divito Park
Ice and Roller Skating, also Skate boarding, polka and popular dancing,
Computer Classes, Birthday parties, weddings and concerts.
101 Frankie Lane; Leisenring Pa. 15455
Phone: 724-626-1400
Email: Stars@divito.com
Web: http://www.divito.com/
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Bikes Unlimited
Bike rentals, sales and service/repairs as well as other outdoor sporting
equipment and clothing sales, located along Yough River Trail near the Yough
River Park in Connellsville.
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503 W. Crawford Ave; Connellsville, PA 15425
Phone: 724-628-2453 (724-628-BIKE)
E-Mail: bikes@bikesunlimited.biz
Web: http://www.bikesunlimited.biz/
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Venture Outdoors
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to making the outdoor recreation
community a vibrant centerpiece of this region. Headquartered in Downtown
Pittsburgh just one block from Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh in a
two-story building at the corner of Forbes Ave & Wood Street. Open Monday -
Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
304 Forbes Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-255-0564, Fax: 412-255-0635
Email: info@VentureOutdoors.org
Web:
http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/
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Kayak Pittsburgh (Downtown & North Park locations)
Downtown location is within easy walking distance of all downtown locations
and the North Side. To get to the rental shop, cross over the Roberto
Clemente Bridge and take the staircase on the left (nearest PNC Park) down
to the waterfront walkway. Turn left and head directly underneath the
bridge. Kayak Pittsburgh North Park location can be found at the North Park
Boathouse along North Park Lake, which is about 14 miles from Pittsburgh.
Head up Route 19 from Pittsburgh, turn right/East onto Ingomar Road/Yellow
Belt, left at Babcock Boulevard, and left at Pierce Mill Road. The Boathouse
is a large stone building.
Phone: Downtown @ 412-969-9090 or North Park @ 724-935-1968
Email:
kayakpittsburgh@ventureoutdoors.org
Web:
http://www.kayakpittsburgh.org/
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Adventure Sports Center
International
Rafting, kayaking, climbing, hiking, also Nordic skiing, snowshoeing
& dog sledding adventures available at the world’s only mountaintop
whitewater course.
250 Adventure Sports Way
McHenry, MD 21541, Phone: 1 (877) 300-2724
Email:
asci@adventuresportscenter.com
Web:
http://www.adventuresportscenter.com/
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Local Commercial Recreation & Tourism-Related Businesses
Page Navigation: Resorts |
Theme Parks | Water Parks
| Ski Areas |
Business Profiles Page |
(This page is always under construction)
Resorts
Local/Regional Amusement & Water Parks
Western PA Theme Parks
- Conneaut Lake Amusement Park
Conneaut Lake (northwest of Pittsburgh), 814.382.5115
The park closed in 2007 but reopened in 2008 and is currently partially open
with the Beach Club & water park, campground (Camperland), boat docks & boat
rentals & the Hotel is the process of being renovated.
http://www.conneautlakepark.com/
- DelGrosso's Amusement Park
Tipton (northeast of Pittsburgh), (814) 684-3538
Known for nearly 100 years as Bland's Park, the small, traditional amusement
park now bears the name of the family that has been running it for decades.
The DelGrossos are also known for their line of pasta sauces, so it should
be no surprise that the park offers some decent food. Rides include an
antique carousel and a small roller coaster. Small adjacent waterpark.
http://www.delgrossos.com/
- Idlewild Amusement Park
Ligonier (east of Pittsburgh), 724) 238-3666
Geared to families with younger kids. The classic park includes some vintage
rides like the Whip and a circa-1938 Rollo Coaster. Don't miss the trolley
ride to Mr. Roger's Neighborhood of Make Believe. Also includes the Soak
Zone waterpark. http://www.idlewild.com/
Owned by Kennywood Park
- Kennywood Amusement Park
West Mifflin (near Pittsburgh), (412) 461-0500
One of the country's great, classic trolley parks. A wonderful blend of
vintage and contemporary rides. For sheer thrills, it's hard to beat the
Phantom's Revenge hypercoaster. For nostalgia, check out the circa-1921 Jack
Rabbit or 1927's The Racer, both wood coasters. The park offers a beautiful
Lost Kennywood area to capture the essence of the original Trolley Park era.
http://www.kennywood.com/
- Knoebels Amusement Park
Elysburg (in the center of the state), (800) 487-4386
Great traditional park. One of the few remaining free-admission gates.
Casual and fervent park fans always give Knoebels high marks for
friendliness, good food, and the loving attention it lavishes on its rides,
like the popular Phoenix and Twister wood coasters. No waterpark, but there
is a large pool with a couple of waterslides.
http://www.knoebels.com/
- Lakemont Amusement Park
Altoona (northeast of Pittsburgh), (800) 434-8006
One of the country's oldest still-operating trolley parks, Lakemont offers
the circa-1902 Leap-the-Dips wooden coaster, America's oldest active roller
coaster. Admission includes entry to Island Waterpark.
http://www.lakemontparkfun.com/
Western PA Water Parks
- Conneaut Lake Water Park
Conneaut Lake, 814-382-5115
Included with admission to ride park. Attractions include beach club, lazy river,
slides, kiddie pool, down-under bar & sandy beach.
Affiliated theme park: Conneaut Lake Park
http://www.conneautlakepark.com/
- Sandcastle
Pittsburgh, 412-462-6666
Operated by the Kennywood folks. Attractions include Mon Tsunami wave pool,
Thunder Run tube slides, Boardwalk Blasters body slides, Lightning Express
speed slide, children's play area,and lazy river.
http://www.sandcastlewaterpark.com/
Affiliated theme park: Kennywood Park
- Soak Zone
Ligonier, 724-238-3666
Included with admission to Idlewild. Attractions include 14 slides, activity
area, dump bucket, and beach.
Affiliated theme park: Idlewild Park
http://www.idlewild.com/
- Tipton Waterworks
Tipton, 814-684-3538
Included with admission to ride park. Two slide complexes and an interactive
play area.
Affiliated theme park: DelGrosso's Amusement Park
http://www.delgrossos.com/
- WildRiver
Entriken, 814-658-3500
2 twisting slides, 2 peed slides, tube slide, heated swimming pool, and
activity pool.
http://www.raystownresort.com/
Associated with Raystown Resort
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Amusement & Water Parks located in Adjacent States
West Virginia, Ohio & Maryland
Local/Regional Ski Areas
Western PA Ski Areas
- Blue Knob Ski Area, in the Allegheny Mountains at the northwestern tip
of Bedford County, Pennsylvania (in a PA State Park)
The highest ski-able mountain in Western PA. Rates, snow conditions, rental,
lessons, accommodations, four season resort.
P.O. Box 247; Claysburg, PA 16255; (814) 239-5111;
http://www.blueknob.com
- Boyce Park Ski Area, small and run by a county park, but it is just
outside of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Parks Department
Small local ski area located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, just east of
Pittsburgh. Especially nice for beginners. Find statistics, days and hours,
and directions.
675 Old Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15239, (724) 733-4656,
http://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/fees/ski.aspx
- Hidden Valley Ski Area, Located in the scenic Laurel Highlands of
Southwestern Pennsylvania is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most popular family
ski resorts
The 5th largest ski resort in the State of Pennsylvania, Hidden Valley is a
wonderful family ski resort with a well-known children's ski instruction
program.
One Craighead Dr., Hidden Valley, PA 15502, (814) 443-2600,
http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com
- Laurel Mountain Ski Area
The first major ski resort in western Pennsylvania, Laurel Mountain was once
owned and operated by General Richard Mellon as a private resort for the
Rolling Rock Club. A small but beautiful resort in Laurel Mountain State
Park, about a 2 hour drive east of Pittsburgh.
P.O. Box 657, Ligonier, PA 15658, (877) SKI-LAUREL, (724) 238-9860,
http://www.skilaurelmountain.com/
- Mystic Mountain Ski Area
Part of the world famous Nemacolin Resort about 90 minutes south of
Pittsburgh. The skiing is average, but the resort is first rate.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, 1001 LaFayette Drive, Farmington, PA
15437, (800) 422-2736,
http://www.nemacolin.com/SNOWSPORTS
- Seven Springs Ski Area
Western PA's largest ski area, located in the beautiful Laurel Mountains
approximately 1 hour southeast of Pittsburgh.
777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 15622, (800) 452-2223, (814)
352-7777, http://www.7springs.com
- Willowbrook Ski Area
Located about 1 hour south of Pittsburgh in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland
County, this small ski area with two slopes is good for beginners.
RD #2, 424 Jamie Drive, Belle Vernon, PA 15102, (724) 929-2294, 724-
872-7272
Ski Areas located in Adjacent States
West Virginia, Ohio & Maryland
- Wisp Resort Ski Area at Deep Creek Mountain Resort
Located in the Mountains of Garrett County near Deep Creek, Maryland, this
popular ski resort is located within a half-day's drive of Pittsburgh.
Wisp Resort, 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 21541,
http://www.skiwisp.com/
CR&T Management Companies
Local/Regional CR&T Business Profiles
- Laurel Caverns
Laurel Caverns , 1095 Skyline Drive,
Farmington, PA, www.laurelcaverns.com
Laurel Caverns is a geological park located in Farmington, PA within Fayette
County. Exploration in this cave dates back hundreds of years, to the 1700s.
It provides its visitors with a chance to experience a cave environment
first hand. Laurel Caverns offers a variety of tours to accommodate people
of all ages and interests. These tours range from a low intensity family
tour to a high intensity lower caving tour. Laurel Caverns also offers
rappelling, rock wall climbing, miniature golf, and specialized tours for
class field trips, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. According to the National
Caves Association, Laurel Caverns is the largest cave in Pennsylvania,
attracting both, “avid spelunkers and casual visitors”. It operates
seasonally, closing during the winter months of December, January, and
February.
Sources: www.laurelcaverns.com;
National Caves Association website:
http://cavern.com/caves/
By Linsi Beckman
- Kennywood Theme Park
Kennywood is located in West Mifflin Pennsylvania 22 minutes away from
downtown Pittsburgh. The main number is (412) 461-0500. This once family
owned park was founded in 1898 by the Monongahela Railway Company. In
Kennywood’s beginning, families would come to what was first called “Kenny’s
Groves” for picnics. The park received its name from Andrew Mellon a famed
Pittsburgh banker that partially owned the Monongahela Street Railway
Company. The first attractions were the casino building, carousel, and a
dance pavilion in 1899. The parks first roller coaster was added in 1902. In
1906 Kennywood changed ownership to two young men by the names of Andrew S.
McSwigan and Fredrick W. Henninger and until recently these two men and
their family members have ran the park ever since. A few interesting facts
about Kennywood that sets it apart from other amusement facilities and theme
parks, is that it is the only amusement/theme park in the world to be
designated a national historic landmark by the National Historic Society,
and that it was the only amusement park that could persuade the United
States government during World War II to remain open and free of charge for
service men and their families. Kennywood has rides and entertainment for
guests of all ages, from a classic ride like the Paratrooper added to the
park in 1950, and three world famous wooden roller coasters dating back from
the 1920s to the late 1960s; the Jack Rabbit in 1921, the Racer in 1927, and
the Thunderbolt in 1968. Kennywood also has some more intense rides for the
adventurous; 1997 the Pit Fall (free fall ride), 1994 Sky Coaster (a
sensation of flight), and the Phantoms Revenge opened in 2001 (a steel hyper
coaster), this attraction reaches speeds of 85mph+. Kennywood has just
recently had its 110th season open to the public. The park features 32 major
attractions and rides.
Sources: http://www.kennywood.com
;
Hahner, D (2004). Kennywood. Portsmouth, NH: Arcadia Publishing; Jacques, C (1982). Kennywood: Roller coaster capital of the world.
Jefferson, OH: Amusement Park Journal.
By Chris Bentz
- Cedarbrook Golf Center
Cedarbrook Golf Course, 215 Route 981,
Belle Vernon Pa 15012,
www.cedarbrookgolfcourse.com
Cedarbrook Golf Course is located right at the intersection of Rt.51 and Rt.
70. They offer two 18 hole manicured courses. Cedarbrook was originally
built in 1962, but was expanded in 1986 to include the second course. The
two courses are referred to as the Red course and the Gold course. Both are
of country club quality and are freely open to the public from dusk till
dawn. They also offer a full practice range, just opened a game improvement
center, and have numerous putting and chipping greens. One point of interest
is that all the tees, fairways, and greens are of high quality Pennlinks
Bent (turfgrass species). Cedarbrook has hosted many events over the years
for the PGA, USGA, WPGA, KPGA as well as the WPIAL. California University’s
Golf Team uses Cedarbrook as their home course.
Cedarbrook offers a full service pro-shop as well as an online pro-shop.
They have lessons available from their PGA Certified Professional. After
your round of golf, you can go to the Clubhouse Grill and enjoy many items
from their full menu or a drink from the bar. They have partnered up with
local hotels to be able to offer deals on rooms so that your golf trip can
turn into a golf weekend.
It says a lot if a public golf course is said to be nicer than most private
courses and most country clubs. They have gotten many good reviews from
reputable names around the world like www.golfdigest.com, www.golfcourse.com,
and www.golfreview.com. The superintendent of the courses has been the super
for 25 years, and Cedarbrook is a member of the National Audubon Society
since 1991. With a lot of experience and care going into the courses each
day thru the year, it is no wonder that Cedarbrook has been called a ‘must
play’ course from anyone who has played it.
Sources:
www.cedarbrookgolfcourse.com
By Sean Bernarding
- The Meadows Racetrack & Casino
210 Racetrack Rd.,
Washington, PA 15301, 724-503-1200,
http://www.meadowsgaming.com
Located just 25 minutes from Pittsburgh, the Meadows Racetrack and Casino is
a new addition to southwestrn,PA. The grand opening was June 11th. 2007,
since then they have seen an steady increase in attendance. The casino
itself is open 24hrs, and there are many other attractions such as dining
and horseracing. There are also attractions in the surrounding area to keep
interest. There have been at least 8 jackpot winners according to the website
(http://www.meadowsgaming.com/).The Meadows racing track opened in the
1960’s.
Sources: http://www.meadowsgaming.com/
By Joe Carl
- Cheeseman Farm
The Cheeseman Farm is family-owned commercial
recreation entity, located in Portersville, Pennsylvania, just outside of
McConnell’s Mill State Park. Their primary recreation offering is the
Breakneck Campground, which is named for nearby Breakneck Bridge. The
campground includes primitive drive-in and walk-in sites, as well as cabins.
The business also offers Betsy’s Barn, a banquet facility available for
rent. Each year in October, the business holds their fall festival, which
includes hay rides for individuals and groups.
Sources: Cheeseman Farm. (2008). Retrieved October 9, 2008, from Cheeseman
Farm: http://www.cheesemanfarm.com
Chris Christenson
- Wisp Resort
296 Marsh Hill Road; McHenry, MD 21541; www.wispresort.com
At Wisp Resort there is an array of activities for all ages throughout the
year. In the summer months at 18 hole golf course and skateboard park seem
to be the main activities at the resort. There are also nature trails, paint
ball, and a disk golf course. Being situated right by Deep Creek Lake, Wisp
also offers many different water activities. These activities include,
fishing, canoeing, kayak tours, ect. In the winter months, Wisp
becomes a ski resort. There are 32 trails ranging from easy to more
difficult. Wisp also has a terrain park and rail park. The resort also
offers snow tubing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling. Also for those who
prefer something more relaxing, Wisp has spa and health club services that
are available throughout the year.
For more information about Wisp Resort and its activities go to,
www.wispresort.com
Sources: www.wispresort.com
By Lindsey Colelli
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Conneaut Lake Park
Located at 12382 Center Street, Conneaut
Lake, PA 16316
The park opened in 1892 as Exposition Park. It did not get its first ride (a
carousel) until 1899. In 1908, a fire destroyed large parts of the park. In
1920 it was renamed Conneaut Lake Park. The park fell on hard times in the
1990’s and 2000’s and was closed for the years 1995 and 2007. In 2008 the
ballroom was destroyed in a fire and the bowling alley collapsed. It is
opened as of 2008 but on a limited basis with no rides. Also in 2008, parts
if the film The Road starring Viggo Mortensen were shot there.
Sources:
http://www.conneautlakepark.com;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conneaut_Lake_Park
By Dan Harper
- Seven Springs Resort
Located at 777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 15622. This area is also
considered Champion, PA. As of now Seven Springs is in their summer months
of service which include activities such as fishing, downhill bike parks,
horseback riding, golfing, and a large quantity of concerts and unique
events. Throughout the year Seven Springs offers a great nightlife and
dining that include condominiums and a hotel. Included inside the hotel are
restaurants, game rooms, swimming pools and hot tubs, bowling, miniature
golf and many other activities. During the winter months Seven Springs is
known for their 35 slopes and trails, 6 terrain parks, and 11 snow tubing
chutes. Other activities include snowmobile and snowcat tours and sleigh
rides. To find more information on the additional activities offered at
Seven Springs visit, www.7springs.com.
Sources:
www.7springs.com
By
Bill Marnik
- Franko's Golf Center
Franko’s Golf Center is located in
Uniontown, Pennsylvania right off of Rte 21 West. Being listed in Fayette
Chamber of Commerce website under attractions its information can be found
under attractions, and Public Golf Courses (Fayette County, 2008). Franko’s
Golf Center is a recreation attraction offering a Mini Golf facility,
Driving Range, and a Pro Golf Shop. Prices are very affordable for a family
to go out for something fun and quick to do, such as a game of mini golf at
$5 per person. Recreation can be found throughout the Fayette County area
and has many attractions to offer, it’s just an adventure away! Visit the
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce website for various activities and
attractions both indoor and outdoor (Fayette County, 2008).
Sources:
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved September 2, 2008, from
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Member Attractions Web site:
http://www.faycham.org/visitor/attraction/publicgolf.htm
By Kaylee Miller
- Christian W. Klay Winery
Laurel Highlands of Southwestern PA 724-439-3424
In 1986, John and Sharon Klay purchased a 215-acre farm in Chalk Hill,
Pennsylvania that would let them incorporate history into their passion of
wine making. They now sell thirteen different wines that have won numerous
awards at both national and international competitions. One can hold special
events at their location as well as attend murder mystery dinners,
cook-offs, clam bakes, and re-enactments.
Sources: http://www.cwklaywinery.com
By Sarah Partridge
- Riverhouse Cafe in Charleroi
The Riverhouse Café located on
the corner of fifth street and Mckean avenue in Charleroi, PA, is more than
just another restaurant. The Riverhouse is home to many local events. Local
bands play almost every Saturday night providing entertainment, while the
kitchen provides outstanding meals and appetizers. This restaurant also
hosts other social events, such as wedding receptions, open mic nights,
retirement parties, dance parties, baby showers, local teacher parties,
large dinner receptions, and even the local card club comes in every Tuesday
for a night of cards and good food. During the night, the Riverhouse’s bar
draws in all walks of life. This holds true best on nights when the Steelers
play. The bar becomes packed with everyone from construction workers to
businessmen, creating an environment where everyone can unite together to
root for their favorite football team. Weekends usually consist of a more
exciting and lively nightlife. During the week however, the Riverhouse is a
restaurant with a warm and welcoming feeling for all customers. Occasionally
day parties can make reservations where the crowd can reach from tables of
ten to tables of fifty. With all the reservations and even just the hungry
customers, the Riverhouse Café provides a busy commercial recreation source
for people to come together, socialize, maybe dance a little, and eat fine
food.
Source:
http://tyamey.com/riverhouse&Salatinos1/pages/index.htm
Video Source:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=34598381
By Garrett Pollock
- White Water Adventures
With 35 years of experience, White
Water Adventures in Ohiopyle utilizes one of Southwestern Pa’s unique and
natural resources to provide an exciting and exhilarating experience with
the use of raging white water. Located directly in the town of Ohiopyle this
commercial recreation outfitter will take you and your friends on your
choice of many different adventures through Pennsylvania, Maryland and West
Virginia and all along the Youghiogheny and Cheat Rivers. The Youghiogheny
River is one of the most impressive attractions in Ohiopyle State Park and
offers rapid class ratings all the way to V. Rafting guided or unguided,
alone or with friends, the choice is yours to decide on a variety of
packages that White Water Adventures offers. Taking one of these adventures
will help shape your team building skills and will help relieve stress
obtained in the real world. So go on down, get wet, fall in the water,
whatever you do just experience the white water and have fun doing so. For
more information contact White Water Adventures at http://www.wwaraft.com/index.html
or simply call them at 1-800-WWA-RAFT.
Sources: http://www.wwaraft.com/
By Zane Reinard
- Idlewild Theme Park/SoakZone Water Park
Idlewild and Soakzone,
P.O. Box C, Rt. 30 East, Ligonier, PA 15658, (724) 238-3666,
www.idlewild.com
Idlewild and Soakzone are located in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region
in Ligonier, Pennsylvania approximately 50 miles from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Idlewild was first established as a picnic area where William
Darlington gave Judge Thomas Mellon the rights to use the grounds as a
picnic and pleasure area. Around 1931 Idlewild Park was commercialized when
C.C. Macdonald and Richard B. Mellon, son of Judge Thomas Mellon, began
building rides, bandstands, pavilions and many other amusements. Many of the
original rides of Idlewild are still there including the 3-row Philadelphia
Toboggan Co. Carousel. The Macdonald family bought the park outright from
the Mellon’s in 1951 and in 1956 one of the most historic parts of the park,
Story Book Forest, was added to the park. In 1983 Kennywood Park Corporation
Bought Idlewild and began adding many amusements and making improvements.
“Jumpin Jungle,” “Hootin’ Holler,” “H20hhh Zone” and “Mister Rogers'
Neighborhood of Make-Believe” were all added in the 80’s with more additions
to come. In 1990 the kiddieland section of the park, “Raccoon Lagoon,” was
added. Also in the 90’s the metal coaster “The Wild Mouse” was built in the
“Olde Idlewild” section of the park. Again after the turn of the century
more additions were made including several new water slides, a children’s
water play area, and several new rides. The addition of the new water
attractions prompted the changing of the name of the park to “Idlewild and
Soakzone.” Idlewild and Soakzone is an ever expanding park, and
with its success its growth will continue. It still has a very historic and
pristine look and feel to it, encompassed in its little valley surrounded by
trees and with the Loyalhanna Creek running directly through it. In 2007
Amusement Today voted Idlewild and Soakzone the Number 2 Best Children’s
Park and Number 4 Best Kid’s Area. Idlewild has two rides recognized by the
National Amusement Park Historical Association, The Caterpillar and The
Whip, and they also recognized Idlewild and Soakzone as the 12th Oldest
Amusement Park in the World, 3rd oldest in the U.S.
Sources:
Idlewild and Soakzone, www.idlewild.com;
National Amusement Park Historical Association,
www.napha.org
Amusement Today,
www.amusementtoday.com
By Aaron Siko
- Vacationland Campground
Vacationland Campground
Vacationland Campground is located in western Pennsylvania, about one hour
north of Pittsburgh. It was started in 1972 and 2008 marks its 36th year
anniversary of service. Vacationland’s address is 867 Georgetown Road Sandy
Lake, Pennsylvania 16145 and its website is www.vacationland-campground.com
so you can contact them or check them out whenever you want. The campground
is located on 85 acres of land and has a lot to offer. With 602 camping
sites, some with electric service, water, sewage, and cable TV hookup,
Vacationland can suit all of your camping needs. It does not matter if you
want to camp in a tent in a wooded area or pull your camping trailer into a
spacious gravel site; Vacationland has a spot for you. If you do not want to
camp in a tent or you do not have your own trailer, there are trailers for
rent and also new to the park are seven cabins. Five of the cabins are fully
modern and two of them are primitive. A couple other features at
Vacationland are security gates for your safety and wireless internet
connection. Some of the things to do at Vacationland include basketball
courts, tennis courts, two swimming pools, a sand volleyball court,
shuffleboards, horseshoe pits, two playgrounds, an outdoor movie screen, a
recreation hall with arcade games, and the campground eatery called the
Snack Shack. Vacationland has a variety of activities and different themes
for each weekend also. The campground also has a Laundromat and two bath
houses for your convenience. The bath houses include toilets, hot showers,
and sinks. Also, just down the road from the campground is Lake Wilhelm.
This is a great lake for fishing and it has a 13 mile paved bike trail the
whole way around the lake for your enjoyment. Vacationland has a great
family atmosphere and is a great place to go and have fun no matter what
your age. Go check out Vacationland and take advantage of all that it has to
offer.
Sources:
www.vacationland-campground.com
By Matt Sopher
- Riversport School of Paddling
Riversport School of Paddling,
55 River Road, Confluence, PA 15424, (800)-216-6991,
www.riversportonline.com/
A privately owned paddling school located in Confluence, PA. They offer
classes and a wide range of kayaks, canoes, and rafts for you to rent and
also buy. And they even rent bicycles. Riversport is conveniently located in
the Youghiogheny River and the Allegheny Bike Trail. They offer a Kids Camp,
which is where kids spend a week camping, boating, fishing, and many other
things. Also, they have a retail store offering boats, helmets, paddles,
apparel, and snacks plus more. They offer classes late in the year so the
whole winter is not ruined because of the snow, but they do have a Cross
Country Ski Area to offer. Riversport neighbors the Lucky Dog Café
restaurant which is known for its delicious, unusual menu and is open year
round. Both businesses are under the same owners, Andy and Erica Smith. In
which Riversport used to be owned by Erica’s father Bob Ruppel, which is the
Cross Country’s main owner, so the area is very family oriented.
Sources: http://www.riversportonline.com/
By Brittany Tressler
- Wildwood Highlands Family Fun Center
Wildwood Highlands Family
Fun Center, 2230 Wildwood Road, Wildwood, PA 15091, (412) 487- 5517,
http://www.wildwoodpa.com
Wildwood Highlands Family Fun Center is located north of Pittsburgh just off
PA route 8. Wildwood Highlands has been serving people of the North Hills
area of Pittsburgh since 1996. Wildwood offers a variety of activities to
enjoy throughout the year. In the summer they have bumper boats, go carts,
mini golf, an outside kiddie area and a water balloon battle area. In the
winter months they have a snow tubing area, which used to be a driving
range. Inside, Wildwood has a laser tag area, an arcade, a restaurant and an
indoor kiddie area that are open year-round. Wildwood sells tickets to
visitors in order to use many of the attractions. Tickets are one dollar
each with discounts for twenty-five or sixty-seven tickets. Wildwood is open
from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday thru Thursday and 11:00 AM to 12:00
midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Sources:
N2itive Web. "Wildwood Highlands." Wildwood Highlands. Wildwood Highlands
Family Fun Center. 27 Aug 2008;
http://www.wildwoodpa.com/;
Nikki. Telephone interview. 27 Aug 2008.
By Joe Unger
- Knoebels Amusement Park
Knoebels Amusement Resort is located
on Route 487 in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.
On March 7, 1775, John Penn, Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania,
signed a deed in Philadelphia transferring 292 1/4 acres of land to John
Salter for the sum of 14 pounds, 12 shillings, and 3 pence farthings. That
land, known as "Peggy's Farm," was much of what now comprises Knoebels
Groves. Until about 1828 it was passed from owner to owner till Reverend
Henry Hartman Knoebel bought the land for $932. Today, according to Knoebels
official site they are “America’s Largest Free Admission Amusement Park”.
This means that when going to Knoebels there is no Admission to get into or
park at Knoebels, just to buy tickets to go on the rides. Knoebels features
more than 50 rides, including the Phoenix---voted one of the top ten roller
coasters by AmusementToday.com. Not only is Knoebels an amusement park, they
also have a water park, camp sites, golf course, restaurants and picnic
areas. There water park includes everything from water slides to a pool to
an area with shallow water for little kids to enjoy. If wanting to go
camping at Knoebels, the campsites are just a short walk away from the park.
Knoebels also offers a golf course in which you can play 9 holes or 18
holes. They also have plenty of restaurants to choose from, or if you just
want to have a picnic, they have areas set up just for you.
Sources: http://www.knoebels.com
By Krista Williams
- Seneca Rocks Climbing School
Seneca Rocks Climbing School is
located at Po. Box 53 at Seneca Rocks WV.Seneca Rocks Climbing School has
been around for more than 30 years, which makes it one of the oldest
climbing schools on the East Coast. They offer all different types of
climbing lessons from beginner to experienced Climbers at Seneca Rocks WV.
The average price is around 200-300 dollars depending on the type of
climbing instruction you wish to receive. The higher end more complicated
training such as “learning to lead”, are slightly more expensive. Camping
is available near the base of the rock at The Seneca Shadows Campground, and
Yokums’ Campground which is approximately a half a mile a way from Seneca
Rocks. There is also a good place to eat in town -The Frontporch ( great
pizza). Seneca Rocks is a very beautiful place to visit with a lot to offer
the rock climber or outdoor recreationalist.
Sources:
Seneca Rocks Climbing School. Retrieved October 6, 2008, from Seneca Rocks
Web site:
http://www.seneca-rocks.com/website/article.asp?id=95
By Brandon Zimmer
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