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Pennsylvania:
Laurel
Highlands, Pure Fun with the Kids.
By Andrew Der
 I need to
remind myself this is the 21st century. Looking around at the
amusement park attractions and vendors, the rides of my childhood whirled in a
blur of nostalgic scenery. I was delighted to be with my kids at Idlewild and
Soak Zone, a pre-eminent example of a premium family amusement park of the
simpler 1960's, restored and reminiscent of an era before Six Flags and other
urban and over priced experiences.
Best
described as Pennsylvania's playground and absent of intimidating crowds, the
Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania is not only home to the Idlewild Park
but to a myriad of other opportunities for families on vacation.
Some may
know the area as a popular destination for the ski resort (Seven Springs Resort)
crowd in the winter but do not think for one minute that summer is dead here.
Those with a penchant for active outdoor recreation appreciate one of the best
whitewater rafting opportunities east of the Mississippi for expert and beginner
alike as well as having a 100 miles of mountain biking, kayaking, nature
appreciation and hiking opportunities in pristine forests and crystal clear
rivers.
What makes
Idlewild Park such a special place is the possibility for families to spend an
entire day (purchase their Funday pass) picnicking among restored rides of
youth, premium kiddy parks rather than intimidating adult oriented rides. They
have a modern water park without the hassles of big city crowds, prices,
security gate checks and remote parking. Return to your car as often as you
would like, bring your own food and drinks, take breaks under shade trees and
pavilions - I dare you to not have fun.
The Olde
Idlewild - from the 1960s - is the perfect opportunity for "transition" rides
many children can share with their parents before the gut wrenching rides of the
more popular parks - let's be honest, some of us grown ups can't quite hack it
either. This is a park where on-site tree timber has been recycled to build not
only the manageable roller coaster but the picnic pavilions as well.
Grandparents who came here as kids themselves are a common sight with their own
grandkids.
Idlewild
is not just an amusement park - it is an experience of seven creative theme
areas to be savored casually - even for the really little ones. Story Book
Forest, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make Believe and Raccoon Lagoon are just
right for the stroller set and are thoughtfully designed to be interactive.
Hooten Holler provides song and dance while everyone rests in seated or grassed
areas. Jumpin Jungle really jumps with emphasis on physical exertion - use this
at the end to drain of excess kid energy. The recent addition of the Soak Zone
provides the right amount of diversion for a hot day - try the long tube water
slides with family or friends.
For more
variety, a couple more amusement diversions that are noteworthy are Caddie Shak
Family Fun Park and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park- both parks offer Paint Ball
adventures. The Shak has three go-kart tracks, Bumper Boats with water cannons
and two miniature golf courses. Jellystone Park is one of many in the
nationwide chain and those in the know find that opportunities for camping and
cabin rentals abound. For something different, try the Living Treasures Animal
Park with a petting zoo and a White Tiger. Since most of the prime activities
in the area are outdoors, an excellent rainy day diversion is Laurel Caverns
featuring unique geological formations and the only underground miniature golf
course.
Most
parents have learned that family fun is a great venue to sneak culture and
education in on the sly and Laurel Highlands is no exception. A good start is
the picture book town of Ligonier near Idelwild - a place where one can discover
a chapter of American history before the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. A stop
at Fort Ligonier will provide a glimpse into the pre-independence period of
British and the French conflict over control of the Midwest. Numerous other
museums and heritage areas permeate the region so some planning may be in order
to maximize your time.
Do not
visit without recreating in the premium natural areas. Pristine resources
abound in this vast region of outdoor enjoyment. A popular focal point of the
area is the intersection town of Ohiopyle surrounded by 20,000 acres of Ohiopyle
State Park. Most visitors enjoy hiking and biking the 70-mile long Laurel
Highlands Hiking Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage Biking Trail which wind
through state game preserves, forest, parks, natural areas as well as the Seven
Springs Resort while recreational and primitive camping sites permeate
throughout.
Be advised
the premium outdoor activity in the region is the nationally renowned white
water rafting and kayaking – in a way, nature’s Idlewild. Novice and
experienced travelers from everywhere come here to raft the Youghiogheny River -
you might even hear a foreign language. For most of us neophytes, the most
popular outfitter to entrust your experience to is Laurel Highlands River Tours,
a one stop shop turnkey operation – especially if you are a beginner. They know
the river intimately and offer a spectrum of experiences from easy to
challenging. All-inclusive tours range from novice families with kids to
die-hard experts.
When
biking on the riverside trail in Ohiopyle, make sure you pass over the immense
river bridge for a spectacular view. Stop at the river bend peninsula natural
area for some great hiking. We noticed a complete absence of non-natural sound
and a presence of unique natural features. I later learned the unique
river-generated air currents have ecologically sequestered the region and
maintains a milder climate year-round. While it is easy to achieve a
pedaling-induced Zen state, pedal upriver first if returning to your departure
point. The barely noticeable grade will cumulatively impact the stamina of the
less fit (so I hear), so leave the return trip for the downgrade portion.
 A great
way to finish up your Highlands experience is an overnight stop at the quiet
river town of Confluence – “where mountains touch rivers”. Named for its
location at the confluence of the Youghiogheny, Casselman and Laurel Hill
rivers, this haven of peace and quiet is a favorite dining and overnight stop
for river boaters in the summer and cross country skiers in the winter.
Originally known for hunting and fishing, this is now a prime relaxation
destination - a place that can be enjoyed by foot. Walk the town as leisurely
as you can – being in a hurry is not permitted. The same trail from Ohiopyle
meanders through here so if you are doing a trail biking package, this is a
great stop for a break to eat and spend the night – you may never leave.
Details
Laurel
Highlands.
This is the best one-stop-shop for all points of interest, outdoor adventure,
amusements and activities for the Laurel Highlands area. Check out suggestions
for shopping, dining, museums, galleries and special events as well. Make sure
you request their yearly visitors guide magazine to take with you.
www.LaurelHighlands.org
Idlewild. Check
out the package specials including accommodations nearby.
www.idlewild.com
Ligonier. Learn
all about one of the most enjoyable small towns in the area.
www.ligonier.com
Find a
plethora of beginner and advanced rafting and kayaking opportunities. Check out
the multi day and multi activity packages including biking, rock climbing and
paintball.
www.laurelhighlands.com
Has
everything you need to know about this Mayberry of three rivers.
www.confluenceonline.com
Sleeping Places
The
Highlands are peppered with the popular chain motels as well as numerous private
lodges for both the ski and summer visitors. The above sites will give many
suggestions including all-inclusive packages. For two very unique and
“undiscovered” gems, the below recommendations make excellent home bases for
daily excursions as well as a very high quality activity in their own right.
Foggy Mountain Lodge,
An out of the way recently remodeled very cozy lodge and country inn with an
excellent in-house restaurant better than most. Ideal for a quiet and
self-contained retreat for skiers and summer visitors alike – this is a superior
quality accommodation for a great price. Stahlstown. 1-877-FoggyMt,
www.foggymt.com
The
Parker House.
A true guest house, a block from the river where kitchens and
living areas are shared with like-minded relaxation seekers – very spacious and
comfortable surroundings. 213 Yough Street, Confluence 1 (814) 395-9616or
TheParkerHouse@worldnet.att.net
Mealtime
The most
practical alternatives are whatever your area is at the time – a multitude of
selections abound throughout the region and most places are good values.
Keeping with the outdoor adventure lifestyle most menus are meat and potatoes
oriented.
Bootlegger’s Bar and Grill.
Located at the Foggy Mountain Lodge – a surpassingly excellent
value.
The
Firefly Grill. 25 Sherman Street, Ohiopyle – fast food with
restaurant quality fare.
The
River’s Edge Café.
In Confluence at the river’s edge across from the Parker House – premium
ambiance with a riverside view and outdoor seating. This is very popular and
most of the food is excellent but don’t get the steak though – they inexplicable
served mine to me carbon black and expected me to eat it. What’s worse is they
didn’t seem too concerned about it when I brought it to the server’s attention.
The
Sister’s Café.
Also in Confluence across the Casselman River near the “town center” where
breakfast is served all day and there is “no charge for sisterly advice”. This
is a snapshot of a 1950’s diner with good food at a good value – and the best
place for breakfast.
More Pennsylvania Family Vacation Ideas
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