The Raystown Lake Area in Pennsylvania is a reasonably fashionable place to go to throughout summer season. However after studying about their winter-themed Fireplace Getaway expertise, I made a decision that is the proper spot for a cold-weather retreat.
There are quiet and comfortable locations to remain, enjoyable applications delivered to you, and entry to sights which can be usually closed. And in case you’re like us and search for ways to avoid crowds, I feel you’ll like the concept of getting away from them and every thing else this winter within the Raystown Lake space.
All it’s important to do is carry a gaggle of your mates or household (8-20 folks) between January and March to Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Then, simply sit back, and luxuriate in your self in Central Pennsylvania.
This publish is a part of our collection on all of the superior places to visit in Pennsylvania. We initially created it on December 4, 2019.
Winter in Raystown Lake PA
Attending to Raystown Lake
By Automobile
In the event you’re planning a highway journey, Pittsburgh is the closest metropolis to Raystown Lake (45 minutes). DC and Northern Virginia (3 hours), Cleveland (3 hours), and Philadelphia (4 hours) are additionally inside a half-day drive.
In the event you’re driving to Raystown Lake and Huntingdon County, I extremely advocate taking some additional time for stops alongside the best way, particularly if it’s sunny outdoors. I used to be blown away by the surroundings and took time for photographs right here and there.
In the event you choose shorter, much less romantic journeys, you’ll be able to fly into State College or Altoona. Each are rising and turning into extra handy from airports throughout.
Choosing Your Distinctive Raystown Lake Rental
Step one to having fun with winter in Raystown Lake is selecting your house to remain. I spent a few nights at Edgewater Inn & Riverside Grill in Alexandria. This historic property sits on the Frankstown Department of the Juniata River. It affords good views of the encompassing valley and mountains within the distance.
This space could be very fashionable throughout summer season, which suggests there are many Raystown Lake leases in numerous sizes and shapes of cabins and large houses.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to see a number of of them in individual, together with Shamrock, one of the chalets of Raystown (large and near Seven Factors Marina) and Heron’s Cove (decrease stage wooden range!).
Actually, I’m having a tough time selecting a favourite. Which of those locations would you e book with mates when planning your hearth getaway? You’ll be able to study extra taking part properties to lease here.
Enjoyable Actions Delivered to Your Lodge
Selecting your Raystown Lake rental is half the enjoyable since you then get to decide on a program that may come to you or one which you can expertise outdoors. As an added bonus, you get to expertise one for FREE, courtesy of Huntingdon County Guests Bureau.
Listed here are your choices:
Espresso Cupping
Earlier than Greg Anderson, the proprietor of Standing Stone Coffee shared “Coffee Cupping” with us, I had no thought what to anticipate. Throughout this interactive presentation, he shared the story of “farm to cup,” the historical past of espresso manufacturing, authentic makers, and varieties of brews.
He ended issues with a “cupping,” which is an attention-grabbing option to style and expertise espresso.
Greg additionally introduced tons of espresso for us to take pleasure in. I favored it a lot that I needed to go to his shop in Huntingdon on my manner residence.
Cake Adorning
Even in case you don’t watch Cupcake Wars or the Great British Bakeoff, a Cake Decorating class with space grasp Jana Weaver will up your “caking” expertise. You’ll be taught the fundamentals, together with the right way to break up, stack, fill, crumb coat and end a single-layer funfetti cake.
Irrespective of how yours seems, you’ll come away higher ready for the following time you’re referred to as upon to ship a cake for a good friend or household.
Portray
Rebecca Reck of Bluebird Designs is a neighborhood skilled artist who’ll cease by and provide help to create a masterpiece. Whether or not you’re a novice or promote your personal artworks, this Painting class is a enjoyable option to spend a number of hours.
Type Yoga
Skilled teacher Tracy Lake will take you on a journey of refreshment and rejuvenation via a Kind Yoga session. And for these unfamiliar with Type Yoga, Lake will train the essential tenets and advantages of the apply.
Raystown Lake Adventures Outdoors Your Rental
You even have the choice of venturing out and having fun with three sights which can be both not open within the winter or solely open by appointment.
Lincoln Caverns
I used to be so comfortable to see Lincoln Caverns and never simply due to all of the cool flowstone and stalactites inside. In the event you go to throughout winter, the caverns’ 50-degree temps will really feel like a sauna in comparison with outdoors.
Black Light Adventures at Lincoln Caverns (Each Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm) is a bonus for January guests. With particular lights shining on the crystals, you’ll see their phosphorescent magnificence unveiled.
Isett Heritage Museum
The Isett Heritage Museum is a set of distinctive antiques and memorabilia that spans greater than a lifetime. 40,000 gadgets from the 1800s to at the moment are on show in three buildings and are ready so that you can come and examine them out.
Swigart Museum
The Swigart is the oldest car museum within the US, with automobiles and carriages relationship again to 1896 of their assortment. It’s a family-owned museum and reveals are rotated on a yearly foundation.
In style automobiles within the assortment embody a Delorean, the one-of-its-kind Duesenberg 12-cylinder Gentleman’s Speedster, and Herbie the Love Bug.
Further Winter Issues to Do in Huntingdon and Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake Overlooks
It could be too chilly to swim—except you want Polar Plunging (see under)—however don’t overlook that the lake is gorgeous all year long. And I can’t consider a greater option to expertise Raystown Lake throughout winter than wanting down from an overlook.
Ridenour Overlook and Hawn’s Overlook are residence to 2 of the perfect. They’re only a brief stroll from one another.
The overlook behind the Raystown Lake Guests Heart can be value a go to. From there, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a pleasant look down at Seven Points Marina.
Take pleasure in these Huntingdon Eating places (and a Vineyard!)
Except you’re having fun with meals on the Edgewater Inn, you’ll be able to’t spend the entire time cooking for your self. Listed here are a few superior Huntingdon eating places that hold issues native, recent, and scrumptious.
Three Twelve
Previously often known as Mimis, Three Twelve (312 Penn St) is a chef-forward restaurant that makes every thing in-house, aside from the pasta. Their day by day lunch specials and rotating Saturday brunch hold issues attention-grabbing sufficient.
Nonetheless, I’ll be again for mains just like the Duck Breast and the Crab Truffles.
Boxer’s Cafe
After I journey, I are inclined to eat…er, as decadently as doable, which is why I’m comfortable for locations like Boxer’s.
Positive, this place affords Cheesesteaks and Buffalo Hen Sandwiches served on Philly rolls. However Boxer’s additionally serves lighter and vegetarian choices just like the Boxerito—refried beans, cheese, lettuce, olives, and yummy salsa all packed right into a flour tortilla.
Add in the truth that Boxer’s has been sourcing as native as doable for all 25 years of their existence and I’m prepared for a return go to pronto!
Style at Reklaimed Wines
I promised a vineyard however didn’t point out there was an inspirational story behind it. The story of Reklaimed Wines began earlier than it opened when Charlie Knouse was recovering from a bout of Lyme illness. Knouse determined it was time to pursue his longtime dream of beginning a vineyard.
That dream has come to fruition, as he and his spouse Kristy have constructed a profitable tasting room that options wines introduced from residence 30 miles away to Huntingdon.
A tasting is a should and in case you want a advice, I say take a bottle of Bootlegger’s Apple with Spice to sip solo or combine with one thing sizzling.
Winter Occasions in Raystown Lake at Huntingdon County
Past all of the enjoyable issues to do and locations to eat and drink, you’ll additionally discover some attention-grabbing occasions in Huntingdon County throughout winter.
Greenwood Furnace State Park hosts a First Day Hike (January 1), taking you alongside trails within the surrounding Rothrock State Forest. Greenwood Furnace additionally hosts a Snowfest & Polar Plunge (January 18). Earlier than and after leaping within the chilly water, take pleasure in a 5-mile race, music, a seaside bonfire, and extra enjoyable.
And we talked about Blacklight Adventures at Lincoln Caverns, however come out (or in?) for Batfest in February. Throughout this enjoyable occasion, a neighborhood wildlife rehabilitator will present updates on the Indian Caverns Bat Habitat Project. In fact, video games and crafts will be part of extra enjoyable throughout Batfest, too!
Prepared for Your Fire Getaway in Raystown Lake?
I’m already craving for extra time at Boxer’s, Lincoln Caverns, and all the opposite enjoyable issues to do when in Huntingdon County. In the event you’re in search of a brand new journey this winter, look no additional than this patch of Central Pennsylvania.
For more information about this thrilling alternative to spend winter in Raystown Lake, examine here.
Have you ever ever visited Raystown Lake and Huntingdon County? What did you consider this space? In the event you’ve by no means been earlier than, we’d like to know what you’re excited to strive first! Simply tell us within the feedback part.
Disclosure Observe
Particular due to the Huntingdon County Guests Bureau for internet hosting me. All opinions inside this text are my very own.
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