The Raystown Lake Area in Pennsylvania is a reasonably standard place to go to throughout summer time. 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 packages delivered to you, and entry to sights which might be usually closed. And in case you’re like us and search for ways to avoid crowds, I believe you’ll like the thought of getting away from them and all the things else this winter within the Raystown Lake space.
All it’s a must to do is deliver a bunch of your folks or household (8-20 individuals) between January and March to Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Then, simply chill, and revel in your self in Central Pennsylvania.
This put up 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 Automotive
In case you’re planning a street 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 case you’re driving to Raystown Lake and Huntingdon County, I extremely advocate taking some further time for stops alongside the best way, particularly if it’s sunny exterior. I used to be blown away by the surroundings and took time for pictures right here and there.
In case you choose shorter, much less romantic journeys, you may fly into State College or Altoona. Each are rising and turning into extra handy from airports throughout.
Selecting Your Distinctive Raystown Lake Rental
Step one to having fun with winter in Raystown Lake is choosing 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 provides good views of the encompassing valley and mountains within the distance.
This space may be very standard throughout summer time, which suggests there are many Raystown Lake leases in numerous sizes and shapes of cabins and big properties.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to see just a few of them in particular person, together with Shamrock, one of the chalets of Raystown (huge and near Seven Factors Marina) and Heron’s Cove (decrease degree wooden range!).
Truthfully, I’m having a tough time choosing a favourite. Which of those locations would you e book with mates when planning your hearth getaway? You may study extra collaborating 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 that you may expertise exterior. As an added bonus, you get to expertise one for FREE, courtesy of Huntingdon County Guests Bureau.
Listed below 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 kinds of brews.
He ended issues with a “cupping,” which is an fascinating option to style and expertise espresso.
Greg additionally introduced tons of espresso for us to take pleasure in. I preferred it a lot that I needed to go to his shop in Huntingdon on my method house.
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” abilities. You’ll be taught the fundamentals, together with methods to cut 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 known as upon to ship a cake for a pal or household.
Portray
Rebecca Reck of Bluebird Designs is a neighborhood skilled artist who’ll cease by and enable you create a masterpiece. Whether or not you’re a novice or promote your personal artworks, this Painting class is a enjoyable option to spend just a few hours.
Type Yoga
Skilled teacher Tracy Lake will take you on a journey of refreshment and rejuvenation by a Kind Yoga session. And for these unfamiliar with Type Yoga, Lake will train the fundamental 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 might be both not open within the winter or solely open by appointment.
Lincoln Caverns
I used to be so joyful to see Lincoln Caverns and never simply due to all of the cool flowstone and stalactites inside. In case you go to throughout winter, the caverns’ 50-degree temps will really feel like a sauna in comparison with exterior.
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 objects from the 1800s to at present are on show in three buildings and are ready so that you can come and verify 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 displays are rotated on a yearly foundation.
Common automobiles within the assortment embrace a Delorean, the one-of-its-kind Duesenberg 12-cylinder Gentleman’s Speedster, and Herbie the Love Bug.
Extra Winter Issues to Do in Huntingdon and Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake Overlooks
It is likely to be too chilly to swim—until you want Polar Plunging (see beneath)—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 house to 2 of the very best. They’re only a brief stroll from one another.
The overlook behind the Raystown Lake Guests Middle can be value a go to. From there, you may take pleasure in a pleasant look down at Seven Points Marina.
Get pleasure from these Huntingdon Eating places (and a Vineyard!)
Except you’re having fun with meals on the Edgewater Inn, you may’t spend the entire time cooking for your self. Listed below are a few superior Huntingdon eating places that hold issues native, recent, and scrumptious.
Three Twelve
Previously referred to as Mimis, Three Twelve (312 Penn St) is a chef-forward restaurant that makes all the things in-house, aside from the pasta. Their day by day lunch specials and rotating Saturday brunch hold issues fascinating sufficient.
Nonetheless, I’ll be again for mains just like the Duck Breast and the Crab Muffins.
Boxer’s Cafe
Once I journey, I are likely to eat…er, as decadently as potential, which is why I’m joyful for locations like Boxer’s.
Certain, this place provides 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 potential 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 house 30 miles away to Huntingdon.
A tasting is a should and in case you want a suggestion, I say take a bottle of Bootlegger’s Apple with Spice to sip solo or combine with one thing scorching.
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 fascinating 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 seashore 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. After all, video games and crafts will be a 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 case you’re on the lookout for 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, verify here.
Have you ever ever visited Raystown Lake and Huntingdon County? What did you consider this space? In case you’ve by no means been earlier than, we’d like to know what you’re excited to attempt 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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