FALL FESTIVAL FUN FOR KIDS (OF ALL AGES)

ON THE INSIDE Exclusive interview with Russ & Melanie Bedner Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse

TANGER OUTLETS One Stop Shopping “Kids Color the Cover” contest winner Grace Delaney 2 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM CONTENTS

Fall Festival Fun For Kids 8 fall/winter2015-16 (Of All Ages) “Kids Color the Cover” 13 Contest Winner and Finalists One Stop Shopping 14 Tanger Outlets adds new stores just in time for the season On The Inside 18 With Russ & Melanie Bedner Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Reaching for the Stars 24 Mingo Observatory marks 10th Anniversary Extended Stay 32 Washington County’s long, long history of hospitality Calendar 38 Upcoming Events for Fall and Winter History Reinvents Itself 42 One-of-a-kind Walking Tour

INSIDE WASHINGTON COUNTY PRODUCED BY:

PUBLISHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Jeff M. Kotula Mike Melone Washington County Chamber of Commerce Melone Advertising Group Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency ON THE COVER: PRODUCTION During the Washington County EXECUTIVE EDITOR Paula Dudley Agricultural Fair in August 2015, Tara M. Gleason Melone Advertising Group five to seven year old children Washington County Chamber of Commerce were asked to participate in the EDITORIAL “Kids Color the Cover” Contest MANAGING EDITOR Nicole Barley presented by Range Resources Debbie A. Sims Michael Bradwell and Washington County Tourism Washington County Chamber of Commerce Business Editor, Observer-Reporter Promotion Agency. Earl Bugaile Grace Delaney, our contest ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Jennie Dorris Matt Miller winner, carefully colored the Kristin Emery image shown on the cover. Observer Publishing Company Kathleen Hondru On page 13, the work of our nine finalists can be viewed. PRINTER Knepper Press ART / PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Hixon Photography 375 Southpointe Boulevard Melone Advertising Group Suite 240 Canonsburg, PA 15317 washcochamber.com visitwashingtoncountypa.com

Inside Washington County is published by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. and Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.

4 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 5 6 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM FALL FESTIVAL FUN FOR KIDS (OF ALL AGES) By Kathleen Hondru Fall is a special time of year – especially for children. There is the excitement about starting a new school year, reconnecting with friends and most definitely enjoying all the Fall rituals that make Washington County such a special place to grow up. When the evenings turn cool and Autumn glory is on full display, it is time to enjoy all the fun that Fall offers to kids of all ages. And as if that is not enough, the season rewards us with an extra hour of sleep to recuperate from all the festivities! Be sure to take advantage of all the Fall festivals and activities available throughout Washington County this season.

Simmons Farm The SpringHouse Peters Township North Strabane Township

This family-owned farm nestled in the rolling hills of Peters Back at the main farm, you can always visit the farm animals If you are looking for some old-fashioned fun on the farm with the kids, Township offers plenty of fun for the family throughout the in the petting zoo area and apple picking is also offered. On look no further than The SpringHouse on weekends. Beginning Fall season. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, you the weekends, things pick up with even more activities at the September 26 and running through the end of October, they will be will find lots to do! And if you have a Fall birthday to hay ride’s field destination with pony rides, live music and hosting Great Pumpkin weekend, full of food, fun and lots of activities celebrate, look no further. Simmons offers special packages delectable food vendors. for the kids. Make some fun Fall memories with the pumpkin patch for birthday parties at the farm. hayrides, corn maze, hay maze, Spidey Sling, giant bale jump ing and its For the older kids, the 4-H Pumpkin Catapult and very own Pumpkin Land. During the week, you can enjoy tractor-drawn hay rides Apple Sling Shot are always fan-favorites. And if to Simmons Farm’s special Fall activities field, where you like to take your pumpkin carving to the next After working up an appetite from all the activities, you can feast on all kids can pick their own pumpkins, get lost in the level, be sure to check out the impressive Pumpkin things pumpkin at The SpringHouse’s Country Store, including pump- hay and corn mazes, climb on a fire truck and grab Carving Display at the market. For a full listing kin pies, cookies, breads, custards and even pumpkin soup! Sundays in a sack for riding down the 100-foot long slide. of all the action, go to simmonsfarm.c om. October will also include a traditional Hog Roast, featuring locally 4-H raised hogs. For more information, visit springhousemarket.com. 8 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 9 45th Annual Covered Bridge Festival Trax Farms Washington and Greene Counties Finleyville This year Trax Farms celebrates 150 years of farming and the 45th anniversary of its Fall Festival, which runs every weekend from September 19 – October 26. It has something for everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, and has become a tradition for families throughout Washington County and beyond. As you approach Trax Farms in the Fall, one of the first things you will notice is the huge piles of pumpkins, marking the start of the Fall Festival season. Fall Festival weekends offer an array of activities. Young kids will enjoy the bounce house, Rainbow Express train rides, the Petting Zoo, pumpkin patch, spin art and much more. Older kids will find even more to do with the Rockwall and Bungee Jumper. Everyone will enjoy the hayrides, live music and entertainment, giant slide and corn maze. And do not forget to bring your appetite! Trax’s famous fresh-pressed cider is available along with a full menu of sandwiches, sides and desserts, including gobs, hand-dipped caramel apples and homemade apple dumplings that are Held every year during the third weekend in September, picturesque countryside, while blending live history lessons, available throughout the fall festival season. this year on September 19 and 20, the Annual Covered such as civil war re-enactments and trade demonstrations, Bridge Festival is considered by many as the offi cial with plenty of kid-friendly fun and live entertainment. To keep kids of all ages in Fall spirits all season long, check kick-off to the Fall season. It showcases ten covered bridges, Kids will especially enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides, out the Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations in the historical treasures located throughout Washington and petting zoos, face painting, train rides, zip lines, bounce Trax Gifts and Garden Center. The fun does not have to stop Greene Counties. houses and more! when you leave; you can bring it home with you to enjoy all season long. For more Each festival location offers a unique schedule of events and Admission and parking are free with many locations offering information, visit live entertainment – with plenty of kids games, activities and handicap accessible parking. For a map of the festival and traxfarms.com. delicious Fall foods and treats. Visiting the bridges during this schedules by location, go to visitwashingtoncountypa.com. weekend is a wonderful way for families to explore the region’s

Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest Canonsburg Oktoberfest celebrations return to Canonsburg for the oldies. The festival also features a variety of American and 17th year on September 18 – 20. Sponsored by the Greater ethnic foods, and continues the tradition of the Oktoberfest Canonsburg Chamber of Commerce, the festival is fun for Carnival with amusement rides and games. For more children of all ages; in fact it has been ranked in the Nation’s information, visit canonchamber.com/Oktoberfest. Top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations. Held on the streets of downtown Canonsburg, the festival features two stages of live music showcasing top German entertainment and local talent performing country, rock and

VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 11 Hickory Apple Festival “Kids Color the Cover” Contest Mt. Pleasant Township During the Washington County Agricultural Fair in August 2015, five to seven year old This annual festival – held every year in early October – children were asked to participate in the “Kids benefits the Mt. Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Color the Cover” Contest presented by Range Company and features plenty of fun for kids – and lots of Resources and Washington County Tourism WINNER! apples too! This year’s festival will be held October 3 Promotion Agency. and 4. Games for kids include the traditional annual Grace Delaney apple bobbing and apple pie eating contests. There is also Age 7 Beth Center a petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals, moon walk, a fire safety house and hay rides for kids and families. The weekend festival will have live music and entertainment, along with great craft and food vendors. Kids love the annual pancake breakfast held Saturday morning in the dining room of the hall. But make sure NINE FINALISTS to leave room for apple treats – from candied to caramel, apple dumplings or apple pie, all washed down with apple cider – chilled or warm! For more infor mation on the festival, go to hickoryapplefest.com.

Ava Barbao Age 7 Mae Coburn Age 7 Makayla Jackson Age 7 Ress Joe Walker Elementary Bentworth Elementary Pumpkin Festival Houston This annual October tradition – in its 33rd year – draws more than 75,000 visitors to the town of Houston for entertainment, food, games and crafts; all while raising funds for the Houston Fire Department. Mark your calendar for this year’s festival, running October 9 – 11. It has many fun activities for families and kids, including an inflatable slide and bounce house, a 30 foot rock wall, Euro Bungee, train rides, horse rides, pumpkin decorating, face decorating, a petting zoo, carriage rides Richelle Jones Age 5 Keirsten Lutz Age 7 Paityn Pawich Age 7 and games and contests for youngsters and teenagers. Ringgold Claysville Chartiers Houston One of the highlights of the festival is the Annual Pumpkin Day Parade, held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. on West Pike Street. The parade lasts nearly an hour and features floats, local fire departments, marching bands, dance groups, local dignitaries – and guests from area haunted houses! The weekend is full of live entertainment, crafts and plenty of food vendors. To check out the schedule for this year’s festival, visit houstonpumpkinfestival.net. Chloe Plavi Age 7 Makayla Salvini Age 7 Carson Stevens Age 6 Borland Manor Trinity West Fort Cherry 12 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 13 Clothes For Any Season New Stores Open Their Doors ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL Whether you are outfitting your kindergartener with a first Tanger’s newest stores are perfect options for back to school day of school ensemble or helping your fashionista high school shopping. Since April, Tanger has welcomed five new stores Tanger Outlets adds new stores just in time for the season student make bold, chic choices, Tanger Outlets has including Francesca’s, which is an eclectic women’s clothing By Kristin Emery everything the whole family needs for any wardrobe. Tanger boutique specializing in trendy clothes, handbags, shoes, Outlets General Manager Jodi Dague says back to school is jewelry and gifts. Hot Topic is a more teen-oriented chain one of their busiest seasons. “We have many brand names that known for rock and cater to this season such as H&M, LOFT, Francesca’s, Janie & pop-culture-inspired The air is still warm but you know it is coming: the change of seasons means it is time Jack, Under Armour and Nike. The best part about shopping T-shirts and for back to school and holiday shopping and shifting your fashion focus to Fall-friendly colors here is that we really have something for the entire accessories. and warmer layers. Make Washington County’s Tanger Outlets your family. Many times it is not just the kids Speaking of one-stop shopping destination for Fall and Winter fashion. Francesca’s adults are shopping for. Mom Eclectic Women’s Boutique accessor ies, might pick up some Hot Topic Serendipity is a new pieces for her Teen-Oriented Rock & Pop Culture great closet too.” Serendipity destination Fashion Accessories Dague adds this TANGER OUTLETS for Rack Room Shoes is a great time to Brand-Name Footwear everything shop because for Entire Family you need you will find Under Armour Youth to spice Kids’ Athletic Apparel Summer NEW and Sports Gear up an bargains along outfit. The with new Fall finds. ADDITIONS owners have relocated the “Stores continue to store from downtown Pittsburgh to transition from summer Tanger Outlets and provide the perfect options for into Fall and Winter. You dressing up your Fall fashions with scarves, jewelry and can help extend your Summer handbags. Rack Room Shoes is the first in the Pittsburgh wardrobe with a few pieces in traditional warm colors and market and carries a huge selection of the hottest brand-name layer your look for cooler weather. You can give an outfit a footwear for the entire family. Anot her new addition, Under whole new look for the season by just adding a soft textured Armour Youth, provides a full selection of kids' athletic sweater. For the kids, even a ¾ sleeve cardigan or cropped clothes, shoes, and sports gear and is unique to our area since jacket over a casual sundress will give you great flexibili ty.” the next closest store is located in Maryland. Michael Kors is another recent arrival at Tanger and provides fashion-savvy shoppers with the latest looks and trends. For younger schoolkids, Gap, Gymboree and Justice will outfit your family Fashion Must Haves with staples made for sharp-dressed students. The big trends in fashion this season? Think 70’s-inspired attire including flared jeans and pants and fringe accents. Dague explains, “This Fall is inspired by the freedom of the ‘70’s with re-imagined designs that are flattering and fun such as a retro-fit blazer, block-heel shoes, fringe and larger-than- life statement jewelry.” Denim is always a “go to” choice, but Dague says this Fall brings denim with some sparkle. “Everything from jean skirts with embellishment to mixing chambray tops with dark denim,” she notes. “Shoes are also fun this season with a casual wedge sneaker in a variety of textures and sparkle giving you options that polish off a trendy look.” Sparkle is fun for all ages and bold, statement jewelry is on point for grown-up girls along with tall boots and block- heeled shoes and booties.

14 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 15 Bargains Abound Fall Fun And Fashion Into The Holiday Season Back to school and holiday shopping does not have to break Fall fashion moves into full swing in October with the 7th your budget. Tanger Outlets provides terrific opportunities for Annual PinkStyle Campaign all month long. Tanger Outlets Fall savings and loyalty programs. Dague says, “We love will offer $5.00 Powerful PINK Cards good for 25 percent off talking about money saving tips. We encourage that your first items at participating stores. Proceeds benefit local and stop is at Shopper Services in the food court. Our customer national cancer-related organizations. The 7th Annual Tanger service team is ready to tell you about Fit For A Cure 5K Run/Walk takes all of the ways to save, such as our place October 4 and October fun Tanger coupon books which are free ends with Trick or Treating on to college students, AAA members, Tanger’s sidewalks Halloween night military and AARP.” Most stores at from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Tanger also offer rewards programs holiday shopping season will be right which provide discounts, coupons and around the corner after that and special offers for return customers. Tanger Outlets is preparing to kick it You can also join the Tanger Club off with Moonlight Madness and loyalty program which offers special special deals starting at 6:00 p.m. deals that are exclusive to members Thanksgiving Day and continuing including tiered reward levels for your through 10:00 p.m. Black Friday. spending. If you are smart-phone Read about more money saving savvy, the free Tanger App also puts programs and see a full store directory with hours and special great deals at your fingertips. events at tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh.

16 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 17 ON THE With INSIDE RUSS & MELANIE BEDNER

By Michael Bradwell Company: Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Title: Owners/Operators

hen Russ and Melanie Bedner talk about growth in their business, they can speak of it literally and figuratively. Either way, the couple who owns and operates Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse in Cecil Township finds these days that growing things for a living is growing a W family busi ness that has been around for decades. Russ’s parents, Bob and Sue Bedner, grew plants for their family farm market in Upper St. Clair in the 1970’s. As their greenhouse and produce growing operations expanded, they purchased the 42-acre property in Cecil Township in 1984 and moved to the site in 1986. They opened Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse in 1996, and were joined by their son Russ and daughter-in- law Melanie, and in the early 2000’s they began to expand the garden center to include perennials, trees and shrubs. The move to a centralized home-base simplified things while setting a path for growth. “Dad and Mom were growing everything here and trucked everything to the store in Bridgeville,” said Russ, 37, during a recent interview in the gazebo just outside the 21,000 square-foot retail center. Today, the retail center is fed by the output of 15 greenhouses on the property, as well as produce from the adjacent fields. While customers are enjoying that bounty now, Russ and Melanie, 36, We grow 80 percent of say it is the result of careful planning that takes place long before the April 1 opening. The Bedners start growing in their “what we sell. My greenhouses in mid-January. “We grow 80 percent of what we sell,” Russ said, noting that the parents still work here. proportion of their own production sets them apart from many operations that buy and resell plants and produce. Bedner’s also Dad grows all of the wholesales its produce to area grocery stores and restaurants. “We really concentrate most of our energy into the plants,” annuals and my Mom Melanie said. “Our staff is always going around keeping things as nice as possible.” But at its heart, it is very much a family still waters. business, with Bob and Sue still lending a steady hand to the ” operation. “My parents still work here,” Russ said. “Dad grows all of the annuals and my Mom still waters.” Like a lot of small business operators, Russ and Melanie found that expanding their operations has Russ & Melanie Bedner meant the addition of services to keep up with customer demand. VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 19 “We hire a lot of high school kids who work part-time,” Melanie said. And with a seasonal business, Russ and Melanie are not just working hard to keep their offerings fresh, but to also provide other activities to keep customers coming back and make the most of the Spring through Fall selling period. “We do different things, from informal presentations to interactive workshops where people can make things to take home. During the Summer months, we have crafts for kids that usually draw a dozen kids every other Wednesday.” In fall, the “Art Under Glass Festival” held on October weekends is the big event, featuring live music, wine tastings, food trucks, local crafts, hayrides and pick-your-own pumpkins. The expansion into full-scale landscaping services, the use of online “We were selling bigger trees, but we did not have anybody to and social media as well as the various seasonal promotions have install them,” he said of their decision in 2013 to add a landscape also helped to expand Bedner’s customer base beyond its traditional design, installation and maintenance division. draw from the South Hills, McMurray and Mt. Lebanon areas. Russ acknowledged that the decision to offer a full-service “Now it seems more and more are coming from Washington and landscaping service paralleled a healthy residential construction the whole tri-state area,” Melanie said. trend that continues to this day in Washi ngton County. So what happens after the April 1 to October 31 selling cycle is “It is definitely not hurting us,” he said of the new housing complete? communities that have sprung up in Cecil and other townships in “You are always planning, there is always office work to do,” recent years. Melanie said, adding that the family spends the month of That is not to say that the retail center is not thriving with the sale November doing maintenance at the business before taking of plants and fresh produce. December off to relax. Russ enjoys a hunting trip before the family takes a vacation. When they have time, the couple enjoys a dinner “The biggest seller is hanging baskets, they are one of our main out, with McMurray’s Capstone Grill as a favorite stop. drivers,” said Russ. Despite the rigors of running a growing business, Russ and Melanie But the nursery business is rising rapidly, Melanie said. also spend time with numerous community group s and activities. “Perennials, trees and shrubs and landscaping is 30 percent of the They are members of the American Nursery and Landscape business.” She said the business now employs six landscapers. Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable “As we have grown, we have needed more and more people,” Agriculture and the Washington County Farm Bureau. They also Melanie said. plant and maintain two flower beds at the Panhandle Trail and the For the Bedner’s, growth has also meant relinquishing some of the McDonald Trail Station and support the Cecil Friends of the day-to-day management responsibilities to others. “Russ and I Montour Trail, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Cecil Township Parks have three managers working under us now,” Melanie said. The and Recreation, the Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny and division of labor has help ed the couple spend more time in Washington Counties, Cecil and Muse Elementary schools and the promoting the business in ways that did not exist when the retail Future Farmers of America at Fort Cherry High School. center opened nearly 20 years ago. There is always time to think about longer-term growth plans, too. “We try to stay current,” Russ said. “A lot of our budget goes into Russ and Melanie, who have a daughter Hope, two, see Bedner’s billboards, but we also use Facebook as well as a website.” continuing its path as a multi-generational family business. “You have got to have an online presence,” added Melanie, who “There is a lot of history here, and we are hoping to keep it going,” said the business also has a mobile website that enables customers Russ said. who use it to dial through to the store. Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse is located at 315 Coleman Road, At the peak of the season, they have around 50 people working in McDonald. Telephone is 724.926.2541. For more information access the retail store. the website bendersgreenhouse.com.

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Today, the REACHING FOR THE STARS Mingo Creek Park Observatory in Mingo Creek County Park Celebrates 10th Anniversary By Earl Bugaile Observatory has become not only a huge attraction for amateur astronomers from the region, but also the nation.

Even before the Mingo Creek Park Observatory began taking Director of the observatory. “There have been children and shape, members of the AAAP began hosting “star parties” at their parents who bring their own telescopes and set up on the the site, where amateur astronomers began taking their grounds. It is really quite an event.” telescopes to study the heavens and observe the planets. Visitors at the Star Parties can also look through the Today, the Mingo Creek Park Observatory has telescopes that are trained on the planets and stars become not only a huge attraction for amateur and the Moon. Speakers many times present astronomers from the region, but also the programs and presentations in the Richard Y. nation. The one-story structure complete Haddad Planetarium. Living in Washington County can provide a lot of great things easily accessible for residents and amateur astronomers of with a retractable roof includes two Upcoming public attractions include a Dark for its residents. the areas surrounding Washington County. permanent telescopes, classroom space, a Sky party on September 5 and 19, and meeting room and a planetarium. The two For one, they can find themselves in the middle of a region Mingo Associate Director Gene Kulakowski said discussions observation of the lunar eclipse the night of permanent telescopes include a 24-inch that has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. They can about adding an observatory in this area began as early as September 27. Another Dark Sky party is set reflector telescope and a 10-inch refractor find attractions that can entertain just about anyone within a 2002, when members of the Nicholas E. Wagman for October 3 and a Bundle-Up party will be telescope. The telescopes were selected to short drive. And they also have an opportunity to get a Observatory in Allegheny County began hosting “star-gazing There have been held November 14. close-up view of the stars – at least of the celestial kind. parties” in a parking lot in Bethel Park. A committee of the give visitors a full range of telescopic children and their capabilities. “parents who bring All events are complimentary to attend, organization then discovered the Mingo Park One of the county’s best their own telescopes although the observatory gladly accepts location and approached Washington County The reflector telescope is suited for “deep kept secrets is the and set up on the donations. Their equipment and telescopes officials who immediately embraced the sky” objects such as nebulae and galaxies, availability of its own grounds. It is really have been the result of gifts or grants to the idea. while the refractor telescope is primarily quite an event. observatory, and it has been a organization. used for observing the fine details of the Ken Kobus fixture at Mingo Creek County Dick Haddad, one of the AAAP’s Associate Director Moon, the Sun and the planets. On the ” The Mingo Creek Park Observatory is Park for the past decade. Located on leading members led the fund raising top of a hillside in the northeast portion efforts and the numerous meetings that evening of the interv iew for this article, the located within Mingo Creek County Park, of the park, the Mingo Creek Park led to the signing of the lease for the reflector telescope provided a clear glimpse of Saturn and its up Mansion Hill Extension Road passed Shelter 10. Visitors Observatory stands in a clearing giving 10-acre site which was signed in rings, and one of Saturn’s moons. to the Star Parties should bring lawn chairs, wear a jacket, and can bring refreshments, however alcoholic beverages and viewers an almost unobstructed view of the March 2003. Formal By far the largest and most popular attraction to the Mingo smoking are prohibited. sky. It is the result of the commitment of a groundbreaking took Creek Park Observatory are the Star Parties held throughout group known as the Amateur Astronomers place in May 2004, the year, where for no charge, anyone interested in astronomy Additional information about the Mingo Creek Park Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP), who began looking and the building was is invited to attend. “The Star Parties attract a wide range of Observatory is available at the website at 3ap.org or on for a home for a second observatory to take advantage of completed in August 2005. people and ages groups, said Ken Kob us, an Associate Facebook. a sky away from the city lights of Pittsburgh, and to be

VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­25 24­­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM 26­­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­27 SWIATEK MELONE

28­­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­29 30­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­31 EXTENDED STAY Washington County’s long, long history of hospitality Often, you would follow creeks, and if you were walking along to the site getting excavated and designated a National Historic By Jennie Dorris the waterways of Pennsylvania, it would be likely that your Landmark. Scofield says that Meadowcroft has, throughout small creek would end up flowing into the Ohio River. And history, hosted every major cultural group as defined by after following the Ohio anthropologists. down into what is now When agriculture was Avella, you would look up invented, people from the river and see a continued to use the large rock overhang. Rockshelt er – they settled That large rock formation – in nearby villages, but now named the would still hunt and Meadowcroft Rockshelter – gather. They would camp was a place that offered a at the Rockshelter as they short respite for these early were gathering materials. travelers. When the European settlers arrived and pushed “It was high above the Native American tribes creek, so people could avoid west, they also used the flooding. The cliff faces Rockshelter for shelter. south, taking advantage of the natural heating of the “It is a great place to sun. You would camp, no matter what immediately identify that time period you were in,” this is a place you could Scofield says. Some of the camp,” says Meadowcroft more modern objects Director David Scofield. found in the excavation were from the parties The way the wind flows held in the Rockshelter down the valley from west in the 1970’s. to east ventila ted fires, and the breeze kept mosquitos The Rockshelter is near and other pests away. Even another famous body of more important? Food rock – the Marcellus and water. Shale formation, one of the largest potential “In the fall, food resources travel plans were exhausting. sources of natural gas in 16,000 years ago were the most abundant – the country. If the there were hickory walnuts You looked for shelter, hunted, gathered and Rockshelter was the and pawpaw, a large reason our ancestors then covered up camp and left indigenous fruit,” stopped in Western Scofield says. before you became prey yourself. Pennsylvania, Marcellus The fresh water springs on either side of the Rockshelter Shale is certainly a compelling reason that people live and work helped as well. Scofield says that the creek has left evidence here now. Washington County was the site of the first Marcellus of mollusks, large salamanders and turtles, all other sources well and is home to more wells and drilling than any other of food. county in the state. It is also home to large producers of natural gas and coal, earning the county the nickname “The Energy People left behind some of their stone tools, pottery pieces and Capital of the East.” evidence of fire pits, which were discovered in 1973 and lead

32­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­­33 Washington County also finds itself at the crossroads of many The Hilton, for example, is offering guests an online check-in types of transportation – it holds the intersection of Interstates option where you can select your room prior to arrival. Within 70 and 79, connecting major traffic from North to South and the year they will be rolling out technology to allow people to East to West. The Monongahela River unlock their rooms using their smart ships an estimated 36.8 million tons of phones. They also offer three coal, petroleum and other materials, and restaurants, including a breakfast links to the Ohio and Mississippi River s. with an onsite chef and a 24-hour All said, the area is within a 500-mile pantry. They have the ability to host radius of 49 percent of the United States business events of up to 1,100 population, according to the people. Washington County Chamber of While one rock outcropping may Commerce. have lured our ancestors to exploring With major employers like Range Western Pennsylvania 16,000 years Resources, The Washington Health ago, it is Marcellus Shale, economic System, Monongahela Valley Hospital growth and low taxes enticing and The Meadows Casino, many locals companies to call Washington find themselves employed in the energy, County home now. And where rivers healthcare and manufacturing fields. intersecting might have brought With such easy access to the area, local Paleo Indians to camp in the hotels find themselves hosting a variety Rockshelter, it is the intersection of of corporate clients who are flying in for highways, railroads and airports that meetings. The Hilton Garden Inn, keep business travelers and tourists Southpointe, says many of their guests filling the area. One thing is for sure, travel from Chicago, Columbus, Washington County has always been Cleveland, D.C., Houston and Dallas. a destination. All of the travel means new hotels are cropping up, and accommodations offer more and more amenities to stay VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com to find competitive, says the Southpointe Hilton’s Director of Sales, more great hotels in Washington County. Robin McDougal.

34­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­35 36­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­37 October 4 October 23 – 24 November 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19, 25, 28 CALENDAR 7th Annual Tanger Fit for a Cure Haunted History Walks “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” FALL/WINTER • 2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6 5K Run/Walk The Bradford House Little Lake Theatre Tanger Outlet Washington, PA Canonsburg, PA Washington, PA bradfordhouse.org littlelake.org September 19, 27 September 26 – 27 tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh Public Star Party Fall Festival October 24 November 6 –7 september October 8 –11 Halloween Trail Mingo Creek Park Observatory Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Martha Washington Quilters Guild 2015 2015 Victorian Days Quilt Show Nottingham Township Complex Finleyville, PA McDonald, PA Montgomery Mansion Bed & Breakfast Eighty Four, PA Church of the Covenant September 4 – 5 3ap.org bednersgreenhouse.com Claysville, PA nottinghamtwp.com Washington, PA “A Little Hotel on the Side” September 19 – 20 September 27 montgomerymansion.net marthawashingtonquiltersguild.com Little Lake Theatre October 25 45th Annual Covered Bridge Festival Washington Antiques Fair Canonsburg, PA October 9 – 11, 16 – 18 Washington Antiques Fair November 6 –8 Washington/Greene Counties CONSOL Energy Park littlelake.org “The 39 Steps” CONSOL Energy Park Annual Christmas in the Village 10 Covered Bridge Sites Washington, PA Old School House Players, Washington, PA Craft Festival September 4 – 7 visitwashingtoncountypa.com washingtonantiquesfair.com Mt. Pleasant Twp. Community Center washingtonantiquesfair.com Village of Eldersville Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale Hickory, PA Burgettstown, PA October 28 Tanger Outlets September 19 – 20, 26 – 27 osptheater.com christmasinthevillage.com Washington, PA Trick or Treat 45th Fall Festival October 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24, 30 – 31 tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh Washington Crown Center November 7 Trax Farms october West Alexander Scare at the Fair Washington, PA Art, Craft and Vendor Show Finleyville, PA 2015 September 5 West Al exander Fairgrounds shopwashingtoncrown.com Trinity High School Public Star Party traxfarms.com October 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 15 – 17 West Alexander, PA Washington, PA Mingo Creek Park Observatory “Prelude to a Kiss” westalexfair.com/scare-at-the-fair October 28 September 20 Little Lake Theatre Halloween Parade petsearchpa.org Finleyville, PA Fields to Fork: Hayride and U-Pick October 10 Canonsburg, PA Main Street, Monongahela November 12 3ap.org Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Washington Symphony littlelake.org Monongahela, PA Santa’s Parade Arrival September 6 McDonald, PA Orchestra Fall Kickoff monongahelaareach amber.org October 2 –3 Trinity High School Washington Crown Center Steel City Reptile Show bednersgreenhouse.com Haunted Trail Washington, PA October 30 – 31 Washington, PA Iceoplex at Southpointe September 26 Peterswood Park washsym.org Breeders Cup betting shopwashingtoncrown.com Canonsburg, PA 22nd Art in the Garden Community Recreation Center The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel steelcityreptileexpo.com October 10 – 12 November 12 – 14, 19 – 21, 27 – 28 LeMoyne House Venetia, PA Washington, PA Houston Pumpkin Festival “The Grand Manner” September 6 Washington, PA peterstownship.com Houston American Legion Post #902 meadowsgaming.com Little Lake Theatre wchspa.org Patti LaBelle Live in Concert October 2 –4 Houston, PA October 31 Canonsburg, PA The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel September 26 Kid Mania Consignment Sale houstonpumpkinfestival.net Halloween Party littlelake.org Washington, PA Bourbon Social Washington County Fairgrounds October 11 River House Café meadowsgaming.com November 14 River House Cafe Washington, PA Tour of Historic Churches Charleroi, PA kidmaniasale.com riverhousecafe.com Bundle-Up Public Star Party September 7 – 12 Charleroi, PA & Cemeteries of Burgettstown Mingo Creek Park Observatory West Alexander Fair riverhousecafe.com October 3 Burgettstown October 31 Finleyville, PA West Alexander Fairgrounds washcolandmarks.com September 26 Fall Fleatique on the Mon Trick or Treat Tanger Style 3ap.org West Alexander, PA Main Street in Monongahela & New Eagle October 12 Tanger Outlet King of the Cage November 14 westalexfair.com Monongahela, PA Fall Festival Washington, PA The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel Steel City Reptile Show monongahelaareachamber.org Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh September 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26 Washington, PA Iceoplex at Southpointe McDonald, PA October 31 “Dead Accounts” meadowsgaming.com October 3 Canonsburg, PA Mike Super Magic & Illusionist Show bednersgreenhouse.com Halloween Tea Little Lake Theatre ste elcityreptileexpo.com September 26 Trinity High School Goody Two Shoes English Tea Room Canonsburg, PA October 16 – 18, 24 – 25 Annual Bonfire Washington, PA Monongahela, PA littlelake.org 21st Annual Pennsylvania November 20 Nottingham Township Complex caswg.org 724.258.2244 Santa Claus is Shopping in Town Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival September 13 Eighty Four, PA Monongahela, PA October 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25 Washington County Fairgrounds Trucks, Tractors & Trolleys nottinghamtwp.com October 31 monongahelaareachamber.org Art Under Glass Fall Festival Washington, PA PA Trolley Museum Trick-or-Treat in Corn Maze September 26 – 27 Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse familyfestivals.com November 27 Washington, PA Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Fall Festival McDonald, PA Holiday Tree Lighting patrolley.org October 18 McDonald, PA Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse bednersgreenhouse.com Wine Glass Painting and Santa Arrival September 18 bednersgreenhouse.com McDonald, PA Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Market House 15th Anniversary & October 3 –4 bednersgreenhouse.com McDonald, PA Charleroi, PA New Book Dedication Hickory Apple Festival bednersgreenhouse.com charleroiboro.org The Bradford House September 26 – 27 Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Washington, PA 6th Annual American Indian Hickory, PA October 22 – 25, 29 – 30 november November 27 – 29 Heritage Weekend hickoryapplefest.com 2015 Santa Trolley bradfordhouse.org “Letters to Sala” Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village Little Lake Theatre November 1 – 22 PA Trolley Museum September 18 – 20 October 3, 17 Avella, PA Public Star Party Canonsburg, PA Tanger Style 20% Off Sale Washington, PA 17th Annual heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft Mingo Creek Park Observ atory littlelake.org Tanger Outlet pa-trolley.org Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest Finleyville, PA Washington, PA Pike Street September 26 – 27 October 22 – 24 November 27 – 30 3ap.org tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh Canonsburg, PA 27th Annual Cecil Small Business Expo Holiday Open House canonchamber.com Township Fall Festival October 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25 Washington Crown Center November 1, 4 –7 Antique Center of Strabane Cecil Park 45th Annual Fall Festival Washington, PA “Letters to Sala” Canonsburg, PA September 19 shopwashingtoncrown.com Cecil, PA Trax Farms Little Lake Theatre antiquecenterofstrabane.com Wine Glass Painting ceciltownship-pa.gov Finleyville, PA October 23 Canonsburg, PA Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse traxfarms.com “Dial M for Mother” littlelake.org McDonald, PA Murder, Mystery Dinner bednersgreenhouse.com VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com for a complete listing of The Mon Valley Country Club Monongahela, PA Washington County events and upda tes. monongahelaareachamber.org 38­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­39 December 11 Trolley’s & Toy Trains december PA Trolley Museum march 2015 Washington, PA 2016 December 1 –6 pa-trolley.org March 7 –- 11 Holiday Open House Washington County Restaurant Week December 12 Antique Center of Strabane Washington County Light Up Night visitwashingtoncountypa.com Canonsburg, PA East Finley Township Park antiquecenterofstrabane.com Claysville, PA March 18 – 20, 25 – 26 December 3 – 5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19 724.663.4482 Bunny Trolley PA Trolley Museum “Inspecting Carol” December 31 Washington, PA Little Lake Theatre New Year’s Eve Party pa-trolley.org Canonsburg, PA River House Café littlelake.org Charleroi, PA March 19 December 4 riverhousecafe.com Easter Egg Hunt The SpringHouse Christmas Parade December 31 Washington, PA City of Washington New Year’s Eve Party springhousemarket.com Washington, PA The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel 724.229.7207 Washington, PA March 27 meadowsgaming.com December 4, 11 Easter Brunch Trolleys & Toy Trains Bella Sera PA Trolley Museum Canonsburg, PA Washington, PA bellaserapgh.com pa-trolley.org December 4 –5 january All-Clad Sale 2016 Washington County Fairgrounds Washingto n, PA January 9 – 10 washingtonfair.org A.R.H. Gun Show & Sales Farmers Markets December 4 –5 Washington County Fairgrounds Charleroi Farmers Market Holiday Gift Shoppe Washington, PA Market House The Bradford House arhsportshop.com Washington, PA Charleroi, PA January 29 Thursdays – thru October bradfordhouse.org Southwestern Symphony of Foods December 4 – 6, 11 – 13 Bella Sera Hickory Farmers & Country Market “A Christmas Carol” Canonsburg, PA The Old Schoolhouse Players bellasera.com Route 50 Mt. Pleasant Twp. Community Center Hickory, PA Hickory, PA Tuesdays & Saturdays – thru October osptheater.com December 5 McDonald Trail Station Old Fashioned Christmas Farmers Market Downtown Canonsburg february Panhandle Trail Canonsburg, PA 2016 McDonald, PA canonchamber.com February 2 – 15 Saturdays – thru September December 5 Tanger Outlets Presidents Day Sale Dicken’s Christmas Tea Washington, PA Monongahela Farmers Market Goody Two Shoes English Team Room tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh Chess Park Monongahela, PA February 12 Monongahela, PA 724.258.2244 6th Annual Hearts & Jokers Fridays – thru October December 5 –6 Bella Sera Ho, Ho, Ho with the WSO Canonsburg, PA South Fayette/Cecil Original Concert presented by bellaserapgh.com Washington Symphony Orchestra Farmers Night Market February 13 Trinity High School Route 50 Washington, PA “Dreamscapes” Bridgeville, PA Washington Symphony Orchestra washsym.org Monday, Wednesday, Friday – thru October Trinity High School December 5 – 6, 12 – 13 Washington, PA Santa Trolley washsym.org The Main Street Farmers Market PA Trolley Museum Downtown Washington Washington, PA Washington, PA pa-trolley.org Thursdays – thru October December 5 – 13 Breakfast with Santa Washington Crown Center The SpringHouse Farmers Market Washington, PA Mall Parking lot springhousemarket.com Washington, PA Daily – thru September

40­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­41 HISTORY REINVENTS ITSELF The past and present fuse for a one-of-a-kind walking tour By Nicole Barley

Want to go back in time 246 years? What if you could do it in into the hidden history of the span of two hours – and take your cell phone with you? homes and buildings, including the post office Turns out, there is something of a time machine in and two of the oldest Washington County thanks to the Monongahela Area churches in town. “I love Historical Society, which has created a digitized Walking Tour the stories of people’s lives of the Mon Valley’s Main Street. A QR-code-reading app and – everybody has a story – a mobile device are all you need to start the multimedia- and I love knowing the enhanced jaunt through two-and-a-half centuries. 1. Charge your phone life of a building prior to completely and download Terrie Steiner of the Historical Society spent six months me looking at it,” she says. the QR Reader app before researching and developing the tour with the help of her you leave the house. Local historians contri- husband, Jim. “Because Monongahela is the oldest city in the 2. Bring headphones in order buted their expertise, and Mon Valley and the second-smallest city in Pennsylvania, the to fully focus on the tour’s history and speech majors sites and sounds. Historical Society wanted to develop a tour that was more from California University 3. Grab a brochure at the than just a quick view of building exteriors, one that would of Pennsy lvania lent their Historical Society Museum draw people to Monongahela,” she explains. “Whenever I before starting your stroll. voices to narrate the nine- have done other walking tours, I was always left wanting to block loop. know more about who lived there and how things looked back in their heyday – too much The informative, Check out the History Through information to fit into a brochure.” entertaining and a Woman’s Eyes Tour, part of the Living History Series, September Steiner, who has been enamored 26, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with history since “forever,” has Plus, a Historic Driving Tour is in the works! infused the exper ience with the wonder of discovery, digging immersive experience, which is self- guided and suitable for all ages, explores 23 architectural sites and the people who lived and worked there, through personal anecdotes, photographs and videos. These historical happenings date back to 1794, from the Whiskey Rebellion to the Underground Railroad, the Great Dep ression and the invention of carborundum, which led to the founding of Union Carbide in 1917. Says Steiner, “You will really get a feel for what Monongahela is all about and how those people’s lives shaped our region.”

Monongahela Area Historical Society 230 W. Main Street, Monongahela 724.292.8247 monongahelahistoricalsociety.com

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