Malcolm Parcell: The Wizard of Moon Lorn Hidden among the hills near Prosperity, Washington County, Pennsylvania, stands a place that seems touched by enchantment. The cottage is called Moon Lorn, and for over sixty years it was home to Malcolm Parcell (1896–1987), one of western Pennsylvania’s most imaginative and quietly brilliant artists. Moon Lorn wasn’t…
Pennsylvania’s October Keystone: The Aster As the hills along the National Road fade from green to gold, one small flower continues to hold the landscape together: the aster. From sunlit meadows to roadside edges, native asters (members of the Symphyotrichum family) bloom when nearly everything else has gone to seed. Their violet, pink, and white…
In the rolling hills of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, a quiet experiment in community, cooperation, and dedication took shape during the depths of the Great Depression. Its name, Penn-Craft, was chosen to honor both William Penn and the land’s former owner, Isaiah Craft. But the name also reflected something deeper: the belief that ordinary people, through…
The National Pike Trail is a developing multi-use trail that follows the historic route of the National Road through Washington County, Pennsylvania. It is currently about 2 miles long, but as it grows, this scenic corridor will connect communities like Claysville, West Alexander, and eventually the City of Washington, offering walkers, runners, and cyclists a…
School is finally out for the summer! This season is a great time for kids and teens to enjoy time off with their family and friends. It is also a great time to plan a family trip along the National Road. Whether you live in the keystone state full time, or plan to visit western…
The National Road has served as the site of countless important historical events. Some of the most unique were what are referred to as the “Vagabond” camping trips of the early 20th century. Between the years 1915 and 1924, a team of prominent historical figures embarked on a series of summer camping trips. The “Four Vagabonds” as…
The Monongahela River has served as a gateway to the west in the United States since the dawn of the New World. This river is the reason many of the surrounding towns exist as they do today. Nowadays, the Monongahela continues to provide vital natural and economic resources for people and businesses in our region,…
There is only one true way to travel the Historic National Road in Pennsylvania — and that is with ease. With over 90 miles to explore and ample amounts of sights, attractions, and activities weaved into the significant path, it’s important to keep the road trip pace comfortable and enjoyable. One very meaningful way to…
Spring is the perfect season to explore the magnificent beauty of the great outdoors. The rolling hills and mountains in southwestern Pennsylvania create some of the most picturesque views this time of year. Combined with the historical and cultural resources found along the Historic National Road, the landscapes of the keystone state make this region…
While living in the keystone state might make you forget the natural beauty and fascinating history that surrounds us in Pennsylvania, to visitors our rich, multifaceted history, sleek cityscapes, charming small towns, and lush countryside make our state an ideal place to explore. And that is not a biased statement — tourism is one of…
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