Archive for the ‘Nature & Outdoors’ Category
The Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi
Published Friday, August 20th, 2010
A beautiful sanctuary lies alongside St. Francis University, in Loretto, PA. Within the walls of the Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi, visitors are treated to an expanse filled with a variety of neatly groomed plants and flowers, fish ponds and fountains, religious statues and a rock garden.
The grounds, considered to be an Italian formal garden, are meticulously cared for by the Franciscan Friars of the T.O.R. Each side of the garden is bookended with long stone walls, topped with foliage-covered pergolas. At the center is a large pool that captures the reflection of the former Charles Schwab limestone mansion.
There is as much variety among the garden’s visitors as there is among the foliage. During our visit we struck up conversations with several plein air painters, witnessed a bridal party in search of the perfect spot for a wedding day photograph and were surrounded by everyone from young families to senior citizens enjoying a sunny Saturday walk.
A collection of photographs, courtesy of Johnstown photographer Shawn Schmalz, can be found on our Johnstown, PA-themed Flickr.
The Sunken Gardens are located just off of Manor Drive (State Route 1001) in Loretto, PA (click here for a map to the Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi) and are open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. More information is available by calling (814) 472-8971.
Conemaugh Gap Scenic Overlook
Published Friday, July 30th, 2010
It is often said that there is beauty all around us, if only we take a moment to look. For those of us that travel in and out of Johnstown, PA’s West End via Haws Pike, this might be especially true. It’s along this route that the highway parallels the Conemaugh Gap.
Fortunately, there are some great opportunities to take in this view.
Coal Tubin’
Published Friday, May 7th, 2010
As the weather once again returns to the hot sunny days of summer, adults and children alike will soon be looking for new ways to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. Coal Tubin’, opening in Johnstown’s Moxham neighborhood on May 15th, will provide local adventurers with such an opportunity.
River Sojourn
Published Saturday, April 24th, 2010
Living amongst the hills of western Pennsylvania, we witness the area’s magnificent landscapes and wildlife on a regular basis. But many times this is just a side glance as we are going about our day. The Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh River Sojourn offers a different way to see the wildlife around us from a new perspective, and offers camaraderie along the way. (more…)
Ghost Town Trail
Published Thursday, October 29th, 2009
The crisp, cool weather of fall in Pennsylvania has already set in. It’s a great time to go for a long walk or bike ride – a final glimpse of the autumn colors and a final chance to enjoy the outdoors without needing to think about snow boots and gloves. And what could be more appropriate for the dwindling autumn season than the Ghost Town Trail?
With 36 miles of gravel trail, and many access points throughout the area, the trail is well-equipped for a casual afternoon bike ride or an all-day hike. The trail is one of many rail trails in our region, having been converted from the railways once connecting company towns, furnaces, and mines that have since been abandoned. Though little remains of these towns today, a walk down the trail is still a walk through western Pennsylvania’s industrial past.
Buttermilk Falls
Published Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
There is no getting around the sheer natural beauty enveloping the Johnstown region. Situated along the Laurel Ridge of the Allegheny Mountains, residents and visitors have ready access to forest areas and parks.
One of the more striking natural areas dotting our landscape is Buttermilk Falls, a 45-foot naturally occurring waterfall, barely a 30 minute ride from downtown Johnstown.
James Mayer Riverwalk
Published Friday, May 8th, 2009
One of the more obvious benefits to living and working in the Johnstown area is the region’s access to nature at its finest. The Alleghenies are filled with bicycle paths, trails for hiking and an uncounted variety of outdoor destinations and activities.
A trip outdoors doesn’t have to be a major excursion. Sometimes a little time on a small path can be just what the doctor ordered. So it is with the James Mayer Riverwalk. This trail, named after an area attorney who was dedicated to preserving the region’s natural resources, connects Johnstown’s Moxham neighborhood with the village of Riverside in Stonycreek Township.
