Road Trip! Destination: Boiling Springs, Cumberland County
About three hours east of Pittsburgh sits the picturesque village of Boiling Springs.
Known for its beautiful scenery, fly-fishing and quaint bed and breakfasts, the village surrounds the Children's Lake, right on the Appalachian Trail in the Cumberland Valley.
Boiling Springs got its name from the natural spring that runs into Children's Lake that literally bubbles. It stays a chilly 52 degrees year-round, so swimming isn't ideal, but taking a leisurely paddle or fishing with the family are popular activities.
If staying on dry land is more your speed, there are plenty of area attractions and events for Pittsburghers looking to escape the hustle and bustle in a quaint town surrounded by nature.
Details: www.visitcumberlandvalley.com
Rachel Weaver is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-320-7948 or rweaver@tribweb.com.
Allenberry Resort Inn & Playhouse
Allenberry Resort Inn, a 57-acre country estate located minutes from Boiling Springs, offers a relaxed environment for anyone looking to stay in a guest room, cottage or the mansion — based on availability.
The property features the acclaimed Allenberry Playhouse, fly-fishing on the Yellow Breeches, tennis courts and the nearby Appalachian Trail. Dining is available on site. Details: 717-258-3211, www.allenberry.com
Children's Lake
The scenic seven-acre, man-made lake bubbles in the middle of Boiling Springs. Visitors can stroll down Lover's Walk, admire the historic buildings and gardens and feed the ducks and swans. Weeping willows provide the perfect shade for picnic lunches, and a gazebo next to the lake is available for rental for special occasions. Resident ducks, geese, a few mute swans, songbirds and seasonal migrating visitors make the lake their home at different points of the year.
The Appalachian Trail runs along the side of the lake, which is spring-fed and stocked with trout. Anyone looking to hit the water can do so on a shallow-draft boat, electric-motored boat or canoe. The Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Trail Conservancy is located on the Appalachian Trail footpath and Children's Lake.
Also near the lake sits Caffe 101, featuring sodas, frappes, espressos, cappuccinos, mochas, lattes, fruit smoothies, hot tea and chocolate milk for the kids. Guests can enjoy the breakfast and lunch offerings and finish off their meals with a variety of delicious desserts.
Details: www.visitcumberlandvalley.com
Fly-fishing
Yellow Breeches Creek is an angler's delight. The most popular catch-and-release section is a mile long and runs through Allenberry in Boiling Springs.
Designated as a “Pennsylvania Scenic River,” Yellow Breeches never has a shortage of stocked and wild trout.
Details: www.visitcumberlandvalley.com
Village Artisans Gallery
Housed in a renovated circa-1875 brick church, Village Artisans Gallery offers an eclectic selection of fine arts and crafts created by more than 200 American artists.
Traditional and contemporary crafts such as blown glass, pottery, turned wood, wrought iron, hand-woven apparel and jewelry are found along with children's book illustrations, calligraphy collages and more.
Details: 717-258-3256, www.villageartisansgallery.com
Nature and wildlife art
Award-winning Gerald Putt is a wildlife and nature artist who grew up in Boiling Springs, where a picturesque log building is now home to Gerald W. Putt Studio and wildlife art gallery.
The ducks on the lake in his hometown inspired him at a young age and later became one of his first subjects. According to his website, “Gerry's painting of a pair of American Wigeons won the 2011 Pennsylvania Duck Stamp Contest, making him the only person to have won this contest nine times, which is three-times that of any other artist.”
Details: 717-258-3775, www.geraldputt.com
Boiling Springs Tavern
The historic Boiling Springs Tavern offers fine dining in a pre-Civil War Federal-style structure originally built as a hotel.
The menu features an array of steak, seafood and pasta options as well as an extensive wine list. A private room can be reserved for luncheons, parties and other events.
Details: 717-258-3614, www.boilingspringstavern.net
Foundry Day
Each first Saturday in June is designated as Foundry Day, a juried arts-and-crafts show held along Children's Lake on Front Street in Boiling Springs. This year's event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7.
Craft makers, organizations and food-vendor booths line the street from the Memorial Clock Tower, along the lake, right up to the walking bridge at the Boiling Springs Pool. Food vendors also stack up along Third Street.
The festival will feature the original works of 100 fine artists and craftsmen of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen as well as professional artists and craftsmen from throughout the country.
Admission is free.
Details: www.ybcrafts.org
