Pennsylvania
Nature|Parks & Gardens

A Lush Oasis In Pennsylvania, The Arboretum At Penn State Is A Peaceful Escape

The Arboretum at Penn State offers a peaceful, family-friendly retreat with various themed gardens in the heart of a busy college town.

Published May 27, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Have you ever marveled at how we can find lush oases in the most unexpected of places - like in the middle of a lively college town? We all need time, even if it's just a few minutes, to unwind and to appreciate the beauty of nature. When you need a bit of peace and quiet, plan a visit to The Arboretum at Penn State in Pennsylvania, a lush oasis brimming with vibrant colors.

Nestled on 370 lush acres in State College, The Arboretum at Penn State provides an idyllic spot for quiet reflection - whether you visit alone or with others. (It's kid-friendly, too.)

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The Arboretum sits right across from Penn State's University Park Campus, but you'd never know it was in such a busy area when you're exploring the vast gardens.

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Carve out plenty of time for your visit, or at least plan to come back if you want to see all 12 of the different gardens that include the Childhood's Gate Children's Garden.

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It's a fun space for the whole family to learn about animals, plants, and Central Pennsylvania's geography. The garden also holds special educational activities for kids during the warmer months.

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Take your time exploring the many gardens. If you need a break, relax on one of the benches dotted along the paths.

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If you're a fan of roses, visit The Rose and Fragrance Garden, brimming with hundreds of beautiful roses. The Kathryn Smith Strolling Garden is perfect for just that: Taking a leisurely stroll.

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The strolling garden features winding paths lined with beautiful flowers. It's particularly pretty in the fall, during the peak of the foliage.

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The Display Garden and the Oasis Garden & Lotus Pool are just a few of the other gardens you'll definitely want to explore.

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Keep an eye out for adorable real and just-as-adorable statues of wildlife, like the bunnies below. The Arboretum welcomes visitors daily from dawn to dusk.

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Stop by the official website of The Arboretum at Penn State for more information. Or, go here for Facebook.

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Have you been to The Arboretum at Penn State in Pennsylvania? What did you like most about it? Join the conversation in the comments! For a fairy tale experience, plan a visit to Chanticleer Garden in Wayne.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

With A Playground And Pool, This Family-Friendly Park In Pennsylvania Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 25, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Summer in Pennsylvania was practically made for day trips, whether we feel like exploring our favorite state park, lounging on a sandy beach, or checking out a charming small town. But if it's a day of old-fashioned fun we're looking for, we only need to pack a picnic, grab our swimming gear, and make our way to this family-friendly park in Pennsylvania that has something for everyone.

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Morrison's Cove Memorial Park is the place to go for a day of family-friendly fun in Martinsburg. The 30-acre park, a popular year-round destination, has a menu of amenities beyond your ordinary neighborhood park.

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Google/Kristin Seiler

Glide down one of the winding slides, straight into the crystal-clear water of the handicap-accessible pool, a refreshing way to stay cool all summer long. The pool area also has a snack bar, tables, and umbrellas.

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The pool offers both daily admission prices and seasonal memberships.

Grab a bite from the snack bar, and sit poolside, or snag a picnic table in the park. You can also rent one of the six pavilions if you're planning a party or another special occasion.

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Acorn Cove Playground promises hours of fun for the kiddos (recommended for ages 12 and younger). Sit back and relax as the littles slip down slides, swing on the monkey bars, and cross the swinging bridge.

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The playground also features an accessible swing and plenty of space to explore.

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Bring your bball or tennis racquet. Morrison's Cove Memorial Park has both basketball and tennis courts.

If it's too hot outside or it's raining, head indoors to go roller skating or bowling, both popular activities at this family-friendly park.

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Bowling and roller skating are available during select hours year-round. However, public skate sessions are generally only offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Find more information on the official website of Morrison's Cove Memorial Park. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this family-friendly park in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania.

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Facebook/Morrisons Cove Memorial Park

The park also hosts themed day camps for kids ages five through 12 throughout the summer. Weekly and full-summer rates are available.

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Have you visited Morrison's Cove Memorial Park, a family-friendly park in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! For more outdoor fun, follow one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania. Check out All Trails for a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/kid-friendly-hikes-pa/

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The One Spot In Pennsylvania That’s Basically Heaven On Earth

Bear Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania offers a serene escape with waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking trails.

Updated Jul 10, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Life can get pretty hectic. Time to relax? Well, that's just a dream sometimes. Many of us, when we do have some free time, simply want to slow things down a little bit. That's just what Bear Creek Preserve, one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania, promises. It's certainly one for the bucket list.

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Stretched across more than 3,400 acres in the Lehigh River Watershed, Bear Creek Preserve boasts 31 miles of unpaved trails through unspoiled forests and valleys.

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It's one of those Pennsylvania pretty places that's worth a visit in any season.

The more than nine miles of trails are categorized as easy, moderate, and difficult. Hikers are advised to always walk with a partner.

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Cross over a footbridge as you explore the nature preserve that is home to countless species of wildlife including...

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All Trails/David Imhof

Porcupines, bobcats, eastern coyotes, American mink, and black bears...

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...Along with a variety of birds, such as owls, scarlet tanagers, and bald eagles.

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Only foot traffic is permitted on the preserve, and pay careful attention to your surroundings as rattlesnakes and black bears live on the sprawling land.

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Pass peaceful streams during your hike and...

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Listen to the soothing melody of the rushing waterfalls. You don't want to forget your camera (or insect repellent and plenty of fresh water).

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Ensure the tranquil natural wonder remains pristine by always hiking on the trails rather than destroying wildlife by cutting through unmarked areas.

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Remember to take out whatever - water bottles, for example - you bring in with you.

Be sure to leave nature as it was found - untouched - to ensure an authentic, natural experience for future generations of Pennsylvanians.

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Bear Creek Preserve features such bodies of water as Bear Creek, Stony Run, and Shades Creek.

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Bear Creek Preserve welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset.

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Have you been to Bear Creek Preserve, one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

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While this may, arguably, be heaven on earth in PA, you'll also find pure tranquility in Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote place in Pennsylvania. Ready to explore more? Follow one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

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