Summer
No other time of the year cries
out for time spent in the country than does summer. Lazy days on the porch with
a cold glass of lemonade or in the shade of a big tree remind us of days gone
by. With Mt. Davis (Pennsylvania's highest elevation) a short drive away, strolls in the woods are the perfect way the escape the heat of even the
hottest days.
The garden and field plantings grow at an amazing speed during this time. Corn planted in late May is knee high by the Forth of July. Some of the early crops, such as lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, strawberries and raspberries, are picked fresh from the garden on a daily basis. Our wild black raspberries can be found growing the in the woods and along the edges of the fields from early July through the end of summer. Elderberry picking starts around Labor Day weekend. While we invite you to pick enough to sample, we are serious when we pick to process our harvest into homemade baked goods, jams, jellies and syrup.
There are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy outdoor activities even on the hottest summer days.
Our sun and solar deck allows you to enjoy the skies both night and day. The
private tennis/basketball court can provide a great workout opportunity for
novice or expert.
Our evening campfires continue throughout the summer. With virtually no man made lights out here in the country; you'll find stargazing is a sheer delight while enjoying the warm and gentle glow of the fire. Smores ingredients (chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers) are generously supplied for our fireside guests.
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob offer special tours, such as the Strawberry Moon, Twilight, and Sunrise tours in July. Theatre and concerts happen all through the summer. Rockwood Rivers and Rails in early June marks the beginning of the summer festival season. It is followed by the Jazz Fest at Nemacolin Woodlands, and the Somerset Antique Show. The Somerset County Fair held in late August provides family entertainment and a chance to see a variety of the best locally produced farm animals and products.
July and August also offer you the chance to partake in another local favorite, the chicken barbecue. Local Churches and charitable organizations offer up their best on most weekends. Minutes from the farm, the Kingwood Picnic is held on the 4th Saturday in August.
Summertime in the country offers more opportunities than most of us have time for. Biking and hiking on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is great for families with all levels of riding and hiking abilities. Everyone can take advantage of this marvel with the trial’s easy access, smooth terrain, and low-grade conditions. The trail is naturally protected from the scorching sun as it cuts through the tranquil woodlands of the region. The final miles of this 315 mile trail are close to completion and can be accessed just one mile away from the farm. Bike rentals are available. Horseback riding, scenic drives to the 11 covered bridges in the area, mountain biking in the natural attraction of the mountains and educational areas are all nearby.
If you’re looking for beaches and boating, both can be found at nearby Laurel Hill State Park. Picnic tables and charcoal grills, canopied by century old trees, over look the swimming area. Nearby paddle boat rentals are available to enjoy on the lake. Without an admittance fee to the park, you can spend an hour or spend the day. Youghiogheny Lake is a popular place among motor boaters. Don’t forget about canoeing, kayaking and river rafting on the Youghiogheny River, by the summer most of the experts have left because the spring run off has ended. This time of the year lends its self to a slower river pace which can be enjoyed by most families and moderate kayakers, canoers and rafters.
There are plenty of golf courses in the area. From championship 18 hole to beautiful 9 hole courses, the area offers a wide range of playing locations and prices to choose from. Nearby links include Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Middlecreek, Kings Mountain, The Wisp, Nemacolin Woodlands, and Piney Run are within 40 minutes or less drive.
America’s most beautiful Family theme park, Idlewild Park, is about 45 minutes’ drive time away. There you will find their H2O Zone, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and a host of rides and attractions. It has been a family favorite for over one hundred years.