Sturdy and strong!…read more Built in 1889 using the Burr Arch truss system, the length is 121 feet and it is still open to vehicular traffic thanks to a reinforced steel undergirding. Most covered bridges I've had the privilege to visit go unpainted or have some variation of barnyard red. Although white is less common, it is also stunning in the right setting. So many covered bridges are riddled with graffiti or have deep carvings in their wood. I was surprised to see very few carvings, but it was still loaded with graffiti of a different sort. Because of its white canvas, it is very easy to see the thick layer of dust that has settled on the wood. Passers-by have taken advantage of this dust to write their names much like you would write "wash me" in the caked on dirt of a dirty car. This may be the first acceptable form of graffiti I've ever seen on a bridge! The bridge sits on stone abutments adding to its attractiveness. During my drive to the bridge, I passed several Amish communities and had the opportunity to see a glimpse of their life as children played tag in the rain outside of on old church building. We also saw several bearded elders driving their horse and wagons down the road. One elder had a completely enclosed wagon complete with a windshield . His wagon was also different than the others in that it wasn't black, but wrapped in what looked like tan leather. We figured he must be the wealthy dude in the community or the mayor! These are probably normal sightings for the residents of Pennsylvania, but for our family it was a new and cool experience! FINAL THOUGHTS One thing I love most about visiting covered bridges is that it forces you off the normal roads of life. I've traveled many back roads to see a variety of bridges around the country, and there is always something new to experience that I may have never seen from the interstates and main roads I would normally travel. Best of all, it only cost you a little fuel. 2016/75

While visiting friends in Ohio we discovered Lanterman's Mill, first built in 1845 and later…read morerestored in 1985. I am a lover of hiking, waterfalls, mills, bridges, gardens, historic places and tranquil spaces. Lanterman's Mill has all of this which makes a visit here nearly perfect. --- If you follow my reviews then you know I have a particular affinity for COVERED BRIDGES. When I discovered this place while doing a Google search of things to see in the area, I did not notice any pictures of a covered bridge. So it was beyond thrilling to walk behind the mill (where it is hidden from street view) and stumble upon it. For me, this was like finding a briefcase of money as I stood in total disbelief for several minutes. Not only was it a delightful surprise, it was beautiful and well maintained to boot, which is not always the case with covered bridges. Built in 1989, the covered bridge is not historic, but was designed in the likeness of other local bridges from the 1800's that farmers used to bring their grain to the mill. There is also a gorgeous arched street bridge that provides an excellent vantage point for photos of the mill & waterfall as well as another decorative suspension bridge just a half mile away. A 2-mile loop hiking trail known as East Gorge Walk and West Gorge Trail allows for wonderful views of the river gorge and leads you to the suspension bridge from the mill. These trails connect with the West Cohasset, East Cohasset, Axtmann and Old Tree Walking Trails and can more that triple your mileage as you explore the northern end of the park. --- OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST along the connecting walking trail are several ponds, small lakes, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and even a public golf course @ Mill Creek Metro Park. There is a Riverside Garden, Quarry Garden, Nature Center, and the ruins of a historic furnace built in the 1820's which produced approximately three to four tons of iron daily. Pioneer Pavilion, built in 1821 as a mill for carding and fulling wool is a rare surviving example of early 19th Century industry. It sits within view of the furnace. Cascade Gorge Natural Pool and an area known as THE FLATS round out some of the beautiful areas of interest near Lanterman's Mill. NOTE: The Flats are a lush grassy area surrounded by a horse fence. If you follow the fence you will notice an enormous tree in its path, which causes the fence to terminate and continue on the other side of the tree. Not sure what kind of tree it is, but it certainly seems to be very, very old based on the thickness of its trunk. It is easily more than 100 years older than any tree in its vicinity. FINAL THOUGHTS The Mill is a testimony to human determination. The current mill is the third incarnation. The first mill was built of logs and operated from 1799 to 1822. In 1823 the original mill was replaced by a second mill which operated until 1843 when a flood washed it away. A grinding stone from this mill can still be seen resting in the creek bed 500 feet downstream of the Falls. Lanterman's Mill ceased operations in 1888. [source: millcreekmetroparks.org] Lanterman's Mill itself is over 5-stories tall and has a very unique feature of having the waterwheel inside the basement of the mill. All the walking trails are free, but entrance inside the working areas of the mill are currently $3 for non-resident adults and $1 for students and seniors (July 2023). A butterfly garden is on site and during our visit we were graced with many birds, a groundhog, chipmunk and the largest most unusual forest mushroom we've ever seen. It is absolutely a stunning place in the summer. I can't even begin to imagine how magical it is in the Fall season as the trees change into their best outfits. Enjoy! BTW I've been trying my hand at TikTok & made a few videos of our visit to this mill if you care to see them: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dqN8JM/ - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dVsHeW/ 2023 / 10

What a fun nice stop. It's so beautiful here. I remember we brought kids here when they were little…read moreand it had not been renovated. Now it's all fixed up and worth the tour and walk. Plenty of parking and a short walk to the mill. Then you can take a stroll along the creek and take history tour of the mill. They have a nice gift shop inside too. Take a picnic and enjoy the surrounding beautiful nature.

Amazing tribute to the icon of Warren. I suspect it is more lively in the warmer months and on a…read moreweekend. We went on a Sunday afternoon. It would add more flavor if you could grab a drink and walk around while their music was playing!!!

I was road tripping to Minnesota and found some little stops to make on the way and this was one of…read morethem. I have never been to an art alley like this before. From various reviews, I heard this was a pretty decent one. Being a Dave Grohl fan, I decided to stop and check it out! Pretty darn cool! So happy we made the few minute stop! So for those of you that don't know what this is, it's an alley that artists set up their art of Dave Grohl for display on the street for people to stop and check out. Some of it is worn out from the weather as this is all outdoors. It looks like they change it out from time to time and they add to the walls with art as someone was painting while I was there! Why in Warren, OH? Well that is where Dave is from! All I can say, worth a few minute stop to check it out. The area is pretty run down and poor looking. It seemed like a lot of places were closed and not too much around to do. Into art? Check it out! Dave Grohl fan? Check it out! Music fan? Check it out!

We live nearby and never really thought about grabbing breakfast at the park--but wow, we're so…read moreglad we finally did! Tomlinson Run State Park offers breakfast at the campground on Saturdays from 8am-12pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and it's truly a hidden gem. The food was absolutely delicious--hot, fresh, and made with care. What's even better? It's all prepared by amazing volunteers, and every dollar goes right back into supporting the park. You can really feel the community pride in every bite. We'll definitely be back again before the season ends. If you're local (or even just passing through), make the stop. It's a great way to kick off a Saturday morning surrounded by nature and good people.

First time visiting this park. It is on the small side compared to other WV State Parks. This means…read morethat it is faster to get to where you are going in the park (no long road in). As you enter the park there is a road to the right that takes you to the campground (BTW, I have rated the campground separately under Campground at Tomlinson Run State Park). As you drive forward you will pass the Park Superintendent's house (on the right). Behind the house is a tiny building that serves at the park HQ. This is where you need to go if you want to stamp your VIPP card. Not obvious and you feel like you trespassing on the residence there but just drive past and then to your right and find the stamp. Along this road on the left you will find a picnic area and shortly after you will come to the edge of a small lake (on the left). On the right is the entrance to a road the winds up and around to the top of a hill (through the woods). There are two picnic areas. The first is off to the left before really heading up the hill. This one was buggy when I was there. At the top of the hill there is a parking lot and picnic areas. Nice spot! The road that goes through the park continues onward and then there is a parking area on the right above the lake. At the lake's edge are paddle boat rentals. If you continue on the road straight on the road you will end up exiting the park.

Mars, PA is a small town that is located about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. According to the…read moretown's website, nobody is really certain of how the town was named. Some guesses are that a founder's wife was interested in astronomy or that the name is based off part of the last name of another founder. The Mars Flying Saucer is a quick-stop roadside attraction that is easily accessible to visitors. I have seen it multiple times while driving down one of the main roads. Visitors may pull over, stand near, and touch the flying saucer. The flying saucer looks to be sturdy and in good condition. Most importantly, the flying saucer is fun to see!

Cute little roadside attraction in the small rural town of Mars, PA about forty minutes out of…read morePittsburgh. Super fun for photos.

Randyland is a local treasure and is super unique. It should be on every traveler's bucket list…read morewhen visiting Pittsburgh. Randy is a very nice man and it's wonderful the gift he has given Pittsburgh. His art is very eclectic and lots of fun. It's so much fun to walk around exploring all the things he has. I also love how colorful the building and all his things are. It really brightens up the neighborhood. He has a colorful and positive personality so it's a great representation of him. I also love all the murals on everything. It's fun to see the collections of different items he has and the painted steps. It's fun to take pictures with family and friends. Check out this Pittsburgh institution.

Randyland eats Disneyland for breakfast. Who wants to meet Mickey Mouse when you can meet Randy. Or…read moreactually a cardboard cut out of Randy. This place clears Disneyland. Randyland is FREE. So instead of spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars to go to Disneyland, you can go to Randyland for 0. I purchased a Randyland shirt because I wanted to bring a piece of Randyland home with me. They also had a very clean and prestige Porta potty. I highly recommend coming here! -Gustavo

If you are looking for an amazing place to go for a walk, I highly recommend the Dashield Dam. I…read moresee people walking it every day, no matter the weather, and they are all quite friendly. But I go here to watch the amazing birds. I see Eagles, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Gulls, Kingfisher, and a whole lot more. Migrating waterfowl stop here frequently to relax and grab something to eat. It's a great place to fish, too. It's a little tricky to find, so follow your GPS or the helpful signs. It's unique and well worth the trip.

This is the best park. So much to see and do including bike areas, kid ponds with turtles, gardens…read morefor weddings, and lots of water to kayak on. There are several entrances to drive in and exit from. Plus it is all free! If highly recommend just taking a little drive in the morning to check out all the park has to offer.

Amazing trails to run and an amazing playground for kids. Really clean restrooms everywhere.read more