Many thanks to my friend Matt B. who has a penchant for finding small and unusual museums across…read morethe American countryside. This year he brought me to the Guild of American Papercutters which has set up shop within the Laurel Arts building. While there are paper cuttings in the downstairs galleries, really it's the upstairs which is dedicated to the form. And it's more than just silhouettes. There are some very old pieces in the collection, and some more modern ones. What I was hoping to see was some kind of display of the paper cutting tools used to get such elaborate and detailed works. Hopefully, that's on the way, because when I spoke to someone at the guild, they were very receptive to the idea. While this may not be the kind of place one might drive out of their way to visit, if you're in the area it's well worth a stop. Admission is free, although there are donation boxes scattered through the building. I just wish I could have taken some pictures to share some of the more remarkable works, but photos are forbidden. It's a shame, especially in today's modern photo sharing world, where some museums are actively encouraging photo taking to take advantage of the Instagramification of our culture.

best place around to get a tatto. great sterile environment owner Dylan really makes you feel at…read morehome while getting great art.

From the owner: I'm a local tattoo artist to Somerset County I have been tattooing for 2 years and have done alot…read moreof traveling between guest spots at other artists shops to doing huge conventions over that time. My biggest plan with my company is to bring in more artists to our area to do guest spots and begin to build clients within my company! I have guys from West Virgina, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and all over Pennsylvania that are ready to come to our town and offer some of the best art work you glean get. Aswell as we will also be doing canvas art and more in the studio there will be an actual art studio with in the shop. If your interested in working with myself or any of the artists I bring in please reach out and we can make it happen!

Met with Gingerly Press this past weekend at American Craft Made Baltimore show on Feb 21st. I…read morelearned a lot about their process and loved several prints. I'm still considering buying several for new wall space in kitchen. The earth-valued themes are depicted so simply but their design and colors are very appealing.

Lindsay provided my partner and me with an exceptional tour during an open house, showcasing her…read moreremarkable artistic process and sharing a wonderful story. I absolutely love her work and have decided to frame it on my wall.

I'm all about hidden gems within any city but especially when it happens in my own neighborhood…read more With that said it's absurd that I've not given them a review yet. It's actually irresponsible of me not to have done so sooner. This is a cool little gallery with lots of vibe. Every now and again they have exhibits with showing open to the public that are a lot of fun. Viewing art, sipping wine and meeting fellow artists, designers and art admirers is always best when in a welcoming environment. Even when they aren't having open exhibits you're able to pop in and have a look around and make purchases. Always something unique and eye-catching here. They've done it right. Check it out if you get a chance.

I've purchased a couple of pieces from box heart, all of which I am pleased with. The gallery…read morefeatures rotating exhibits of local artwork, which can be purchased at moderate prices. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and remembered me even after my first visit. Box-heart also features an in-store framer and a large selection of frames at reasonable prices.

We came on a Sunday and walked the grounds since the museum wasn't open…read more The grounds have a variety of things used during the rescue and descriptions to explain what they are. This was a unique place to visit, and worth the stop if in the area!

I has been a few years since I stopped here last. I guess you could say that a few things have…read morechanged. From the humble beginnings of this site it has grown into a much bigger thing. Yes, for those that will gripe about this, there is now a fee to enter. $7 is not a bad price to visit. This is now a foundation that oversees the care of the site and all the artifacts housed within. $7 is a decent price to pay in order to help maintain everything. I actually enjoyed the museum part of this very much. So much better than before when you showed up and just saw some outside areas with sparse descriptions. Inside there is an ongoing expansion of artifacts that are still trying to find their spots. Yes, it does feel a bit small in here, that is until you realize there is more downstairs as well. Upstairs you will go through a bunch of stuff. Some interactive exhibits, one in particular sticks out. One where you get pick up a telephone receiver and listen to the newscast from the day. It's a bit from a documentary, so it's not the whole thing, you get a snippet. The display cases are many in here, thoughtfully put together. There are uniforms worn on that day. Lunch pails that washed away underground. Tools. Newspaper articles from across the country. Photos. The most notable item upstairs is the capsule used that day to rescue the miners. And then you go downstairs. If you want you can take in a presentation. I did not do this, I did go through the area and look at the artifacts. The most awesome thing is the news van. This news van from WPXI Pittsburgh that covered the story as it was happening. This van wasn't only at the mine rescue site, it also covered the Flight 93 crash. (A little aside here, travel the few miles and visit the Flight 93 Memorial) Then go outside, if you haven't already. Not much has changed outside. The nine trees that were planted for the miners have gotten bigger, kind of overshadowing the nine boulders. It's quite beautiful.

Just found the perfect gift spot in Somerset, PA! Sugar Grove Antique Store has something for…read moreeveryone--kids to grandparents. Unique finds, cozy vibes, and super friendly staff. Make sure you visit Val's Vintage upstairs for some really cool and unique items. You won't be disappointed as prices are very reasonable. A must-visit if you're in town! #AntiqueShopping #SomersetPA #GiftIdeas

Lovely building with multiple sellers. Rooms full of smalls and other collectibles. Some new items,…read morecrafts, and decor as well. Teas and spices competitively priced. All in all, a nice place to browse and find treasures.