It’s as delicate as a…chainsaw?

I like to consider myself a creative person. Yet, it seems to me that the more Explore PA adventures I enjoy, the more I realize - I’m not that creative at all! And the place where I had this epiphany was at the annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous.

The Rendezvous is an international festival where true artists join together, collectively pull their chainsaw chains and set about carving the most amazing works of art! It is truly a sight to behold as you witness an entire tree literally become a statue before you, or better yet, a grizzly bear – and the detail is incredible. And, since weather permits, there is also a great collection of ice sculptures.

The annual festival is the pride of Ridgway and certainly a worthwhile trip. In addition to the chainsaw carvers and ice sculptures there is a charity auction, activities, and lots of fun things to do in the local area.

I was lucky enough to be able to purchase two really unique birdhouses at the Rendezvous that are now displayed proudly in my home. And when anyone asks about them I always share the story of this wonderful and creative Explore PA adventure!

It’s an Explore PA first – a show so big it required two episodes!

Yes, it’s true! Our trek along Route 15’s Artist Trail jammed in so many activities that it will take two half hours to share all our exploits!

During our travels along Rt. 15 – The Byway of the Arts – I had the opportunity to visit with many local artists who have made this area such a creative place. In fact, I was able to try my hand at some charcoal sketching while visiting the Perry Council for the Arts; it was also at the Council that I decided to leave the drawing to the experts – yikes, I’m certainly not talented in that regard!

But the creativity of the Rt. 15 area doesn’t just stop with art. It continues in the artistic nature of some everyday things too – like fishing and…motorcycles. If you have never seen a fly fishing fly – then you are missing out on little works of art. At Yellow Breeches Outfitters I was able to not only explore these little works of wonder, but I even got to try my hand at the sport of fly fishing! And while I didn’t catch anything, I certainly caught the fishing “fever” and can see why so many people find it enjoyable to wade in the water for hours on end. If you’re into fishing, a visit to the Yellow Breeches should be on your list – it’s one of the best trout fishing creeks in the country, if not, the world.

And if you’ve ever seen the show West Coast Choppers than you probably know just how artistic a custom-made motorcycle can be. But luckily, you don’t need to travel to California for a chopper of your own – a visit to Sinister Custom Cycles is all you need! In fact, Sinister’s work is so creative that it was recently featured at the Susquehanna Art Museum’s “Motorcycles and Art” exhibit. To see the hands-on creativity that goes into each handmade motorcycle is such a treat. And boy, are those motorcycles powerful…sitting and cranking up a chopper at their shop was totally intimidating…as you’ll see on the show!

If you are into art, the Rt. 15’s area is chock full of museums, artisans, and creativity that certainly have you getting in touch with your creative side.