ARTISTS’ TRAIL ROUTE 30 (LANCASTER/YORK)

What I love most about my Explore PA travels is the fact that I am often introduced to long-held traditions that are brand new to me…which can be both scary and exhilarating!

During our trip along the Artists’ Trail Route 30 we made a stop at Lancaster Central Market – a traditional farmer’s market that was bustling with activity! Of course, when in Rome, you do as the Romans do…so it was only fair that I try some of the local culinary traditions, which to my chagrin included Souse. For those of you who don’t know what Souse is – it’s pickled pig’s feet! But luckily it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds – Souse is actually the consistency of sauerkraut and wasn’t too bad at all. At the market, I was also encouraged to try a homemade horseradish that had quite a kick! In fact, a dollop of the horseradish was placed on a piece of chocolate, which somehow has the ability to heighten the taste of the horseradish. And boy did it ever!!! My nose was on fire! But once again, it was a great (and funny) experience I won’t soon forget.

While in the area, I was also honored to meet and work with a superbly talented artist and master printmaker, Robert Patierno. Robert was so kind to open his studio to Explore PA and even created a special print for Explore PA that I was able to help with. In addition to working with Robert, I was also able to receive two of his prints that are framed and hang beautifully in my home – a piece of Explore PA that reminds me of what a fun day I had with such a talented artist.

Finally, I want to share that the Lancaster Arts Hotel is stunning! The boutique hotel feels like it was plucked right out of New York City or London and placed in Lancaster. The hotel is filled with amazing works of art from local artists – it’s like a museum within a hotel and I highly recommend a night’s stay if you are in the area.

All in all, another wonderfully artistic trip that has opened my eyes to the joys of exploring PA!

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.

Pack your bags… Explore PA is heading out for Season 3 Adventures!

Wow – I can hardly believe that Season 2 is a wrap and we are well on our way to exploring more fun and interesting places for Season 3! In fact, the first of our Season 3 adventures will premiere on Wednesday, May 2nd at 8 p.m. on WITF. So gather the family in front of the TV and sit back and enjoy all that Pennsylvania has to offer!

From travels on the Artists’ Trail along historic Route 6, to foliage festivals in beautiful Bedford County, to the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad and the biggest horseshoe you’ve ever seen – we are once again sharing all that makes Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live. But of course that’s not all…there’s an International Chainsaw Festival, Underground Railroad explorations, the Three Rivers Arts Festival and more!
So why not make Explore PA a weekly show where you can learn all about our great state? Better yet, gather your family or friends and come with us for your very own Explore PA adventure! We’d love to have you along. For more information on how you can be a part of Explore PA click here (http://www.witf.org/xpa/casting.htm).

CATCH ALL NEW EPISODES WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM BEGINNING MAY 2ND ON WITF-TV, Harrisburg.