Local getaways on a single tank of gas
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Sponsored by Essey Tire of Belle Vernon
Summer is here — and travel is back.
You may not have time for a weeklong vacation at Disney World, but there are plenty of interesting places that a family can drive to on one tank of gas.
We chose four destinations that will get you out of town, but not too far.
Niagara Falls
Head north to see the majestic Niagara Falls in New York. Experience the Cave of the Winds, where you will you ride an elevator into the depths of Niagara Gorge, then over several wooden walkways, and onto the Hurricane Deck. Here you’ll only be 20 feet from the Bridal Veil Falls section and you can experience Niagara Falls in all its power.
At night, the falls are lighted from all sides to make this magnificent natural site even more camera-friendly.
There are also plenty of parks, restaurants, and tourist attractions to make this trip a fun one.
Ohio Amish Country
Travel 125 miles west of Pittsburgh to find quiet, picturesque Holmes County, the center of Ohio’s Amish Country.
Meet Mennonite and Amish folks with their own distinctive cultures, and learn about their customs at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center. Afterwards, grab a treat from Miller’s Bakery, where they make delicious pies, candies, pastries and more. Explore abundant shopping opportunities, including beautiful wood furniture, cheese factories, wineries and antiques.
Holmes County also offers many outdoor activities such as a bike trail, camping, hiking, and even Ohio’s fastest and longest zip line. If you’re not the camping type, the area offers a variety of inns and B&B’s. For an authentic Amish souvenir, stop at Helping Hands Quilt Shop.
Johnstown Flood Museum
Head east toward Cambria County to learn about the Johnstown Flood.
On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam broke and flooded the surrounding area. The water flowed 14 miles to practically destroy the entire town of Johnstown. With over 2,200 deaths, it was among the worst disasters in American history.
The Johnstown Flood Memorial is located at the source of the flood in South Fork. This was the location of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, which featured members like Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie. Then go to the Johnstown Flood Museum in Johnstown, where you can see historical artifacts that somehow made it out of the flood.
Ohiopyle State Park
Just 70 miles south of Downtown Pittsburgh is Ohiopyle State Park. A place of great natural beauty, it is home to natural water slides and picturesque falls.
Also nearby is Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a unique feat of architecture known around the world. Once a weekend home for the family of Edgar Kaufmann, a department store owner, Fallingwater is a living museum, with daily tours where visitors can learn about its special history. Operated by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Fallingwater has extensive grounds for trail walking, along with a café and intriguing gift shop.
But before you go …
Before you leave home, always make sure to perform a vehicle maintenance check.
It is especially important for your car’s tires to be filled with the proper amount of air and to be in good condition with plenty of tread.
Lenny Guy, manager of Essey Tire in Belle Vernon, says: “If your pre-trip inspection shows that you need new tires, Essey Tire on Route 51 in Belle Vernon has every size tire in stock and available for installation the same day. If you would prefer to have your tires professionally inspected for safety, we are happy to do that for you at no charge.”
The experts at Essey Tire will help you choose the right tires for your vehicle. Essey Tire has a passion for bringing a better tire-buying experience to all their customers. They offer a variety of tire services, as well as easy financing.
To make your travels even better, click here to enter to win the Essey Tire $200 Gas Card Giveaway. Drive safely!