Winter Itinerary
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Day 1
It’s a beautiful day to visit Pennsylvania! Your adventure along Route 422 begins in New Castle, Fireworks Capital of America, where you’ll learn about the community’s fireworks history at the Greer Mansion, home of the Lawrence County Historical Society. View the beautifully-restored Victorian homes on New Castle’s North Hill, the third largest historic district in Pennsylvania. Tour the Hoyt Mansions and the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Demonstrate your patriotism while visiting western Pennsylvania’s only two Statue of Liberty replicas. Dine at one of many family-run ethnic restaurants. Spend the night enjoying the nightly simulations of fireworks in Zambelli Park. Take a camel ride at Living Treasures Animal Park. Enjoy rock climbing and kayaking at McConnell's Mill State Park or relax while hiking the Slippery Rock Creek. Travel a few miles north to the Amish Countryside or south to see the scarecrows in Wampum or the water feature at the Ellwood City Community Plaza. Route 422 will lead you over Moraine State Park shortly after entering Butler County. During a winter visit, you can experience a plethora of outdoor activities. You’ll be met with opportunities to ice skate, snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled ride, and more. If you’re lucky, your visit will fall on the weekend of WinterFest. Winterfest is a celebration of all Moraine has to offer outdoors throughout the winter, including a chili fest, live music, and sleigh rides! If your trip happens to fall in November take a short trip south on Rt 19 to Harmony. During The Harmony Museum annual German Christmas Market, you’ll be one of the thousands that visit from all over looking for handcrafted German imports. As you near Butler, take an excursion a few miles up Route 8 to explore Playthings, Etc. The store is housed in a one-of-a-kind, stealth-bomber-shaped building and has live demonstrations of the toys where you’ll be sure to find the perfect holiday gift. After your afternoon of fun, taste the delicious hearty meals at Rachel’s Roadhouse, located at the intersection of Route 8 and Route 422. Winter is the perfect time to take advantage of the special shows at Butler Little Theater, located downtown. It has been in continuous operation since 1941! You can also visit The Maridon Museum, the only of its kind to focus on ancient Asian art and culture, or the Associated Artists of Butler County, a local, fine art gallery. Warm up with a cold brew from Butler Brew Works. Introducing the Butler County Coffee Connection - a listing of the local coffee shops within the area. Here you will find the places that create the hot beverages we love along with highlights and special features throughout the year. Stay at the Springfield Suites by Marriott in downtown. Butler. Day 2 Head east on 422 to “The Heart of Western Pennsylvania,” Armstrong County, where your adventure awaits! Grab your snowshoes or skis and pay a visit to our miles and miles of extensive trails. The trek is beautiful with a coat of white! Dragon Run Forge & Livery in Cowansville will give you quite the winter wonderland adventure with horse-drawn carriage rides through Armstrong County's beautiful snow-dusted landscapes. Take the kids for a stop at The Inn at Lenape Heights - you'll want to bring the sleds! Ride the slopes, build a snowman, dominate in a snowball fight, then stop inside for some hot cocoa to warm back up. The beauty of these typical must-sees is only enhanced by a glistening coating of snow - the Allegheny River, Crooked Creek State Park, Roaring Run Trail, and so many more! For some indoor activity, check out VALarena Roller Rink, the only roller rink left in the area, or take your pick of our historical museums, including Check's Radio Museum with an assortment of 1,200 radios on display. So much activity is sure to work up an appetite. Armstrong County has become quite a "foodie" area in recent years, so check out some of our best local restaurants, wineries, coffee shops and more here. You won't be disappointed! Having a good time? Stay with us! Turn your trip into an overnight stay or a long weekend. Our hotels, motels, charming B&Bs, and serene campgrounds will welcome you with open arms and make it a stay to remember. But this is just the beginning! Visit armstrongcounty.com for more! Day 3 Complete your Route 422 excursion in Indiana County and experience the beautiful fall foliage that blankets the scenic countryside. Enjoy a hike or bike ride on the 64 miles of rails-to-trails or stop by any of the 5,452 acres of parks that showcase a recreation haven for the outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can make a stop at the Jimmy Stewart Museum (which was updated and renovated in 2020) in his hometown of Indiana. Artifacts from his childhood, military and movie eras are on display and a life-size statue is a great place for a family photo. In the Smicksburg Amish area, visitors can shop for primitive crafts, furniture, pottery and local wine and share the road with horse-drawn buggies. If you enjoy entertainment, Indiana County is the place to be with a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year. History buffs will enjoy a stop at one of the 24 attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including four covered bridges. Stay overnight in a charming B&B, full-service hotel, or campground. Discover all of this in the Christmas Tree Capital of the World! Call each county’s tourism bureau for a free visitors guide. There’s so much to do on Route 422! |
Hoyt Mansion in Lawrence County.
Enjoy the multitude of winter activities at Moraine State Park, Butler County.
Take a Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride at Dragon Run Forge and Livery!
Visit the Jimmy Stewart Museum in his hometown of Indiana.
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