WINTER Itinerary
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Day 1
Lawrence County A winter wonderland awaits for your next adventure along Route 422 in Lawrence County. On the Ohio border is the 12-mile paved Stavich Bicycle Trail which is the only bicycle trail that will take you through three different townships, two counties and two states. During the winter, when covered with snow it’s great for cross-country skiing or a brisk walk. Continue east into New Castle where you can catch a Christmas movie at the Historic Warner Cascade Theatre Museum, the first and original movie theater by the Warner Brothers. View the beautifully restored Victorian homes on New Castle’s North Hill, the third-largest historic district in Pennsylvania. Tour Christmas-decorated Arts + Education at the Hoyt and the Lawrence County Historical Societys, Greer Mansion. In the Historic Scottish Rite Cathedral, watch the Nutcracker performed by the New Castle Regional Ballet, the local professional ballet company. Enjoy local holiday parades and park light shows through the end of December. Cascade of Lights in New Castle, Pearson Park in Neshannock Twp. and Ewing Park in Ellwood City transform their parks into dazzling light displays. Nova Destinations hosts a walking light show to music throughout the winter season - a perfect pairing with their Holly Jolly Wine Trail. Check off your nice list with gifts from local boutique shops and holiday open houses. Cuddle up with a book at one of our local coffee shops on the coffee trail for a cozy winter day. While exploring, dine at one of many family-run ethnic restaurants. Local hotels, B&B’s and Campgrounds will make sure you are rested up in style to continue your adventure! Our “Build Your Own Suitcase” feature on our website will make it easy to plan your stay in Lawrence County. Be sure to check out the events page, which is updated daily. Day 2 Butler County Head east on Route 422 and to Moraine State Park where you can embrace the cooler temps, crisp air, and all the beauty winter has to offer. Ice skate, snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled ride, and more as outdoor activities never come to an end in Butler County! Winterfest is a celebration of all Moraine has to offer throughout the winter, including a chili fest, live music, and sleigh rides! If you’re visiting before the New Year you’ll want to take a short drive south on Route 19 to Harmony and The Harmony Museum’s annual German Christmas Market. Each year thousands visit from all over looking for handcrafted German imports and gifts from this charming small town. If your idea of fun and games means cool toys and hot board games then 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. Tantalize your taste buds after working up an appetite with your day of fun. Rachel’s Roadhouse, located at the intersection of Route 8 and Route 422,offers casual dinners of cooked to order steaks, fresh seafood, salads and original burgers, in an atmosphere with touches of Country Victorian and Americana. Maybe you’ll be looking for something a little lighter and to thaw out with. Then you can warm up with a cold brew from Butler Brew Works or make a stop along Butler County Coffee Connection for a toasty beverage. Culture, of course, is never out of season, So make sure to catch a show at Butler Little Theater, located downtown or maybe 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. When it’s time to turn in, you should consider turning up at the Springfield Suites by Marriott in downtown Butler. Day 3 Armstrong County 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 4 Indiana County 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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