July 4th is celebrated with much gusto. Communities throughout the nation have "down home" festivities, such as: soap box derbies, parades, fireworks, ball games, family reunions and picnics. In Central Pennsylvania, July 4th is often overshadowed by the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts which occurs each year beginning on the Wednesday following July 4th.
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, commonly referred to as the "Arts Festival" is one of the biggest affairs of the summer. Started many years ago by a group of artists who displayed their artwork on a snow fence along the Penn State side of College Avenue, the Arts Festival has grown into a multimillion dollar industry with nationally known artists, musicians, puppeteers, dancers, as well as local performers entertaining the masses.
While the Arts Festival rocks State College, the rest of central Pennsylvania offers a necessary reprieve from the over stimulation of Kettle Korn, live music and sand castles. This year, if you are going to the Arts Festival take a break and visit the PA Quilt and Rug Trails.
The Trail Rug at the Tuscarora State Forest is situated in an idyllic forest, quiet and peaceful, cool among the trees, a perfect place to revitalize and regroup before going back into the trenches of activity. Hunters Valley Winery also offers quiet beauty. Enjoy the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails' first quilt square, sip on a glass of hand-crafted wine in the vineyard's shaded gazebo and gaze upon the a spectacular view of the Susquehanna River. All stops on the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails have been designed to offer peace,beauty, and cultural appreciation for central Pennsylvania.
This July make it a tradition to follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails along. Be save, enjoy your loved ones and celebrate!
Happy 4th of July