“Shake Off The Winter Blues”

RX for CABIN FEVER

INVIGORATE & REVITALIZE

Calling All Birders | March & April

As winter inches closer to spring, the welcome chirps of migrating birds and warm weather signal the nesting season for native birds in Franklin County.  Grab your binoculars. Keep your eyes and ears peeled – you never know what birds you may see or hear.  

  • Out of the Ore: Birds and Blooms Walking Trail located off Route 997 on Orchard Drive offers a wide variety of birds, wildlife, trees and plants. A must visit to spot migratory birds.  Feathered friends such as the chipping sparrow, brown creeper, brown thrasher, cardinals, sparrows, woodpeckers, hawks and owls. See the brochure
  • Happel’s Meadow near Blue Ridge Summit is a 73-acre meadow teaming with 70 species of birds, plants, animals and insects. A special place, Happels Meadow is a gift of nature. Just across from Happel’s Meadpw is Monterey Pass Park with more than 125 acres, walking trails and historic battlefield.
  • The Institute offers the SOAR program (Studying Ornithology Around the Region) on an every-other week basis. Learn more here
  • Conococheague Institute has over 30 acres of diverse habitats that support birds, wildlife, native plants, woodland and trees. The trails on the grounds are available dawn to dusk for birdwatching. Find out about Conococheague Institute

Birds sleeps at night, and wake up hungry. So, dawn to 11 AM is a very good time for birding. After a busy morning, you will be hungry instead of the birds, so try lunch at Arturo’s Pizzeria on Anthony Highway between Mont Alto and Pond Bank on Route 997 or visit Waynesburger in downtown Waynesboro at the corner of Potomac Avenue and West Main Street.

Meet birders and discover more about local birding through the Conococheague Audubon Society. Learn more about Conococheague Audubon and see upcoming birding events here.  

CREATE & APPRECIATE

Wood Artisans | April 10-13, April 18-20 & April 27

Three Amazing Wood Artisan Events…Pick One or Come To All 

  • Keystone State Chainsaw Carving Show on Wednesday, April 10 through Saturday, April 13, adjacent to Twin Bridge Campgrounds. Details here.
  • Central PA Chainsaw Carvers Festival on Thursday, April 18 through Saturday April 20 at Shippensburg Fairgrounds. Find out more here.
  • Champion Black Oak, growing on the property of Penn National property fell during a winter storm in 2017. The oaks was given the Champion Black Oak designation in 1990 by the PA Forestry Association due to its age, size and width. The wood was saved, kiln-dried, and given in slabs to many local wood crafters. These artisans createc beautiful works of art to honor the majesty of the Champion Black Oak. A Champion Black Oak Art Showcase is set for Saturday, April 27, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Trellis Terrace. There will be a truck festival from 11 AM to 4 PM and live.

OOGIE, BOOGIE & JAM

Disney-Style with Little Mermen | April 6. 2 PM & 7 PM

Break up those winter blues with the whole family. Jam with The Little Mermen at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Chambersburg. Rock out Disney Tribute Style with a band dressed as your favorite Disney characters. Kids and Big Kids will take a magical trip through song after song of Disney songs. Plus, sing along and bash those winter blues! Tickets $24- $34. Details here.

Make the whole day fun in Franklin County. Check out great kids places in Franklin County like Fun Castle Fun Center in Greencastle, Cluggy’s in Chambersburg, or Roll R Way in Chambersburg. For the fun scoop on these places for kids and everyone that enjoys a good time, look here. 

SPINNING & WINNING

Parx Casino & Side Pocket Lounge | March & April

Shake up the winter blues and try your luck at Parx Casino in Shippensburg. Casion experience includes 500 slots and live dealt electronic table games, with 48 wagering terminals, featuring blackjack, roulette and three card poker. Parx is South Central Pennsylvania’s newest casino, just off I-81, Exit 29.

Liberty Bar & Grill is onsite for dining with pizza, burgers, and family favorites like fish and chips, pasta, steak, and pot roast. Another foodie favorite is the special family BBQ at Redemption BBQ on Earl Street in Shippensburg. Craving dessert…try a banana split or ice cream cone at Goose Bros. Window typically opens for the season at the end of March. #getgoosed 

The Side Pocket Lounge offers free entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. From Comedy Night to local favorites, like Tresa Day and Robbie Mason. Lounge opens at 7 PM No entry fee. 

NURTURE & NATURE

Fishing Day Out for All

| March & April

Franklin County PA is the perfect place to for all fishing styles while communing with nature.  Scenic lakes surrounded by mountains, winding creeks and babbling brooks offer fish such as trout, bass, perch, catfish and panfish.    

Try one of these fishing experiences

  • Cowan’s Gap State Park’s 42-acre lake offers excellent fishing from the shoreline or boat while soaking in stunning views of Tuscarora and Cove Mountain. Children can fish from the shore and there are two ADA fishing piers around the lake and boats are available for rent seasonally. Hungry? Milky Way or Toledo’s Pizza II or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the outdoors.
  • Letterkenny Reservoir’s 58-acre lake offers great fishing from the shoreline, boat launch area or from boat with beautiful mountain views. Bass, chain pickerel, catfish, crappies, panfish, perch and stocked trout can be caught in the reservoir Hungry? Greenvillage Restaurant or Italian Village Restaurant for a hot meal or Etters Roxbury Store a quick meal or more bait.
  • Other Lakes – Fannettsburg Dam, Long Pine Reservoir and Waynesboro Reservoir offer additional fishing opportunities.