AARP Hearing Center
Most of Pennsylvania’s Route 6 Heritage Corridor runs parallel to the state’s northern border with upstate New York, often only about 10 miles south of the state line. Immerse yourself in the region’s cultural and industrial history on this four-day road trip that begins about 100 miles northwest of Pittsburgh and takes you around 300 miles east, to the banks of the Susquehanna River. No big cities on this rural route, just small towns packed with charm, rolling hills, incredible fall foliage, old-time country stores, panoramic vistas, a few quirky attractions and informative museums offering insight into industries that have played pivotal roles in building Pennsylvania, including coal mining and lumber. Cell signals are spotty in some areas, so it’s best to bring a map instead of relying on your phone’s GPS to tell you the way.
Day 1: Linesville to Kane (115 miles)
Begin your journey on a quirky note at the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park in Linesville, about 1 1/2 hours northwest of Pittsburgh. People flock to this park for an entertaining sight — thousands of hungry carp flopping in the water to catch bread crumbs thrown by visitors as ducks waddle across the surface of fish backs to take part in the feeding frenzy. If you have poor vision, you’ll still enjoy hearing the flopping as well as the soothing sound of the water pouring over the spillway. Other fun park activities include boating and fishing for walleye and musky.
While the amusement rides at Conneaut Lake Park are currently closed for renovations, it’s worth the 10-mile detour off U.S. Highway 6 via state Route 618 to attend the park’s special events, which include a family-oriented pumpkin festival in October and frequent concerts.
If you’re getting hungry, continue another 11 miles east on Harmonsburg Road to the Meadville Market House in Meadville for the fresh-baked breads and desserts at its bakery or a prepared lunch from Kettle Lake Kitchen or Zest Kitchen and Pantry. The market’s closed on Mondays.
Many towns along this route are part of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail, which showcases the craftsmanship of local painters, carvers, jewelry makers and more. Make an afternoon shopping stop in Corry, 40 miles northeast of Meadville via U.S. Highway 19 and 6. At Epiphany’s Emporium, hand-crafted gifts — kaleidoscopes, leather journals and other collectibles — range from $12 to more than $100. The Painted Finch Gallery features paintings and other creative works, with most prices above $200.
End your day 60 miles southeast in Kane, named after Thomas L. Kane, the Civil War leader of Pennsylvania’s Bucktail Regiment. Try the famed leek vodka at CJ Spirits, a craft distillery, then dine at Texas Hot Lunch/4 Sons, which, despite its name, serves large portions of delectable dishes daily until 9 p.m. Try the Texas Outlaw burger, a hearty half-pound of beef and all the fixings, plus a special sauce.
Where to stay: The 14-room, reasonably priced Kane Manor Inn, built in 1896, brims with turn-of-the-century charm. A staircase leads to second-floor rooms, so request one on the first floor one if you have mobility issues.
