Wellsboro

A Grand Getaway

Distance from Reading: 161 miles, about 3.5 hours

Did you know there’s a spot in our very own state that’s world-renowned as 1 of 10 great places to take a bike ride in the world? It’s true, at least according to USA Today, and we’d have to agree. If you fashion yourself an outdoor enthusiast, you must make your way to Tioga County, specifically to Wellsboro, home of the Pine Creek Gorge/Rail Trail, perhaps more famously known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Be it for hiking, biking, kayaking or fishing, the 47-mile span is a nature lover’s paradise, and it’s particularly beautiful during the fall months when the mountains of trees see their leaves turn from their usual green shade to a palette of autumn hues.

We explored the heart of the canyon in a unique and enjoyable way: via a covered wagon tour pulled by Belgian horses and run by Ole Covered Wagon Tours. On our two-hour tour we learned the history of the area, got a lesson on our equine hosts, viewed local wildlife and more. It’s a unique experience and certainly a must-do.

Strolling Downtown

If communing with nature isn’t really your speed, Wellsboro still has plenty to offer in the way of history, shopping, food and even relaxation.

The downtown district is easily walkable and charms with gaslight-styled street lamps and an old movie theatre (showing current releases). Cute mom and pop shops are plenty, including the ironically named Pop’s Culture Shoppe, home to nearly every board game imaginable and more opportunities for fun, and The Fifth Season, sure to be a hit with ladies who enjoy home décor, unique fashions, gift items and the like.

For lunch, we recommend the understated The Native Bagel, serving up bagel melts, sandwiches and salads that go beyond your standard fare. Perhaps you’d enjoy the “Grand Canyon,” a triple-decker creation piled high with ham, turkey, bacon, onion, BBQ sauce, lettuce and tomato. If it’s a bit chilly, we recommend one of the soups in a bread bowl, or at least a delicious latte or cappuccino.

For dinner, Timeless Destination is a delicious choice. The steak and pasta creations receive rave reviews. A girl in a downtown shop who once worked there sang the praises of the Delmonico and Chicken Parmesan. This writer enjoyed her Chicken Piccata immensely. And the tiramisu dessert? To die for. Really. You name it; you can likely find something to satisfy your taste buds here.

Kick Back and Relax

If you’re spending the weekend we recommend you book a room at either the Penn Wells Hotel, or the Penn Wells Lodge, under the same ownership and within about a block of each other. The Hotel harkens back to a time past, offering mahogany woodwork, rich colored interiors, a fireplace and a bed-and-breakfast-type feel. The Lodge, newly renovated, features comfortable suites with separate living room and bedroom areas, as well as a full bath. Fireplace suites are a nice touch. There’s also a pool and fitness room available for guest use.

If you’ve worked your muscles a bit on the trails, or are just looking for a day of relaxation, you must book a service at Emerge Healing Arts & Spa offering services from unique massages, body wraps, scrubs and facials to nail and hair services, Emerge will have you absolutely feeling like a new person. We recommend trying their most popular massage, the Emerge Signature Massage, a therapeutic blend of hot stones and manual massage therapy. It’s available from 30 to 120 minutes. Book the 120; you won’t regret it.

Need-To-Knows

Lodging

Penn Wells Hotel & Penn Wells Lodge

Main Street,Wellsboro

pennwells.com

Dining

The Native Bagel

1 Central Avenue, Wellsboro,

570.724.0900

Timeless Destination

7 Main St., Wellsboro

580.724.8499

Recreation

Ole Covered Wagon Tours

2-hour ride for adults: $35/each; ages 4-12: $18

olecoveredwagon.com

Relaxation

Emerge Healing Arts & Spa

28 Central Avenue, Wellsboro

emergehealingarts.com

Mystic

Wonder by the Water

Distance from Reading: 261 miles, about 4.5 hours

A bit further away in Connecticut is a small town that oozes the charm of a seaside village. Take a weekend and enjoy all Mystic has to offer, including a film-famous pizza shop, a drawbridge smack in the middle of downtown and an incredible aquarium. Once you visit Mystic, you’re sure to start planning a second trip.

To really get a feel for Mystic’s roots, we recommend you start your visit with a trip to the historic Mystic Seaport. The 19th century maritime village sees seaport educators in historic shops giving talks and demonstrations on trades like boat building and fun throwback activities like wooden stilt walking. Boating enthusiasts will enjoy climbing aboard historic and grandiose ships and exploring every nook and cranny. Added fun comes during special events like the Salute to Summer in May and The Wooden Boat Show in June.

A Must-Sea

A trip to Mystic, regardless of your age, would not be complete without a trip to the wonderfully interactive and unique Mystic Aquarium. Where else can you experience a face-to-face encounter with a beluga whale who’s quite the character? (Trust us. And if you don’t, look up Mystic Aquarium Beluga Whale on YouTube to see what we mean.) Or grab a Popsicle stick coated in sesame seeds and enter the white outdoor tent to feed one, two or however many parakeets fly over to visit for a nibble. That’s not all. There’s a daily sea lion show; a marsh walk you can explore for tadpoles, frogs and fish; penguins; sharks you can pet; rays you can feed; and more.

Just across the Street

When you finish up at the Aquarium, if you’re a shopping fan you won’t have far to travel, as Olde Mystic Village is a short walk away. Even if you’re not looking to buy one of the many interesting items offered for sale, it’s just plain fun to stroll the circa 1720 merchant center, stopping for a break at the water wheel and watching the resident ducks mull about. You’d be remiss if you didn’t at least browse the boutiques, though. From Christmas ornaments to toys, fun fashions and pet and sports memorabilia, there are some great finds here. A definite don’t miss is the General Store. Make sure to get a sample of the homemade fudge, and then buy some to take home or you’ll regret it.

Famous Eats

If you make the drive to Mystic, make sure you take in a meal at its most popular spot: Mystic Pizza. That’s right. The restaurant is THE spot where the famous film from 1988 starring Julia Roberts was filmed. And besides that, the pizza is amazing. It’s no wonder they call it “a slice of heaven.” Bonus? There are plenty of souvenir items to take home.

If you have room for dessert, walk down towards the water to just before the drawbridge for some homemade ice cream from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream. Perhaps a cone of Mystic Mud? Take it outside and you might get lucky and get to see the drawbridge raised and lowered.

Stylish Digs

If you’re looking for a well-appointed hotel, complete with the famous Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, a pool and a Starbucks Café on site, you’re looking for the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in nearby Groton, Conn. It’s perfect for the leisure or business traveler, with complimentary onsite parking, an award-winning steakhouse, free Wi-Fi and easy access to a number of nearby attractions.