You Deserve It: National Plan for Vacation Day

The verdict is IN: It's time to check OUT. 77% of full-time employees agree that taking vacations is an important factor in their job satisfaction, but only one-quarter of Americans used ALL of their earned time off in 2021. Don't let this year's days go to waste. With winter comes freezing temps, snow, and cabin fever...what a perfect time to set…

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The Laurel Highlands Makes It Easy to Keep Your New Year's Resolution

For some, a new year is a new start. If you've made a New Year's resolution, (and you've stuck with it so far) here is your guide to easily completing it in the Laurel Highlands, regardless if it is a personal or career goal, or anything in between. If you haven't thought of one yet, consider this your inspiration. Choose one of the following and…

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Where to Take Your Out-of-Town Holiday Visitors

The holidays will be here before you know it, and so will your guests! If it is their first time visiting the Laurel Highlands, they are in for a treat. If they've visited before, their schedule will be jam-packed with attractions that have opened since the last time they've been in town. Show off the beautiful region you call home with days filled…

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Laurel Highlands Fall Checklist

The trees are turning colors and the leaves are slowly falling. Fall is here! That means it is now perfectly acceptable to wear sweaters and eat and drink everything pumpkin flavored, right? We know that fall brings a ton of festivals, events, activities, and views, and we don't want you to miss a thing. Start your fall checklist today! Complete…

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A Stargazer's Guide to the Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highlands is hustling and bustling with bikers, hikers, families, rafters and foodies during the day, but what outdoorsy activity can you do once the sun goes down? Get lost in the stars! While there aren't any dark sky sites in the region, we know a few spots where there is minimal light pollution and not too much tree coverage, making…

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FAQ's of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

The stunning 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) stretches across Laurel Mountain from the Youghiogheny River Gorge in Ohiopyle, all the way to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. A backpackers’ dream, the LHHT offers a semi-wilderness backpacking and day trip excursion into the mountain…

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Ask the Expert: Bike Basics with Brad Smith, Confluence Cyclery

There is no doubt about it. Since last spring the popularity of bicycling has skyrocketed. Folks who hadn’t ridden a bike since middle school found themselves back in the saddle, getting reacquainted with their gears and ability to balance. Full disclosure – this was me. I was one of the many who dusted off an old bike in search of things to see…

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5 Easy Hikes to Try

Take bubbling brooks, greenery in abundance, add birdsong, the odd woodpecker pecking away in the distance, the serenity of being outdoors, in the woods, and the result? My mood just soars! Hiking is most definitely food for the soul, and boy, do we have a ton of hiking trails in the Laurel Highlands to explore and fuel YOUR soul. With two state…

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Getting to Know: Latrobe - Fred Rogers and Beyond

WHAT YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW We know, Fred Rogers is our native son, and our love for him knows no bounds. But if you have spent any time looking into Latrobe, Pennsylvania (or is it Luh-trobe?), you’ll quickly discover there’s more to be found than only America’s friendliest neighbor. View this post on Instagram…

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Celebrate Maple Season in the Laurel Highlands

Here in the Laurel Highlands, specifically Somerset County, late winter and early spring signal Maple Season! Our region’s maple sugar producers take great pride in the tradition of tapping maple trees and producing maple syrup and other goodies. Their efforts make Somerset County the largest producer of maple products in the state. Celebrate the…

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