By Robin O’Neal Smith / Associate Editor

It’s a gateway to an enchanting tapestry of history, beauty, and family fun. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast eager to discover new horizons, a history buff fascinated by the past, or a family looking for the perfect extended weekend getaway, Route 6 promises an inspiring and delightful winter adventure. In this article, we are focusing on the Potter/Tioga County area https://www.visitpottertioga.com/ along the route.

Wellsboro’s Gaslight Era Charm

The quaint town of Wellsboro beckons with its gas-lit streets and historic architecture, a unique charm that is sure to captivate you. It’s the perfect winter extended weekend getaway destination, especially for those who appreciate a touch of Dickensian magic. The town transforms into a Hallmark-style wonderland in winter, promising a delightful and enchanting experience.

Editor’s Note:  On Saturday, Feb. 11, downtown Wellsboro will be full of the whirring sound of chainsaws and flying ice powder. The Wellsboro Winter Celebration is back, and this year’s sculptures will feature hearts, lovebirds, an eagle, Olaf the Snowman, and the always-popular Old Man Winter Throne. (Header Photo)

Expert ice sculptors will be working outside of four Main Street businesses between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Spectators are invited to watch carvings take place from start to finish. The pros will demonstrate their carving skills by roughing out each sculpture with a chainsaw, doing detail work using grinders, drills with various bits, chisels, and gouges, and finishing up with a propane torch. It will take about an hour to create one sculpture from a block and a half of ice.

For indoor fun, stop at Pop’s Culture Shoppe, www.popscultureshoppe.com, located on Main Street and Route 6, to find every game imaginable, plus things made in Pennsylvania. Pop’s Culture Shoppe recently won Route 6’s “Artisan of the Year.” www.popscultureshoppe.com

Stop at the Wynken, Blinken & Nod Fountain on the Green. This charming fountain, inspired by the popular children’s poem, is a delightful spot for a family photo. It is adorable any time of year.

The sweetest thing you can do when visiting Wellsboro is visit the Highland Chocolate Shop.https://highlandchocolates.org/  Their handmade candy is delicious and created by extraordinary employees. I highly recommend their Almond Bark and Tree Stumps. Tree Stumps are decadent treats with creamy peanut butter and caramel sandwiched between two Pennsylvania-made mini pretzels and coated in premium Milk Chocolate. Highland Chocolates also offers public tours. Check their website to see their tour schedule.

Kids and adults will enjoy learning how to cook. Rookie Cooks Academy has fun events throughout the year and specializes in teaching all ages how to cook and hosts kids’ cooking classes. Check out one of the fun activities: https://www.visitpottertioga.com/event/kids-kooking-polar-express-christmas-cookies-hot-cocoa.

Wellsboro hosts two holiday festivals. It’s a “Dicken’s of a Christmas” the first weekend in December and “Christmas on Main” the second weekend in December.

Step into the past at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, https://lumbermuseum.org/, where the story of the state’s rich lumbering history unfolds. Interactive exhibits and historical reenactments offer a glimpse into a bygone era, making it an educational and enlightening stop for all ages. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Pennsylvania’s history and the role of logging and agriculture in our state’s growth.

History buffs will enjoy stepping back 100 years to an era when lumberjacks with giant handheld saws cut the white pine and hemlock every day

.

Pennsylvania’s lumber history is chronicled by interpretive exhibits and interactive displays at this state museum.  The on-site lumber camp, sawmill, and Shay Locomotive displays offer a chance to spend time on the grounds.

I was very impressed with the museum. I learned much about the state’s history and how logging and agriculture were essential to our growing state.

Get Outdoors

Winter outdoor activities are plentiful in the area.

For stargazers, no visit to Route 6 is complete without a stop at Cherry Springs State Park https://cherryspringsstatepark.com. Recognized as one of the darkest spots on the East Coast and the Travel Channel labeled it the best place on earth for stargazing, this park offers a magical celestial show. You will see thousands of stars. Bundle up, take a blanket, and prepare to be awed by the glittering winter sky.

TIP: Get there and find a spot before dark. It is darker than you can imagine, and you cannot use flashlights.

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” Pine Creek Gorge offers awe-inspiring views. Blanketed in snow, the canyon’s rugged beauty is magnified, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

A mile wide from rim to rim, the Pine Creek Gorge runs approximately 50 miles and plunges 800 feet along most of the gorge. The southern end plunges even deeper to almost 1600 feet.

We viewed it at the Leonard Harrison State Park on the canyon’s eastern boundary. It has accessible viewing platforms less than a hundred yards from the parking lot. You can also view from the opposite side at Colton State Park.

A new recreation area along Route 6, directly across from the PA Lumber Museum, is Denton Go https://www.dentongo.com/. They have camping sites and cabins coming soon with hiking, biking trails, and ATV/UTV rentals. They plan to revitalize Denton Hill and enhance recreational experiences for all visitors. Denton Hill offers breathtaking vistas that seem to stretch on forever.

In winter, the snow-laden trees and distant mountains create a scene from a painting. Stop here to take a deep breath of crisp mountain air and capture stunning photos. The area also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.

If your family is into skiing or tubing, the Ski Sawmill Family Resort https://www.skisawmill.com  in Tioga County, just south of Wellsboro, is the perfect place to spend the day.

Other Route 6 Destinations

Other Route 6 places you won’t want to miss if taking a longer road trip include:

McCleery Discovery Center, Kane, PA

Zippo Museum and Marilyn Horne Museum, Bradford, PA

Nearby Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY

Little League Museum, Williamsport, PA

French Azilum/Marie Antoinette Lookout in  Wyalusing, Pennsylvania

Ricketts Glen State Park

Tunkhannock Viaduct, Tunkhannock, PA

Electric City Trolley Museum, Scranton, PA

Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, PA

Tips for Planning Your Route 6 Adventure

Route 6 in Pennsylvania is more than just a road; it’s a passage through time and nature, a canvas painted with the colors of history, beauty, and family fun. To make the most of your winter adventure, consider these tips:

• Check weather conditions and plan for possible road closures.
• Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular towns and near attractions.
• Layer up! Pennsylvania winters can be chilly, and warmth is vital to enjoying your travels.
• Don’t rush. Savor each stop, as the charm of Route 6 lies in its leisurely exploration.

Happy travels along Route 6, and may your journey be as memorable as the destinations themselves!