Staycation Destination - Family Life News

It’s “Staycation Destinations” on Family Life! Each Friday afternoon, our Noon Report took you to a unique location in the Family Life listening area. Our goals were to find a variety of places which connect with a variety of interests, fairly close to home, and fairly affordable — whether for a day trip or a … Read More Read More

“Staycation Destinations” on Family Life The Strong Museum of Play opened a generation ago (in 1982) and unites multiple generations with the delights– and the necessity! — of play. Rochester native Margaret Woodbury Strong (starting in her childhood) became a prolific collector of dolls, toys and many other household items. Her legacy now brings hundreds … Read More...

“Staycation Destinations” on Family Life Presque Isle extends about five miles into Lake Erie, giving northwest Pennsylvanians — and visitors from a wide range of the region — a combination of lake front beaches, walking trails, natural settings and so much more. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, swimming, wildlife watching, and rentals of kayaks and paddleboards … Read...

It’s “Staycation Destinations” on Family Life A World War II soldier carried art supplies with him onto battlefields. When he could, he painted to find balance amid the violence around him. After his return home in western New York, Larry Griffis Jr. felt a tug between his budding career running a family business, and fulfilling … Read More Read More

Tens of thousands of stock car racing fans decend on Watkins Glen in New York’s Twin Tiers each August. That happens this weekend (August 18-20, 2023). Whether you are going to be among that throng, or if you live in or plan to visit the area other times of the year, the International Motor Racing … Read More Read More

Family Life’s “Staycation Destinations” The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum owns one million pieces of memorabilia, from small automotive mementos to classic cars, carriages, motorcycles and bicycles. Co-founder Jim Sandoro talks not only about the current exhibits at the museum, but also how a prosperous city became home to the manufacturers of — and consumers for … Read Mo...

Family Life’s “Staycation Destinations” A western Pennsylvania golf course has been open for 110 years, but in all that time, it hasn’t brought in a dime in green fees. The founder of Buhl Park in the Sharon/Hermitage area thought that the sport of golf taught so many life lessons, he wanted a place where the … Read More Read More

Family Life’s “Staycation Destinations” for Summer 2023 “Ska-Nonh” translates into English, roughly, as “peace and wellness” or “I am glad it is well with you.” That Native American vocabulary — and philosophy — gave the name to the Ska-nonh Great Law of Peace Center along the shore of Onandaga Lake in central New York. The …...

Family Life’s “Staycation Destinations” for Summer 2023 Tucked into the Finger Lakes region of New York is the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. It’s so appropriate that this launching point of a major movement in American culture is this week’s “Staycation Destination”, because this week is the 175th anniversary which made Seneca Falls a hist...

Staycation Destinations for Summer 2023 Untold hundreds of battles littered the nation when the American Civil War decimated this nation. Yet one which happened July 1-3, 1863, has become etched in U.S. history, in part because of of the two-minute, 272-word address President Abraham Lincoln would deliver to commemorate the war dead at … Read More Read More

Staycation Destinations for Summer 2023 It’s 47 miles long, carved 1,000 to 1,400 feet deep, and it’s found in north central Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as the Pine Creek Gorge, is our first tour stop for our 2023 “Staycation Destinations” on Family Life. Each Friday for the summer, we take you to … Read More Read More

On this Labor Day, we recap a few of our “Staycation” destinations for the summer of 2022.

Step aboard an Erie Canal Cruise in Lockport, New York. Just as the water fills up a lock, Mike Wrona with Lockport Locks fills us in on the history of the town that grew up due to the Erie Canal.

The catastrophic Johnstown Flood occurred on Friday, May 31, 1889. Park Ranger Elizabeth Shope relays background of the club that owned the earthen dam that gave way and tells about Clara Barton’s rescue efforts following the torrent of destruction on the Conemaugh Valley. The Johnstown Flood National Memorial’s visitor center is located at the site … Read More Read More

Maybe you’ve heard about Kodak film. Well, visitors to the George Eastman Museum get to learn about the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. Eliza Kozlowski also underscores more on Eastman’s love of music and appreciation for nature.

Who was Milton S. Hershey, the man known for creating a chocolate empire? Curt Sisco with Hershey Trolley Works unfolds details of his life, chocolate-making, and school. Join us we learn more about what Hershey, Pennsylvania has to offer.

What were the original four flavors of Jell-O flavors? Sydney Harvey with the Jell-O Gallery Museum in LeRoy, New York gives us the scoop, along with what’s “not” found in Jell-O gelatin. Learn about the history of the dessert, the factory, and what museum visitors can experience today.

Do you like the sight and sound of cascading water? Environmental education specialist Rhiannon Summers says 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park. Some folks come to camp for a few days, while others enjoy a day trip to check out the wildlife and beauty.

Jimmy Stewart made more than 80 films and is most known for his role as George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. Indiana, Pennsylvania is home to the Jimmy Stewart Museum. Executive Director Janie McKirgan says visitors get to learn more about the actor, family man and World War II pilot while exploring the spot … Read More Read More

Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes lets visitors glimpse what life was like as an inn keeper or traveler in the late 1700s. Sean Lukasic says a blacksmith shop, one-room school house and log cabin are also set up on the property. This summer, a special exhibit highlights the devastation and cleanup efforts 50 … Read More Read More

On the north side of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Science Center offers guests a wide variety of exhibits ranging from a WWII submarine, a guitar exhibition, miniature railroad village showcasing the region before 1945, and a Robot Hall of Fame. Connie George walks us through a few of the displays.  

Midway State Park on the shores of Chautauqua Lake is rooted in history, first opening as a picnic area. Generations have since enjoyed classic Herschel rides made in western New York, a vintage carousel, mini golf, go-karts, and more. Marla Connelley with New York State Parks gives us a preview.

One of the nation’s most famous lawmen came to Coudersport, Pennsylvania after nabbing gangster Al Capone and cleaning up the crime in Cleveland, Ohio. Eliot Ness Museum Director Steve Green tells us why. Festival in July Potter/Tioga

Safe Haven Refugee Museum on New York’s Lake Ontario keeps the stories of 982 refugees during World War II alive. Paul Lear details how the old Administration Building became a refugee shelter at Fort Ontario. Now the museum serves as a memorial to both suffering and triumph.

Have you ever wanted to catch a rattlesnake? Amos Osborn with the Morris Fire Company says next weekend’s event is your chance. An array of food vendors, a one-pitch softball tournament, and Saturday night fireworks are also part of the weekend event. Link