Get outside! Or at least start planning on it.
Spring arrives officially on March 20 and we can't help but think of slightly milder temperatures and a brightening sky.
Do you know the number one reason people visit Schuylkill County is outdoor recreation? It's true. Visitors come to us from as far away as New England, New York and Canada to the north, and all the way down the east coast to Florida to explore our mountains, trails, streams, river and parks.
As far as outdoor recreation goes, camping is the top activity of all our outdoor explorers. Camp-A-While near Hegins, Christmas Pines near Auburn, Echo Valley at Ravine, Laurel Lakes Campsites at Snyders, Red Ridge Lake near Zion Grove and Rosemount Camping Resort in the Lewistown Valley all benefit from thousands of visitors to our county each year.
And as we all know, those folks will leave their campsites and make their way to the Yuengling Brewery, the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train, Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum, Hawk Mountain, the 1874 Train Station in Tamaqua and other sites.
Along the way, they eat in our restaurants, shop our stores and enjoy the best of what Schuylkill County has to offer.
When I'm thinking about getting outdoors, I think about taking a nice walk. I usually walk around my neighborhood, my senses tuned-in to environmental variations. The sounds of birdsong and children playing and the sights and scents of spring in the air remind us that change is on the way!
But why stop there? Every year our community partners at Schuylkill on the Move host a series of walks throughout the county. Join in on March 24 for the Tuscarora Trek, April 15 for the Kaufman Run Ramble and May 19 for the Pilgur Ruh aka Pilgrim's Rest hike. These hikes incorporate a vast array of both natural and historical information. Contact Porcupine Pat at porcupinepat@yahoo.com or 570-622-4124, ext. 113 for more information.
Getting outdoors and enjoying our natural resources is truly something anyone can enjoy.
If you're a hiker, places like the John Bartram Trail, Swatara State Park, Conrad Weiser State Forest, Tri-Valley's Environmental Education Center, the Lehigh Valley and New England Rail Trail in South Tamaqua, the Appalachian Trail and so many more offer limitless possibilities for all ages and abilities.
Perhaps you need some information on Schuylkill County's treasure trove of natural outdoor recreation gems. Stop by the visitors bureau and pick up the brand new Schuylkill County Outdoor Recreation map, the Appalachian Trail map, the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area brochure and map, PA's Fishing and Boating Opportunities brochure, the PA Recreational Guide for Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks and the 2012 Schuylkill On the Move Walk schedule.
We even carry the Schuylkill County Joe Zerbey Airport's Bright Sky brochure featuring air tours and flight instruction.
Whether your interests lie in photography, geography or history, the airport will tailor the flights especially for you. They also do breathtaking Lehigh Gorge tours. Prices are surprisingly low. Contact the airport for more information or to schedule your air tour today at 570-544-6002.
We can tell you from personal experience the folks at our airport are the best and you will have a most satisfactory aerial encounter.
Faith and begorrah, many of us are inclined to be "wearin' o' the green" this month!
Kick off the celebrating with the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society Irish Step Dancers presentation on March 6.
On March 17, the Pottsville St. Patrick's Day parade will celebrate the most famous patron saint of Ireland. A celebration at the Humane Fire Company and another one still later that evening at The Greystone restaurant round out the day.On March 24 in Girardville, the parade begins at noon. Get there early and be prepared to have a "craicing" good time.
And while I wax Irish culture, Ronan Tynan, America's Irish Tenor, is coming to County Schuylkill on April 29! Don't hesitate and get your tickets now by calling St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, at 570-622-1802, as they sell out early.
An Irish tenor gives a fine concert and so does the Schuylkill Choral Society. A Masters of Baroque concert will be held on March18 at Trinity Episcopal Church.
Finally, you can end your month on a celebratory note and head to Lessie's Greenhouse on March 31 for an Easter open house, complete with activities, entertainment and an egg hunt. If you're a resident of Pottsville, the citywide Easter egg hunt is also that day, complete with an Easter bonnet contest, prizes and the Easter Bunny himself.
For all these and many other activities, you can check out our great calendar of events at www.schuylkill.org. Stop by the visitors bureau at Union Station, 300 S. Centre St., Pottsville, and pick up some great Irish T-shirts and SKOOK glassware for your St. Patrick's Day festivities. Don't forget to pick up a few of the many outdoor recreational resources we offer and get ready to head outside!
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)