"Where are you from?"
"I'm from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania."
"Where's that?"
"Do you know where Williamsport is?"
"Um, I don't think so."
"Have you ever heard of the Little League World Series?"
"Yeah!"
"Okay, well I am about an hour north of that."
This is what I go through whenever someone asks me where I am from. Most people that I have met in college are from either Philly, Pittsburgh, or New Jersey, but no one knows where the place I call home is.
My little hometown of Wellsboro is in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. We are very close to Mansfield University (if you've ever heard of that) and about 45 minutes from the New York border. My town has so much to offer despite it being so small.
1. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Oh yeah, you read that correctly. PA has its very own Grand Canyon! It's nothing like the actual Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it is beautiful in its own right. Tourists especially flock to the area during the fall to see the breathtaking foliage from the trees.
2. Dickens of a Christmas
Every year on the first Saturday in December, Wellsboro has a Christmas festival called Dickens. Vendors line Main Street with their crafts or food. People dress up in Victorian clothing, and you can always find carolers or bands playing Christmas tunes. At dusk, the town has a tree lighting ceremony where Santa comes and gives the children a little treat. Dickens puts everyone in the Christmas spirit!
3. Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival
This is my favorite time of the year, besides Christmas. Named after Pennsylvania's state flower, Laurel Festival is the third weekend in June on Friday and Saturday. Similar to Dickens, Laurel Festival has craft and food vendors, but this time they are located on our town square called The Green. On Saturday, there is a parade with lots of fantastic bands and floats. Every year surrounding schools select a high school junior or senior to represent them. And yes, that is yours truly grinning wildly while trying to wave like a princess.
4. Outdoor Activities
If you're the outdoorsy type, Wellsboro is the place for you! We have a converted railroad track that is now used for walking, biking, or horse back riding called Rails to Trail. In addition, there are many hiking paths that range from easy to very challenging. My personal favorite is the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park. Finally, Pine Creek is great for kayaking or rafting!
5. The Restaurants
Despite Wellsboro's small size, its restaurants have big tastes. One of my favorites is the Native Bagel, pictured above. They offer homemade bagels, cookies, muffins, brownies, and soups, as well as delicious sandwich creations on their homemade white, wheat, rye, or their famous sunflower bread. My other go-to places are Timeless Destination and The Wellsboro House. Timeless Destination is an Italian restaurant with delicious pizza and pasta. I usually get their chicken parmesan panini. The Wellsboro House gives a little different taste with their yummy burgers and cheesesteaks. It's a great place to go and watch your favorite sports team!
