Play a round of golf at one of the only free courses in the U.S., spend a day shopping or go fishing on a lake in Hermitage, a small city in northwest Pennsylvania.
Explore small boutiques downtown and large retail centers such as the Shenango Valley Mall. Indulge your sweet tooth at local chocolate makers Daffin’s Candies, which also offers factory tours during the production season, mid-September through mid-April.
Whether you are a golfing professional or are picking up your clubs for the first time, play a round at Buhl Farm Golf Course. The only free public golf course in the United States has a 9-hole course and a driving range suitable for the whole family. The course is open from April through September.
Enjoy the great outdoors at Shenango River Lake, a short drive north of downtown. Pack a picnic or go hiking along the lake’s shores. Bring comfortable shoes and walk the short Seth Myers or Coonie trails, which are dotted with informational plaques about the area’s plants and animals. If you want to stay overnight, book a site at the large campground. Bring a rod to try catching several species of fish that call the lake home.
History enthusiasts flock to the remnants of the Erie Extension Canal, which played an important role in developing northwest Pennsylvania. Lock Number 10, a well-preserved portion of the canal, is located just less than 1-mile (1.6 kilometers) downstream from the Shenango River Lake.
The major metropolis of Pittsburgh is just over a 1-hour drive from Hermitage. Pittsburgh International Airport offers regular flights to destinations all over the world. Rent a car from the airport. There are plenty of scenic spots to stop along the way. Once in Hermitage, the easiest way to explore the area is by rental car. Explore downtown Hermitage on foot.
