Eileen and Jean Fiehler were inspecting their Happy Acres Resort in Waterville earlier this week, making sure their current guests and the hundreds of future guests have a comfortable Fourth of July holiday in the Pennsylvania wilderness.
The couple made the rounds in a golf cart, making sure the cabins and campsites were in perfect condition.
“We’re full, we started last week,” Gene Fiehler said.
“And the phone never stops ringing,” Eileen added.
Gene Fiehler said he expects between 400 and 500 guests to stay during the holiday week. People come from as far away as Canada to visit the resort, which sits on 60 acres in Lycoming County.
“We’re centrally located in New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Ohio,” Eileen Fiehler said.
Provided by Clinton County Economic Partnership
Hyner View State Park in Clinton County in the Pennsylvania Wilds region has a free swimming pool.
“Nature at its best”
That’s true for both Happy Acres and Pennsylvania Wild.
One of the state’s 11 official tourist areas, the region encompasses more than 2 million acres of public land — an area larger than Yellowstone National Park — and spans 12 and a half counties.
“Independence Day brings with it amazing fireworks displays and parades across Pennsylvania Wilds, and visitors appreciate being able to relax outdoors and explore all the outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Britt Madera, communications manager for the Pennsylvania Wilds Entrepreneurship Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development within Pennsylvania Wilds communities.
According to the Pennsylvania Wilds Entrepreneurship Center, the area is the largest green space between Chicago and New York, home to two nationally designated “wild and scenic” rivers, the largest wild elk herd in the Northeast and some of the darkest skies in the country.
“This is nature at its best. Fishing, ATVs, [trails]”Biking, hiking, bird watching — it’s become really popular,” said Kira Rosamilia, chamber of commerce/tourism director for the Clinton County Economic Partnership.
Affordable vacations
Outdoor getaways are also affordable.
“With the economy being what it is, travel is more affordable. The outdoors is accessible to all economic levels. You can hike in dollar store shoes or REI shoes,” Rosamilia said, referring to major outdoor gear chains.
Visitors can also save money by grilling their own food and camping. Plus, several state parks offer free services; Rosamilia points out the free swimming pool at Hiner State Park in Clinton County. On rainy days, visitors can head to nearby Lock Haven for some low-cost cultural activities.
“The Piper Aviation Museum is very affordable for families, the Clinton County Historical Society’s Hazy House Museum is donation only, and then there’s the Millbrook Playhouse,” Rosamilia said.
The local economy also receives needed revenue from tourists visiting local communities and state parks.
“These tourists bring in a ton of cash that gets spent in real life at small businesses like restaurants, breweries, bed and breakfasts, gift shops, outdoor gear stores and more,” Madera said.
For the Fiehler family and their Happy Acres Resort, the Fourth of July holiday week has already proven profitable.
“We’ve made progress since last year,” Gene Fiehler said.
