innkeepers's blog

It's been almost 5 years since our family up-rooted from the suburbs of Pittsburgh on a quest. 

Our journey to settle along the Allegheny river in Emlenton, a rural town with historic glory which has struggled as many old industrialized towns. A metamorphosis of change is slowly taking place as this small town is being recognized as a receational hub of quality trails, waterways and unique environments. 

       It's that time of the year.....exciting opportunities for fun along the river and trails of our valley. Guest and locals make time to enjoy the many offerings in recreation, culture and education that are created in the historic Oil Region. 

   The seasons change here in the valley and time slows. This provides great opportunities to pause and make time for special occasions. The valley offers itself to beautiful vistas and host some wonderful recreational opportunities. The trails remain clear and open for biking and walking.

    Summer winds down and leads into Autumn, one door closes and another door opens along the Allegheny. The fall breezes bring a brillant color to the valley. We tend to move a little slower and the seasons clock reminds us of times continued count down.

Summer is alive in many way's. 

                   On this cold gray day along the river the somber rural town of Emlenton may appear to be a little lost after the raging fire that consumed the historic, "Emlenton Mill" and severly damaged, " Amy's Closet" and several other private residences. We found ourselves humbled in the revelation that life can be altered in seconds, years of memories and sacrifice can be dissolved before our eyes becoming ashes that filter in the winds of our valley and tarnish our souls.

Time slows......the northern wind blows across the Great Lakes and brings winter to our historic town of Emlenton. The nostalgic valley creates a beautiful back drop against the Hemlock covered mountains as the white veil of winter is draped upon the forest. Tiny lights from the homes fill the dark evenings like jewels on the hillsides of the terraced town.

     Recently, The Barnard House was awarded funding from The Progress Fund for a wonderful bicycle arbor sign. This cool eclectic sign will create an arbor over the old railroad steps leading down to The Barnard House.Our childhood friend, August Romano created the concept of cutting old bicycles into pieces then utilizing the parts to create a nine foot hign archway. The sign will be painted by a local artist, Doug Alder and will be bright colors and double sided making it viewable from the river and Main Street in Emlenton.

            The cooler breezes that have stayed with us along the Allegheny are creating unique environments. From our porch here at The Barnard House we can watch the Blue Herons and Eagles fish for their daily catch. The high murky water's are a benefit to the fish since it provides a great cover to hide from the predators. The vegetation has enjoyed the increased rain fall and has recovered from the heavy ice that scrapped the riparian in winters wrath. 

    Our National Holiday was truley felt along the Allegheny. Our first International guest, Regula Scheidegger came to Emlenton. Regi, for short is an amazing young woman who traveled to us from New York where her journey on a German bicycle began. She left Zurich to have an advantur. Regi tells me this is common in Switzerland prior to middle age. I asked if has brought her clarity. She laughed and answered," my trip has just begun!"