So here we are, knee-deep in winter, trying to keep warm while Mother Nature refuses to release her wintery grasp on us. And she’s not going to for another six weeks, end of story. It’s up to us to make the best of it.
As luck would have it, it won’t be that hard, either. February is packed with activity to help you ward off that invasive winter malady: cabin fever.
The “month of love” boasts a diverse lineup of events going on in Schuylkill County including live entertainment, Valentine’s specials, wine and chocolate, history, music, outdoor diversions and even pageantry! Saturday, the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival culminates with the crowing of the Queen of the Snows at Pottsville Area High School, complete with a royal reception at St. Nicholas Hall immediately afterward. We wish the best of luck to all of our talented Schuylkill County contestants!
I mentioned wine and chocolate just a moment ago and why wouldn’t I? What would Valentine’s Day be without something rich, heady and sweet for the ones who hold a special place in our hearts?
Galen Glen Winery in Andreas has a “Triple Treat” pairing of raspberry wine and hand-crafted chocolate truffles each weekend throughout February. Benigna’s Creek Vineyard and Winery in Klingerstown will delight you with “Wine & Truffles” on Feb. 14. This is a hands-on event and reservations are required. Call 570-425-3090 to secure your spot. Stone Mountain Wine Cellars in Pine Grove is sharing the love with “Wine, Chocolate and Valentines” on Feb. 14 and 15.
Every weekend there is a host of live musical talent around our county. Places like Blue Mountain Summit, The Greystone, Vito’s Coal-Fired Pizza, Lakeside Ballroom and The Wooden Keg (both locations) offer live entertainment, libations and sumptuous victuals regularly.
Perhaps you would prefer a concert? The Tamaqua Community Arts Center hosts Ricky & the Ricardos on Saturday and Free Range Folk on Feb. 14. The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts is bringing us “La Dolce Vita Di Amore” on Feb. 14.
Cabin fever runs rampant this time of year but have no fear, there are many diverse activities throughout the month to keep you busy and interested rather than crawling the walls at home: Second Sunday Brunch at The Maid’s Quarters on Sunday, Father-Daughter Dance at the Walk In Art Center on Feb. 15, Celebrate Mardi Gras at The Greystone on Feb. 17, Walk In Art Center Bridal Fair on Feb. 22, Tamaqua Community Arts Center presents Raymond the Amish Comic on Feb. 20 and “Aladdin” on Feb. 27 and 28, Sweet Arrow Lake’s annual Cabin Fever Hike on Sunday and Tree Pruning Workshop on Feb. 22 and Hawk Mountain’s Feeder Frenzy on Feb. 14.
As always, we have hikes with our partners at Schuylkill On the Move this month, too. These walks are designed to develop an appreciation of our beautiful natural surroundings and include interesting historical facts as well.
Loosen your limbs and get the cobwebs out from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday with volunteer hike leader Jim Eisenhart Jr. as he leads a six-mile moderate-rated and narrative hike of the old Reading Company Frackville Grade from top to bottom. The hike encompasses features like hammer and jumper work in a cut and old retaining walls and bridges plus the PRR Darkwater Trestle abutments.
You can meet Jim in the state game lands parking lot by the Schuylkill Mall exit sign off Route 61 north of Saint Clair. Consider joining “Porcupine Pat” in Tamaqua on Feb. 22 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. for the “Molly Maguire Meander.”
Tamaqua is renowned for its Molly Maguire heritage and this tour highlights the key places pertaining to the Mollies. This hike meets in the Tamaqua Public Library parking lot. Both of these hikes are free and open to the public. Remember to dress for the weather, bring some snacks and your camera, too!
While we’re talking history, stop by Fairlane Village mall on Feb. 14 for the annual History Faire. The history of Schuylkill County is inextricably bound to the history of the United States anthracite industry.
Although the settlement of Schuylkill County occurred long before the discovery of the “black diamonds” that would fuel the nation’s industrial revolution, it is anthracite coal that forged our region into the rich diverse community it is today. This event offers an abundance of photographs, artifacts, and collectibles detailing our county’s rich cultural heritage and is sure to have something for everyone.
Whatever you decide to do this month, there’s no reason to hibernate! For more information on February events, Schuylkill on the Move Hikes and Valentine shopping ideas, go to www.schuylkill.org.
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)