Getting there: Moraine State Park is just a short (40-mile) drive north of Pittsburgh in Butler County. To get to McDanels Boat Launch, where most of the activities take place, take Interstate 79 North to Exit 99. Stay in far right lane until the stop sign, then take a right onto West Park Road. Travel approximately .3 miles and then turn right onto North Shore Drive. You’ll see the sign for the McDanels Boat Launch on the left.
Hours: Winterfest runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free. The park itself is open daily from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted. Parking is available at the boat launch, and there also will be a free shuttle to an overflow parking area at the bike rental area just down the road from noon to 5 p.m.
Where to eat & drink: It’s pretty slim pickings when it comes to eating out near Moraine, but there are a few bars and restaurants worth your dime. Family-friendly and unpretentious, Brown’s County Kitchen in Portersville offers a large selection of home-style sandwiches, burgers, hoagies, wraps, salads and seasonal daily specials. Portions are generous and prices are extremely reasonable (a Black Angus burger with fries is $7.99). Definitely get a slice of one of their signature homemade pies for dessert — it’s terrific and a bargain at $2.95.
If you’re looking to dine where you also can enjoy adult beverages, The Harmony Inn on Mercer Street in Harmony’s charming historic district is a fun place to settle in, and not just because the Victorian mansion once owned by a railroad president is reportedly haunted. Along with burgers, salads, sammies and seven different Reuben sandwiches, the menu includes several German spaetzels and schnitzels. North Country Brewing Co. brews are featured on tap. Rather get in and out quick? Just up the street at Lagerhaus Bakery, you’ll find a small selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, granola, quiche and homemade pastries.
Log Cabin Inn on Route 19 in Harmony is another sure bet. Built around a log cabin that dates to the early 1800s, it has a charming colonial decor and a menu that features steaks, seafood and daily gourmet-ish specials along with burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. There’s also a full bar. But beware: the place can get VERY crowded on weekends.
Other activities: It would be a shame to visit Moraine and not travel “across the street” (i.e. I-79) to McConnells Mill State Park. If the weather cooperates, there’s wonderful hiking on moderately rough terrain, and it’s just as fun to drive under the rocky outcrops near the Old Mill (built in 1868) and across the 1874 covered bridge if you aren’t freaked out by tight spaces and no guard rails.
If you’re into antiquing, you can easily spend a happy hour wandering around Dunn’s Antiques in Portersville. Located in the former Moore & Moore Hardware store, it’s chock full of vintage toys, glassware, clothing, furniture and other collectibles.
The nearby historic town of Harmony also has a couple of cute shops selling clothing, jewelry and unique gift items, an art gallery and for historic lovers (or people who just want to get out of the cold) the Harmony Museum, which tells the story of the Harmony Society and the Mennonites that came after them. It’s open Tues.-Sun. from 1- 4 p.m. and costs $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6 to 17.
— Gretchen McKay
First Published: February 6, 2020, 3:35 p.m.
