Wide Open Spaces & Wild Adventures: Part 1-The Grand Tetons
June 18, 2026
I had two songs playing in my head throughout this past week, and soon you’ll understand why. The first was the song made famous by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash entitled “Jackson.” The second was “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks. Together, those songs perfectly sum up my latest adventure. In our quest to visit as many national parks as possible, my husband, Blain, and I recently packed our bags and headed to the airport, bound for Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, and perhaps that made the trip even more exciting. We traveled without a specific agenda, simply ready for adventure. Our first surprise came before we ever reached the mountains. Not only was our flight on time, but we were unexpectedly upgraded to first class not once, but twice on both legs of our outgoing trip. We are used to sitting with the common folk, so, we felt thoroughly pampered as we were offered unlimited beverages served in real glasses, warm hand towels, and full meals. My immediate thought was, “So this is how the other half flies!” I don’t think I’ll ever walk past the first-class section again without at least one lingering, longing glance. Learn More
The Port Royal Speedway AKA "The Speed Palace"
June 18, 2026
Our most recent Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event was hosted by the legendary Port Royal Speedway, lovingly known as “The Speed Palace,” along with the Juniata County Fair (The Juniata County Agricultural Society). From the moment guests arrived, it was clear the organizers had gone above and beyond to create an unforgettable evening filled with history, community pride, and experiences many of us will long remember. Nearly 60 Chamber members attended and were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at one of our region’s most treasured destinations. Guests enjoyed history lessons, guided bus tours, sprint car and late model displays, personal interviews with drivers, and opportunities to interact with track officials, fair board members, and staff. Attendees explored recent upgrades to the facility, including the grandstand improvements, walked through the tunnel to the infield, and experienced a guided riding tour around the expansive grounds. Learn More
Listening to that Quiet Voice
June 18, 2026
We all have a wide variety of experiences throughout our lives, some filled with joy and laughter, others with sadness and tears, but only a few are truly life-altering. Recently, I experienced one of those moments, and I know I have been forever changed by it. My Friday began like any other until I arrived at my local coffee shop and passed one of my dear morning coffee club regulars heading toward the door much earlier than normal. It took only a matter of seconds to realize he was acting peculiarly. He wore a puzzled expression as we crossed paths, and when I asked him what was wrong, he answered in broken sentences, conveying only that he needed to go home. I begged him to allow me to drive him, but he insisted he would be fine. An uneasy feeling settled over our table of regulars, with concern etched on all our faces. We discussed what we should, or should not, do to make certain he was okay. Eventually, we each went our separate ways, but as the day wore on, my apprehension grew. A hundred scenarios paraded through my mind. What if he wasn’t, okay? What if he needed assistance? What if he just wanted to be left alone to rest? Learn More
Day Trippin': A Chilly Afternoon at Boal Mansion and the Columbus Chapel
June 18, 2026
Sometimes you just need to break away from your regular routine to take a little adventure. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or far away. Sometimes the best escape is a simple day trip to a neighboring county. That was exactly the case for me when I unexpectedly found myself with a free weekend with no obligations keeping me at home. My husband and I decided to head over the mountain toward State College with a stop in Boalsburg at Boal Mansion, a place I had passed hundreds of times but never truly explored. From Route 322, I’d often catch a glimpse of the mansion tucked quietly among the trees, wondering what stories were hidden behind its walls. This time, curiosity finally won. We arrived just before the 2 p.m. opening on a brisk April Sunday. The air outside had a chill to it, and stepping inside the mansion didn’t offer much relief, but we weren’t about to let our chattering teeth stop us. Determined, we began our tour, ready to soak in whatever history the place had to offer. The Boal family, we learned, owned the property for more than 200 years, and traces of that long history can be seen throughout the estate. The mansion itself was built in stages beginning in 1809, and the grounds also include a barn later used for theatrical performances, a carriage house, and the remarkable Columbus Chapel, added in 1909. Learn More
