IN West County

Covering Albion, Cranesville, Edinboro, Elk Creek, Fairview Township, Girard, Lake City, and Springfield

Local Stories

A wide, outdoor photograph features an overo paint horse running from right to left across a muddy, partially grassy field. The horse has a light brown and white coat with a flowing white mane and tail. In the background, several other horses of various colors graze in a mowed field enclosed by a multi-level wire fence, with a dense forest line beyond. Overlaid in the center of the image is the white, stylized text "RANCH REBOOT."

Ranch Reboot

The nexus of nature, community, faith and fun are providing an atmosphere of growth and spiritual development for all ages at WLD Ranch. WLD Ranch has summer camps for kids, teaches horseback riding and horse care, holds retreats for both men and women, and has programs for couples to enrich their marriage. It provides a community for believers to be strengthened in the quiet of nature’s serene backdrop. As Christy Preston, an instructor at the ranch, explains it, “Camp minis

May 283 min read

Jon Holliday, grandson of founder Peggy Gray, standing in his candy shop in North Springfield. He is wearing a blue "Peggy Gray" hoodie, a brown apron, and a branded baseball cap. In the foreground are trays of handmade chocolate confections, while the background shows industrial candy-making machinery and storage shelves.

Sweet Dreams!

Peggy Gray Candies of North Springfield has been a special treat for over 100 years, for kids from 1 to 92. In 1922 Marguerite (Peggy) Holliday was a physical education teacher. She began losing her hearing however, which made it impossible to continue as a teacher. Though many people might have decided to just stay home, Peggy never missed a beat. She quickly shifted gears, and looked for a new career to help her family. She had always enjoyed making candy as a hobby, and

Feb 133 min read

Multiple baskets of grapes for the 44th annual Wine Fest

Destination Wine Country

9 wineries, 100 samples, 3 days of fun. Make the most of Wine Fest by drinking in all the activities! The 44th annual Wine Fest will be...

Sep 15, 20253 min read

Blake Ragghianti walking across a field with farm animals following him.

The Renaissance of Ridgemeade Farm

Blake and Danielle Ragghianti are restoring their farmland and reaping the rewards of wholesome food grown with ancient methods. Photo by...

Aug 19, 20253 min read

Local pet shops with treats, toys and pet accessories for your dog or cat. Plus, pet bakeries that offer gourmet cookies, cakes, biscuits and more for canines and kitties.

Happy Tails—Erie

Local pet shops with treats, toys and pet accessories for your dog or cat. Plus, pet bakeries that offer gourmet cookies, cakes, biscuits...

Jul 11, 20252 min read

In Full Bloom

Though Mary Mae Gardens is fairly new in the flower growing industry, it’s rooted in tradition. Emily Chivers Yochim grew up on her...

May 8, 20253 min read

Highlights

Though Mary Mae Gardens is fairly new in the flower growing industry, it’s rooted in tradition.

In Full Bloom

North East was at one time known variously as Burgettstown, Gibsonville and Lower Greenfield before becoming North East. Whatever you call it, it’s one of the most enchanting areas in western Pennsylvania.

A Rose by Any Other Name

With summer around the corner, everyone will be heading to the lake. And, as it turns out, life on the water is better for you.

For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

Amelia and Andrew Madara are living a good life the simple way, with farm animals, homegrown vegetables and bread—lots of bread!

On a Roll

The Music Man

In Full Bloom

A Rose by Any Other Name

For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

On a Roll

The Music Man

In Full Bloom

A Rose by Any Other Name

For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

On a Roll

The Music Man

In Full Bloom

A Rose by Any Other Name

For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

On a Roll

The Music Man

In Full Bloom

A Rose by Any Other Name

For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

On a Roll

The Music Man

In Full Bloom

A Rose by Any Other Name

For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

On a Roll

The Music Man

Regional Interest

A vibrant and inviting street-side outdoor dining scene on a sunny day. In the foreground, a wooden table and chairs are positioned on a light-colored paved sidewalk, with a planter of red flowers in the corner. Above the seating area, the image features large, stylized text that reads "EAT, DRINK —and Be Airy!" in bold orange and blue lettering. The background shows a perspective view of additional outdoor tables and chairs lining the sidewalk under red awnings, decorated with lush hanging flower baskets filled with yellow and orange blooms.

Eat, Drink—and Be Airy!—Erie

Summer is almost here and the patios are open! Check out these local spots with alfresco dining options and enjoy great food in the great outdoors. Bay House Oyster Bar and Restaurant Address: 8 Sassafras Pier, Erie Contact: bayhousepier6.com, or 814.413.7440 Indoor and outdoor dining with stunning views of Lake Erie. Enjoy fresh oysters and craft cocktails at this upscale wood-fired Argentine grill. Blue Pike Grille Address: 11950 East Lake Road, North East Contact: bluepike

May 15

A close-up, low-angle shot of a dense bed of pink, red, and white periwinkle flowers (vinca) in full bloom. The foreground shows the bright petals and lush green leaves in sharp detail, while the background softly blurs into a sunlit greenhouse or outdoor garden center, capturing the essence of a local nursery in the spring season.

Petal Pushers—Erie

A guide to a few of the local garden nurseries where the season comes alive with colorful annuals, native perennials, flowering trees and more. Elk Creek Lawn and Garden Address: 4984 North Creek Road, Girard Contact: facebook.com/elkcreeklgp, 814.774.0700 Find what you need to make your garden grow at this family-owned garden center. Be sure to check out the pet supplies and great selection of garden statues and decor as well. Gordon L. Luke’s Greenhouse Address: 77 Grahamvi

Feb 13

Of Interest

Vibrant graphic illustration of a "Summer Scoop" community outdoor movie night. In the foreground, a young couple sits on a blanket with popcorn, looking toward a large inflatable movie screen displaying a film of three children. To the left stands a wooden kiosk featuring a "SUMMER SCOOP" sign and a list of events including "Movie in the Park," "Park Jazz Nights," "Local Food Festival," "Nature Walks & Tales," and "Community Bonfire." The scene is set on a grassy lawn at night under a starry sky, with string lights and other attendees in lawn chairs in the background.

Summer Scoop—West County

Festivals, food, music and more... here’s what area communities have lined up for the season. The community calendar is filling up fast. Whether you’re planning ahead or just looking for something to do on a sunny afternoon or warm evening, consider this your guide to making the most of the season. From food trucks and festivals to concerts and movies under the stars, these events highlight the best of what summer has to offer close to home. We kindly ask that before attendin

A serene shot of a woman receiving a restorative hot stone massage, a signature service for spring renewal. She lies face down on a white massage table with four smooth, dark stones placed along her spine, embodying the relaxation and muscle-soothing treatments found at local spas.

Blissful Escapes—Erie

From exfoliating scrubs to restorative massages, treat yourself to a spring spa treatment designed to renew skin, relax muscles, and welcome the warmer months. Cold days and heavy layers can leave both body and mind feeling dull. Spring is nature’s reminder that renewal is possible. With brightening facials, restorative massages, and revitalizing body treatments, spas offer an ideal way to refresh after months of winter hibernation. Here’s a list of local spas and salons wher