COOKSBURG, Pa. (EYT) — With better weather on the way and fishing season soon to begin, Cook Forest area businesses are busy getting ready for the upcoming tourist season.
(Photo above: courtesy MacBeth’s Cabins)
Here’s a look at what’s coming up at some of the area businesses:
Trail’s End Restaurant
Life-long best friends Susie and Missie have lots on the schedule for this year, their 20th anniversary, including drink specials, patio music, karaoke, comedy nights, and the Jeep Scavenger Hunt.
Susie was a waitress at Trail’s End for a number of years and Missie was, too, while still bartending at Vince’s Tavern before they decided to buy it.
“We worked pretty hard, and we decided we might as well be in it for ourselves,” Susie said. “So, we’re proud to hit 20 years.”
There are still openings for Trails End Annual Jeep Scavenger Hunt. The event will be on Sunday, April 29. The cost is $40.00 per jeep, and pre-registration is required. Two tee-shirts, materials needed for the hunt, and coffee and donut are included in the cost. For more details call, 814-927-8400.
Trail’s End is currently open Friday through Sunday.
Beginning May 17, the kitchen will be open seven days a week, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Friday and Saturday.
After Memorial Day, there will be patio music on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
There will also be Two For Tuesday specials.
For more information, see their webpage at https://trailsendcookforest.wpengine.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TrailsEndCookForest/ or at 814-927-8400.
Farmer’s Inn
Kim Lucas has announced an Open House from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at the new Farmer’s Inn.
The Band Country Connection, sponsored by Wise Veterinarians Clinic, will play.
There will be light refreshments and a view of the building. No other buildings or animal park will be open.
Lucas and her crew are working hard to be open by the first day of trout season on April 14.
“We have a lot to do to be open by the middle of April,” Lucas said.
The original restaurant burned to the ground on May 30, 2017, but Farmer’s Inn was open barely a week later. When it closed for the season last fall, the preparations for the new restaurant began.
There are also new babies at Farmer’s Inn that will soon become favorites at the petting zoo.
For more information, see their web page at www.thefarmersinn.com or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Farmers-Inn-163797609932/.
Cook Riverside Cabins/Pale Whale Canoe Fleet
With the first day of trout season getting closer and the youth mentored trout fishing day scheduled for Saturday, April 7, it’s definitely not too early to start making plans to reserve a cabin.
Also, don’t forget about the Cook Forest Fishing Pond behind the Park Office for kids 12 or younger and for people with disabilities.
Canoes, kayaks, river rafts and inner tubes will be available to rent beginning April 1.
Trips range from 2.5 to 10 miles.
The fleet is located on the Clarion River at Cook Riverside Cabins.
Guests of Cook Riverside Cabins receive a 50 percent discount on canoe, kayak, and inner tube rentals.
For more information on canoe, kayak, inner tube, or river raft rentals including river condition updates, please go to Pale Whale Canoe Fleet or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
WiFi is available at the Pale Whale.
Keep an eye on their Facebook posts for river updates at www.facebook.com/PaleWhaleCanoeRental/.
Cabin rentals are available year-round and winter specials are available through the end of April.
Don’t forget to stop in at the the Cooksburg Cafe and the Cooksburg Dry Goods store.
For more information, go to https://cookriverside.com or
http://fairwindsintheforest.com/welcome-2/pale-whale-canoe-fleet
MacBeth’s Cabins
Fishing season is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to make your reservation for the opening of trout season.
For more information, call Mary at 800-331-6319 or email at mtmacbeth2012@hotmail.com.
Gateway Lodge
The Lodge always has something happening, and they currently have a three-night cabin special for $299.00; but hurry, the special ends on March 22.
The weekday pamper package runs through March 29.
Treat yourself to a relaxing two-night stay in a Fireside Jacuzzi Suite. Enjoy breakfast each morning in Gateway’s dining room and one 60-min massage from The Woods Spa onsite. It includes afternoon tea and complimentary room snacks.
Easter Weekend Package
March 30-April 1
Spring is in the air! Retreat to Cook Forest for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Weekend Package includes two nights in a Fireside Jacuzzi Suite, breakfast Saturday, and a very special Easter Brunch on Sunday morning. $450 per couple.
Easter Sunday Brunch is from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The cost is $25.00 per person or $15.00 for children under ten.
For more information and details on upcoming packages and events, call 814-744-8017 or visit http://gatewaylodge.com.
Easter Sunrise Service in Cook Forest – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
This year celebrates the 68th anniversary of the event. The inter-denominational church service will have a prelude, soloists singing hymns, an invocation and a message.
If attending please plan on arriving early to Ridge Campground area, about 6:30 a.m. to ensure a good seat. Ridge Camp Amphitheater is across from the Fire Tower Road on Route 36.
Please bring your own lawn chairs. Call 814-744-8407 for more information.
April Wine & Dine Weekend
April 20-22
Delight your senses with a weekend of great cuisine and carefully paired wine to match. Package includes two nights in a Fireside Jacuzzi Suite, breakfast both mornings and a five-course tasting for two with live musical entertainment on Saturday night.
For more information, go to http://gatewaylodge.com.
Cook Forest/Clear Creek State Parks
(Cook Forest: Photo courtesy Don Niederriter)
In addition to what area businesses are planning, Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks have fun and family-friendly activities ready to go.
Cook Forest State Park is hosting its eagle watch on Saturday, March 17.
“We’ll take everyone for a nice ride up along the river and check out some of the better spots to see eagles,” Park Program Director Dale Luthringer said.
Then, on May 12, Clear Creek State Park is hosting Woodsy Owl workday.
Following the long Memorial Day weekend May 25-28, the Kiddie Fishing Day is Sunday, June 3 at Cook Forest.
The following weekend, June 9-10, is the French and Indian War Encampment, also at Cook Forest.
For more information about the parks, go to www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CookForestStatePark/Pages/default.aspx or www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/ClearCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx.