Avenue of Artists: PA’s Route 6 Heritage

The Route 6 Heritage Corridor is a 3,652 mile road from Cape Cod to Long Beach, California. In Pennsylvania, Route 6 stretches 427 miles and Galeton, a small town in Potter County, hosts the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourist Association, a castle-like information center covered in ivy. Route 6 hosts the famous locations of the world’s first underground mine, first locomotive, and the first of the legendary Great Lakes lighthouses. The famous Gifford Pinchot, whose state park now rests in the hills above the small farm town of Lewisberry, traveled along Route 6, as well as notable American icons like the satirist Mark Twain and our greatest leader, George Washington. The heritage and history of this route is imperative to American identity. Route 6 is also famous for its reputation among American artist communities. You won’t find chain store art here or legendary masterpieces by the greats, but rather handmade, original artisan crafts and work in a variety of styles. The heritage area holds many shops, studios, galleries, and museums. It also hosts many art festivals throughout the spring and summer, creating a network of hundreds of artists across this beautiful area of Pennsylvania. Due to the concentration of art in the area, the artistic communities boosted tourism and culture, making the region a culturally wealthy community that recognizes the value in art and creation. Visit the heritage area’s website which also includes a section for upcoming events, notable attractions, heritage and history, and things to do along the route.

Brandon Sherbo, Guest Blogger