Buttermilk Falls, Homewood PA

Last weekend, I took my children on a hike to Buttermilk Falls, located in Homewood, PA. I had expected to take photos and maybe dip our feet in the cool water. Well! I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that we could swim in a beautiful, natural swimming hole at the base of the falls.

Long ago, the area was a stone quarry.

The height of the falls is a whopping 35 feet.

We weren't aware of Buttermilk Falls and were happy to learn it was just 25 minutes from our home...approximately 11 miles away. What a beautiful, natural sanctuary! A place to get away, cool off from the 90 degree temps, get back to nature and restore our soul!

We went on a Saturday and the kids talked me into going back again on Sunday!

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My favorite part was swimming towards the falling water, looking up and getting closer and closer...it's just an incredible perspective.

You'll notice, I swam in my clothes. We weren't prepared with bathing suits, although we did bring a couple of towels in case we got just a little wet. Of course, with my permission, my boys kicked off their socks and shoes and jumped right in. At first I sat on a big rock and watched, but soon I could not resist! I just had to go in. I knew the ride home would be uncomfortable...but I knew it would be well worth it!! I have to say, we all had a blast. It was the most incredible experience I've had in a long time!

summertime

I had a hankering for ice cream the other day! We went to a local favorite called Hank's. Hank's sells frozen custard and Mexican food. Yes! I know! What a strange combination! Who knows!?!?! Well, I looked up their website. Turns out the original owner used to sell hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as frozen custard, but some time in the 70's he switched over to Mexican food. The new owner has kept the tradition..and so the Mexican food lives on. This was only my second time at Hank's. I think I may have went there once about 20 years ago. I was really looking forward to trying their frozen custard, which really tastes just like ice cream to me! Anyhow, I was pleasantly surprised. It was delicious! The service was fast and friendly..the place was clean..and lots of customers! (a good sign). My oldest son got two scoops of "death by chocolate", my youngest son got two scoops of "cookie dough" and..



I got two scoops of "black raspberry cheesecake". It was sooo good..it even had chunks of cheesecake in it!


My husband and I both tried the soft tacos.




I thought they were pretty good. My husband thought they were "okay". At any rate, I would definitely eat the tacos again. They were very fresh! All of the Mexican food is homemade, which is a welcome surprise in this day and age where everything is usually processed and frozen. The photo I posted at the beginning of this post was altered on Picnik.com...I used the "posterize" effect. I love it. It could be an advertisement for Hank's. Maybe I should email the pic to the owner!

Donuts To Die For

It is my personal opinion that Oram's Donuts, located in Beaver Falls, PA, makes THE best donuts and cinnamon rolls!


William and Lilliam Oram opened their donut shop in 1938. They knew they had a great recipe for donuts and the success of the store proved it! People would drive from miles around just to get a taste of these yummy little treasures.


In fact, loyal customers today, will still go out of their way on a Friday morning to pick up cinnamon rolls for work. Coffee breaks in Beaver County are just a little big longer and a little bit sweeter when these freshly baked, soft rolls, show up in their break room.

As you can see by their display case, Oram's has never claimed to have a large variety of donuts. I think that is one of their cornerstones of success: making a few recipes and making them well with quality ingredients and attention to detail.


William and Lillian's foster son Tom Bradshaw took over the business in 1960. Fast forward to May 1995, Tom unfortunately had to close up shop due to an illness. The store along with it's original recipes, was sold to Jon and Vickie George reopening just 3 months later. Customers were thrilled to see Oram's back in business, and producing the same great donuts they had come to love for generations.

My personal favorite is their chocolate topped, cream filled donut. With a wallop of chocolate frosting "shmeared" (not a typo) on top and a heavenly cloud of sweet cream hiding inside, it can take me to places far above the tree tops! If you've never had an Oram's donut, I suggest you get in your car and go. Now! Go early in the day. It's not unusual for them to sell out! They are not open on Sundays and that is nice to see in this day and age! Hours are Mon thru Sat 5 am to 2 pm, and of course, closed on Sundays.