Quick getaways may offer safer vacation spots during pandemic for Western Pennsylvanians

For many families, summer vacation may look a little different this year.

A survey conducted by MyBioSource.com, a biotechnological products distribution company, found that 51% of Pennsylvanians are more likely to vacation locally in their own state this summer to avoid traveling by plane and reduce the risk of contracting covid-19.

With covid-19 concerns and travel restrictions, these close-to-home destinations may be more appealing this summer.

Here are some options:

Allegheny National Forest

With over 513,000 acres of public land, Allegheny National Forest, located about two hours from Pittsburgh, has plenty of outdoor space for a socially distanced getaway. Popular activities — like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and horseback riding — are available. Kinzua Bridge State Park is also open.

“We are a very large outdoor destination with lots of room to social distance. We normally have more trees than people,” said Linda Devlin, executive director of Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.

• Restaurants and bars are open, but with 50% capacity and masking and social distancing guidelines.
• Hotels and campgrounds are open.
• Masks are required when visiting indoor spaces or when interacting with Allegheny National Forest staff. Masks are not required during outdoor recreation where people can abide by social distancing guidelines.
• Devlin said visitors should abide by CDC guidelines, including social distancing protocols.

Chautauqua

Chautauqua, N.Y., is about two and a half hours from Pittsburgh. “We’re open for outdoor recreation,” Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Marketing & Communications Coordinator Megan Arnone said.

With five lakes, Chautauqua attracts visitors looking for water sports, boating and fishing. Panama Rocks Scenic Park is also open, as are indoor amusements, which may have capacity limitations in line with covid-19 guidelines.

• Restaurants and bars are open for indoor and outdoor seating.
• Beaches are open.
• Hotels are open.
• Masks may be required in businesses. “Any business can refuse business to people not wearing a mask if they so choose,” Arnon said. But visitors are not expected to wear masks when partaking in outdoor activities.
• Some indoor businesses have occupancy limitations. Social distancing is encouraged.

Deep Creek

Deep Creek, Md., about two hours from Pittsburgh, is open for a number of outdoor activities, as are state parks. Swimming, kayaking and jet skiing are popular options on the water.

“The things we’re known for — Deep Creek Lake, outdoor recreation — are still open,” Vice President of Tourism and Marketing for Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Sarah Duck said.

Most popular tourist spots — except bars — are open, she said. Masks are required at indoor facilities, but not at outdoor recreational sites.

“We don’t require masks outside,” Duck said. “Since it’s not mandated by the governor, people tend to be without masks. We encourage anyone who would want to wear a mask doing outdoor activities to do so.”

Duck said social distancing is encouraged, inside and outside.

• Restaurants are open at half capacity, with outdoor dining also available.
• Bars are closed, but visitors can purchase alcohol at restaurants.
• Beaches are open.
• Hotels are open, though Duck said vacation rental homes are more popular in the area. Both hotels and rental homes have implemented covid-19 guidelines, like online check-in options.
• Masks are required at indoor facilities, but not outdoors.
• Social distancing is encouraged both indoors and outdoors.

Erie

Located on its namesake lake, Erie is the Pennsylvania’s primary access point to the Great Lakes. It’s a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh.

Erie’s beaches, including Presque Isle State Park, are open. Christine Temple, director of communications for VisitErie, said attractions like the Erie Zoo, Presque Isle Downs & Casino, and Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park are open with social distancing measures in place.

“We feel our area is doing a good job of safely reopening our tourism product,” Temple said.

• Restaurants and bars are open at half capacity, but Temple said most of Erie’s restaurants also offer outdoor seating.
• Beaches are open.
• Hotels are open, but may have increased safety protocols.
• Masks are required inside businesses.
• Many businesses are operating with capacity limitations and social distancing procedures.

Erie Islands: Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay

Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay are Erie Islands in Ohio, about four hours and a ferry ride from Pittsburgh.

Visitors to Kelleys Island should consider stopping at the Kelleys Island History Museum, the Charles Herndon Galleries & Sculpture Garden, the Glacial Grooves, the North Shore Alvar Preserve, and the North Pond Preserve, said Jordan Kilam, director of the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.

“You can relax at the beach, challenge yourself to a kayaking, biking, hiking, or fishing excursion, or enjoy our lively nightlife,” Kilam said.

• Restaurants and bars are open, but they’re adhering to state guidelines regarding covid-19.
• Beaches are open.
• Hotels are open.
• Visitors are encouraged to wear masks inside businesses.
• Kilam said visitors are encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash their hands frequently.

Put-In-Bay is another of Erie’s islands that is also welcoming guests to an array of outdoor attractions this summer.

“We’re making sure health is a top priority,” Peter Huston of the Put-In-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau said.

• Restaurants and bars are open, though some have voluntarily closed.
• Beaches are open.
• Hotels are open.
• Masks are encouraged, but not mandated on the island. Masks are, however, required on the ferry that takes visitors to and from the island. Employees at most businesses will be wearing masks and some shops are asking customers to wear them.
• Huston said everyone should abide by the guidelines set forth by the governor and abide by social distancing practices.