History, Golfing, Food...Who's In? A Guys' Weekend Adventure

Alright, guys. You’ve worked hard this week, I’m sure. And of course, you’re in desperate need of a get-away just as much as the ladies are. I’ve got you covered with a tour involving the three most important elements of a perfect gentlemen’s weekend: golf, great food, and beer (or insert other beverage of choice). Am I right? Well, obviously. I’m not cocky, but being raised as the daughter of my father, I learned the male necessities pretty quickly. (I’m not stereotyping, I’m sure there are many men that don’t enjoy any of those three things, but they’re also lying to themselves.)

First stop of this crazy journey: Titusville, Pennsylvania. I decided to unwind by taking the 2.5 hour round trip through “The Valley That Changed the World” on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad. I know how you guys like your history, and this is a really great place for it. I learned a lot and had a really great time getting a glimpse of the history of this place. This is a peek into the rich history of Oil Country, and there’s a great opportunity for seeing a variety of wildlife. It’s a perfect way to unwind, right? While in the area, I had to check out the Drake Well Park and Museum and the Tyred Wheels Museum. At the Drake Well Park and Museum I had the opportunity to check out a full-sized replica of the world’s first oil well, which was drilled in 1859, and is actually very interesting. That’s just a little bit of proof of the rich history that resides in PA Great Lakes! Alright, so the Tyred Wheels Museum was the real kicker for me. I, myself, am personally not into antique cars…but keeping my dad in mind and remembering that I’m plotting out a great guys’ weekend, this place is honestly essential. I got the opportunity to check out antique cars, motorcycles, radios, miniature tractors and trains and toys. Okay, I know you’re totally ready to hop in your car and head out there right now, but you had better finish reading my blog so you get the full picture of your weekend!

Alright, now that you had a chance to take a few deep breaths and you’re prepared to keep reading, my next destination was riding into the lovely Mercer County. My first stop in Mercer County was at Wendell August Forge in Grove City. There are two locations, one being in downtown Grove City and the other being at the Grove City Prime Outlets. (You should take the time to roam around the Outlets if you have the time, there is a large variety of stores specializing in pretty much anything you can think of, trust me. I may not know cars, but I do know shopping.) This is a great opportunity to witness a tradition of craftsmanship and pick up a few souvenirs for the family. They use aluminum, bronze, pewter or sterling silver to create beautiful pieces that same way that did it when their doors were first opened in 1923.

With a mind filled with some great history, I decided that my next stop would be at Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant. Here comes the really fun part, this is North America’s leading British-Classics eatery so they have a long list of really delicious food. Trust me, you will love it. They also serve a great selection of beers, scotches and wines from all over the world, so you can really enjoy your time here. And luckily enough, there is a Holiday Inn Express right across the street, so you can end the first night of your trip comfortably. This is extremely handy if you get carried away sampling all of the fine food and drinks at Elephant & Castle.

Okay, so who’s ready for a great day out on the green? I’m not much of a golfer, but I sure do like to ride the cart – especially around courses like these. Golf Digest named Mercer County one of “The Top Golf Destinations in the USA.” No wonder why! With all of the options of courses with beautiful landscape and challenging terrain, this is pretty much a golfer’s dream. I, personally, chose to check out Oak Tree County Club, in West Middlesex Pennsylvania. It seemed like a great place to golf (it’s one of my dad’s favorites) and the course was very well taken care of. I’ve also heard that it’s a pretty challenging course, so bring your “A” game, boys! Aside from Oak Tree, you can choose from Buhland Golf Course, Tam O’Shanter Golf Course, Yankee Run Golf Course, Spring Valley Golf Course, Pine Grove Golf Course and even more. Seriously, Mercer County is the place to go to brush up on your swing.

To finish off this day, I traveled to Sharon, Pennsylvania to the original, yes I said original, Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant. Enjoy the car-and-motorcycle-themed décor while feasting on 32 flavors of wings and other delicious options and wash it all down with a cold beer. Oh yes. Perfection in a day, guys.

Okay, this is yet another awesome, one of a kind weekend planned in PA Great Lakes. I dare you to ask, yet again, what better places exist? So I leave you with that thought…I’ve got to go work on my golf swing. See you on the greens gentlemen!

-Road Trip Gal