Forge, Flavor, and Falls: This Week’s Adventure Roundup
From fire and steel to sweet treats and epic waterfalls, this week we went all in on hands-on experiences you won’t forget. Here’s what we got up to—and why you’ll want to add these to your own summer bucket list.
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Go Full Viking at The Drunken Smithy
📍 Lebanon Valley Mall – Lebanon, PA
Did you know you can forge your very own axe—or even a knife—with your own two hands, right here in the Lebanon Valley?
We spent the day at The Drunken Smithy, and it was nothing short of epic. From pulling red-hot steel from the forge to hammering, shaping, and grinding it into a working axe (yes, a real one), this is the ultimate hands-on experience. Expert blacksmiths guide you through every step, so no experience needed—just a willingness to get a little gritty.
Bonus: You’ll grill your own lunch over the forge.
Even better bonus: Post-forging axe throwing and mead tasting.
Creative, intense, unforgettable—and you leave with something you actually made.
Verdict: A must-try for adventurers, makers, and anyone who wants to say “I forged this myself.”
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Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavor at The Turkey Hill Experience
📍 Columbia, PA
Ever dreamed of inventing your own ice cream flavor from scratch? At The Turkey Hill Experience, it’s not just a dream—it’s your main event.
From hopping in an old-school dairy truck to sipping unlimited iced teas and lemonades, the fun starts the moment you walk in. But the real magic happens in the Taste Lab, where you get to:
✅ Pick your base
✅ Choose mix-ins, swirls, and toppings
✅ Build your dream pint
Add in designing your own carton and sampling the full Turkey Hill lineup on rocking chairs, and you’ve got a full afternoon of creative (and delicious) fun.
Perfect for families, foodies, and anyone who thinks dessert should be its own adventure.
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Discover Rainbow Falls Without the Climb at Watkins Glen
📍 Watkins Glen State Park – Finger Lakes, NY
One of the most stunning hikes in New York—and we found a shortcut.
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is famous for its jaw-dropping views, especially Rainbow Falls, but many don’t realize you can skip the brutal climb up Jacob’s Ladder by entering from the Upper Entrance.
Our trail route was just 1.5 miles and absolutely packed with beauty:
✅19 waterfalls
✅Stone bridges
✅Photo-worthy vistas
✅Cool mist throughout the gorge
Trail Tips:
• Main Entrance: 3-mile roundtrip, includes Jacob’s Ladder
• Upper Entrance: 1.5–3 miles, mostly downhill
• South Entrance: ~2.5 miles, mid-trail access
• Parking: $10 at self-pay kiosk
• Go early to beat the crowds
• Wear shoes with good traction—it gets slick!
Bottom line: One of the most magical hikes we’ve done—and beginner-friendly if you plan it right.
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That’s it for this week’s roundup! Whether you’re swinging a hammer, scooping your dream dessert, or chasing waterfalls, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences just a drive away.
Stay curious, stay adventurous—and we’ll see you next week with more!