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Sometimes you just need a break.
For me, that meant packing my bags overnight and hitting the road the very next day. More about why here: Trusting My Gut — A Spontaneous Trip to Pennsylvania.
Fifteen hours later, I was pulling into Butler, Pennsylvania, ready for a week with my friend in their little farmhouse surrounded by goats, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, flowers, and a garden that looked like it belonged in a storybook.
Day One: A Gentle Start
After the long drive, my first day was slow and peaceful.
We had breakfast at a local café called Bloom, where I ordered a fresh sandwich to start the morning right. Next door, there was a cozy little plant shop overflowing with greenery that we wandered through.
After we headed to a local park trail for a quiet walk and some photos. Catching up, and talking about our plans for the week ahead.
Later, we went thrifting with a friend, and when we were done we relaxed and ate at the friends small pool party before ending the day with s’mores under the soft evening light.
Day Two: The Fourth of July
This was our longest and busiest day.
We began with a trail walk alongside her family and two dogs, exploring a river, railroad, and fern field, and of course, taking plenty of photos. If you’re doing longer walks like this, a comfortable pair of cardio shoes is a must for keeping your feet happy all day.
We stopped for ice cream at Neff Haus, a charming old-town shop with so much character, the deserts were so unique, and the outside dining area was adorable, the trees lined with little fairy houses.
After a bit of spontaneous roadside photography, we ended the night at a Fourth of July dinner party, enjoying food, laughter, and fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
Day Three: Horseback Riding
I woke up with the sudden idea to go horseback riding, so we drove across Pittsburgh to Rolling Hills Ranch.
If you ever go, you’ll definitely want boots with a small heel (to keep your feet secure in the stirrups) and long pants to avoid any rubbing from the saddle. My horse, Raven, was a sweet but allergy-prone boy, while my friend’s horse, Guava, was full of sass and impatience, an entertaining (and slightly chaotic) duo.
After the ride, we spent the rest of the day relaxing, complete with more s’mores by the fire, again.
Day Four: Anthrocon in Pittsburgh
We decided to explore the city and see what was happening, which turned out to be Anthrocon, a huge annual convention held in the city.
We’re not part of the community, but it was fascinating to experience, and everyone we met was friendly. We even ran into a few well-known TikTok creators.
Day Five: A Rainy Rest Day
After so many busy outings, we took a break.
The morning was slow, spent walking the fields, coloring, and learning the basics of guitar from my friend, who’s a music education major. In the afternoon, the rain rolled in, the perfect excuse to stay inside, watch movies, and enjoy the sound of the storm.
Day Six: McConnell’s Mill State Park
This day was pure beauty.
We drove out to McConnell’s Mill State Park, where gloomy skies made the mossy forest trails feel calm and timeless. The narrow roads to get there were a little intimidating, but worth every turn.
For road trips like this, I can’t recommend a reliable car charger and a phone holder enough, they make navigation so much easier and keep your devices ready for all the photos you’ll want to take.
We followed it up with ice cream from King Cones Castle, a walk with the dogs, and an evening of rest.
Day Nine: A Short Departure and Return
After day six, I left for a quick two-day stop in D.C. (more about that adventure here: Two Days in Washington, D.C. — Road Trip, Friends, and a Few Surprises.) before returning to Pennsylvania for one last full day.
The morning greeted us with a power outage, so we left and had breakfast at Café Conmigo, which was so beautiful and calm on the inside.
Then we browsed books at Barnes & Noble, and saw the new Jurassic World: Rebirth movie, which was surprisingly decent.
That evening, we helped clean out the goat pen for her mom, which the goats loved, before sharing one final dinner together before I drove home the next day, ending this lovely trip.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania surprised me.
It wasn’t just the green hills, the endless trails, or the charm of small-town ice cream shops, it was the pace. Life there felt softer. Even ordinary views stopped me in my tracks.
This trip reminded me that sometimes, rest is found in places you’ve never been. And adventure can start with a simple decision: go.
I’ll be back.