CENTRE COUNTY — Route 45 Getaways, a weeklong road trip celebration, will cruise into Centre County from Friday, July 26, to Sunday, Aug. 4.
Route 45 Getaways, made possible through a partnership among Ferguson Township, Millheim Borough and Harris Township, connects businesses along Route 45 to encourage participants to visit and learn more about what is available in those regions.
During the weeklong event, restaurants and bars offer special menus, businesses host special tours and multiple locations host live music.
“Last year, over 30 businesses and organizations participated in our annual event,” the Route 45 Getaways website noted. “Over 50 music, art and other outdoor-related activities were held at our participating destinations — all of which are located along scenic Route 45 between Pine Grove Mills, Boalsburg and Millheim in Centre County.
For Robert Ziegler, current president of the Valley Community Business Alliance in Millheim, the return of Route 45 Getaways offers an opportunity for small businesses in more rural areas.
“Every year we are working to build upon what we did last year in Millheim.” Ziegler said in a statement. “With this event, it’s our kickoff of Route 45 Getaways, a wonderful event that goes from Aaronsburg to Pine Grove Mills, from July 26th to August 4th.”
Within Millheim, four businesses will do their part to partake in the event.
“Every weekend in Millheim is jam-packed, but this is bigger and better, centered on four venues right in the middle of this town of 900 people,” shared Zeigler in a statement. “The Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks serves up housemade beer and music at the center of town; they also have their Creekside outdoor stage on the grassy field behind the fire hall. The Millheim Hotel offers music and cold drinks on West Main Street, where it’s been for over 200 years. Pisano Winery is tucked into a shady spot off Main Street along the Millheim Race, a flowing reminder of the town’s heritage as the ‘home of the mills.’ All four venues will have live music on Saturday and Sunday. … Great food and drink, much of it made right here, is available at all four venues, and several other spots in the middle of town.”
For Andy Pisano, owner of Pisano Winery, Route 45 Getaways is a great way to support local businesses and expand offerings.
“Doing something above and beyond our normal routine is great for business,” Pisano said. “We love local support, but any time we can get more people in, it helps show what the town has to offer. Working together to help strengthen that sense of community is a great feeling.”
A full schedule of events can be found at route45getaways.com.
