PaAdventure would not be as robust as it is without the help and dedication of their guest bloggers. These individuals are all from different PA regions and different walks of life, however, they all share a great passion for the state of Pennsylvania. Take a moment to read about each of them and check out their sites as well to learn even more about PA.

Ken Hull: Boalsburg

His story: Ken spends his time riding the byways and back roads of central Pennsylvania scouting out cool places to eat and drink. This all began years ago while traveling the country and abroad for his artwork. Rather than eat at a cookie-cutter chain place, he snooped around and asked locals where they eat. In Europe, chains are super rare so eating at an indie cafe, bistro, trattoria or restaurant is the way of la vie. This idea of fresh, creative and passionate food and drink settled deep in his spirit. His book, Going Local is all about eating local in central PA.

Annie Heckenberger: Allentown/Philadelphia

Her story: Annie is a passionate Philly sports fan, self-proclaimed pop culture authority and twitter addict. Annie grew up in Allentown, (yes, like the song. *sigh*) and if you’re from that area, yes, she is related to Heckenberger’s Seafood located in the Allentown Farmer’s Market (it’s a cousin). Annie lived outside of PA for more than a decade only to happily settle in Philly a couple of years ago and admits she still has a special place in heart for the Great Allentown Fair. Annie occasionally blogs for Philly-insider blog ‘Uwishunu‘ and works as a “Community Trailblazer” for Philly-ad agency Red Tettemer. Annie is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Sara Bozich: Harrisburg

My story: For over five years, I’ve documented the ebbs and flows of Harrisburg’s nightlife and lifestyle scene in my Patriot-News nightlife column. Touring breweries, tasting wines, judging food and playing Golden Tee Live are just part of the job. I serve as an unofficial ambassador of the Harrisburg area, guiding locals and visitors alike to the best we have to offer in eats, drink and events. Column topics have covered everything from coffeehouses, family-friendly venues and shopping to live music, street festivals and cooking classes. I’ve developed a big interest in food, like my steak and my tuna rare - but won’t buy wine in the liquor store that’s over $15. I love grocery shopping, eating air-popped popcorn and have seen pretty much every episode of Law & Order - twice. In addition to my published column, I also operate SaraBozich.com, which serves as a complement to the weekly newspaper gig and as a means to showcase local events and personal travel and shopping tales. Visit Sara: PennLive: Out with Sara

Frank McDade: Hopewell

His story: Frank McDade is a native of Hopewell Township, a small suburb thirty miles west of Pittsburgh. A recent graduate of Point Park University with a BS in Sport, Arts, and Entertainment Management with a concentration in Photography, Frank is in the midst of college life and adulthood. Since 2005, he has been an avid follower of Pittsburgh’s nightlife as a freelance photographer, shooting a number of promotional jobs. In March of 2008, Frank returned to his high school alumna mater as a member of their musical’s production staff. Other experience Frank has had in the Pittsburgh area include being a Photographer at Kennywood Park, working Front of House at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, Bank of America Credit Card Sales at PNC Park, and Interning at the Beaver Valley & Allegheny Times, Donna Belajac Casting, and The Quantum Theatre. Currently Frank is developing a MySpace and Facebook for The Pittsburgh Playhouse. In his free time he enjoys photography, working on films with his cinema friends, and maintaining his personal website. Frank is a connessoir of entertainment in Pittsburgh and seeks to attend as many events as he can.

Brian Reilly: Harrisburg

My story: Since finishing my college studies in Southcentral Pennyslvania I’ve taken a job in Harrisburg and decided to reside here for pretty obvious reasons: cost of living = low, quality of life = not low. In fact, there is such a rich diversity of people to meet, places to see, and things to do that it’s hard to stay in the know about all the exciting things happening here. I don’t consider myself anything more than the average citizen, but I enjoy maintaining a blog to help inform people about what’s happening in the area as I become informed myself. You’ll find restaurant reviews, links to great local sites, and write ups on upcoming events both entertainment and business related on my blog - MidState Mantra. Check it out from time to time, you may be pleasantly entertained.

Brent Weichsel: Philadelphia

His story: “Brent Weichsel: Redhead, Filmmaker, Writer, Wander. Having a love for the outdoors since before he was born (his mother went on backpacking trips while he was still in the womb), Brent can’t help but seek out those secret places not on your map. Be it a town that has a raging inferno beneath its surface, a local shooting off a cannon to protect his junkyard, or a abandoned coal mine or hospital, he has to find it and experience it. Brent is currently honing his filmmaking craft at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He can be often found running the length of Fairmount Park and/or shooting films in various places in southeastern Pennsylvania. Brent also likes to self-reference and write in the third person.” Brent is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Tara Quinn: Erie

Her story: She hails from the Pittsburgh area for most of her life. For the past 7 years, Erie has become her new hometown. While the BIG city will always remain her home at heart, Erie is emerging with new festivities and recreational activities. A 2005 graduate of Gannon University with a BS in Marketing, Tara utilizes her degree as a Business Development & Marketing Rep at Erie General Electric FCU. She also co-owns Sitting Pretty - Chair Cover Rentals, which provides services to all of western PA. This busy-body doesn’t stop there. She is active in many local networking groups and still finds time to coach swimming and water polo. This nerdy jock loves Digg Nation and other podcasts while working out or to pass the time. Her hobbies are reading, traveling and the newest challenge of learning more about digital photography and computer animation. Tara is an Erie Ambassador, a local group trained to promote the Erie area to businesses and prospective recruits. Northwestern PA offers an abundance of night life, family, and sporting activities year round for everyone to enjoy. I dare you to check out all the great things Erie can offer you and your acquaintances!

Brent Postal: Poconos

My story: I was born and raised in a sport-focused community in Central Pennsylvania. When I wasn’t on a playing field, he was in the woods and waters hunting and fishing. Ultimately, he gravitated toward the outdoors. “While I may have lost a step in recent years, I still enjoy participating and writing about sports whenever I can.” Brent can be found in the beautiful Pocono region of PA.

Jeromy Wo: Jim Thorpe

His story: Jeromy was raised in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania where the great outdoors were engrained into his roots. Growing up he found himself spending a lot of time digging in his backyard, building bmx tracks and mountain biking the switchback trail. Educated at Keystone College, Jeromy received his B.A., in communications and writing. As the public relations coordinator for The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Jeromy manages all of the resort’s external communications along with five separate blogs. These days Jeromy occupies himself by scouting out new swimming holes, dining at exciting restaurants, playing music and going to concerts. It is a rare occasion when Jeromy is not present at regional festivals parades and celebrations.

Clinton and Rachel Godlesky: Aspinwall/Monroeville

Their story: They both have a Pennsylvania birth certificate. They both have also lived in PA all of their lives. Clint works as a web developer in Aspinwall, PA, and Rachel works as a Medical Assistant near Monroeville, PA. They have two dogs Max, a Great Dane, and Madison, an English Mastiff who both share in their adventures. In the early Summer of 2008, they planned to visit Prince Gallitzin State Park. Along the way they stopped at Yellow Creek State Park. After Prince Gallitzin, they added 3 more parks and found it fun to visit them. After picking up a 2008-2009 State Parks and Forests guide, they discovered that there were many more parks out there. 120 to be exact (117 parks, 3 conservation areas). They also found that Pennsylvania was separated into regions, which made traveling the state more fun. They set off to visit a large amount of Pittsburgh parks, all of the Erie Parks, and some parks in the Pennsylvania Wilds in a single weekend. They thought it was silly to try to do all 120 in a single Summer, but once they started raising the number of visited parks, it became fun. Before they knew it, they had them all. Visiting state parks is a great way to see Pennsylvania, from the Allegheny Mountains, to Lake Erie, to Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Zachary and Jacob Smiley: Tunkhannock

Their story: Zachary and Jacob Smiley started WILD PA in the summer of 2007. It has since become a satirical mouthpiece for the brothers to comment on reality television, extreme outdoor activities, and their youth spent in small town Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. WILD PA is an improvisational series that also has a continuing story arc. It follows the exploits of Kryzpin Buffalo and his friend, Ricardo Mont, as they brave the harshest elements Pennsylvania has to offer. Along the way, they make many forest friends, fend off wild predators, and teach you everything required for survival in the wilds of PA WILD!

Kristian Almgren: South Philly

My story: I moved to Philly to attend the University of the Arts in 2004 and really dig it here. Philly is a manageable city but it does not feel like the condensed burbs. I have lived in Center City, Graduate Hospital Area, Northern Liberties, and now find myself calling South Philadelphia home. It’s a riot down there. The Italian market is a lawless part of town that provides free entertainment 24 hours a day (although I would not recommend seeing the 1am show). I work in the advertising industry and play in the music industry. I play in a band called JOTTO, from South Philly, and work at various recording studios and music promo companies to fill my time and feed my passion. Kristian is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Mandy McFadden: Pittsburgh, aka, Hopewell

My story: I’m a born military child with a travel bug so big I went all the way to Europe for three months and still haven’t squashed it. I’m currently living in a ‘burb of Pittsburgh and making my way through all the museums, restaurants and parks on my PA to-do list. Check out some of those adventures here and here! Mandy is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

David Brown: West Philadelphia/New Jersey

My story: I’m a Pennsylvanian through and through. Born here. Grew up here. High School in Philly. College in Pittsburgh. Back to Philly to build 3 businesses, raise a family and enjoy the life. I suffer and celebrate with my sports teams from the glory days of Dr. J to the Fightin’ Phils to the Bullies of Broad Street while bleeding green with my Eagles. David is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Randy Malone: Philadelphia

My story: I moved to Philadelphia from Memphis…yes, because of a woman. Contrary to popular belief, however, we did not meet online. We met the old fashioned way…in a hotel lobby bar in Orlando. Now, I’ve been in Philly for just over a year and I’ve learned three very important things: (1) there is no “to” in the phrase “down the shore”, (2) it’s actually not always sunny in Philadelphia, and (3) Monk’s is located on 16th between Latimer and Spruce. I work in advertising and in my free time I play really bad golf. Randy is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Sande Kaczkurkin: Endless Mountains

Sande is a city girl at heart residing in the Endless Mountains Region of PA. She is enjoying the mountains and farm country and always finds fun things to do and see. One of her favorite PA places is Hershey!

Moshe’ Simpson: Boothwyn

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, my PA experience started when I chose to attend Widener University in Chester, PA. By meeting new people from the area, I got to learn about the cool stuff to do in Philly and points west. Though I started my career in New York, I was always focused on coming back to PA. I now live in Boothwyn, PA (and not because it sounds like Brooklyn), and my wife and I enjoy exploring all that PA has to offer. I make my living in the advertising industry, but keep my sanity by traveling, shopping for clothes, investing time in various hobbies and daydreaming about getting my motorcycle and really hitting the road. Moshe is a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Jenny Poust: New Tripoli

Jenny was born and raised in the very rural Eastern PA community of New Tripoli, which in her lifetime has gotten its first traffic light and fast-food joint (Subway). After graduating high school, Jenny bounced from Hazleton to Harrisburg to Fogelsville to Allentown back to New Tripoli, which is where she lives today with a very special man and two crazy cats. Jenny is a fourth generation Penn State graduate who loves the Nittany Lions, even when the football team isn’t doing so well. She’s the e-marketing manager for Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, which recently started a blog of its own: Lehigh Valley InSite.

Merlin Benner: Wellsboro, Tioga County

I am a naturalist, wildlife photographer, and nature guide, living and working in the Pennsylvania Wilds.  Recently retired from working as DCNR’s Wildlife Biologist for 15 years, now I work as the Interpretive Director for Nature Quest - a nature tour company, and own a wildlife consulting company.  I grew up in the Wellsboro area, where my wife Melissa and I now live with our 5 children.  We live in an octagonal log home that we’ve been building by ourselves throughout this whole millenium. Over the years I’ve learned to know the Pennsylvania Wilds intimately, and am always on the lookout for the once in a lifetime that happens everyday in the wild.  My greatest joy comes from showing others the beauty and complexity of wild animals and other aspects of the creation.  My postings will usually focus on special places or unique wildlife spectacles that I’ve been privileged enough to observe.  My hobbies:  nature photography, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, hunting, and camping.

Nathan Milner: Scranton

Nathan was born and raised in the Tunkhannock area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He helped found Electric City Renaissance in 2004 out of an interest in creating an outlet for news on the cultural and artistic renaissance taking place around Scranton. The site was voted Best Local Blog in Lackawanna County for three consecutive years and continues to grow through partnerships with area community and arts organizations, while Nathan writes, daily, on the ongoing revitalization of Scranton. He lives with his wife, Lori, and two daughters, Cora and Hannah, on Lake Winola and works as Community Manager for Scranton’s BlackOut Design, Inc.

Tracey Werner: Easton

Born and raised in Allentown, I am a Lehigh Valley lifer. I’ve also lived in Bethlehem (twice) and currently reside in the Easton area. I love this region of the state and have come to know a lot about it, yet I’m always learning new things. My job with the region’s tourism bureau means that I get paid to know a lot about the area, and I’m happy to share my advice and observations. Some of my favorite activities are going to plays and musicals, dining out (especially at fancy restaurants) and going to the region’s many great annual events, fairs and festivals.

Sarah Sudar: Pittsburgh via Aliquippa

I have to say my love of fashion started in elementary school when I insisted on having enough Keds to match each one of my back-to-school outfits.  Although I have put all those Keds to rest, you can find me shopping at Pittsburgh boutiques trying to find  unique one-of-a-kind pieces.  When I’m not shopping, you can catch me blogging about the Pittsburgh fashion scene and attending graduate classes in journalism at Point Park University.

Suzanne Franus: Sewickley

A transplant to the PA area, I am originally from Annapolis, Maryland but, moved to Sewickley 2 years ago and vowed to never leave. I have a love for Pittsburgh and all of it’s surrounding areas. I am an avid sports fan from the heart frequenting the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates games. My hobbies include: skiing, hiking, running and swimming. I have skied at all of the main PA resorts so I am sure you will see a few blog postings about my most favorable areas coming soon. I am a PA enthusiast who works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office team.

Jake Miller: Harrisburg

There are not many more Keystoners more proud of our Commonwealth than this guy. I have lived across all stretches of the state and have learned much from it. I am a “Jake-of-All-Trades” teacher at Cumberland Valley School District, and have previously labored in the State Capitol. As a columnist for the Bloomsburg University Voice for four years and at Keystone Politics for three, I’ve penned more than 200 articles on a plethora of topics. Currently, I serve as a guest columnist in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. While I often write about history, politics, education, or culture, the breadth of my writing is so vast I couldn’t fathom what I won’t write about. When it comes to writing, I prefer John Grogan’s quote: “if the columnist is having fun, the reader will have fun, too.” First stop - the mountains and ski resorts of our great Commonwealth. I hope you’ll enjoy yourself as much as I will.

Scott Mingus:York

Scott L. Mingus, Sr. is a scientist and executive in the paper and printing industry, and holds patents in self-adhesive postage stamp products and in bar code labels. He has written five books on the American Civil War, including Human Interest Stories of the Gettysburg Campaign (Volumes 1 and 2), Human Interest Stories from Antietam, and Flames Beyond Gettysburg: The Gordon Expedition, which will be released by Ironclad Publishing. His latest manuscript, A Spirit of Daring: Hays’ Louisiana Tigers in the Gettysburg Campaign, has been submitted to a major publisher for consideration. He has written articles for several magazines, including The Gettysburg Magazine. He maintains a blog on York County, Pennsylvania, in the Civil War for the York Daily Record. Mingus also has written several booklets on wargaming the Civil War, including the two-volume Enduring Valor: Gettysburg in Miniature, the popularly acclaimed Undying Courage: The Antietam Campaign in Miniature, Touched With Fire, and Crossed Sabers: Gettysburg in Miniature. His latest work, Brothers Divided, features a dozen new scenarios from the Gettysburg campaign. He and his wife Debi publish Charge!, the leading international fanzine for ACW miniature wargaming.
A native of southeastern Ohio, he graduated from Miami University after majoring in Paper Science and Engineering. Mingus spent 23 years working for office products giant Avery Dennison in the Cleveland area before joining Glatfelter, a global manufacturer of specialty papers, in 2001. He and his family live near York, Pennsylvania.

Breonna Rodriguez: Society Hill

Well, let’s see. I went to Drexel University, fell in love
with Philly, and never left. Spending my first four years out in West
Philly, I was exposed to all my guilty pleasures; great food (R.I.P. Taco
Lou’s), inspiring art and cute guys (thank you, Cavanaugh’s). All grown up
and working in the ad world, I now live in a historical home seconds from
Washington Square. With eight countries and five continents on the belt, I’m also a girl with
an very expensive hobby:  last-minute travel. But when I can’t travel far, I
often float through the state and make my own crazy adventures.