Shop for unusual souvenirs at the Flip Side Collector's Mall, which houses over 2 million records along with a large selection of collectibles from the music and movie industries. Visit www.flipmall.com for details.

For something sweet, stop by the Philadelphia Candies chocolate shop to nibble on one of more than 75 tempting creations. Tour the factory and see how chocolates are made.

Just a short drive away in Mercer is Encounter Sports U.S.A. Paintball Adventures. The field is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during the week for groups of 10 or more. Bring your own equipment from home or rent on site. Visit www.encountersports.com for more information.

Car buffs will want to swing by Quaker Steak and Lube in Sharon. Scarf up hot wings prepared in several degrees of "hot," while ogling motorcycles and Corvettes hanging upside down from the ceiling!

After all that paintball action and auto-viewing excitement, cool off at the pool in Buhl Farm Park. Hiking trails and frequent outdoor concerts make this a great place to visit.

The Meadville area is worth a look. Search for treasures at Unger's Antique Shop or Troyer's Antiques, or stop by the Meadville Market House. Renovated in 1970, the Market House is a city market and the hub of downtown doings. The Vendors Marketplace on Chestnut Street offers a large selection of items including old and new merchandise, antiques and collectibles, crafts and more.

The Chestnut Street Station honors the area's railroad heritage through a wide range on antiques on display. Check out the custom bears and bobbleheads at JC Bears. For a mid-afternoon snack, check out Hank's Frozen Custard, where flavors like butterscotch, peanut butter, black raspberry, black cherry and banana give new twists to an old favorite.

WILDS REGION
The Pennsylvania Wilds Region has so many great fishing holes and family fun offerings that it could keep your clan occupied for many vacations to come.

For starters, wish upon a star in Pennsylvania's first dark-sky preserve at Cherry Springs State Park, visit the state's "Grand Canyon" at Pine Creek Gorge, or shop for outdoor gear at The original Woolrich Company store.

The Beaver Creek Nature Area has 850 acres of lakes and wetlands stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. This area is a favorite for wildlife watchers and photographers because over 150 species of birds and waterfowl visit and nest here. A campground, boat ramps, playgrounds and picnic areas make this a great vacation destination.

Consider staying nearby at Wolf's Camping Resort. Choose from tent, pop-up and RV sites as well as cabins. Wolf's has a pool, hot tub, nine-hole golf course, baseball field, camp store, ice cream shop and arcade, in addition to boating and fishing. Visit www.wolfscampingresort.com.

Nearby eateries include the Captain Loomis Hotel (known for its good and friendly service) and Michelle's Café, a coffee shop and art gallery featuring a different artist every month, plus open-mike performances free to the public on weekends.