Relaxing in the Hammock

Even though everything at the Bend is meant to be relaxing, swinging on the hammock is definitely the most relaxing activity. There is nothing like laying back in the hammock enjoying the nice breeze coming off of the river while watching the puffy white clouds float by. It is also amazing to watch boats go up and down the river while relaxing on the shore. Many Benders love spending a lazy summer afternoon this way. It is also very neat to lay out on the hammock at night and look up at all the twinkling stars. Hammocks are definitely a staple in the Bend!

Fireworks in the Bend

Everyone in the Bend loves fireworks, especially on the Fourth of July. Every year my family and I go to our favorite local firework company to get our Fourth of July fireworks. I love going to Kellner's and seeing all the different kinds of fireworks. I could spend hours in that store! Then on the Fourth we put off our own firework display right in our own backyard. Sometimes it is hard to stay focused on our display when all the other benders are putting on displays of their own. Seeing the sky light up all different colors is an outstanding sight! The Fourth of July can't come soon enough!  

The Fourth is Right Around the Corner!

As a Bender, the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays! I love seeing all the firework tents up and smelling everyone's BBQ's. The annual Henry's Bend fishing contest, parade, and festival are just about a week away, and I can't wait. I love seeing everyone decorate their four-wheelers and golf carts in red, white, and blue for the parade around the Bend. The Henry's Bend Chapel always puts together an amazing festival with delicious food and a fun Chinese auction as well. June is almost over, but I can't wait for July! Let the festivities begin!

The Weekends at the Bend

When my brother and I were small and we lived two hours away from the Bend, almost every weekend in the summer we would spend it with our grandparents in the Bend. The Grove City Outlets were the halfway point, so my grandparents would meet my parents, brother, and I there. We all would eat a Friday night dinner at Hoss's Steak and Sea House before my brother and I headed back with our grandparents to enjoy the weekend in the Bend. To make the drive time go by faster on our way to the Bend, we would always count the number of semi trucks we passed, and trust me there were A LOT! Saturday would be full of playing in the river, the sandbox, and swimming in the pool. Saturday nights we would always crash out before our heads even hit the pillow. When Sunday rolled around, grandma and grandpa would always take my brother and I to church after we packed up all our luggage. After mass, we would meet up with our parents again for a nice Sunday lunch. My brother and I always hated to see these weekends come to an end, but our frowns turned upside down when our parents said we could come back next weekend! Lots of memories were made each and every weekend at the Bend.

The Pool House

Our pool in the Bend is up and ready for summer! Now this is no ordinary pool because it is indoors. Yes, I said indoors! My family and I have been enjoying the pool house for years. I personally love turning on some Sirius XM while I relax and float around in an inner tube. With a direct view out over the river, the pool house is where I spend the majority of my time. I can't wait to spend lots of time there this summer!

Last Summer

It's that time of year again! Grad parties all over the place, so here is a flashback picture from my graduation party last summer. I decided to have my party in the Bend so all my friends and family could enjoy the river and the view. The day was absolutely perfect with the sun high in the sky and a gentle breeze coming off of the river. I enjoyed food, family, friends, and nature as I celebrated my graduation from high school. The Bend was the perfect place for my grad party not only because of its physical attributes, but because of all the memories I had made there over the years. I hope everyone's graduation parties are amazing and filled with celebration! Congrats class of 2018!

The Henry's Bend Bed & Breakfast

Here is a little Henry’s Bend history. Not too long ago, the Bend had a wonderful bed and breakfast. It was located right on the river, so every guest could enjoy the Allegheny. Whether they went kayaking, canoeing, or simply went out onto the deck in the morning to enjoy the view, the bed and breakfast offered it all. I remember a couple of times when a few Benders decided to get married in the Henry’s Bend chapel which made the B&B the perfect place for their family members to stay. The B&B offered a cottage like feel so everyone could just kick back and enjoy nature. A few years ago, the owner decided to close the B&B and move away, but I know there were an abundance of great memories made there by family and people just passing through. Who knows, maybe I will open it back up some day! Only time will tell!

My First River Video

Yesterday was a beautiful day on the river. The chilly river was quietly flowing along as the sun peaked through the clouds. Luckily, I did not see my snake "friend" while I was enjoying the view. I could sit here and describe the day to you, but why do that when you can see it for yourselves! I hope you all enjoy my first video!

The Allegheny General Store

The Allegheny General Store was the little country store that I had talked about in a previous post. It is located at the top of the hill before you go down into the Bend. Over the years, I have stopped there with my family to get milk and bread, subs for lunch, and sometimes a delicious ice cream cone on a hot summer day. It had a little bit of everything, which made shopping there always a treat. This store has always welcomed everyone into the Bend. Sadly, it closed a couple of years ago, but I will always treasure the fond memories I have of this store. Country stores are the best!

Imagining in the Sandbox

My love for business started very early. When I was little, I use to love to play in my grandparents sandbox in the Bend. My grandpa would give me his extra pieces of wood, and I would make all kinds of stores, restaurants, hospitals, and skyscrapers. I would pretend I was building my own town. Using my little garden hoe to build my roads so my toy cars could travel all around, I would spend hours in the sandbox. I loved creating and building in my own little area. From that point on, I knew business was my true calling. This is just another wonderful summer memory I have from the Bend.

The Bend Farm

Henry's Bend is lucky enough to have its own farm. They grow all different kinds of fruits and vegetables along with raising chickens for fresh eggs. These Benders work hard farming year round! Since it is now farmer's market season, you can now find The Bend Farm at all the local farmers markets selling their fresh produce. Feel free to check them out because everything is Bend fresh!