A trip along Route 45, also known as the Purple Heart Highway, is a 100 mile journey through scenic central Pennsylvania's Huntingdon, Centre, Union, Northumberland, and Montour Counties. It was christened the "Purple Heart Highway" since the Route 45 corridor has been home to many recipients of the Purple Heart, America's decoration for military personnel who were wounded in combat.
Today, Route 45 celebrates its latest incarnation as a thriving artists' trail featuring distinctive artwork and unique shopping. From the village of Water Street in the west, to Mooresburg in the east, the Route 45 corridor is home to a wealth of artists working in many media. Drawing inspiration from the beautiful countryside, these men and women work in both contemporary and traditional styles. Route 45 provides many glimpses of Pennsylvania life before the advent of the superhighway.
One of the more notable stops is Penns Creek Pottery, a studio and shop in an 1818 grain mill. If you ever wanted to see how old and new can intersect, this is the place! Route 45 also links notable educational and cultural institutions such as Bucknell University in Lewisburg and The Pennsylvania State University in State College. While at Penn State, stop by the H.U.B. Robeson Galleries to view contemporary works by artists of diverse backgrounds.