Hello world! My name is Abbi and I am the founder of Abbi Miller Creative Studio, a by-product of being creative my whole life but never truly knowing how to ‘tap-in’ to my potential . In 2023, I officially opened my creative studio with a desire to help brands build community, create experiences, and encourage adventure. It has then been the perfect way to blend my creativity, passions and desire to help people all into one.

My story starts in a small town in south central Pennsylvania, where there was absolutely nothing to do. Luckily, I kept busy as an athlete traveling every weekend for softball and/or volleyball tournaments as well as using my free time painting, drawing or just being crafty. Since I grew up living a very active lifestyle, I found forms of exercise to be therapeutic, not only for my physical and mental heath, but as a way to foster creativity.

It was sometime in 2017 when I was in my homeroom (bored out of my mind), when I decided I wanted to get out and explore, not only out of boredom, but because I loved staying active and learning new things by visiting new places. I remember looking up ‘things to do’ in my area and I found some hikes close (and not so close) to me and I set out to visit a list of places. I remember my classmate saying “you won’t visit all these places” and “you’re crazy”. If this is what being ‘crazy’ means, I am 100% okay with it.

It was then I started my journey at Staple Bend Tunnel, which was only about 40 minutes from where I had lived at the time. Although it wasn’t far from home, I was so so excited to go on this little adventure.

This railroad route was used for carriage until the flood of 1889, and after that it was undesirable until the 1940’s when a local company built a water vault, closing up the tunnel entryways and access to the public. In 2001, the tunnel was re-structured and added to the National Historic Site of the Allegheny Portage Railroad site, and now visitors can enjoy this path, the history, and architecture of this super cool spot.

Things to do while passing through:

Visit the Johnstown Flood Museum to learn more about how the flood affected the area, along with Staple Bend Tunnel.

Stop at Hinckston Run Falls, a road-side waterfall. Please be mindful as you are only allowed to view this waterfall from the road, all other property is posted as no trespassing.

Cool off and float down the Stonycreek River with Coal Tubing, a adventure company with river floats, whitewater rafting, camping excursions, and inflatable kayaking! I would always hit up this spot in the summer months!

Sometimes it’s okay to have ‘tunnel vison’

When I decided to embark on this small little journey, basically in my backyard, I did not know that it would lead me into a world of finding new places, exploring new states, and even pushing me to get my passport and travel abroad. I know that having ‘tunnel vision’ is usually a bad thing since it can lead to false judgement and lack of perspective. But when we look at ‘tunnel vision’ in terms of goal setting and pushing your comfort zone, I think it is a valuable way to approach new things. As a reminder, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel (except when it floods and tunnels have to be used as water vaults), where you reach a side of life that you may never have seen or explored if you hadn’t stepped into the tunnel in the first place. All it takes is focus, dedication, and a little bit of tunnel vision towards a specific goal, to reach something greater.

Today, I am excited to share my past and present journeys with those who have the same adventurous spirit as me, or for those who want to find the confidence to explore the outdoors, unique bits of history, or try something new to find that sense of adventure within themselves.

Until next time.

-Abbi