2017-03-24 17:25:23
Standing tall amid the wooded countryside and three iconic rivers is Pittsburgh’s bustling downtown, packed with opportunities for everything from biking and boating to brew pubs and ballet. Here, you’ll find worldclass cultural events, expertly curated museums, an exploding food scene, rollicking sporting events, and tranquil outdoor experiences for adventurers of all ages. If you’re seeking anything from roller coasters to raptors, you’ll find it nestled in one of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods. Playthings Etc., Butler Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, New Castle Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, Butler Kennywood, West Mifflin Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh Butler County Symphony Association, Butler A HAPPY DAY KID-APPROVED: “Drive” a Smart Car and climb the walls at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Are you tall enough to ride the Thunderbolt? Pittsburgh children mark this rite of passage at Kennywood amusement park. Ever fed a giraffe? Interact with more than 70 species at Living Treasures Animal Park in New Castle. What’s shaped like a stealth bomber and filled with unicycles? Playthings Etc., a destination toy store in Butler. Come during June or July for weekly treasure hunts. ARTS & CULTURE SEEKER: Tour the exquisitely preserved Clayton mansion at The Frick, a historic property that also includes an art museum and free live music each summer Friday evening. Soak up the sounds of the Great Romantics with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra. The nearby Maridon Museum highlights Chinese and Japanese art and culture. See, learn, and do with Arts & Education at the Hoyt in New Castle, a space that exhibits art in many mediums and holds classes ranging from ceramics to bread-making. HISTORY BUFF: Celebrate centuries of Pennsylvania’s fascinating history and remarkable innovation at Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, which honors local legends from Mr. Yuck to General Washington. Learn about mass transit at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, where for an added fee you can learn to drive one. Explore the history of flight (and ogle preserved aircraft) at the Beaver Falls Air Heritage Museum. Study the wonderful life of James M. Stewart at The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, capturing the quiet magic and small town charm of this beloved actor. PARTY ANIMAL: Prepare to earn your pint! Pittsburgh Party Pedaler bikes hold 16 passengers and a designated company driver for a unique tour of the Strip District, North Shore, and Market Square’s hottest bars and restaurants. One of these stops might be Hop Farm Brewing Company, a woman-owned craft brewery producing sour ales, barrel-aged saisons, or Fuggle hop ales. Play poker with a view at Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino overlooking the Ohio River. It’s post time at The Meadows Casino in Washington, featuring gaming, horse racing, and more. Steelers fans GO FOR THE … CELEBRITY SPORTS SCENE In Pittsburgh, Steelers fans can show their team spirit at upscale restaurants owned by former players. Fill up on seafood, salads, and pastas paired with fine wine at Table 86 Kitchen & Cocktails, owned by Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward, or stop by Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 for chargrilled steaks, piled-high sandwiches, and specialty margaritas. EVENTS MARS NEW YEAR May 4–6, 2017 This collaboration with Mars Borough and NASA coincides with the planet Mars’ New Year, which occurs every 687 Earth days. The threeday celebration in Mars includes a Blast-Off Dinner, sci-fi costume contest and brewfest. THREE RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL June 2–11, 2017 This annual kickoff to summer in Pittsburgh features more than 300 artists with popular concerts, public art, and special exhibitions throughout the weekend. WHISKEY REBELLION FESTIVAL July 6–9, 2017 The festival in Washington honors the significant period of America’s early days through historic reenactments, period exhibitions and demonstrations, family fun, frontier art, heritage music, and food, shining a national spotlight on the city, county, and region. BUTLER ITALIAN FESTIVAL Sept. 1–4, 2017 Little Italy Days celebrates Italian heritage within the community and for the first time the event will travel to downtown Butler on Labor Day weekend. The four-day Butler Italian Festival features Italian-themed entertainment, vendors and food merchants. ARTS ON THE RIVERWALK Sept. 9, 2017 Arts on the Riverwalk is a one-day festival held in and around the Riverwalk Park in downtown New Castle. Over the last three years, more than 10,000 visitors have annually enjoyed a lively schedule of music, performance, competitions, children’s activities, and an Artist Market featuring artists from across the region.
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