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Towering over its three iconic rivers, with the wooded countryside in the distance, is Pittsburgh’s energetic downtown, humming with excitement and all kinds of activities, from biking and boating to brew pubs and ballet. Here, you’ll find first-rate cultural productions, expertly curated museums, a lauded food scene, fan-packed sporting events, and outdoor adventures for all ages. You can find anything — from wineries to wild animals — nestled in one of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods. For day trips to gorgeous state parks, historic mansions, and quaint covered bridges, venture to Pittsburgh’s beautiful countryside, where small towns filled with antique stores, mom-and-pop shops, and home-style eateries await. 10 HAPPY MOMENTS Witch Flavor ice cream in Beaver serves up a rotation of 16 flavors. This old-fashioned scoop shop is across from a park where your kiddos can run off their sugar rushes afterward. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh offers an idyllic escape no matter the season. Whimsical indoor displays flow into outdoor gardens designed for children and bonsai lovers alike. Many veggies for the cafe are grown onsite. Tour the oldest site of human habitation in North America: Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella. Learn to hurl a tomahawk or tour a wigwam in the Native American village. In Pittsburgh, explore The Frick Collection to experience fine art, historic cars, and the exquisitely preserved mansion of Henry Frick. Every Friday during the summer, the grounds are open for live music and BYOB picnics. Baldinger’s Market in Zelienople has been serving up wax lips and nostalgia for 85 years. This massive candy store sells candied crickets, gummy frogs, and any other sweet you can imagine. Fill your tank at Burgatory, a local chain that’s great for families, vegans, and anyone looking to chase a burger with a spiked milkshake; check out the Burnt Almond Torte to experience a legendary Pittsburgh dessert spun with amaretto. Living Treasures Wild Animal Park in New Castle invites visitors to interact with more than 70 species. You can pass a bucket of carrots to a monkey, feed a giraffe, and pet kangaroos Study the wonderful life of Jimmy Stewart at the James M. Stewart Museum in Indiana, capturing the quiet magic and small-town charm of this beloved actor. Don’t miss its annual Airport Festival in June, displaying vintage and military aircraft at the airport nearby. Drop by Edgewood Winery in Apollo to sample their sweet and dry wines, as well as their hard cider varieties. In summer months, you can even sample your wine in slushie form! One of our nation’s first amusement parks, Kennywood in West Mifflin, features Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster that follows the slope of the rugged hillside. Just make sure to ride the Thunderbolt before eating the waffle fries from the Potato Patch. KEY: = Adventurer = Arts & Culture = Family = Foodie = History Buff = Party Animal = Shopper “THE STRAND IN ZELIENOPLE IS A HISTORIC THEATRE THAT IS BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND HAS A MAJESTIC VIBE. GREAT SOUNDING HALL IN A VERY COMFORTABLE SETTING. WE HAD A GREAT TIME AND MET SOME REALLY GREAT PEOPLE.” — JOHN DAVID, FACEBOOK EVENTS June 8–10, 2018 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Car enthusiasts flock to Butler, the birthplace of the Jeep, for this annual festival, featuring off-road trails, an obstacle course, and a street party celebrating this iconic vehicle and its rugged, outdoorsy appeal. June 15–17, 2018 Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival The majority of concerts during this annual festival are free, and intimate jam sessions, beer gardens, and concerts keep the festival fresh, laid back and inviting. July 28, 2018 Celebrate the Bloom At the Jennings Environmental Education Center in Slippery Rock, celebrate the state’s only protected prairie and its featured flower, “the blazing star,” with nature explorations, demonstrations, local artisans, food, and live entertainment. August 2018 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pony League Baseball & Softball World Series In Washington, cheer on the competitors in the baseball World Series championship, featuring 10 of the best 14-year-old and under PONY baseball teams from around the world. Aug. 25–Sept. 1, 2018 Indiana County Fair “Country scenes and blue ribbon dreams” have been creating memories at the fair for 156 years. Experience farm animals, fair food, carnival rides, events, and live music at the family event in Indiana.
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