2020-12-05 05:56:05
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, and outdoor adventures for all ages. You can find anything—from wineries to wild animals—nestled in one of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods. Explore gorgeous state parks, historic mansions, and quaint covered bridges, and venture to small towns filled with antique stores, mom-andpop shops, and home-style eateries. COUNTRYSIDE SCENERY Pittsburgh and Its Countryside is a picturesque region home to off-the-beaten-path gems and inspiring natural scenery. From covered bridge tours to soaring vistas and handcrafted brews, prepare to be delighted at every turn. Explore one of the state’s largest state parks, Raccoon Creek State Park, which boasts more than 42 miles of hiking trails, a 101-acre lake for boating and fishing, and 10 cozy cabins for overnight stays. During spring and late summer, don’t miss walking through the onsite Wildlife Reserve to see wildflowers in peak bloom. More elevated experiences await at Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Allison Park, where thrill seekers and nature lovers alike can take in forest sights and sounds from 40-foot high tree-to-tree crossings, zip lines, and swings on this original canopy course. Revel in a slower pace with Simple Life Amish Tours in New Wilmington. This two-hour guided tour along quaint backroads offers a firsthand glimpse into the warmth and dedication of the Amish lifestyle, including Amish farms, greenhouses, a bakery, and schoolhouse. For more idyllic landscapes, visit Moraine State Park in Portersville to stroll along the beach, savor a picnic lunch, or float the day away on the lake. Old Economy Village in Ambridge includes serene gardens and walking grounds at the historic settlement, featuring a visitor center, museum, blacksmith shop, granary and more. Tour the grounds and discover the story of the Harmony Society, one of the oldest and most successful religious communal groups of the 19th century. A countryside scenery tour is simply incomplete without covered bridges. Washington and Greene counties are home to 30 historic covered bridges, including a Burr Truss, various portal designs, and plenty of delightful views along the self-guided driving tour. Their Annual Covered Bridge Festival every third week of September is the perfect way to welcome autumn and revel in the Pennsylvania fall foliage. For a scenic tour with a crisp finish, traverse the Butler County Beer Circuit and stamp your Passport to Hoppiness at the local brew pubs. The captivating towns and rolling hills are as pleasing as the craft brews—plus you can claim a prize at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau in Zelienople upon completion. HIGHLIGHTS Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh This historic botanical oasis features seasonal flower displays, the interactive Butterfly Forest, art exhibits, and landscaping classes across its 15 acres and 23 gardens in Schenley Park. Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh Explore 250 years of Pennsylvania’s past at the largest history museum in the state. In its two-story exhibit Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation, see how people from this region impacted lives around the world through fun, creative, and forward-thinking inventions. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Delve into the mind of Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol in this museum devoted to his life and work, showcasing photographs, films, pop art paintings, sculptures, and personal belongings. Create your own masterpiece in The Factory, the onsite art studio. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, Avella See archeological evidence of inhabitants who lived in this area more than 19,000 years ago, and then explore a recreated 16th-century Monongahela Indian village and a 19th-century historic village to experience past lives first hand. The Maridon Museum, Butler At the only museum in Western Pennsylvania focusing on Chinese and Japanese arts and cultural pieces, marvel at more than 800 art objects, including ancient scrolls, jade and ivory sculptures, intricate tapestries, and landscape paintings. The Jimmy Stuart Museum, Indiana Take a self-guided tour to learn about hometown hero and Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart at this museum devoted to his childhood, film and military careers, and family life. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, New Florence Fred Rogers, creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, made many childhood visits to this this 48-acre natural area, which was once owned by his grandfather. Hike the trails through woodlands to see wildflowers and a dramatic 45-foot waterfall.
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