The beauty of nature underground has much to behold. Pack up the family and enjoy a great adventure underground in Pennsylvania.
The Laurel Caverns located in the Laurel Highlands at Farmington, are about an hour's drive southeast Pittsburgh, and the largest cave in Pennsylvania. The caverns offer a1-hour guided tour, or go spelunking through the several miles of cave led by experienced guides. Golf anyone? Play Kavernputt, an 18-hole underground mini-golf course. Wonder if there's is beer at the 18th hole? I'll never tell.
In Central Pennsylvania located within 3 hours east of downtown Pittsburgh visit the underground attractions at the:
Indian Caverns , Native American history-seeker can see for themselves why these caverns are filled with of Indian folklore with its giant stalagmites, the "frozen Niagara". Along the banks of Spruce Creek, there are areas for picnics to take a rest before heading out to explore miles of active caverns.
Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon is where you'll experience giant flowstones, delicate stalactites, the wonders of underground are hard to imagine unless you actually go and see what Mother Nature has presented to you. Back up on the earths surface go panning for gemstones, you just might be lucky enough to receive one of natures gifts that shines on forever. This cavern also offers a camping ground for overnight stays.
At Penn's Cave in Centre Hall take a 50-minute guided boat tour through the natural underworld.(Think Old Mill a now gone Kennywood ride dubbed "tunnel of love") They also offer a bus tour through 1500 acres of the Farm & Wildlife Park full of elk, bison, wolves, and bobcats. Lions and tigers and bears! Oh My!
Woodward Cave in Woodward, PA is one of the state's largest caverns. "Hanging Forest" features the largest collection of stalactites found in the cave, along with ribbon formations and flowstone. The air temperature is around 48 degrees all year long. Bring a jacket or if you're a cold natured person like me bring a winter coat.
The Coral Caverns in Bedford County were formed by an ancient inland sea; the walls are covered with fossilized remains of prehistoric aquatic life from 400 million years ago.
Explore Pennsylvania, the best things are in your own back yard!
Approximately 3 hours from Pittsburgh arrive at an 1892-vintage freight station in Titusville, PA. The three hour trip will take you to Pennsylvania Oil Country to learn about oil history, people and places while you and family share the fun of train travel and relive history.
There are also special attractions like the open-air car (weather permitting) where you'll have a perfect view of the beautiful northwestern PA landscape and see a variety of wildlife from groundhogs to bald eagles, with ducks, deer, and blue heron, as well as the occasional black bear.
Into canoeing? Bring your canoe! The train will haul you upstream and leave you at Perry Street Station, to enjoy a ride on the water back to the station.
Bicyclists can ride the 10 mile long bike path through Oil Creek State Park. Bikes can be rented Monday through Friday at Petroleum Centre by calling Oil Creek State Park at (814)676-5915. You and your bicycle will be picked up at Petroleum Centre, Rynd Farm Station, or Drake Well Station if you want to shorten your trip.
How about sending Gram a card from the train? The OC&T RR operates the only working Railway Post Office in the United States. You can send a postcard or enjoy a snack during your ride. Maybe the postmaster will let you postmark your own card.
Want to spend the night? The Caboose Motel is the perfect place for railroad buffs. The motel opened June, 2005 and it’s just across the parking lot from the Perry Street Station at 407 South Perry Street. It operates independently from the OCTRR. Reservations can be made at 800-827-0690. The Motel features 21 caboose units and is open 24/7 during our operating season. Three units are handicapped-accessible.
Photo Antiquities is a treasure of photography located on the north side of Pittsburgh. Bruce educated Ron and me on the stages and the ABC's of photography describing the different stages of development before film and after. The old time assortment of viewers for the pictures were a treat, some made the photos appear in 3-D, some made the pictures appear in color. The historic photos though out the museum are truly worth every inch of space.
The photos themselves show all walks of life, with images of people from all colors of the rainbow. We were shown an old fashion photography room with a sky light used to light up the subjects and then on to the current exhibit which is "Pittsburgh Shantytown".
What's a shantytown? Shantytowns were depression villages between Penn and Liberty Avenues. They were sometimes called a "Hooverville. "Hoovervilles sprang up across America in the 1930"s. They took their name from President Herbert Hoover who was in office when th "Great Depression" began. Here you will find men, women and children living in homemade 'houses constructed of box wood and lumber, these proud people would not accept free funds from the government. Sometimes they became tourist attractions and any donation given became part of the community chest and was shared by all the dwellers.
In the gift shop area most of the historic photos copies are sold along with other souvenir items, in this area also are scads of old movie cameras, instant cameras, cameras you had as a child…like the Kodak swinger and the brownie.
Ron pointed out that there is only one other photo museum of this sort located in New York. We have a great treasure here you don’t want to miss it.
Group tours are encouraged to tour the museum and it holds items to please all age groups
Photo Antiquities Museum is a pleasure to visit.
Living Treasures Animal Park is the ultimate place to let your family's animal instincts run wild! The large petting zoo is the thrill of the day for young visitors, while the exotic animals fascinate young and old alike. Bring your camera for those once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities with your favorite animals.
You could spend an entire day learning about the park's 100 species, inlcuding an exotic white tiger. They even allow you to pet and feed some of the animals, which makes for a unique, interactive experience. \
Get up close and make friends with baby Lambs, baby Camels, Sheep, Goats, Pot Belly Pigs, Belted Galloway, Llamas, Yaks and of course Muffin, our miniature Cow with buck teeth! The Park is located in Donegal, about an hour from Pittsburgh.
You can also make arrangements to bring living treasures to you! Treasures Moraine offers a wide variety of traveling exhibits for events ranging from birthday parties to corporate events, parades, photo shoots, festivals, and school programs. Trained staff are supplied for every event. Some shows we commonly done are: Petting Zoos, Pony Rides, Camel Rides, Christmas Parades and Nativities with: Reindeer, Camels, and other desired animals. Photo shoots with reptiles or other animals are available or you can arrange to have staff bring a variety of animals for an educational talk.
Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece is the new addition in the Carnegie Science Center's Miniature Railroad & Village, now reopen for its 88th season.
Take a walking tour of western Pennsylvania at the legendary Miniature Railroad & Village®, open for its 88th season. Hundreds of wonderfully realistic animated scenes bring the turn of the 20th century to life. A one-of-a-kind, hand-built scale model of Forbes Field is the latest gem added to this historic display. More than a year in the making, the historically-accurate model of the Pittsburgh landmark is nearly identical to the stadium configuration from opening day, June 30, 1909. The opening game between the Pirates and Chicago Cubs is recreated on the miniature field with a sold-out crowd of nearly 35,000 spectators in the stands. See all your favorite models and animations, from Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler’s Knob to Pittsburgh’s historic inclines.
The Miniature Railroad & Village is one of Pittsburgh's premiere holiday attractions for good reason, and welcomes more than 365,000 visitors each year. The layout is 83' by 30' in length and encompasses an entire room. Four Lionel trains and one trolley can operate at the same time on five tracks. Over 22 electronics and software drive the display's miniature lights, animations and trains. Currently, the Miniature Railroad & Village exhibit features more than 250,000 hand-made trees, 98 animations, and dozens of models including Forbes Field, Luna Park, and the Sharon Steel Mill.
Each year new attractions are added to the Miniature Railroad & Village by the staff at the Carnegie Science Center. Generally, they debut each November in time for the holiday season. New additions include an operating railroad yard, roundhouse and turntable, trestle and tunnel, Luna Park archway and a Gulf oil station
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Home to Duane Rieder's photography studio, the Roberto Clemente collection and a wine cellar where Engine House 25 wine is made and bottled, Pittsburgh's Engine House 25 in the Strip District has it all. Join host Laura Kelly, as she helps Duane, Nino and friends make the 2009 Cabernet.
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Video and editing by Brenda Miller, still photographs provided by Rieder Photography, www.riederphotography.com.
Mercer County offers a getaway that is close (an hour north of Pittsburgh) affordable and fun. Known for its unique shopping attractions and golf. Shopping venues include Prime Outlets, Grove City; Reyer's, the world's largest shoe store, and The Winner, the world's largest off-priced fashion store.
There's lot to see and do in Mercer County. Wendell August Forge offers tours to view hand-crafted metalworking. Philadelphia Candies and Daffin's Candies invite visitors in for a chocolate candy tour. What a yummy way to spend a day!
Historical attractions include Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Take a tour of the mansion and learn about the area's most famous philanthropist, Frank H. Buhl. If you're feeling patriotic, follow Route 62 (business) North to the Avenue of 444 Flags. Watching 444 flags catch the wind is a breathtaking sight.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a trip to Shenango Lake where you can picnic, swim, camp, canoe, kayak, boat, jet ski, bike, hike or just relax. Anglers can challenge the waters for bass, walleye and a variety of panfish in the lake. Pymatuning Deer Park will delight children of all ages who can ride a train, take a pony ride or have fun at the petting zoo with over 250 animals from around the world.
So head to Mercer County for a day of fun you will never forget!
If you need a quiet getaway to a gentle countryside, head to Greene County,located 50 miles south of Pittsburgh in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. Filled with secluded country roads, stately churches, scenic river trails and charming covered bridges, Greene County is rich in history and tradition. The rolling farmlands and small towns offer a slower, quieter pace in a peaceful setting.
From the unique shopping and dining in historic Waynesburg, to the natural beauty of the trails and woodlands surrounding the Monongahela River, Greene County offers something for everyone. Enjoy the great outdoors with scenic bike rides, hiking and golfing or enjoy the simple pleasure of relaxing at a peaceful bed & breakfast getaway. Tour one of many historic sites or visit a farm.
There are many attractions to discover in Greene County.The Green County Historical Museum is housed in a building that was constructed in the 1860s. There are many artifacts, photographs and historical papers within the museum, as well as picnic areas, trails, a reconstructed log cabin and a one-room schoolhouse on-site.
The Mason-Dixon Historical Park is a recreational facility located on the most famous boundary in America which was completed in 1767. The park commemorates the famous Mason-Dixon Line.
Adventure seekers will love to explore the Warrior and Catawba Trails, outdoor Indian trails that run through the County. The Catawba Trail was used by the Seneca Iroquois in wars against the southern Cherokee and Catawba tribes. The Warrior Trail is a 53-mile East-West trail running from the Monongahela River to the Ohio River, used by Native Americans to obtain necessary supplies for survival, like flint.
With its abundant festivals, events and activities, there is always something fun and interesting for the whole family to enjoy! Sometimes the grass is Greene-er!
Just 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh lies Butler County, a great destination with dozens of historical sites and the state's largest man-made lake -- Lake Arthur -- located in Moraine State Park. Explore this beautiful park that has more than 16,000 unspoiled acres.
Visit the Maridon Museum, the only museumin the Western Pennsylvania region with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese art and culture. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 800 art objects in a wide variety of materials and sizes.
Take a tour of the Butler County Heritage Center, which is Butler County’s only comprehensive museum showcasing the many industrial accomplishments of the last 200+ years, and see the county’s historical treasures, including exhibits of Pullman-Standard and the oil industry.
If you love to shop you'll want to stop by Baldinger's Market just south of Zelienople. This quaint market will take you back in time with its wooden floors, crank cash register and penny candies. You'll also find one of the largest selection of cookie cutters around at Baldingers.
Check out Playthings, Etc., a one-of-a-kind toy store housed in one of the most unique buildings in the county. They have a vast selection of games and interactive toys for the entire family.
Jennings Environmental Education Center is a 20-acre prairie ecosystem that's home to 12 endangered and other distinct prairie plants as well as the endangered Massasauga Rattlesnake. Fivemiles of trails wind through the 300-acre center, enabling visitors to enjoy a variety of woodlands, wetlands and prairie.
Butler County awaits you!
Beaver County, located northwest of Pittsburgh, is surrounded by rolling hills, hardwood forests, river valleys and streams. There are lots of parks providing a plethora of outdoor activities thorughout the year. Beaver County's rich multicultural heritage offers dozens of ethnic festivals. There is a lot to see and do including museums, theater and recreation.
Old Economy Village was the home of the nineteenth century Christian communal group, the Harmony Society. Established in 1824, Economy was known worldwide for its piety and industrial prosperity. Encounter traditional tradesmen, tour original Harmonist structures and explore fragrant ornamental gardens.
The Air Heritage Museum at the Beaver County Airport features World War II planes and artifacts and is the only air museum between Dayton, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Buttermilk Falls, located in Homewood Junction Village, is an all-natural area park that features a 40-foot scenic sandstone formation and waterfall. The site was once a quarry for sandstone. It now contains some trails that parallel a series of rapids and waterfalls. Although the main trail is not long, it offers some peace and tranquility (once you get away from the traffic on Route 18) and some scenic views.
Enjoy the country charms of Hozak Farms, an old barn filled with unique gifts, antiques and collectibles. Located in Clinton, it is the area's largest year-round Christmas shop.
So head to Beaver County. You'll be glad you did!
Armstrong County is located in the very center of the Pennsylvania counties west of the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors to Armstrong County can explore the many challenging golf courses, trails to suit any level, trout streams and lakes and 52 miles of the Allegheny River.
There are many attractions in Armstrong County. The Armstrong County Courthouse & Former Jail, built in 1856, it is an elegant structure with a large portico, stone columns and highly ornamented dome. The former jail is a gothic style structure attached to the Courthouse. Mickey's Grist Mill is the site where a mill has been located for over 200 years. The former water-powered mill can be viewed from the outside.
Saint Patrick's Log Church is open April 15 through September 30. Early settlers built this church in 1806 after using the nearby grounds as a cemetery beginning in 1798. The rough-hewn log structure with wooden benches and wooden altar intact is open daily.
Golf enthusiasts will want to tee off at Lenape Heights Golf Course, which offers a fully-stocked pro shop, Sunset grill room and outdoor pavilion. The Birdsfoot Golf Club is only 40 minutes from downtown Pittbsburgh and located in scenic Buffalo Creek. Hikers will enjoy the challenging, scenic trails that wind through Armstrong County, like the Armstrong Trail, a 52.5-mile rails-to-trails path that's great for walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Train lovers will love the Kiski Junction Railroad, a working freight shortline offering scenic, riverside tourist train rides in Pennsylvania. Saint Patrick's Log Church, a rough-hewn log structure built in 1806, is full of charm and history. Drake Log Cabin, built in 1816, is a one-room cabin that shows how early settlers lived.
So head to Armstrong County, famous for its friendly atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality, and experience a unique part of Pennsylvania.
Start your Halloween celebration early with a grownups-only evening at the National Aviary. Be there on October 23rd at 70m and join Aviary staff and a professional storyteller for spine-tingling tales of North Side hauntings, including first-hand accounts of strange and ghostly occurrences at the National Aviary, the former site of the Western Pennsylvania Penitentiary. Those who dare are free to wander through the exhibits in the semi-darkness, where the ghosts of Confederate soldiers are said to roam after hours. Guests will mingle with Aviary owls, and light snacks and a cash bar will be offered. Cost is $25 per person and reservations are required. Must be 21+.
Owl-o-ween is a real hoot! Head to the Aviary Oct. 24-25 or Oct. 31 and meet some of the National Aviary’s spookiest residents! A special Halloween-themed free-flight bird show in the Rose Garden will add to the fun. Guests will also have the chance to “trick or treat” by collecting candy at each encounter they attend.
And on October 27 is Jeepers Creepers, a fun-filled, but not-too-scary, Halloween storytime just for little ones. Wear a costume, bring a camera, and learn why owls are so important to our world. Children ages 5 and under who wear a costume receive free admission and a special treat bag.
So fly on over to the Aviary and have some Halloween fun! Boo!
It’s October and time to scare up some fun. Head to Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunt –The ScareHouse, located in Etna. The Scarehouse, now open, has been named as one of America’s scariest Halloween attractions by THE Travel Channel and ranked as one of the country’s Top 13 haunted attractions by Hauntworld magazine. This fall, The ScareHouse HAS three terrifying attractions for just one price. Hall of Nightmares, Delirium 3-D, and a brand new haunt: RAMPAGE!
A team of designers and artists from all across America have spent the last 11 months creating one of the most innovative and elaborate haunted houses ever produced in Pittsburgh. This high-tech haunted attraction utilizes Hollywood-quality special effects, lighting, sound, and costumes that can only be seen at The ScareHouse.
Haunted Attraction Magazine is featuring The ScareHouse in this year's list of the 25 Must See Haunts for 2009! The ScareHouse will be open through October 31. Doors open at 7pm.
The Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational & Cultural Center (BMNECC) is a fascinating and little known Pittsburgh attraction that preserves and presents cultural values and traditions of the Bulgarian and Macedonian people.
Located in West Homestead, the BMNECC is the oldest Bulgarian Macedonian organization in the United States. The Cultural Center houses a large collection of oil paintings, graphics, icons, photographs and sculptures by Bulgarian and Macedonian artists of the mid-19th century and early 20th century. A number of valuable icons is included in the collection. The Center regularly hosts art exhibits, which are free to the public and allow art lovers to purchase items on display, and also hosts visiting artists, providing them with an opportunity to expose American audiences to their work.
The Cultural Center contains the largest collection of Bulgarian and Macedonian audio-visual materials in the United States. This includes thousands of recordings of folk, popular, classical and liturgical music, and songs and dances from the mid-20th century to the present. The Library also houses a collection of over 500 videotapes and DVDs, and over 500 35mm films on subjects such as Bulgarian and Macedonian history, art and music. The Center regularly holds screenings of feature films from this collection.
There is also an artifacts museum which houses a variety of collections, including woodworking, metalwork, ceramics, embroideries, ornaments and costumes from every region of Bulgaria and Macedonia.
And if you love soup then you will be in heaven at “Soup Sega.” The BMNECC sells a variety of delicious, all natural soups made from traditional Bulgarian recipes. Once you taste these soups you will keep going back!
So head to the Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational & Cultural Center and experience this unique cultural gem.
PNC Park is listed among the Top Ten Best Ballparks in the nation by Major League Baseball. And Away.com, the web’s best travel and vacation-planning resource, ranked PNC Park # of 2 on their top 10 list best baseball stadiums to visit. It’s no wonder! PNC Park is a joy to all baseball lovers. Despite the Pirates’ numerous years of losing seasons, fans still fill the seats at PNC Park. The reason is simple -- it is a gorgeous ballpark. Built in 2001, this 38,000-seat riverfront beauty boasts amazing views of the city’s skyline.
On game days, the Roberto Clemente Bridge is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians only. Walking across this bridge, appropriately named for Pirate great the late Roberto Clemente, is very cool. There are vendors on the bridge selling hats and water and t-shirts. At the end of the bridge are lots of great restaurants and clubs that are conveniently located right next to the ballpark.
One of my personal goals is to sit in every section of PNC Park. So far I’ve enjoyed games in most sections. I would love to sit in those tippy top seats, yep the very last row where you’re sitting almost vertical. My brothers’ affectionately call those “peanut heaven seats.” But there are really no bad seats at PNC Park. You can see the game clearly from every section, and the views of the city are spectacular from every seat. I am a huge baseball fan known for being vocal and keeping score at most games. But sometimes I am distracted from the action on the field by the action on the rivers – boats floating by or anchored outside the park enjoying a free seat for the game; kayakers navigating the waters and the waves from the big bosses of the river – large cruise boats and barges. Being at PNC Park feels like you’re on a giant boat sitting in the middle of the river, majestic panoramas on all sides.
Of course you have to sample the ballpark food. PNC has one food vendor that won’t be found in any other ballpark – Primanti Brothers sandwiches! Then there’s “Manny's Bar-B-Q,” that serves Pirates great Manny Sanguillen's favorite barbecue specials! So if you are hungry when you get to the ballpark, you won’t stay hungry for long!
So cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates and enjoy the great sport of baseball and one of the greatest ballparks in America, PNC Park!
If you want to learn, have fun, watch movies that make you feel like you're there and enjoy lots of interactive exhibits then head to the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh's North Shore. There is so much to do at the Science Center that you can be there all day and still not get to everything.
Don't miss experiencing a film at the Omnimax Theatre. Watch a movie on the largest film frame in the motion picture industry. The Rangos Omnimax Theater's projection system surrounds you in a visual experience and puts you in the center of the action. This is no ordinary movie theater. This summer’s films include “Under the Sea,” “Grand Canyon Adventure” and “Greece: Secrets of the Past.” You will feel like you are right there in the ocean, on the edge of the canyon and in a faraway land. And you don’t have to put on a wetsuit, fly on a plane or get a passport!
You have to check out the Miniature Railroad & Village. I have seen it many times and I always see something new every time I see it. Tour the USS Requin submarine and learn about this amazing vessel that is the Navy’s first Radar Picket submarine. Or see an interactive show at the Buhl Digital Dome.
And this fall Highmark SportsWorks re-opens with new, exciting exhibits and some of the most popular activities from the past. Other Science Center highlights are the Science Stage, Kitchen Theater, Works Theater, SeaScape, Building Green, Exploration Station and SciQuest. Check out the web site for more details.
You’ll feel like a kid again. So much science, so little time!
One of my favorite movies of all time is “It’s A Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart. He is one of my favorite actors and I have seen most of his movies. Stewart is a native of Indiana County Pennsylvania and the Jimmy Stewart Museum, also located in Indiana County, highlights his accomplishments in film, radio and television. The Museum celebrated what would have been Stewarts 100th birthday in 2008.
His role as military hero, civic leader, family man and world citizen are also woven into the displays, film presentations and gallery talks. Visitors can view Stewart's film clips and career retrospectives in an intimate, 1930's vintage movie theatre. Plush with navy velvet drapes and wine colored seats, the theatre features the best of the old and new. The state-of-the-art sound and projection system was donated by Universal City Studios of Hollywood.
From the museum's windows, visitors can glimpse the family hardware store site, the bronze statue dedicated to Jimmy on his 75th birthday, and the old courthouse clock immortalized by Life Magazine's famous back-from-World War II photo.
Displays include original movie posters and photos beginning from the 1930's. Awards and citations from Hollywood, film critics, the Boy Scouts and many other organizations from all over fill walls and cases. Steward personally selected favorite momentos of his career to display.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum is 58 miles from Pittsburgh. It’s worth the trip. It’s A Wonderful Museum!
Experience the 19th century way of life at Old Economy Village in Ambridge, PA, about 23 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. The Old Economy Village was the home of the 19th-century Christian communal group, the Harmony Society that was established in 1824. Economy was known worldwide for its piety and industrial prosperity.
Old Economy has a lot to offer visitors. Encounter traditional tradesmen performing historic chores such as blacksmithing. Tour the historic buildings on the site. There’s the Museum Building and Feast Hall that constructed between 1825 and 1826 that were opened to the public in 1827 as a Natural History and Fine Arts Museum. The Cabinet Shop contains original Harmonist tools, benches, and lathes that fashioned the buildings, woodwork, and furniture seen throughout the historic site. The Harmonist Clock Shop and Lock Shop are in an adjacent room. The Blacksmith Shop was built in 1900 as a garage and contains tools used for demonstrations of blacksmithing.
Old Economy Village hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Upcoming events include A Summer Day in 19th Century "Oekonomie"on July 25 from 11am-3pm where visitors can participate in many 19th century games and activities such as pulling taffy and making hand-cranked ice cream. On Sept. 26 don’t miss Erntefest: Harmonist Harvest Festival from 10 am–4:30 pm where visitors can learn how the Harmonists celebrated the harvest and prepared for the long Pennsylvania winter. Churn butter, make apple schnitz, or press apples for cider and more. Craftsmen will demonstrate their crafts or trade. Enjoy site tours, Harmonist music, and dozens of family-friendly activities and games. Homemade German food and baked goods will be available.
So check out Old Economy Village and experience life in a different culture in a bygone era. You'll learn a lot.
If music makes you happy and you want to tune into something upbeat, inspiring and unique, then you’ll want to catch a performance of the Pittsburgh Banjo Club. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club is a non-profit organization made up of men and women from all walks of life, with a common goal - the encouragement and preservation of the banjo. Founded on December 15, 1988, by Frank Rossi, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club is dedicated to keeping the music of the Golden Age of the Banjo alive.
The Pittsburgh Banjo Club includes banjos, trumpets, tubas, and bass. Dressed in bright, colorful uniforms, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club is made up mostly of senior citizens. Seeing this group play is purely inspiring. When I saw them perform there were a few members of the banjo club in wheelchairs and although they looked frail, their musical talents were sharp and clear.
The Pittsburgh Banjo Club appears every Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #339, 400 Cedar Ave. on the North Side. Concerts are open to the public and FREE. It is so much fun to sing along and there are a lot of songs where you can sway and belt it out. The Club plays at a variety of venues. Check out their web site for upcoming performance dates and locations.
If you're looking for an attraction that is cutting edge, off the beaten path and totally unique, then you should check out the Mattress Factory, located on Pittsburgh's north shore. The Mattress Factor is a museum of contemporary art that exhibits room-sized works called installations. Created on site by artists from across the country and around the world, our unique exhibitions feature a variety of media that engage all of the senses.
The Museum's unusual galleries are located in two creatively reused buildings on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side. Both buildings house a growing-and distinctive- permanent collection, featuring artists James Turrell, Yayoi Kusama, Winifred Lutz and Rolf Julius, as well as innovative exhibitions that change throughout the year.
As soon as you walk in the door you’ll feel the energy. Be sure to see some of the permanent exhibitions. You’ll be mesmerized by James Turrell’s Light installation on the 2nd floor. 3-D like projections of luminous objects will play tricks on your mind. Vivid colors flow over you as you experience different dimensions of light.
Don’t miss Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Dots Mirrored Room on the third floor. You step into a mirrored room surrounded by Twister-like polka dots and mannequins, multiple reflections vie for your senses.
Don’t leave without ducking into the very cool and hip gift shop. You can pick up some eclectic items and there are always new, colorful, artsy treasures to buy. Your friends will want to know where you got them! So put the Mattress Factory on your to do list. Peace out.