Here’s King Henry and Queen Anne! They are coming back and will arrive at the castle August 21, 2010. and be here till the last weekend in September. Where’s the castle? Right here just a thirty minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh in Mt. Pleasant.
There lots of fun for everyone in the family from Irish Festivals to a children’s weekend. Then there’s the final weekend with an Oktoberfest!
Delight your palate and sample vintages from local Pennsylvania wineries. Join in for Grape Stomp Competitions to experience wine making from the good old days. Don’t like wine, then how about some good old German beer.
Plus they’ll be plenty of food with medieval rides, games and contests such the “Men in Kilts Contest”. I think there’ll be some real hearty laughs for that one. The Festival will entertain the kids, adults and of course the people that are a little bit of both.
Jousters will compete, the Children's Realm will occupy the young ones and all will enjoy the Crafts Marketplace.
Everyone will enjoy a weekend at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival!
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!
Tours at Kentuck Knob discuss the house and Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian architecture and the integration of the house built into the brow of the hill with the landscape. Experienced interpreters guide all tours through Kentuck Knob.
The Regular tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. This guided tour includes information regarding Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian concept as well as a general history of the home. After the tour visitors are invited to walk through the sculpture garden.
Children must be 6 years of age on this tour
The In-Depth tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. An experienced guide provides an extended interpretation of all the rooms of the house including secondary spaces not available on the regular tour. Group size is limited to 10.
Children must be 9 years of age to accompany adults on this tour
The “Remains of the Day Event” is for those who wish to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s House on Kentuck Knob in an intimate fashion. Restricted tour size permits a docent to personally address the guests’ inquires. Guests also have the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit served over “Hagan Pennsylvania Vanilla Ice Cream.” Children older than 10 years of age, if accompanied by an adult, are welcome.
It is recommended that all Guests be at least 12 years of age.
Interior photography is not permitted.
Limited Wheelchair Policy
About Kentuck Knob:
You sense serenity and harmony in the house and its surroundings. Visitors to Kentuck Knob will find the smaller, domestic scale of the house as habitable, there’s no museum feel about the house. The trees and landscaping invite you in for a visit to a friendly neighbor.
The Palumbos have filled the home with their collection of art and artifacts from all over the world including the garden, the woods and the meadow.The tour of Kentuck Knob is further enhanced by the Sculpture Meadow iwhere you’ll find works by contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Claes Oldenburg, Sir Anthony Caro and Ray Smith as well as many others are represented in the collection.
History of Kentuck Knob;
In 1953, Bernardine and I.N. Hagan (Hagan Ice Cream) purchased 80 acres in the mountains above Uniontown, in Western Pennsylvania.
At 86 Frank Lloyd Wright designed Kentuck Knob without ever setting foot on the site, except for a short visit during the construction phase. This would be one of the last homes to be completed by Wright.
The Hagans spent thirty years at Kentuck Knob, and then sold the house in 1986 to Lord Palumbo of England, the current owner. Lord Palumbo and family spend 5 weeks a year living at Kentuck Knob
Kentuck Knob opened for tours in 1996.
The Kentuck Knob residence and property are available for evening rentals April through September for special occasions of small gatherings numbering thirty or less. The back patio, with its pond and surrounding gardens, provides an intimate setting for up to fifty guests, while the knob, with its panoramic view of the Youghiogheny River gorge, an open, natural setting that can accommodate seventy-five visitors comfortably. For further information, or to arrange a complimentary consultation, please call 724-329-1901 or email, pcoyle@kentuckknob.com.
Looking for a memorable experience? Celebrate Sunday Brunch in style with a uniquely designed menu. Guests are served in a private space which was originally designed as the Hagans’ art room. An experienced senior docent hosts the event and, afterward, conducts a narrated tour of the residence. Children older than 10 years of age, if accompanied by an adult, are welcome. No more than six guests, nor less than two, may be accommodated per event.
Gift Shop open Sunday through Saturday 9-5 except for Wednesday 11-5. To make a purchase or if you have questions please call 724-329-1901 or email information@kentuckknob.com.
Tour Prices:
Adult-Reserved$16.00
Adult$18.00
Youth (ages 6-12) reserved$10.00
Youth (ages 6-12) $12.00
In-Depth$55.00
Remains of the Day Event$80.00Exclusive Brunch Event$100.00
Directions from downtown Pittsburgh:
For a scenic route: From the downtown Welcome Center Head towards Stanwix turn right onto Stanwix. Left on Boulevard of the Allies. Right onto Liberty Bridge. Middle lane for South on Route 51 to Uniontown. Turn right on bypass (119 South to US 40 East). Take US 40 East to Chalk Hill. Turn left on Chalk Hill/Ohiopyle Road and go six miles to Kentuck Knob entrance on right.
Wanted to share with you a great way to learn Pittsburgh history and recall some of the miles stones that make the city what it is today.
I met Sara of Your Active City Tours at Mellon Square the starting point for the “Scared Spaces and Civic Places” walking tours. I won’t spoil it by telling you the things she told me on the tour, that you’ll have to experience yourself, but I will say if you have any interest at all about the history of our civic buildings or churches you must take this tour. The inside and outside of the civic buildings have a history that will keep you hanging on every word. Once you enter the sacred places and feel and see the beauty of it all you’ll want to come back with family and friends to share the jaw dropping wonder. I took the tour on a Tuesday and by Thursday I had recommend it to just about everybody that asked “I have a day to spend in downtown Pittsburgh what should I do?”
This a satisfying tour and I hope the next time your in our city you will experience Pittsburgh with one of the tours offered.
Your Active City Tours also has biking tours and Pedicab Tours.
You’ve never seen the sights of Pittsburgh until you’ve seen them from Mount Washington. The city sparkles from this vantage point, but the neighborhood of Mount Washington itself is a destination. Shopping, restaurants—the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown await you in Mount Washington. So hop on an incline and head to the neighborhood that’s more than just a view.
Shiloh Street is a great place to stroll especially on a summer Saturday. Starting on Memorial Day to Labor Day, come to Mt. Washington and experience Mt. Washington Art Market Place where some of the Pittsburgh areas best artists will be on display. Each week different artists bring new and interesting pieces to the event which runs 11 am-6 pm Paintings, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork.
You'll also find some neat little places to shop as well. The Eiseltown Flower Shop is reminiscent of a craft shop of the past; having candles, live plants and lots of little gifts and souvenirs. You can also play the lottery, pick up a newspaper and buy refreshments and snacks. Visitors will enjoy this shop with its homey atmosphere and friendly employees.
Lucky Bucks a dollar store is clean and bright on its corner location. Visitors can go buy those last-minute items at the good ol’ price of one dollar. The store also carries souvenir T-shirts and Pittsburgh items.
When you get hungry stop for a lite bite at Grand Brew Cafe enjoy your coffees, lattes and cappuccinos in a tastefully decorated café or sit out at one of the sidewalk tables. The café has a menu of sweet delights and is located next to DiFiore’s Ice Cream Delight, so there are treats for everyone in the family.
If you’re really hungry drop in at J&J's Family Restaurant, this family friendly restaurant is inviting and has the atmosphere of dining at a private home. Here you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner at any time during their operating hours at a reasonable price. Homemade pies and hard-packed ice cream are there for dessert, and even get a hug from the owner’s daughter before you leave! I chose to stop for a bite at Redbeards, the food was very good and the service even better.
Packs and Dogs is only a few years old in this location, they feature beers from around the world so if beer tasting is your fancy, this is the place to buy a six pack from six different countries to go with the variety of mean dogs made with any combination of condiments served up in a fifties style diner atmosphere.
All of this and a beautiful day? Yes, life is good!
What’s up on Mt. Washington around and between the Inclines? Interesting question and something I've always wanted to know. So I started my quest at the Downtown Welcome Center at 10:15 am.
The walk to the incline is made easier by going through Point State Park, continue over the bridge under the highway overpass, and bear to the left toward the Fort Pitt Museum to follow a path that leads you over the Fort Pitt Bridge and directly to the bottom of the incline. This took a mere 15 minutes to do.
The ride up will never get old to me, the skyline is fascinating and the view of the hills surrounding Pittsburgh literally takes your breath away. It's always a better experience when you're riding with people who are enjoying their first experience riding the incline. I rode up with a family from France who never stopped taking pictures. I engaged them in conversation using my Pittsburgh skills to wow them even more.
When you reach the top station of the incline be sure to take time to check out the Inclines historical pictures of the city and how the incline works. There's nice gift shop as well for souvenirs or something cold to drink.
Exiting the station a I made a right turn to view the statue of George Washington and Native American Guyusata Stop and ponder what they were debating. Very cool!
Doubling back towards the Duquesne Incline station and continuing past it you'll notice some of the upscale restaurants that serve food with aview to boot. Just pass these starts the unique houses some glamorous some left over from the coal mining days that have been remodeled dressed up with landscaping, door and window hangings.
At the intersection of PJ Mcardle and Grandview Avenues I got my first view of the city sky line, just peek of whats to come if I continue up this slight grade about another 500 feet. Then boom there she is in all her glory a full view at the first lookout across the street from a beautiful church named St. Mary's on the Mount with its ten beautiful stained glass windows that are a pictorial view of the life of Christ. Over the main entrance is an immense window representing the "Ascension"
Another 500 feet or so I come to the second lookout across from the historical landmark Carnegie Library which is painted white and looks more like it belongs on an island.
As I continue on my way to the Monongahela Incline the side walk bumps out slightly over the mountain with bench sitting were couples had seated them selves enjoying the afternoon and each other. Within a quarter of a mile is a smaller lookout platform followed by another sidewalk bump out. I came upon the Monongahela Incline and checked the time. Its just a sweet 35 minute leisurely walk with very interesting points of view. Be aware that there are no restrooms between or at the inclines. So making a stop on Shiloh was a must and I wanted to visit there anyway.
More about Shiloh Street in my next blog. Until then discover for yourself what's between the inclines and enjoy the view.
20-Foot-Tall Transformer Robot
A yellow-and-black transformer was built in 2009 as part of Pittsburgh's 250th birthday celebration. The robot is made of recognizable girders and beams from Pittsburgh's many bridges, several of which stretch up and down the river just across the street. Pittsburgh is known as the "City of Bridges." The robot looks impressive, but it probably won't last until the wonderful future when the real Transformers rule the earth.
Located at:
Fort Duquesne Blvd and 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Directions: Downtown, along the south side of the river. I-279 exit 6C onto Fort Duquesne Boulevard. Drive three blocks. The Transformer will be on the right, just past the third stoplight, at the intersection of 7th Street, in front of a parking lot.
Eyeball Seats
Named in honor of Agnes R Katz, the plaza features eyeball seats surrounded by 32 double rowed linden trees and a fountain by Louis Bourgeois that is 25 feet high and features two streams of water that spring from the top and flows to the base. The fountain has heated water allowing it to flow all year round.
Located at:
Penn Avenue and 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Directions: Downtown, along the south side of the river. I-279 exit 6C onto Fort Duquesne Boulevard. Drive three blocks. Turn right onto 7th Street.
5,000 Religious Relics at St. Anthony's Chapel
This is an extremely odd attraction. St. Anthony's Chapel houses 5,000 religious relics. It has the second largest collection of religious relics in the world (the largest is in the Vatican) and a piece of the True Cross.
Located at:
1700 Harpster St., Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: 412-323-9504
Directions: From the North I-279 south. Exit 8-B. East on North Avenue/Spring Garden Avenue for a mile, then right onto Wickline Lane. Right onto Cowley Street. Right onto Ley Street. Right onto Froman Street, then left onto Harpster Street. From the south: I-279 exit north. Exit7-C. Merge onto State Road 28, then take the Chestnut Street exit. Left onto Chestnut, then right onto Phineas Street/Troy Hill Road/Gardner St. for about three-quarters of a mile. Turn right onto Hatteras Street. Left onto Claim Street. Right onto Harpster Street.
Forbes Field -Original Home Plate
The remnants of old Forbes Field still exist in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Forbes Field was the original home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates and was the location of the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" when Bill Mazeroski hit a home run winning the game against the New York Yankees in 1960. The field was torn down in 1970, but the original home plate and outfield fences were saved by the University of Pittsburgh.
Located at:
The University of Pittsburgh’s Campus.
Directions: Take the 376 Parkway to the University of Pittsburgh (Oakland, Forbes Ave exit), and look for University of Pitt Posvar building.
Great day outside! Why not take advantage of the Pittsburgh regions 21 miles of multi-use trails along both sides of the Allegheny, Monogahela and Ohio Rivers. Come one come all cyclists, walkers,runners and rollerblades all are invited to these urban trail systems in and around downtown Pittsburgh. Enjoy the stories of our rich heritage, awesome views and points of interest, along with fitness, relaxation and recreation.
River recreation also has become very popular in our region and new is the creation and a work in progress is the Three Rivers Water Trail System.Beginning with the Allegheny River and now expanding to include the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, these water trails do and will have have multiple purposes and/or attractions. The Friends of the Riverfront can provide your adventure with a detailed water trail map with points of interest and "tours" along the water trail. For other recreation and things of outdoor interest contact one of the organizations such as Outside Adventure, Venture Outdoors or the Sierra Club they can help organize canoe and kayak trips at all skill levels.
During your outdoor adventure take some time off the trail…take a break at one of the many restaurants, neighborhood shops, or just chill on one of the park benches placed statically for your eyes only.
Hey it's nice outside get going!
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First a real quick explanation "Sweetwater" is the translated Native American term for Sewickley, a beautiful one square mile town with a vibrant downtown located west of downtown Pittsburgh. The Sweetwater Center for the Arts celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. And will host a number of events to celebrate though out the year. The Center located in the old Sewickley Post Office building offers a wide array of classes, outreach programs, scholarship opportunities, exhibitions and cultural experiences. As well as art exhibits.
This February 2010 on Fridays there will be an evening of jazz featuring several well known artists, the evening will include complimently wine and hors d'oevres. The guest artists will be Jessica Lee, Robbie Klein, Betty Douglas and The Howie Alexander Trio.
In April 2010 join in for the birthday gala. There will be dancing, dinner, cocktails and live music, even an art auction. Sounds like fun please come.
At 7:00pm on New Year's Eve, the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh will be holding a prayer service- open to everyone! All are welcome to pray for God’s blessing for Pittsburgh in the new year.
The First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest entities west of the Allegheny Mountains. Its roots go back to 1758 when the British defeated the French at Fort Duquesne. In thanksgiving to God, a small group of Presbyterians gathered with a minister in a service of praise, and continued to meet in one another's homes. Go here to learn more!
Come downtown on New Year's Eve for First Night Pittsburgh! More than 100 programs in locations across the Cultural District (90% are indoors). Dance, music, hands-on activities for the kids, theater, gallery crawl, parade... and what Pittsburgh event would be complete without FIREWORKS!!!
SO MUCH to see and do! Check out the event listing here.
Experience the simple lifestyle of the Amish. There are several Amish communities in western Pennsylvania that are great to visit. Two communities near the border of Indiana and Armstrong counties, northeast of Pittsburgh, are home to over 250 Old Order Amish families, the largest Amish settlement in Western Pennsylvania. Horse-drawn carriages and automobiles share the road, as you drive through the area. Specialty shops in town, mostly owned by the "English," offer a variety of hand-crafted goods and Amish wares. Small Amish-owned shops also offer home-baked foods and Amish-made furniture.
Beautiful country scenery and lush farmlands form the backdrop for the lifestyles of the Old Order Amish who lead a peaceful existence, devoid of modern conveniences. A relaxing journey through present-day Smicksburg, located approximately 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, offers a glimpse of Amish men using horses to plow their fields, Amish children playing in the yard of a one-room school house, laundry blowing in the breeze and horse-drawn buggies sharing the road with automobiles. While in Smicksburg, visit one of the more than 20 specialty shops, offering Amish handmade crafts, quilts, handcrafted furniture, and a wide variety of food, candy and fudge. Shopping in Smicksburg is an experience like no other due to the unique products and quality gifts available.
While in Dayton, take time to enjoy the Amish Wedding Feast at Stockdale's Restaurant, where you can enjoy an Amish meal, served family-style in a typical Amish setting, as you learn about traditional Amish wedding customs. In downtown Smicksburg, a variety of specialty shops offer everything from hand-made pottery and dried herbs, to hand-made Amish furniture.
So take a road trip you’ll never forget.
Just got back from lunch at the Bigelow Grille and it was fabulous! Had one of the best Chopped Salads, and if you like tomato soup, you can't miss their Tomato Bisque. Amazing! I have always had great service, and they are truly respectful of the one hour window most folk have for lunch. The menu is reasonably priced and its a great atmosphere for a break from the office. YUM!
On specific dates in December (17, 18, 21 and 22), Morton's the Steakhouse will open for lunch from 11:30-2:00! For $25, you can enjoy the menu which will feature a choice of soup or salad, Grilled Rib-Eye Steak, Grilled Northwest King Salmon, Grilled Colossal Shrimp & Sea Scallops, Chicken Christopher, and dessert. The a la carte menu will also be available.
Pittsburgh is a shopper’s paradise and you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. In addition to four major department stores downtown, suburban malls and shopping meccas such as Shadyside, Station Square and the South Side, there’s a treasure trove of museum shops and stores nestled within many area attractions. Below is a list you may want to check twice.
Carnegie Museum of Art Store - Books, catalogs, stationery, toys and more, including Celebrating the First 100 Years, which vividly recounts the “palace of culture ” history.
Senator John Heinz History Center Gift Shop – Unique gifts such as chocolate-covered gherkins, red Heinz Ketchup t-shirts, hand-made jewelry, books and the memorabilia of the region.
Mattress Factory Museum Shop - Postcards with Mattress highlights, limited edition lithographs by in-residence artists and officially licensed gear.
Carnegie Science Center - XPLOR (Store) - Spy and buy a telescope. Get a read on the stars in the astronomy section. Or pick out a goofy gadget.
Phone: (412) 323-7235; Website: aviary.org
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - in downtown Pittsburgh! I love just going outside and taking a walk around town during this time of year. There are lights glittering from atop buildings and colorful decorations everywhere. You can hear the rhythmic jingling of Salvation Army bellringers and stores have holiday music playing.
The Macy's windows tell their own story as you walk by. Each scene makes you want to wander to the next window to see how the story unfolds. Duck into Macy's for a yummy treat in the bakery, located on the Arcade level. Check out the sales going on. You're sure to find a great gift for the people on your list.
Garland is a familiar sight downtown. Storefronts wear necklaces of silver and gold and red and green. Windows are adorned with merry mannequins donning holiday outfits silently beckoning shoppers. Wander within and explore the treasures each store has to offer.
Coffee shops send out their own sweet invitation to passersby, with delicious aromas dancing in the air. Drop down onto a comfy bench with a gingerbread latte and watch the world go by. Sip a scrumptous peppermint mocha and rest your shopping weary feet.
There are lots of holiday events, including "Memories Made Here," presented by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, featuring free horse-drawn carriage rides and free Holly Trolley rides every Saturday through December 26.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the ice rink at PPG Place. Do twirly loops and figure eights like the Olympic wannabe skater that your are and see the beautiful lights reflected from the huge Christmas tree in the center of the rink.
Shop till you drop at Fifth Avenue Place and One Oxford Centre. Downtown is the place to be this holiday season. Don't forget to bring your Market Square Holiday Coupon to receive great deals on food and merchandise from your favorite merchants.
Happy Holidays!
Just had lunch at the Apollo Cafe- YUM! If you're looking for Greek food on a budget this is your place. The stuffed grape leaves are some of the best I've had and the hummus and pita make the perfect accent. I had a bowl of the Tomato Bisque soup... and wow... what a perfect treat on a chilly day.
The small establishment is located on Forbes Ave and has plenty of seating (although a little tight) for a quick lunch break. They only take cash so come prepared!
Spend a Special Sunday afternoon with a Daughter or Granddaughter at Little Lake Theater in Canonsburg. "Madeline's Christmas" is presented on stage for the month of December: The musical follows Madeline and eleven other girls who live at Miss Clavel's Boarding School. You can make a perfect afternoon for the good little girls on your shopping list. Show times are 1:30 Saturdays and Sundays, with a just right admittance of $14 for adults and $12 for children under 15 years. Canonsburg is located in Washington County and within 25 minutes of Downtown Pittsburgh.
This is just good old frontier fun at the Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park. Sunday, December 6 step back in time to traditional Scottish dancing and enjoy blacksmithing demonstrations spinning, weaving and quilting. Just don't miss the next Sunday December 12, that's when the homestead celebrates an "18th Century Frontier Christmas" you'll be entertained with ancient and traditional carols sung by Dorothy McClelland. Both events take place at 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Looking for something uniquely frightening to do this weekend? Try the Haunted Pittsburgh Carriage Rides. Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours has joined forces with Mike's Carriage Rides and the famous Woody Cunningham to take you through the heart of downtown on this ghostly adventure.
The one hour tours take place Thursday nights at 7 and 8:15; Saturday nights at 8:30. Board the carriage across from the Sheraton Station Square at the Mikes Carriage kiosk. Cost is $35 per passenger, 4 passenger minimum.