The Pittsburgh Irish Festival celebrates its 20th Anniversary. This event is one of the finest Irish-American festivals, exhibiting Irish music, lore, food, and dance in the region. The Pittsburgh Irish Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day in September at Riverplex between Sandcastle and Waterfront, and draws over 25,000 visitors for the weekend gathering. Audiences will enjoy the performances of Irish music, dance and cultural craft persons, artisans and the Irish history and tradition that exist in Pittsburgh past and present.
Daily entertainment and events for all ages such as: Gaelic Sports, Irish Market Place, Blarney Bingo and an Irish dog area. No need to bring your dog… this area will introduce you to all of the Irish breeds
The young adults can join in for competitive and non-competitive activities in the activity area here there’ll be the “Cliffs of Moher” climbing wall along with trying your hand at the Irish cornhole game.
Get your Irish up and come experience a weekend of family fun.
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 Historic National Road is the Nation's first federally funded highway. It became a transportation corridor for goods and people, creating cultural diversity where visitors experience a physical timeline -- classic inns, toll houses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.
Look for the cast-iron mile markers placed along the route. These obelisk markers were placed every one mile and noted the distance to Cumberland and Wheeling and nearby towns.
First stop: Fort Necessity
Before the National Road was constructed, the first battle of the French & Indian War was fought there at Fort Necessity, 11 miles east of Uniontown, Colonial troops commanded Colonel George Washington were defeated in the small stockade at the "Great Meadow". Today the park comprises approximately 900 acres, including the battlefield with the reconstructed Fort, a visitor center, and Mount Washington Tavern.
Second stop: Mount Washington Tavern
Mount Washington Tavern, now part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, was a home built by Judge Nathaniel Ewing in about 1827. It later became a stage stop and tavern that served travelers on the National Road. This is a stagecoach tavern that Offered three basic things; food, drink, and lodging.
Third stop: Major General Edward Braddock
View the grave of British, leader of an ill-fated expedition to the forks of the Ohio River to try to capture French-held Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War
Forth stop: Uniontown
Uniontown was the headquarters for three major stagecoach lines which carried passengers over the National Road, and The Columbia Rolling Mill, an iron and steel works, was located in Uniontown from 1887 to 1895. The mill was the town's unquestioned top industry at that time.
Fifth stop: Searight toll house
Named for tavern owner William Searight, the toll house is one of six toll houses along Historic National Road and the one of the two located route 40 in Pennslvania. Thousands of travelers paid tolls here while journeying along the road.
Six stop: Brownsville
Located on the Monongahela River, Brownsville was a center for steamboat building and river freight hauling. Here you can visit Nemacolin Castle, the Flatiron Building Heritage Center or a historic church of 1845. Stop to view the Flatiron Bridge built in the 1830s.
Seventh stop: Beallsville
Located here you’ll find the statues “The Madonna of the Trail”, an 18-ft. tall tribute to the pioneer mothers who traveled west. The Madonna of the Trail is a stony-faced pioneer Mother in long dress and bonnet, strutting westward with a rifle on one arm, an infant on the other while another little child grasps Mom's skirt.
Stop eight: Scenery Hill
This view opens up all the land, you’ll see the most breath taking scenes, where the towns, highways, mountains and the and the sky meet up to paint a beautiful picture.
Along the trail there are stops for antique shopping, picking up some fresh vegetables and fruit. You can also stop at an old diner The Route 40 Diner for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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.
Visit basketofpittsburgh.com for gourmet food and gift baskets with a Pittsburgh theme. This week the popular Strictly Pittsburgh gift basket is 10% off!!!
Whether you have never been to the Frick Art & Historical Center, or have been there many times, now is the time to take participate in the Holiday Tours of Clayton at the Frick! Running daily from 10:00am-5:00pm through 1/3/10 visit this beautifully restored home of the Henry Clay Frick family, dressed for the holidays.
Visitors can also enjoy holiday shopping and dining. The Cafe at the Frick is delicious, and well-known for its gourmet desserts!
Still looking for something to do on New Year's Eve? How about dinner at the Naked Grape Wine Bistro?
Enjoy a festive & elegant dinner with a special New Year's Eve menu featuring specially selected Sparkling Wines & Champagne! Enjoy the warm & intimate Tuscan environment as you ring in the New Year.
Seating Times: 6pm/8pm/10pm For reservations or more information: 412-741-6420
I just came back from a fabulous lunch at Lidia's Pittsburgh in the Strip District. Not only is the atmosphere in this place warm and inviting, the food is AMAZING! I had the Beet Salad (Insalata di Barbabietole e Caprino) which consists of roasted beets, fresh peaches and goat cheese tosserd in a red wine vinaigrette (apples were substiuted for the peaches because of seasonality).
Not to forget their delicious, freshly baked bread with spreads and dipping oil.
If you're looking for a wonderul, authentic Italian meal, Lidia's is the place!
After Christmas with the family, head to Olive or Twist on 12/26 from 10:00pm-2:00a. $7 cover before 10pm.
Bid farewell to 2009 and welcome 2010 in style! Sip martinis and champagne and enjoy hors d'ouveres. Dance the night away to Hip Hop, Reggae, Top 40 and Mashups of the year's greatest hits with a live DJ.
Dress is Holiday Chic and Doors Open at 9pm.
From 5-6pm on December 21st, head to Morton's The Steakhouse to enjoy complimentary prime mini-cheeseburgers, a best-selling ‘Bar Bites’ menu item at Morton’s Bar. These mini cheeseburgers consist of more than half a pound of USDA Prime beef with cheddar cheese, tomato slices, iceberg lettuce and onion, served on silver dollar rolls.
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!
Saturday December 12th starting at 11am and ending at 8pm, come to Shadyside for the largest indie craft show in Pittsburgh. At the craft show will be items hand crafted from recycled material, and locally made one-of-a-kind affordable yet classy gifts. Many of the artisans and crafters are from the Pittsburgh and surrounding area, but other goods will be on display from seven other states you'll find everything from jewelry to T-shirts.
There are 90 artisans and craftsmen chosen from more than 300 that competed to show their goods, and picked for their innovative and cutting edge styles. Many of them will be available to discuss their creation of crafts and designs.
"Handmade Arcade" will be held at The Hunt Armory, 324 Emerson Street in Shadyside, local food venders will be on hand to provide refreshment. The first 100 shoppers will receive a swag bag, and there will a DJ for your entertainment.
Here's the best part it's FREE!!!
There is an early bird special offered for those who want to jump in and get busy shopping one hour before official opening time. There will be 150 early birds passes available at $15.
If you're looking for a great place to shop, eat, walk or just hang out, then head to Walnut Street in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. Walnut Street is one of those places where you can park your car and walk the rest of the day. Revel in the cozy, unique village atmosphere.
There are dozens of shops to explore including Talbots, Four Winds Gallery, Henne Jewelers, Roberta Weissburg Leathers and more.
The holidays sparkle on Walnut Street with beautiful holiday decorations and live holiday performances and festivities, including a visit with Santa and his Elves Saturdays from Noon to 3pm.
Take a break from shopping and have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese food, soup and a sandwich or sushi, you won’t go hungry long here. There’s even a cool Peruvian restaurant that also has a craft gallery. Then duck into the beloved Prantl’s Bakery and indulge in some of the city’s best pastries.
During the holiday season, there are extended shopping hours. There’s also free parking on weekends at Liberty School (Ellsworth & Ivy).
See you on Walnut Street!
Deck Ross Park Mall and you'll be singing fa la la la la this season! Be prepared to spend the entire day there because there are so many great stores that you will need hours and hours. Don't worry about going home to eat lunch or dinner because there's a large food court with a variety of yummy eateries to fuel your energy.
Anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, and Nordstrom, Ross Park Mall makes shopping all it is supposed to be - fun, fulfilling, and full of surprises! Along with the department stores, nearly 150 specialty stores make up this multi-level shopping center. Specialty stores include Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Aveda, bebe, Banana Republic, Bare Escentuals, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Burberry, Godiva Chocolatier, J. Crew, J. Jill, Journeys, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Martin + Osa, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Swarovski, Talbots, Tiffany & Co., True Religion, and Williams-Sonoma. We have also opened our first restaurant in the mall's outdoor lifestyle component, the upscale and delicious The Cheesecake Factory.
There are some special holiday events going on to keep you merry. Don't miss "Open Your Closet, Open Your Heart” going on through December 31 at J. Jill. Donate gently worn J.Jill items at any of our stores to share your love of J.Jill and show your compassion. You'll receive 10% off* a new J.Jill item for each piece donated. All items will be delivered to a local charity that helps women in need. Kidgits Winter Celebration! "Kidgits Winter Celebration" takes place in the Children's Play Area on Saturday, December 12th, from 2-5 p.m. Radio Disney will be on board to make it a jolly good time!
Ross Park Mall has special holiday hours during this season so you can shop till you drop and not miss a sale! Check the web site for the hours.
Its great location and upscale retailers continue to make Ross Park Mall the No. 1 mall in Pittsburgh.
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!
So... I'm still thinking about the lunch I had yesterday and thought if it was that good I should tell you about it! I had a business lunch at the Capital Grille here in downtown Pittsburgh and wow- was it excellent! The lobster bisque soup was so creamy and had generous chunks of lobster. And my chopped salad with citrus grilled shrimp was to die for!!!! Everything was prepared to perfection and the service was exquisite.
If you're looking for a lunch that won't disappoint, check out the Capital Grille!
Start a new holiday tradition – take your family and friends to Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights on display ne of the nation's largest light displays, covering more than three hundred acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort. Favorites from previous years include the animated “Snowflake Tunnel,” a display that delights visitors as they drive through dozens of twinkling snowflakes, and the massive “Polyhedron Star,” which is emblazoned with over 2,000 lights and stands on the highest hilltop in Oglebay. Another dazzling display is the “Poinsettia Wreath and Candle,” which stands nearly 60 feet tall, spanning 50 feet in diameter. Take the “Gardens of Light” tour and see the 150 hanging baskets of light plus thousands of lighted flowers and trees. The tour takes visitors to the Carriage House Glass, Gourmet in the Gardens (gourmet food, wine chocolate) Christmas Tree Garden, life-size Nativity and the Mansion Museum, all festively decorated for the season. While you are waiting for the hillsides to illuminate, there is plenty to do and see at Oglebay. The Ihlenfeld Dining Room at Wilson Lodge offers a holiday buffet nightly and the family-friendly GlassWorks Grill at the lodge is open daily for lunch and dinner. The Winter Festival of Lights is also a special time at all seven of the Oglebay specialty shops. The Winter Festival of Lights is viewable Sunday through Thursday until 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 11:00 p.m. A per car donation is requested and is valid for the entire festival season. Trolley tours are offered several times each night beginning at Wilson Lodge.