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!
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!
The Frick Art & Historical Center in Pittsburgh’s historic East End has a special charm during the holidays. Visitors to the Frick this holiday season will experience Clayton transformed with lavish greenery, family gifts and an elegant table setting. Those who take the holiday tour of Clayton will learn about customs of calling and receiving visitors during the Gilded Age. Tours run through January 3, 2010.
Visitors to the Frick during the holidays may also enjoy distinctive holiday dining and shopping experiences—the Museum Shop offers unusual gift options, and The Café at the Frick serves delectable holiday fare, with extended hours and a special menu. So head to the Frick and experience a Victorian Christmas. Listen to the orchestrion, Pick up the “Stanley Steamer,” the 2009 annual ornament at the Museum Gift Shop.
The Frick Art & Historical Center is open to the public thanks to the generosity of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick. When the Frick family moved to New York in 1905, Helen remained attached to Clayton, her Pittsburgh home. Her long-time wish was for Clayton and the surrounding estate to be preserved and opened to the public after her death.
So head to the Frick and experience a Victorian Christmas. It will take you back in time.
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.
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
The spirit of the Christmas season is apparent all around Pittsburgh, but the most impressive, and the most beautiful in my opinion, is the Pittsburgh Creche located at the USX Tower on Grant Street. It is so life-like that it is a moving experience just standing in front of it.
Sponsored by the Christian Leaders Fellowship, the Creche is the world’s only authorized replica of the crèche erected in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. First erected in 1999 through the work of the Christian Leaders Fellowship, the Pittsburgh Crèche appears again through generous gifts from Pittsburgh labor unions, businesses, religious communities and other community members. It can be viewed 24 hours a day through January 7, 2008. Throughout the Christmas season, various choirs from around Pittsburgh will perform on site.
The Pittsburgh Crèche features larger-than-life-size renderings of the Holy Family, the magi, an angel, shepherds, animals and a stable, along with a professional sound and lighting system. Pietro Simonelli, sculptor of the original Vatican crèche, created the figurines, which have lifelike hands, feet and faces made from clay and weather-proofed papier-mâché placed on a wooden frame. The stable design is also taken directly from Vatican blueprints.
Stop by and be inspired.
Support Old Economy Village on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00pm for a fundraiser dinner. Enjoy a very special evening combining the rich culture of the Harmony Society with a unique dining opportunity. The dinner takes place in the historic Feast Hall, where you will dine by lantern light. Along with a delicious meal, special musical interludes will punctuate the evening as well as an auction of unique gifts for the holidays. Proceeds of this event go to the Friends of Old Economy Village, who support educational programs and special projects to over 20,000 visitors to the Site every year. Reservations and $75.00 prepayment required.
If you’ve never been to Oktoberfest, but would love to immerse yourself in this wonderful German tradition, then you will want to head to Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh on the South Side. Hofbrauhaus is Pennsylvania's first authentic Hofbräuhaus - modeled after the legendary 400+ year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany.
Enjoy the German traditions that have made Hofbräuhaus famous. From the authentically decorated rooms in the building to the beer that is brewed on-site, and of course the excellent German fare, Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh is a memorable experience for all.
If you’re looking for a fun and friendly atmosphere, you’ll love Bier Hall, which has live music and a big crowd. Those looking for a quieter setting will want to choose the dining room where you can indulge in delicious Bavarian fare. Many dishes are prepared with ingredients specially made for the Hofbräuhaus or imported from abroad. Great view await you when you sit in The Bier Garden with views of the waterfront with the Pittsburgh skyline as its backdrop.
Stop by the gift store and pick up gifts, clothing, and novelties from Munich for all of your friends and family. Guten Tag!
For kids Black Friday doesn't start their holiday...it's the Saturday after Thanksgiving that gets the ball rolling for them. So shake off the memories of shopping, aching feet, and stress and take the kids to The PA Trolley Museum located in Washington County for a ride on Santa's Trolley. Yes! Santa will be there and ready to listen to childrens wishes for Christmas. The Trolley gets under way this Friday November 27 and will run through Sunday. And while the kids are enjoying the ride you may be able to pick up a few gifts from the gift center (Oh, shopping again!). For added entertainment check out the huge multi-leved Lionel train layout.
Through December 8 get free admission with and unwrapped toy (Min. value $10) these will go to the Toys for Tots Campaign. For more details click on link or call 724.228.9256.
Chosen as the #1 gift each year by our customers. The perfect gift for family, friends, or the clients and customers on your list.
When only the very best will do! The keepsake stoneware mugs will be a constant reminder of your generosity, as well as the many fine products chosen just for this holiday assortment.
One of our most popular baskets! Wow them with this selection of treats for everyone. So much to eat and share, they’ll know you think they’re special.
Need to send a little holiday magic? This assortment will disappear quickly and leave them in the holiday spirit. Perfect for almost everyone on your list.
So they’re really missing Pittsburgh this year? Send this selection of our Italian goodies and they’ll think they are almost home.
No other basket says Pittsburgh the way this one does. Give them a taste of our great city and they’ll love it the way you do!
Everyone will be delighted with this holiday assortment. Our keepsake bowl will remind them of your thoughtfulness in the days ahead.
The crew is assembled and searching for munchies. This gift is packed with lots of treats for your group. No matter what your message, they’ll be grateful you thought of them.
They’ll fill this Steelers logo tin with their favorite brew, put on their Steelers beads, and be ready to party for the whole game. These snacks are guaranteed to get them through tense moments on Sunday afternoons!
This hometown gift will give them lots to cheer about, even if there is no time to watch the game! Myron himself would’ve liked this gift.
10% Off Gifts Baskets priced $40 and more until November 30th. Offer begins Sunday, November 22nd. Certain restrictions apply. Only individual gift baskets with a retail price of $40 or more qualify. Discounts not applicable for multiple purchases of gifts less than $40.
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