Destination Guide: Pittsburgh Area Points of Interest
Attractions and Sites of Interest featured on Fringe Benefits: Pittsburgh
Ligonier, PA is a quaint and charming town east of Pittsburgh, with a classic town square. Restaurants buzz with activity, and on the day of our visit a weekly summer concert was in full swing at the Town Hall: https://www.ligonier.com
Ligonier Country Market This farmer’s market is one of the largest in the region – and offers a range of foods, handmade goods, and gourmet food options: http://ligoniercountrymarket.org
Fort Ligonier features a recreated French and Indian War fort, and tells the story of the life of soldiers and early townspeople. The town’s largest event, Fort Ligonier Days, held every October, includes a large reenactment and encampment at the fort: http://fortligonier.org
Sand Hill Berries is famous of their pies, made from their own locally-grown berries. There’s a great garden to relax and enjoy the weekend live music, a piece of pie, and a glass from their on-site winery: http://www.sandhillberries.com
Idlewild is a classic amusement park at its best. The historic park, in operation since 1878, includes a classic wooden coaster, Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood trolley ride, and the Storybook Forest – home to all of the most beloved childhood characters: http://www.idlewild.com
Great Allegheny Passage offers 150 miles of hiking and biking between Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh, PA. The trail is a reuse of old railroad beds, and passes through beautiful Ohiopyle and other State Parks: http://www.atatrail.org
Wilderness Voyageurs offered bikes for our GAP tour, and a great guide in owner Eric Martin. The outfitters offers all kinds of tours and treks near Ohiopyle State Park: http://wilderness-voyageurs.com
City of Pittsburgh: http://www.visitpittsburgh.com
Laurel Highlands Region: http://www.laurelhighlands.org
Dining
Greendance Winery located at Sand Hill Berries offers more than 40 wines at their tasting room: http://www.greendancewinery.com
Primanti Bros home of the original, classic Pittsburgh sandwich – french fries right on the bun!: http://www.primantibros.com
Lodging Options
If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, I suggest you start your visit downtown. Anyone who has not been to this city in recent years will be impressed with its rebirth as a clean bustling downtown with an interesting cultural mix. Pierogi shops intermingle with pasta shops in the Strip District. Market Square offers a great place to catch a noontime lunch and outdoor concert. And the recently remodeled and constructed Point State Park is a great, grassy expanse to bike, picnic, and people watch while enjoying the views of the rivers.
Cambria Suites Pittsburgh Consol Center offers well-equipped suites for business or pleasure, located adjacent to the Consol Center. The location is an easy walk to much of downtown, and offers on-site parking and breakfast: http://www.cambriasuitespittsburgh.com
Foxley Farm in Ligonier, PA, is a historic home Bed & Breakfast. Hosts Maggie and PJ offer a warm and friendly atmosphere. Beautiful rooms, grounds and views within an easy drive to the village: http://ligonierfoxleyfarm.com
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a surprisingly large resort tucked into rural Western Pennsylvania. The resort offers rooms in a number of hotel options, including the opulent Chateaux. Just about every activity imaginable is offered on property – from fine dining, to paintball, to a luxury day at the spa: http://www.nemacolin.com
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