When you imagine rolling farmland and fresh produce, you might not think of Pittsburgh or Erie, but prepare to fall in love with western Pennsylvania’s blend of city bustle and country charm. Plan a trip along I-79 to discover farm-to-table cuisine in the Steel City, barns with a story to tell in Butler and endless relaxation along the commonwealth’s only shore in Erie.
Start your journey with a glimpse of the “crystal palace” of Phipps Conservatory, a 13-room extravaganza that’s considered one of the largest and finest Victorian glasshouses in the country. The botanical gardens feature lush tropical plants, palms, orchids, ferns and desert plants, as well as special flower shows, exhibits and butterflies.
Read More >Your next stop is only a bridge away as you explore the Strip District, Pittsburgh's only historic market district. Pittsburghers looking for the best produce at great prices arrive early on Penn Avenue and stay through the day to explore the numerous ethnic groceries, bakeries, arts, crafts and collectibles shops, street vendors and much more.
Read More >Be sure to swing by Pittsburgh’s ever-renovating Market Square, located at the intersection of Market Street and Forbes Avenue and overshadowed by One PPG Place, a glass neo-Gothic castle that defines the downtown skyline. This popular square is home to concerts and a farmers market in the summer months, as well as great restaurants year-round.
Read More >For a more elegant take on farm-freshness, this sleek, light-filled restaurant is famous for its global fusion menu that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, including golden trout from a nearby fish farm.
Read More >At its original location, enjoy one of their signature sandwiches that has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1933. Their sandwiches are famous for being topped with French fries, cole slaw and tomatoes.
Read More >The super-comfortable accommodations of the elegant Omni William Penn Hotel have been attracting distinguished guests since 1916. During your overnight stay here, you’ll be tempted by award-winning food.
Read More >Escape to the Sun and Cricket Bed & Breakfast, a hidden estate with acres of fields and forests. This B&B has recently been called "the most photogenic and perfectly appointed country-inn setting in the Pittsburgh area."
Read More >Heading north to quaint Butler, take some time to explore the Barns of Butler County, a self-guided driving tour that shows just why the people of Butler County have good reason to be proud of their cherished farmland. The three separate driving tours take you to 16 barns housing everything from cows to alpacas, as well as past some historic landmarks like the oldest barn ever built in Butler County (Harmonist Ziegler-Wise Barn in 1805) or the Marharg Farm Barn, where along with 50 acres... Read More >
Locals love this authentic Italian restaurant family operated since the owners emigrated from Italy 50 years ago. Mama Rosa’s sauce is made daily using only the freshest natural ingredients from the area. Mama even grows her own basil!
Read More >The Chop Shop is an excellent place to enjoy a delicious meal, as every meal is made with passion and dedication. The Chop Shop strives to have the best tasting and most creative food in Butler, so be sure to stop by and check out some of the juicy burgers or even the black bean dip.
Read More >Receive the “rest of your life” at the Inn at Mt. Chestnut, where innkeepers Kevin and Leslie Vinroe are dedicated to entertaining their guests and making them comfortable. Situated on ten acres of woodlands, this inn is guaranteed to provide you a relaxing and memorable experience.
Read More >Enjoy period furnishings of this gorgeous hotel, which has grown with the Saxonburg community since the 1800s. Fall asleep under a painted tin ceiling in the Amelia Room, or cozy up with a loved one in the king sized canopy bed in the Perusia Room. Whichever room you stay in, you’ll be sure to enjoy the rich history, beautiful décor and comfortable sleep at Hotel Saxonburg.
Read More >Continue north to say hello to Erie, home of Pennsylvania's very own shoreline. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail offers excellent views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre peninsula that's a haven to swimmers, hikers, bikers and rollerbladers. Boat, fish or take a plunge along seven miles of unfettered surf beaches before hanging out at downtown Erie's Renaissance Bayfront District, home to the Presque Isle Lighthouse, built... Read More >
Lake Erie, of course, produces the kind of weather that makes for great vineyards for Lake Erie Wine Country. Mazza Vineyards’ broad, breezy porches and rolling hills full of Lake Erie spray just beg for a blanket, a bit of cheese and some slow, sweet quality time. But first, tour the beautiful Spanish-style estate, taste what the house is pouring that day and treat yourself to a bottle of their perfect German Riesling right there on the lawn.
Read More >Known for their daily specials and friendly service, Johnny B's is a local favorite. Enjoy Johnny’s Scrambler in the morning, or a delicious steak and scampi for dinner.
Read More >If you’re stopping by the Freeport Restaurant, you have to taste some of their bacon and ham, both of which are smoked in the restaurant’s in-house smoker! You also have to try their sausage, which is homemade and absolutely delicious.
Read More >Nestled among grape vines, apple orchards and fruit farms, Vineyard Bed & Breakfast beckons you to enjoy the tranquil Pennsylvania countryside.
Read More >As soon as you step in the door of Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast, your senses will be met with the sweet smells of home-baked bread and cookies. This bed and breakfast is focused on providing its guests the most comfortable, and delicious, stay possible. The owners even cure and smoke their own bacon! Before you fall asleep in their beautifully decorated rooms, all of which are named after different varieties of local grapes, you must relax with a glass of wine next to the fireplace in the library, or enjoy the surrounding gardens on the sun porch.
Read More >