Year: 2017

Threadbare Review – Local Ciders and Artisan Pizza in the North Side

Threadbare Cider House in the North Side is the brainchild of the folks at Wigle Whiskey, arguably Pittsburgh's most famous local distiller.

When wanting to branch out into a new venture, the owners stumbled upon the history of Johnny Appleseed (or John Chapman by his real name)- a rather eccentric fellow who, in the late-1700s/early-1800s, wandered around the region, preached conservation and planted nurseries to be tended to by locals (giving rise to the modern legend), and spreading the gospel far and wide.

Some stories of his travels had him based near Pittsburgh for a while (possibly even during the famous Whiskey Rebellion that Wigle proudly promotes), and when the owners realized this the idea for Threadbare came to life. Fast forward a few years, and they are now ramping up production of fine ciders made with locally sourced apples and are serving them at their North Side production facility along with stellar artisan pizzas.

Shortly before opening, our friends at Wigle gave us a call and invited us down to try out their menu- and sample the menu we did. Between three separate visits we had just about everything they offer!

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The Living Dead Museum – Behind the Scenes of a Cult Classic

In November 2020, The Living Dead Museum moved to the Monroeville Mall. Our article was from our visit to the museum when it was located in Evans City. As such, the museum and experience may be different than described below. Once we are able to visit the new location we will update this article accordingly.

You may be aware that the cult classic zombie flick, Night of the Living Dead, was filmed outside of Pittsburgh.

But did you also know that Pittsburgh has its own Living Dead Museum dedicated to the franchise?

Although small, this one does a fantastic job paying tribute to all things from the Living Dead series, zombie media at large, and then some!

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10 Pittsburgh Gifts to Share a Taste of the City

Are you looking for a gift for a Pittsburgher? It is no secret that we all love this city, so why not pick up a Pittsburgh inspired gift that is sure to wow them!

In this guide we are sharing 10 gift themes that focus on all things Pittsburgh. Within each theme we have featured multiple different ideas to hit all interests, gift types, and budgets. So go beyond a restaurant gift card and impress your favorite Pittsburgher with one of the below!

Note: This article contains gift ideas for all budgets. Recommendations are as low as a $10 Pittsburgh novelty or book, a $20 shirt, and can be as expensive as a $100+ ski pass or $200 Steelers ticket. We wanted to give a range of ideas in this one and as such prices run the full spectrum.  

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Hundred Acres Manor – A Horrifyingly Good Time in Pittsburgh

When it comes to getting scared senseless at a haunted house during Halloween in Pittsburgh, it is safe to say that Angie and I are not rushing to volunteer.

To put it bluntly, we don't really care for horrors, frights, or bumps in the night even when we know what is about to happen. The best horror scenarios to us are left to the movies- ones that are contained to a DVD, shrink wrapped in a case, and on the back of a store shelf far, far away.

But when Hundred Acres Manor came knocking and asked if we wanted to visit their haunted attractions just south of Pittsburgh for a review, we were in. Well, I was at least, and Angie came along kicking and screaming all while threatening to fake a heart attack to get out of it.

As it turns out, the reason we don't really care for haunted attractions is not because we don't like being scared (I may be speaking for myself on this one), but rather no one has done a good enough job to date to make us excited to visit a haunted house in the first place.

That is, until now.

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Brian’s Barbecue Review – Tender Meats in Finleyville

It appears that Brian's Barbecue may be permanently closed as of 2022.

Brian's Barbecue is a small restaurant in Finleyville, PA (about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh) serving up wood-fire cooked meats topped with a hearty tomato barbecue sauce and a selection of decent side items.

Next time you find yourself south of the city, do yourself a favor and try this one!

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Tequila Cowboy Pittsburgh Review – Where Every Night is Country Night

Tequila Cowboy is a country-themed bar on the North Shore that features a mechanical bull, karaoke room, and live country music.

This spot is perfect for those who like to sing and dance to country music when they go out- be it for a birthday or bachelorette party or even for varied drink specials with a lively ambiance.

It's also the kind of place that most people will either love or hate.

And we can safely say that we sway towards the latter.

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A Walk Between Covered Bridges at Mingo Creek

Mingo Creek County Park is a 2,600 acre park located in Finleyville, PA, about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh.

With a beautiful paved walking trail along the creek, covered bridges, an observatory, and picnic pavilions abound, it should be no surprise that this park is often considered to be a favorite among residents of Washington County!

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Wigle’s Barrelhouse Review – A Great Outdoor Drinking Spot

Wigle's Barrelhouse has been shut down since the start of COVID. We are unsure if this will reopen in 2022.

When Wigle Whiskey opened their barrelhouse in the North Side in 2014, we weren't entirely sure what to think.

The location on Spring Garden Avenue is a little off-the-beaten-path even for North Siders, and the seasonal operating schedule from May to October gives a limited window to check it out in any given year.

But after visiting this one several times over the years, for themed parties, bottle releases, or to simply enjoy a cheap cocktail with Wigle's stellar spirits, we have to say that this one has become one of our favorites.

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Ohiopyle State Park – Hiking Cucumber Falls to Cascade Falls

Ohiopyle is a 19,000 acre state park located in southwestern Pennsylvania, about an hour and a half south of Pittsburgh.

It is often considered to be one of the star attractions of the region as the park offers numerous hiking trails, historical landmarks, and so much more- making it impossible to see it all in any single visit.

During a recent trip we tried the hike from Cucumber Falls to the Cascade Falls and quickly found out why it is one of the best trails to experience in the park (and the perfect hike for a day trip from the city)!

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