The Vandal is an intimate spot in the heart of Lawrenceville with trendy bistro vibes, a focused seasonal menu utilizing local ingredients, and helpful, friendly service. Although the restaurant's concept has grown and evolved over the past decade of its existence, we feel like it's really hitting its stride now.
It's the kind of cozy spot perfect for a date night or friend's night out- just be sure to make a reservation since seats are limited.
Now that I have been skiing for a few years now, I am starting to feel comfortable on most of the trails at our area ski resorts.
But if you are new, you may have apprehension about determining what trails are right for your skill level. Is that green easier or harder than the green I am used to? Am I ready for a blue? These are all things that went through my own mind in recent years as I learned to ski.
So in this one, I thought it'd be fun to take a look at the runs at Hidden Valley and share what order I'd personally recommend trying them in as you get better skiing!
Note: I have received media passes from Vail resorts for visits to Seven Springs and associated properties in the region.
Reva is a casual restaurant in East Liberty serving up modern Indian cuisine. The communal tables and huge menu are perfectly suited for bringing a group of friends and ordering tons of dishes for family style dining.
On our visit it was just the two of us, but we still tried several appetizers and entrees and loved it. The dishes were customized with our spice preference, and everything was packed with flavor.
We love going out to new restaurants in the area, and we are always blown away by how many great spots there are. Even after exploring for 10+ years, we always find something new in the local food scene that blows us away.
For those who are looking to try something new, Restaurant Weeks offer a great opportunity to try a new-to-you restaurant or to sample menu items that you haven't had before.
Butler County's Restaurant Week is taking on a slightly different format from the traditional model, and participating restaurants are showcasing one signature dish from January 23rd to February 1st in 2026. Guests who try menu items will be entered to win gift cards as well!
In this one, we wanted to share a bit more about the features you should try during the upcoming Restaurant Week.
Note: This article was sponsored by Experience Butler County PA. As always, all opinions are our own.
For years, we had heard stories about the insane bike race known as the Dirty Dozen.
Riders from all over come together to ride a baker's dozen of Pittsburgh's steepest streets, and is an event that even us as bicycle enthusiasts hesitate over the insanity of it all.
In 2025, I finally got a chance to check out part of this ride, at the incredibly steep Canton Avenue leg of the race, and wanted to share more about what you can expect when taking this ride in!
Every now and again, we find a restaurant that offers delicious food in a location we would not have expected.
JJ's World in Chicora, PA, in northeast Butler County (about 75 minutes from Pittsburgh) is one such restaurant. With a focus on smoked meats plus sandwiches, pastas, and other entrees, this one delivered a delicious meal in an unexpected spot.
So if you're north of the city looking for a tasty bite, consider this one!
Ever since I started seriously learning to ski around 2021 or 2022, I wanted to work towards being comfortable on all of the greens and blues at Seven Springs.
In the first year, I got comfortable with the greens. In my second year, I tackled my first blue. In my third year, I got really comfortable riding blues regularly. In my fourth year, I moved up to hitting my first ever black diamond and really felt like I was starting to unlock the entire mountain.
So, in this one, I wanted to take a look at the trails at Seven Springs overall, and share a progression of trails beginners should try, from the easiest slopes to more challenging runs that progress into the intermediate level. So if you're looking for a guide of where to head as you grow as a skier, this one is for you!
Note: I have received media passes from Vail resorts for visits to Seven Springs and associated properties in the region.
Oh dry January, you are always fun.
This annual celebration has become something of a global phenomenon, as many of us look to use the somewhat slow month as a chance to detox and get a break from indulgences (especially after the holidays).
Whatever your reason for participating in dry January is your own. But if you are looking to enjoy the flavors of your favorite beverages without alcohol, a number of restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries are starting to offer great options for dry January in Pittsburgh!
In this one, we thought we'd share some of the spots with the finest assortment of products. While this one is not comprehensive, we wanted to include places that have larger menus, share a variety of products, and more to give you a great cross-section of alcohol-free beverages in the city to consider if you are abstaining.
Please note: This article focuses on offerings for Dry January specifically and may not necessarily be accurate year-round. While many of the bars, restaurants, and breweries featured have great non-alcoholic products at all times, some increase their offerings for January. Likewise, cocktails, beers on draft, and other beverages are always liable to change. Please reconfirm directly with any business prior to visiting. Finally, some drink photos in this article may be alcoholic and are for illustration only.
Winter is in full gear in January in Pittsburgh, which means it is time to either embrace the season or rush to a museum or favorite libation spot to stay warm inside.
No matter which you pick, there are many great things to do in Pittsburgh in January- so check out the following options to get a few ideas on where to start!