Jeremy

Jeremy is the co-owner of Discover the Burgh. His favorite Pittsburgh activities include discovering unusual attractions, trying new breweries, and seeking out the city's best happy hours. He also runs the long-term travel blog, Living the Dream.

The Best Trails for Beginners at Hidden Valley

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.

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A Sneak Preview of Butler County’s 2026 Restaurant Week

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.

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The Dirty Dozen is a Unique Bike Race in Pittsburgh

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!

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JJ’s World Review – Delicious Fare in Chicora

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!

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The Best Trails for Beginners at Seven Springs

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.

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10 Spots Great to Enjoy Dry January in Pittsburgh in 2026

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.

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Courtyard by Marriott University Center Review – Value Stay

As we continue our quest to stay in every hotel in Pittsburgh, we are sometimes to find a gem hiding in plain sight.

For those looking for a comfortable stay in Oakland, the Courtyard by Marriott University Center is a great option. With some of the best room rates in the city, comfortable rooms typical for the chain, an on-site pool, and a quiet location in the heart of the neighborhood, there is a lot to love about this spot.

We were guests courtesy of the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center, and share more about what to expect in this review!

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Union Brothers Brewing Review – Brews and Food

We've been fans of Union Brothers Brewing since they first opened in Harmony. Since then, they've gained quite the popularity, expanded into a new location down the road, all while offering the same great food and beer since day one.

We recently revisited this one for a night out, with beer and food all around, and had quite the great time. So if you're north of the city looking for food, beer, or perhaps both, this one is a great stop!

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10 of the Best Places for Christmas Lights in Pittsburgh

There are many reasons to love the holiday season in Pittsburgh, and perhaps one of the most amazing ones is your ability to see many beautiful Christmas lights all over the region.

From the holiday displays downtown, to the many drive-thru light shows, and more, there really is no shortage of impressive Christmas lights in Pittsburgh. So in this one, we wanted to curate all the best places where you can see holiday lights and decorations in the region!

Note: Many of the experiences below are drive-thru light displays such that you can enjoy the holiday lights and decorations from the comfort of your own car. However, we felt we would be doing you a disservice if we didn't mention a few other light viewing opportunities that take place outside of your car as well!

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