Explore Westmoreland County with the Heritage Passport

Passports are becoming the next big thing in destination marketing, and in southwest Pennsylvania it seems like they're just about everywhere. From breweries to coffee shops, attractions and more, if there is an abundance of something with a common theme in a geographical area, there is likely a passport for it.

Westmoreland County (Allegheny County's neighbor to the east) is getting into the passport fun with a free booklet that contains 34 stops in the region. Some attractions in the guide are paid, while others are free, but those who complete the passport by the end of 2019 will not only have a great experience in the county but will also be entered to win a wonderful prize!

So, are you ready to get out and explore Westmoreland County? The Westmoreland Heritage Passport is calling for you.

This post is sponsored by Westmoreland Heritage.

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Southern Tier Pittsburgh Offers an Array of Options on the North Shore

Southern Tier Pittsburgh is one of a handful of breweries that did not originate in the city but expanded here due to the producer's popularity in the region.

Originally from New York, this brewery expanded into Pittsburgh in early 2017 and has been a popular spot in the North Side ever since. While we are often frequent visitors to this brewery for the beer, we were recently invited out as guests of the brewery to try more and to sample a bit of the food menu as well.

As a result, this guide to the brewery was born!

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Spill Wine Bar Review – A Welcoming Ambiance in Bloomfield

Every so often we'll open our mouths and say that we need more wine bars in Pittsburgh, and whenever we do one seems to open the following week.

This was the case for Spill, a wine bar that opened in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood in early 2019. Naturally, I rushed over to it during their soft opening to try it out as quickly as possible- and I was hooked.

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Pizzeria Davide Review – Delicious Pizza But a Confusing Menu

Pizzeria Davide is the long-awaited pizza shop from the team behind the highly acclaimed Italian restaurant, DiAnoia's (one of our personal favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh).

The shop is located just next to the main restaurant in the Strip District and offers a walk-up window for slices and pies to go. In being big fans of the restaurant, you know I had to hit up this spot in the first week it was open. 

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Colangelo’s Review – A Strip District Gem Serving Pizza & More

Colangelo's is one of many spots in Pittsburgh's iconic Strip District that is tucked away and easy to miss. Located right next to popular coffee roaster La Prima, this spot serves up an array of baked goods, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and more.

But if there is one thing this bakery is known for, it would be their pizza, and that is exactly what I was looking to try on my first visit.

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The Lion Review – Craft Cocktail Infusions in the North Side

The Lion was formerly operated as Leo, a Public House. We have visited this one a few times since the rebranding and it remains true to the original model. This review has been modified slightly based on recent visits.

The Lion (formerly Leo, a Public House) house opened its doors in Pittsburgh's North Side (Manchester neighborhood) in early 2019 and changed ownership with a new name in 2025. Not being ones to say no to a cocktail bar in Pittsburgh, especially in a lesser-visited neighborhood, you should know we rushed down to check this one out shortly after opening (and, in 2025, re-opening).

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Cambod-Ican Kitchen Review – Go for the Cambodian Staples

If you find yourself in South Side and are looking for dinner, or a late night snack, or a late late night snack, a visit to Cambod-Ican Kitchen may be for you. This particular spot serves staples from Cambodia from 6pm until 3 or 4 am!

So if you are in the mood for a different kind of Asian fare, you may want to try this one out!

During my first visit I opted for a Cambodian classic which hit the spot!

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Carnegie Mellon’s Spring Carnival and Buggy Races

Carnegie Mellon University's Spring Carnival is a tradition that dates back more than a century and is a three-day event that takes place each April.  

Sometimes it is hard to say no to traditions, and CMU knows how to really honor theirs!

If you are planning a visit to this one, the following is what you can expect.

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Barking Slopes Conservation Area Is a Quiet Spot East of Pittsburgh

Barking Slopes Conservation Area is a rather small park located near Oakmont and New Kensington, PA- about 40 minutes east of Pittsburgh.

The park is roughly 150 acres and is managed by the Allegheny Land Trust as a conservation and biological diversity area due to its unique geological features.

For the casual hiker, this one is not much different than other conservation areas in the region. But the park offers a nice hike out in nature with potential wildlife spottings all the same.

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Exploring the Historical Jail Museum in Downtown Pittsburgh

If you've spent some time walking around downtown Pittsburgh, odds are good you've seen the old Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail. This historical building is one of the most stunning in the city and even includes its own Bridge of Sighs walkway that connected the two buildings.

Today the jail has been decommissioned and converted into a Common Pleas court, yet many artifacts from the era exist and are available on display in the Old Allegheny County Jail Museum.

But if you want to check this one out you'll have to plan accordingly- it is only open from 11:30am to 1pm on Mondays, February to October!

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