Although we are adults, we love seeing all the fun activities around Pittsburgh for kids, and we were recently invited out to check out Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark off of McKnight Road to check out their indoor activities.
True to its name, this one features an array of fun carpet slides for kids to play on, but we were impressed with how many other activities this one had as well.
We're going to say it a lot in this review, but seven-year-old us would've loved this one.
Move over, Olympics, the art world has its own once every four-year special event!
The Carnegie International at the Carnegie Museum of Art is the longest-running international art show in North America, and showcases works from artists from around the world every four years (okay, fine, four years-ish).
We got to check out the 2026-2027 Carnegie International during a media preview event, and this one really showcases the theme, If The Word We, quite beautifully.
Cork and Crust is a high-end Italian restaurant inside The Oaklander Hotel in Oakland, featuring shareable dishes, pasta, and flavorful pizzas made by a James Beard-nominated chef, plus a large cocktail and wine program to go along with it.
We were fortunate enough to check this one out as a guest of the restaurant shortly after they opened (partially hosted), and had a pleasant evening out with some delicious pasta and pizza.
But while we enjoyed this one and are particularly glad to see more chef-driven hotel restaurants opening in Pittsburgh, the menu prices gave us pause. This one really is premium dining in Pittsburgh through and through.
We didn't choose the ski life, the ski life chose us.
In recent years, we've been hitting the slopes at our area ski resorts more and more. Along with it, comes jumping into all things ski culture with the fun events and festivities scheduled throughout each season.
But there is one that should be toward the top of your list, and that is the end of season Pond Skim. At Seven Springs, this one is quite a blast!
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.
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.
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!
Every once in a while a restaurant leaves us feeling so happy, nourished, and cared for that we are still thinking about it weeks later. Pocha by Kye-Won in Saxonburg is just that kind of restaurant.
The food includes classics like mandu; bibimbap; and complete meals with meats, japchae, and rice, but it also includes American classics with Kye-Won's own personal spin like burgers topped with kimchi and gochujang mayo. On top of all that, the hospitality here is off the charts- you're guaranteed to leave feeling like family.
We were guests of Pocha courtesy of Butler County Tourism, and immediately fell in love with this unassuming gem in Saxonburg.
Note: Pocha by Kye-Won also has a Sunday brunch menu that primarily features non-Korean dishes. The regular menu is not available until the dinner hours on Sundays. We have not visited for brunch yet and have not included it in our review.
Do you love sandwiches? We know the answer is yes, but we feel like we have to ask anyway.
Since you likely fall into this category, we're just going to cut to the chase and tell you that you need to make it over to the North Side to check out their annual sandwich week- taking place starting October 27th in 2025.
This annual event challenges all North Side restaurants to showcase a special sandwich for the week and throw down against each other for a judged event at The Priory Hotel to kick off the festivities.
We were invited to check out the opening night party in 2025 as guest judges and were able to get a sneak peek at some of the creations.
This is one party you don't want to miss in future years!
After visiting the stunning Hyeholde in Moon Township for our anniversary, we knew we would have to return for one of their prix fixe dinner experiences (either the chef's table or a periodic themed menu offering).
Shortly thereafter, we got our chance with Hyeholde's annual beer dinner with Altered Genius Brewing to celebrate the release of their collaboration house beer, the Hyeholde Grisette.
We were guests of Hyeholde for this beer pairing dinner with Altered Genius Brewing, and share more in this review from this incredible six-course feast!