The Jennings Environmental Education Center is one part museum, one part park near Slippery Rock, PA.
The park itself is known for its roughly 20-acre prairie, which is one of the only protected and public prairies in the state. Not only does this make the location unique in its own right, but the park is home to a gorgeous museum and many more hiking trails to check out.
Moraine State Park is one of our favorite parks in the area as it is quite large, accessible in about 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, and offers a wealth of things to do when visiting both on and off the water.
On a recent visit, I got to try out something that I've been eyeing for quite some time- stand up paddleboarding with SurfSUP Adventures. I've got to say, this one was a ton of fun!
Our love affair with Iron Born began pretty much on day one when their concept launched at Smallman Galley (now closed).
At first, we were suspect of the concept of Detroit-style pizza, because it sounded like an unusual attempt to improve upon Chicago deep dish. But after our very first bite, we were very, very happy to say that we were wrong.
Now Iron Born not only has a die-hard following at their brick and mortar stores in Millvale and the Strip District!
Prior to visiting Saxonburg, I only had heard a few stories about the borough's rich history.
It wasn't until I visited for a Burgh, Bits, and Bites food tour that I was able to learn more about the history due to the fact that the tour started out at the wonderful Saxonburg Museum!
If you're in the area during the museum's seasonal operating period, this one is most certainly worth a stop.
Smokin' Toad's BBQ is located in Sarver, PA, just under an hour northeast of Pittsburgh, and is one of those places we've driven by a number of times but never quite made it in to try.
It was only when visiting Cellar Works Brewing next door that I was able to put in an order from the menu (available at the brewery).
While a robust menu with a number of options, I left wishing I was able to sample a bit more.
Strange Roots (originally founded as Draai Laag) is one of the oldest breweries in Pittsburgh, and is certainly one of its most unique.
And to be completely honest, they're one of our favorite breweries in the region as they focus on wild fermentation that produces an array of stellar sour beers!
When Hitchhiker Brewing Co. first open its doors in Pittsburgh (in Mt. Lebanon), we thought their beer was decent but were not overly blown away. But after their rapid expansion with a second facility in Sharpsburg, PA, did we notice that the brewery had vastly improved into what we believe is one of the finest breweries in Pittsburgh.
Harmony, Pennsylvania (30 minutes north of Pittsburgh) is one of our favorite boroughs for a number of reasons. It is quaint, historic, and is home to one of the best restaurants in the region- Harmony Inn.
When it comes to the history, Harmony is rather unique. To celebrate it, the borough has a robust museum that we were really excited to check out.
Burgh Bits and Bites is a popular food walking tour company in Pittsburgh with numerous tours throughout the city's neighborhoods.
But this company is also expanding to include tours outside the city limits, and one of their first of this style tour is in the historic borough of Saxonburg- located about 45 minutes northeast of the city.
We were guest of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau on this tour, and share our thoughts of the day out in this one!
Grist House is a popular brewery in the Pittsburgh suburb of Millvale (located just across the Allegheny River from Lawrenceville) that serves up an array of beer styles ranging from the hoppy IPA to fruited sours and everything in between.
Even better? This stunning spot features a gorgeous outdoor beer garden and is dog friendly!