South

Schwirian Farm Sunflower Festival is a Must Visit

Our visit to Schwirian Farm for their annual sunflower festival at their farm just outside of Elizabeth, PA, was a few years in the making. 

The reason for this is that prior to 2021, the annual festival was brief- just a day or so (the rest of the season the farm would be closed to the public). As such, it shouldn't be a surprise that we simply missed it by either being out of town or not being on top of tracking when that exact date would be.

But starting in 2021, the festival changed. Instead of being just a single day, it runs for a full week thanks to its incredible popularity (in 2026 the festival began on July 13th and runs until the 28th- however, check their social media for updates on the end date). Since I had this one on my calendar for a full year to ensure I didn't miss it when it came back, we made sure to go on the very first day and were very glad we did.

In this one, we wanted to share a bit more about what you can expect when visiting the Schwirian Farm Sunflower Festival!

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The Church Arcade Brings Games to Duquesne, PA

Blessed be the pinball machine.

The Pittsburgh region has been embracing the trend of converting former houses of worship into businesses, bringing these stunning buildings back to life.

In Duquesne, PA, the former Holy Name Catholic Church has been converted into the aptly named The Church Arcade and features over 100 vintage arcade games as well as several dozen pinball machines- all set to free play mode!

Arcade fun in a stellar ambiance? We are here for it.

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Touchstone Center for Crafts is an Arts Oasis

Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, PA, is an artist oasis in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, about 90 minutes outside of downtown Pittsburgh

After many years hearing about this one, we made our way down for a Friday Date Night ceramics class as guests of the center, and truly regret waiting so long to get to this stunning facility!

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Co-Sign Speakeasy is a Proper Hidden Bar in Homestead

We are lucky that the speakeasy scene in Pittsburgh has been growing in recent years- not just in the sense of establishments serving Prohibition-style cocktails, but also incorporating some hidden bar elements for a proper aesthetic.

At Co-Sign Speakeasy in the Bank on 8th building in Homestead, you get just that- a proper hidden speakeasy with classics and house creations all the same.

Go for the drinks and stay for the aesthetic and attention to detail at this one, because they really outdid themselves in the design just as much as the space. But, as with most of our articles, we don't want to give too much away, so we're going to focus on the drinks here!

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Triangle Bar Review – Massive Deli Subs in Swissvale

In Pittsburgh, if you hear the word Battleship, your first thought may not go to a war-time vessel of the seas, but, instead, a loaded hoagie full of cold cuts.

But the Swissvale-based Triangle Bar does not just offer any hoagie. True to its name, the famous Battleship sandwich clocks in at over two feet in length and joins other naval-themed sandwiches for an impressive lineup of exceptionally large sandwiches.

After driving past this one on many trips over to Kennywood, we decided to stop and see what the tirangle-shaped bar and deli is all about.

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Dee Jay’s BBQ Review – West Virginia Staple Moves East

We are quite spoiled to have so many wonderful barbecue restaurants in Pittsburgh, and more keep coming out onto the scene with each passing year.

One famous barbecue spot we have been told about again and again since founding this site was Weirton, West Virginia, based Dee Jay's BBQ for their wildly popular ribs.

Admittedly, as our blog here focuses on southwest Pennsylvania, we have to admit we never featured them despite having visited in the past. But now that Dee Jay's has expanded with restaurants in Pennsylvania, now is the time. So on a trip down to Washington, PA, we made a stop at a location there for a brunch full of barbecue!

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The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Offers Good Family Fun

We often lament the fact that Pittsburgh no longer has trolleys. The closest we have these days is The T, and due to its limited operating area, is only really useful for a few neighborhoods in the city (and beyond).

For those nostalgic for days when trolley transportation was the norm, you are in luck- The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington shares the history of this transportation method with informative and interactive exhibits and a massive collection of trolley cars in their showroom.

But for those looking for even more, this one comes with a fun twist- you can even ride one of the historic trolley during your visit!

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The Historical Society of Carnegie – Honus Wagner and More

We love a good historical society and are fortunate that so many boroughs in the region have modest museums dedicated to their region's history.

Carnegie is no different, and the Historical Society of Carnegie features several gems, including a model of what the city was like in the early 1900s, exhibits to notable citizens, and a small wing dedicated to Honus Wagner- one of the Pittsburgh Pirates' most famous players who called Carnegie home!

Although a visit to this one will be brief, it is a must for anyone who enjoys the borough.

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The Covered Bridge Festival Celebrates Local Bridges

We are quite fortunate to have a number of beautiful covered bridges near Pittsburgh, and Washington and Greene Counties just south of the city boast an impressive thirty bridges between them.

Naturally, it should be no surprise that these two counties got together to put on a Covered Bridge Festival at nine of the thirty sites, and have been doing so every September since 1971!

We made our way out to explore a few of the sites in the Covered Bridge Festival and wanted to share a bit more about what you can expect when visiting, as well as a few logistics you need to keep in mind. As far as festivals go, this one can be quite busy!

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