Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on June 15, 2021.
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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.
What is the Westmoreland Heritage Passport?
For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept of an attraction passport, it is fairly simple. This free booklet is published by the team at Westmoreland Heritage and features 34 attractions, events, and public artworks in the county.
Each attraction features a short section about what the destination is like, a website to learn more, photos, and an opportunity to get a sticker when you visit!
For those who complete 70% of the guide (25 sites!) by December 31st, 2019, and take your completed passport to the Westmoreland History Education Center in Greensburg by January 17th, 2020, you'll be entered to win a grand prize stay at the SpringHill Suites in Latrobe and a commemorative plaque from the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.
While only one winner will be drawn for the grand prize, everyone who completes the passport (25 stops out of 34) will receive a prize bag from Westmoreland Heritage as well!
Whether you complete the passport in order to win the prize, or simply use it as a means to get out and explore Westmoreland County, a lot of great places will be yours to discover.
Attractions Featured in the Westmoreland Heritage Passport
There are 34 attractions and events featured in the Westmoreland Heritage Passport, and a good number are spots we didn't even know about until now!
The full list of spots is outlined below, and for those who look forward to filling up the book please keep in mind a few are seasonal or one-time events!
When available, click the link to read our full review. * denotes places we've visited but have not published a feature article on yet.
- Idlewild & Soakzone
- Greensburg Art Center & Rowe Gallery
- Latrobe Art Center
- New Kensington Arts Center
- The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
- You Are Here: A Place for Art
- Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (Banana Split Sculpture)*
- Latrobe Community Revitalization Program (Mr. Rogers Statue)*
- Irwin Business and Professional Association (Public Art)
- Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
- Saint Vincent College (Gristmill, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, or Saint Vincent Art Gallery)
- The Foster & Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery
- Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival
- Kecksburg UFO Festival
- Overly's Country Christmas
- Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival
- Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival
- Baltzer Meyer Historical Society
- Fulton House & Derry Area Historical Society
- Latrobe Area Historical Society*
- Norwin Historical Society
- Historic Hanna's Town & Westmoreland Historical Society
- Compass Inn Museum & Ligonier Valley Historical Society*
- Antiochian Heritage Museum
- Bushy Run Battlefield*
- Fort Ligonier
- Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum
- Lincoln Highway Experience
- West Overton Village & Museums
- Apple Hill Playhouse
- Freeport Theatre Festival
- The Lamp Theatre
- The Palace Theatre*
- Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
That is a ton, and even we have quite some ways to go before finishing our own passport. Even better? There are about a dozen more attractions in the county worth visiting highlighted at the end of the passport as well!
If you're looking to pick up a passport, many of the above attractions will have them available upon entry- just be sure to ask a staff member to grab your passport for you. Additional spots around the county that have brochure racks (such as convention locations, hotels, etc) may also have the passport available as well!
To log a spot, follow the instructions in the guide for each unique location. In some cases, this may be getting a sticker at the front desk. In other cases, it may be getting your photo in front of a landmark and sharing on social media with the hashtag #WHPassport2019. Snatch 25 of those, drop your passport off, and you'll be entered to win!
So, where will you head in Westmoreland County first? 2019 will be a great year of exploring for passport holders!
This post was sponsored by Westmoreland Heritage.