I am a self defined and described nerd. It has recently been more notable since I have been…read morefinding myself searching out more and more historical sites and museums to visit. Especially with how the last year has panned out. Visiting some of these sites allows you to explore on your own and away from a crowd. I have driven past this on so many occasions and never gave it a second thought. With my recent vacation turning into more of a staycation because plans got changed at the last minute I decided why not venture here and check it off my list of things to see and do in our fine state of Pennsylvania. Fort Ligonier sits along busy Route 30, right wear the route converts from two to four lanes. You might as well consider where this sits as the entryway to the town of Ligonier. Makes it look like a grand entrance. Fort Ligonier is actually two things in one...I guess we can call them attractions. You have the museum that has several different exhibits. Then you have the reconstruction of the fort. Each of the two can consume a good amount of your time. Once you arrive and pay for your admission you are given a ticket, or should I say sticker, you wear the sticker as you go through the exhibits. That way that let's the employee know that you paid. The museum portion offers a lot. Within the museum you have the History Gallery, George Washington Gallery, Art Gallery, The World Ablaze, Arthur St. Clair Parlor, and Archaeology and Reconstruction. That seems like it shouldn't fit inside the building that it all does. Because when you pair that with space set aside for educational needs and conference room space, this facility is a lot bigger than it appears. I enjoyed visiting each of the exhibits, I learned something new in every single one. I did not really understand the importance of this fort and the role it played throughout its timespan. There are quite a many unique items inside that you will not find elsewhere. Especially stop in the GW gallery and check out his firearms. The art gallery was impressive with the paintings of famous names from the past. Definitely check out the Arthur St. Clair Parlor, it is an actual portion of a home inside this building. I could go on and on about how much there is to see in here, but if I do that, I will run out of room about the rest of this place. The fort portion is very interesting, and quite the workout. You get to walk about the fort, any and everywhere you want to explore. Make sure that you do explore, I mean inspect every nook and cranny. I wondered everywhere I could and read all the informative plagues that they had. Things to note about this place. The fort is not fully reconstructed You get that when you notice that the walls abruptly stop. Also, the famous Forbes Road runs right through the fort. They even have it laid out that you can walk the path within the fort. After walking in and out of the many buildings on the ground you will run into a staffer that knows so much more information about this place than they had room for. I ran into such a staffer who showed me a lot of the grounds and even pulled out a map that showed where exactly the fort was and how they had to figure out exactly where it was when they started out with the fort/museum. A majority of what you see inside comes from the excavation they had to do. The staffer also informed me about the weaponry used inside the fort. I was informed the distance some of the bigger guns would reach. There is so much to go over with the grounds, I am sure I would miss something. There are so many buildings on the grounds inside the fort that range from a hospital, armory, and soldiers quarters. There are so many things that went into the fort that I had no idea how much of a city a fort really is. The museum store is decent. There are many decent gifts to find within. Of course they are all Fort Ligonier themed.

This is definitely worth a visit. Alot of great history, the museum is very well put together both…read moreinside and outside

Wonderful selection of locally made art work and a diversity of selections! Purchased some…read morebeautiful jewelry made out of Tibetan buttons. A definite stop!

Beautiful art gallery/shop -- an unexpected find in Ligonier. As soon as you walk in, you are…read moretreated to eye-candy everywhere you look -- all hand-crafted treasures made in America. Your eyes dart across the front room from wooden jewelry boxes to pottery to wind chimes. Enter through a doorway and you see display cases of beautiful jewelry and hand-made greeting cards. Further back is a huge room full of Paul Sirofchuck's woodwork -- furniture and clocks. These are the real jewel of the shop. Mr. Sirofchuck is a local artist and his wife, Mandy, runs the shop, very graciously showing you around and answering your questions. His work can also be found upstairs. Other artists' work is displayed throughout the gallery, as well, all very eye-appealing and priced appropriately.

The team created a beautiful, unique arrangement as a gift for some friends that had shown up for…read moreour family. We wanted to send something special and the arrangement did not disappoint! Ordering and delivery were seamless!

Great eye with how they creatively bundle the flower bouquets . My wife loved the flowers and they…read morelasted about 2 weeks.

Great face painter...she did my grandkids and just wowed us...she was asked to do a little piggy…read moreand did it from memory...I would definitely hire her...she said she would travel a distance and would work with me on price because I explained that I was limited on funds..very nice girl and great with kids!

From the owner: Face Painting Henna Tattoos…read moreGlitter Tattoos Airbrushing advertisement

I'm all about hidden gems within any city but especially when it happens in my own neighborhood…read more With that said it's absurd that I've not given them a review yet. It's actually irresponsible of me not to have done so sooner. This is a cool little gallery with lots of vibe. Every now and again they have exhibits with showing open to the public that are a lot of fun. Viewing art, sipping wine and meeting fellow artists, designers and art admirers is always best when in a welcoming environment. Even when they aren't having open exhibits you're able to pop in and have a look around and make purchases. Always something unique and eye-catching here. They've done it right. Check it out if you get a chance.

I've purchased a couple of pieces from box heart, all of which I am pleased with. The gallery…read morefeatures rotating exhibits of local artwork, which can be purchased at moderate prices. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and remembered me even after my first visit. Box-heart also features an in-store framer and a large selection of frames at reasonable prices.