The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is quite possibly the best museum of its kind. Off the top…read moreof my head, I can't think of another major city among the many I have been to across the country that does a better job of encompassing its city's history so well in a museum. I'm glad I finally took the time out to visit, as I had not visited on my many prior visits to Pittsburgh. The museum does have a few exhibits dedicated to Heinz ketchup, but there's so much more from natural history to sports history to the periods of time where Pittsburgh was a national leader in steel and glass-making. I especially liked the "Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation" area and the small space they have dedicated to Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The Pittsburgh sports exhibits are really comprehensive, covering non-traditional sports in addition to their major teams (Penguins, Steelers, & Pirates). Even if you don't care for sports, there's a decent variety of exhibits that are sure to catch your interest. The facility itself is wonderfully modern and well organized, such that it's easy to get from exhibit to exhibit without getting lost. There is a decent gift shop and cafe on the first floor. I'd highly recommend a visit to the Senator John Heinz History Center if you're interested in learning about the history of the city of Pittsburgh, or are a first time visitor.

More of a 3.8…read more This place came up over, and over, and over again on lists of places to go to when visiting Pitt. And, I get why. The place has a bunch of random (could choose a better word here) history pieces. Where the place could do better is expand on some of these pieces. Example, as a huge fan of Mr. Rogers and saying you have a part of the set, ok, yeah, you do, and it was awesome to see, but it was such a small fixture, there could have been more. At 20/person to enter, it's worth the trip since it's relatively affordable compared to some 40-50/pp spots. Can easily do 1.5 hours here.

59th Carnegie International Art Show is on display now....so may different…read morestyles...renderings....techniques from around the world....give yourself 2/3 hours....I'd definitely go again...

For the museum lovers in the crowd, this is a decent museum. I do remember thinking like a snooty…read moreelite a few times that those accustomed to museums abroad in Europe would think this was weaksauce -- in terms of the art presented and the amount of art (or lack thereof). That said, you DO get entry into not just the museum but also the History museum while there, so your day can be rather full if you want to check out more than just art (e.g., dinosaur bones and other fossils). And perhaps most interestingly -- for those who haven't been to Europe, currently there museum has these huge stone structures that you would find in, say, Rome or elsewhere. I can only imagine how they transported these! But for someone who hasn't gotten to see the immensity of something like an old historic church embellished with stone sculptures that put our basic designs to shame, this is an experience worth having... Get there while they have them if they are part of a temporary exhibit! Bottom line: Decent. Good for the kids, too.

The Depreciation Lands Museum is a nonprofit village that teaches visitors about local life in the…read more1700s to 1800s. Many people do not understand what "Depreciation Lands" means. American soldiers who had fought in the Revolutionary War had been paid with paper money called Continental Currency that had depreciated so much that is was almost worthless. As a result, in 1783, the Pennsylvanian government purchased the Depreciation Lands--720,000 acres in the counties of Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Lawrence, and Armstrong--from Indians in order to compensate the soldiers. Currently, the Depreciation Lands Museum is open on Sundays from 1-4 PM from May through October. Some special events, such as ghost-hunting and the Hydref Fall Festival, are held at other times. The suggested donation is $5 per adult and $3 per child, and these donations can be paid with cash or check in person or with PayPal or credit card on the website. My husband and I parked our vehicle in a parking lot that was near a bank across the street. We spent one hour at the museum, although other people might want to visit for a longer time. We felt interested in seeing the church, cemetery, tavern, barn, workshop, log house, blacksmith shop, Indian wigwam, herb garden, bake oven, smokehouse, and schoolhouse. All staff members were volunteers. The staff members wore costumes, and they reenacted work such as processing flax into linen thread, weaving the linen thread into cloth, cooking pumpkin soup in a hearth, making nails out of iron, etcetera. The volunteers spoke nicely to us, and they communicated educational information.

This place is super cool. Honestly it's right off the side of a busy highway but not many people…read moreknow it's there. They require at least a $5 donation to tour the museum. Honestly it's worth it. They are open on Sundays from 1-4pm except when it's winter. And seriously you could spend the whole 3 hours there. The workers are extremely knowledgeable and they act like they came right out of a history book for that time period. It's great for all ages.

I have been here twice AND have interacted with Velda and Mr. Arm outside of their tour. I just…read morelove these people and the wacky maximalism they're living in. Velda is a superb tour guide. Be sure to give them a donation (suggested $20 for the hour) or alcohol or some weird oddity if you go! They have events like movie nights that I would love to attend. Many great dead things are waiting to meet you at the Trundle Manor. Parking on the street!

This was the coolest place ever. We had a group of eight people and came hear to see all the…read moreoddities. If you are into Steam Punk, this is a definite must go. All they ask for is a donation of liquor or cash contribution-$20. If you are with a large group, I would suggest doubling the contribution, since it is really such a cool experience and I love supporting local artists. Everyone in our group were in awe of all the taxidermy and the creativity of the house. The tour is private and the couple who owns Trundle Manor limits the tour to eight people maximum. Can't really explain it, except something like the Adams Family meets Steam Punk. Great experience and thank you Velda for allowing us to your your home and giving us the narration.

Attended this annual arts and heritage festival today. Very well organized event. Lots of vendors…read morewith exceptional works of art. Many delicious food booths with plenty of seating in the shade. Live musical performances and children's activities. Very enjoyable for all ages. The grounds and lake are beautiful with a walking trail that goes along the water. They do have a Facebook page. No animals allowed in the park.

Well, I find that the last review for this festival is 5 years old; so I think I have an obligation…read moreto update it. The Westmoreland Arts & Crafts Heritage Festival is in its 42nd year and is always scheduled around the 4th of July weekend. It is located in Twin Lakes Park. This year, it runs from June 20 through July 3. Over the years, it has expanded and attracted artisans from all over the country. The items for sale range from wood crafts, jewelry, pottery, art prints and paintings, plants and other specialties. Also, one can wander through the park and find great food to purchase. Popular choices for many are the fresh raspberries and ice cream, fried vegetables, and wood fired pizza. I tried steak fajitas ($7 for two) and French beignets ($4 for about 8) from one food booth. I was very pleased with both. There are several stages that offer different musical genres. A schedule for performers can be found on the web site. The Island Stage is the main performance area, but check out the stage located a short distance from the boat house. Around that stage are several craft and food booths. If you feel like walking, there are reenactors located on the upper lake. So, there is plenty to see, music to listen to, food to eat and beautiful items for purchase. There is also an area for kids to make crafts and play. CONS: Although, things are spaced throughout, this festival draws a big crowd. Sometimes a little patience and a smile is needed when waiting in food lines. No alcohol is served, but there are water, cola, Gatorade booths. The thing is you have to purchase tickets to buy your beverage. I don't know, why not use cash for beverages, too? Parking is sometimes at a premium but some people let you park on their property for a price. There are shuttle buses available, but riding in a hot school bus isn't something I care to do. They seem to have a good system though, by dropping passengers off at an entrance area of the park and picking riders up at the other end. No dogs are allowed in the festival area. I think this is a very nice way to spend time over the holiday and has something for everyone. More information can be found on their web site.

Amazing gem in the heart of Beaver County! The best private collection that I've seen, especially…read morelocally! And it's great for events as well! Check it out.

Small town local history and fun period art. A great experience but it is a little difficult with…read morehours to go see. Building is really neat and they are working on improving and stabilizing the Underground Railroad access for tours! Working to elevate, educate, and make an impactful experience for the local community.

Another one of the Troy Hill Art Houses, Mrs. Christopher's was a home formerly owned by said-named…read morewoman until she died. After that, her kids sold the home and the buyer commissioned an artist to make their vision come alive. Currently on the ground floor is a diorama of Christmas Day 1960 -- although if you are form the '80s and '90s, it may feel reminiscent to you as well... ashtray and cigarettes on the table, cookies for Santa, Monopoly on the floor, TV in the background... Upstairs there is a room designed like a small hunting lodge -- yet created to both mock and put down idea of hunting while reminding us of species gone extinct with repeated images surrounding the room via wallpaper. In the attic is a wall of canned goods -- from produce to a snake to a jar filled with beads. On the other side is floor to ceiling boxes -- like an old Sucrets tin or a fancy jewelry box or an old chocolates box purchased for Valentine's Day long ago. Inside are various knickknacks like little figurines or painted leaves stating "mercury poisoning" or acorns. You are encouraged to open as many as you wish. Bottom line: This house is creative in the feelings it evokes, from reminiscing the old holidays, to starting to ponder the ethics of our hobbies, to wondering about how to preserve anything in a jar or other makeshift time capsule and come back to rediscover it with the joy of a kid. At least that was my experience.

This is the fourth, and newest of the Troy Hill Art Houses. If you are not familiar with the Troy…read moreHill Art Houses, they are all individual houses up on Troy Hill that have been turned into art exhibits. There is no admission fee to tour the houses, and you can reserve a time slot on the website. The newest is called "Mrs Christopher's House," and was named after the former owner of the house. The art inside the house was curated by artist Mark Dion, and just opened for public exhibition on October 26th, 2024. Although video and photography is now prohibited on the inside of the houses (It used to be allowed), I snapped a few photos from the outside, and found some online that I re-posted. Inside there are several rooms, and the theming is different in each room. I won't go into too much detail about the rooms, so I don't spoil the surprise, but they are well worth checking out, especially if you like art, and are of the curious sort, and like seeing interesting things . . . Cheers!

Museum Lab is an extension of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and they're located next door to…read moreone another. The lab is geared towards teens offering programs and workshops in tech, art, and more. The innovative space has an industrial ambiance and boasts a climbing sculpture made of hemp that's three-stories high. The museum also offers networking programs for adults. Variety of art exhibits at any given time. Great place to explore.