Pittsburgh Travel Forum

A two week stay in the 2nd half of February has me scrambling for ideas to keep from going crazy. I live on the west coast where the weather is always mild, and I'm headed for an area that typically has freezing weather this time of year, and perhaps snow. I originally had hoped to get around and see Niagara Falls on a weekend and perhaps some other places in the greater Pittsburgh area after work. But then I considered that the time of year wouldn't be all that great for long drives, and I realized I'd be facing four hotel walls for half a month. Ouch!

I'm all ears if you have suggestions/ideas of things to do, go, see, in the greater Pittsburgh area. Btw: I will actually be in Cranberry Township north of Pittsburgh. So depending on the advisability of driving during winter, that should focus the thread comments on what to expect or activities that could be done, places to visit, or good places have dinner, originating from that location.

A ton of thanks in advance!
GM

the weather's always mild on the west coast? ok, well, up north here, we don't have wildfires, massive flooding, mudslides or earthquakes. so, if you think you can stand it, you might see a little bit of snow. so what? go skiing! there's pleasant valley, peek n'peak, among others. you can visit Erie and experience the 'lake effect' we get, which gives us freaky temps like the 67 degrees we had yesterday, to the 40 degrees we had today, with sunshine and blue skies. our water supply is,well--we got water, ok? lots of it! and we have great restaurants, the brig niagara you can tour, a top notch peninsula in presque isle--13 miles of sandy beaches and lagoons and bike trails and nature. or you can hike in asbury woods, go east toward new york a bit to a little town called north east, pennsylvania, where we have tons of vineyards and several wineries (thanks again to the 'lake effect') and go ice skating, or take in a hockey game or many other hundreds of things--tha's just in erie, ok? travel 1.5 hours east to buffalo and it's a whole 'nother ballgame. niagara falls is just 20 minutes beyond that and well worth the drive if you've never been. in winter, it is just as beautiful, as the falls freeze literally OVER. and the casino niagara is right across the street from the falls. you can also go 2 hrs to the west and visit cleveland, where the rock and roll hall of fame is at, among other things. and then pittsburgh itself--well, have a primanti's sandwich, silly! and hike in Frick park, and ride the incline up mt. washington to see the whole gorgeous city and so many other things. in cranberry twnship, well, you'll be close to grove city so go to the outlet mall--designer stuff at insanely cheap prices. go to the millcreek mall or any of the many shopping plazas in erie--experience our very low cost of living with the low, low real estate to boot. you can get a whole lotta house for way less here than on the west coast! plus, we are friendly here. take a drive up my way if you want to see some amish ppl and buy their very sturdy handmade items. go to a farm auction, check out erie's new casino. hmmm---or stay in your hotel room, i guess?

Not to worry if you have a car there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you into the outdoors it's at your finger tips. Venture outdoors is an organization in the Pittsburgh area that has loads of activities. If you like beer my fav is the Church Werks Brewery near the strip district. If you would like some art try The Andy Warhol Museum. Remember Pittsburgh is a sporting town. If your interested in wilderness a hour and a half drive east where I live is rural and somewhat different. Cranberry is just a part of Pittsburgh really. Like Redwood city is to San Francisco.

I live near Cranberry and there is alot around there (bars, restaurants, stores, movies, etc). Not sure where you're staying, but off of 228 there are quite a few restaurants close to a Marriot. There's an On the Border(mexican), Olive Garden(italian), Applebees, Red Robin(burgers), and a LongHorn Steakhouse(which is excellent) just to name a few.

The opposite direction on 228 (turns into freedom road) there is a Quaker Steak (wings), UNO's, and a Primanti's(pittsburgh tradition) close to a Residence Inn.

Then on the main road that crosses 228 (19) there are all kinds of places. There are family type restaurants (like Dennys), Max and Erma's, and a couple of nice places about a mile or so down the road.

Off of 19 there is also a Wal Mart and many different plaza's (one has a movie theater). There's a few hotels there also (Sheraton and a Hyatt Place are probably the nicest).

The only downfall is there really isn't anything all that "exciting" to do around there. Plenty of places to eat though, and you'll be able to keep yourself occupied in the evenings, weekends may be a bit boring though.

But it's only about a 20 minute drive (depending on traffic) to downtown. You could go to a museum, sporting event, science center, etc. I think there is a Boat Show (beginning) and a Car Show (end) at the Convention Center in Pittsburgh if that interests you while you're here.


TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF PA

If you have the time, I would recommend going to Niagara Falls. It's an easy trip and it'll probably take about 3.5 hours. You may hit some snow near Erie/Buffalo, but just check the forecast. I'm sure in the 2 weeks you're here you'll get a few nice days.

Baltimore's inner harbor is a nice area too. It's probably about 4.5 hours away. New York is about 6.5 hours.

Canton and Cleveland are about 2 hours away if you would like to see the football or rock and roll halls of fame.

I agree totally with the previous poster. If you have the oppurtunity and the weather permits take a drive to Niagara Falls. That's the nearest world class attraction that's with in driving distance, a little touristy, but fun if you've never been. Also driving to Canton and or Cleveland to see the Hall of Fames is a nice idea. There's not alot to do in Pittsburgh beyond going out to eat and shopping. There's a few attractions and events, but in comparison to other cities they can be classified as mediocre at best and are much more geared towards the bored out of there mind locals, LOL.