How long has it been since you took a day trip? Short trips to nearby towns offer the perfect opportunity to explore the local area and discover a few new favorite places. The next time you have a little free time, consider stopping by one of these Pittsburgh-area towns.
Oakmont (Allegheny County)
You’ll find one-of-a-kind shops, abundant restaurants and tree-lined streets dotted with Victorian homes in Oakmont, one of Pittsburgh’s historic suburbs. Local shops sells clothing, home décor, candy, antiques, jewelry, gifts, books and other items you may not absolutely need but you’ll certainly want. Food options range from casual fare to fine dining and include the Chelsea Grille, Carnivores Restaurant and Sports Bar, Hoffstodt’s Café Monaco and others. After your meal, work off those extra calories with a stroll on the 1.4-mile Oakmont Arboretum Trail.
Aspinwall (Allegheny County)
Tiny Aspinwall packs a lot in a half square mile. It’s home to a thriving downtown shopping area, the Waterworks Mall, a movie theater with reclining seats and a variety of restaurants, including Burgatory, Tavern in the Wall, Randita’s, Luke & Mike’s Front Porche and Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar. If you’re in the mood for a little exercise, stop by the Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The 11-acre park offers a quarter-mile walking trail, ice skating in the winter, a playground, gardens and kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals from Venture Outdoors.
Sewickley (Allegheny County)
Nineteenth century steel and iron barons considered Sewickley the perfect spot to build their impressive houses. The borough offered plenty of fresh air, unlike downtown Pittsburgh at the time, and a scenic location overlooking the Ohio River. During a visit to Sewickley, take a walk down streets lined with historic homes, add the finishing touches to your home remodeling project with the purchase of a few upscale home furnishings at Antiquarian or artwork at Bock Tott Gallery, or enjoy a good meal at one of the borough’s many restaurants.
Ligonier (Westmoreland County)
Downtown Ligonier offers boutiques, galleries, antique stores and inviting cafes and restaurants centered around an impressive town square. Fort Ligonier, located at the edge of town, pays homage to the soldiers who fought in the French and Indian war with a number of restored and reconstructed building. If you’re looking for something to do during the summer months, plan to attend one of the Summer Concerts held in the downtown area, or visit Idlewood Park and Soak Zone, located a few miles out of town.
Beaver (Beaver County)
Located just 40 miles from Pittsburgh, Beaver is the place to visit if you enjoy quaint small towns. You’ll find the usual boutiques and consignment stores interspersed with the local hardware store and bicycle shop. Munch on a chili dog from Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe while you wander the streets of Beaver or opt for a sit-down meal at one of the many restaurants, including BeauCo Bistro, Towne Square Restaurant and Robert’s Roadside Inn.
Mt. Lebanon (Allegheny County)
Shoppers will love the three business districts in Mt. Lebanon, the tasteful suburb located just seven miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. After you finish a little retail therapy, take a walk on one of the town’s nature trails, hit the links at the nine-hole golf course or admire the grand old houses in the Mt. Lebanon Historic District. If gardening is your favorite hobby, you’ll want to reserve a spot for the Annual Garden Tour, held in early July.
After a day trip, it’s always nice to return to a comfortable, modern home. If your home could stand a little updating, let us know how we can help you with your home remodeling project.
