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  • Explore the 1st US Highway at the 44th Annual National Road Heritage Festival

    Explore the 1st US Highway at the 44th Annual National Road Heritage Festival

    As city lover, I never thought I would ever find room in my heart for highways. But after driving cross country and learning about the history of Route 66, I will admit I have made space in my heart for the open road.

    This weekend is the 44th Annual National Road Festival. Just when I thought I had heard of every possibly historic festival in Western, PA, Facebook suggests an event and I’ve spent hours learning about all kinds of new history and places. Route 66 is about celebrating the car culture of America, the National Road Festival goes back even further to when we traveled west by wagons.

    If you are interested in exploring or looking for a little road trip, then the Nation Road Festival offers plenty of events and activities along the way.

    What is the National Road? Does it run through Pittsburgh?

    The National Road which was know by several other names during its early days, was the first federal highway. The road is 620 miles long and stretches from Vandalia, Illinois to Cumberland, Maryland.

    While the National Road does not go directly through Pittsburgh, all of the Pennsylvania locations are an easy day trip from Pittsburgh. The National Road travels through the counties of Somerset, Fayette and Washington.

    The only website I can find for the National Road is NationalRoadPA.org, I am not sure if this is just for the National Road in Pennsylvania or if the nonprofit organization happens to be located in Pennsylvania but covers all of the National Road.

    The 44th Annual National Road Festival Events in PA

    The Facebook Event for the 44th Annual National Road Festival includes a schedule of all of the events happening in Somerset, Fayette and Washington Counties. It is unclear to me if there are National Road Festival events taking place in other states this weekend as well. The entire schedule is available online here.

    Here ares some of the highlights of National Road Festival events happening this weekend, I have tried to find a website/more info for each of these locations, if you are planning to visit for a specific event, I would use the number listed in the festival schedule and call to confirm times before going.

    What is a Wagon Train?

    2014 – The wagon train passing down Main Street during the National Road Festival in Uniontown. Photo credit: Uniontown Concerned Citizens.

    You will see several events which mention the “Wagon Train” which is an actual train of wagons that travels the National Road for the festival. From the Herald Standard’s recent article about the National Road Festival:

    If there’s a thread that holds the festival together is the two wagon trains that travel through towns and pass by area landmarks.

    The National Pike Wagon Train Association travels west, led by wagon master Doc Sherry and assistant wagon master Don Myers. They gathered for encampment yesterday in Grantsville, Maryland, and head out today for Addison, Somserset County. On Friday, the wagon train continues into Fayette County and the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department with a stop at A.J. McMullen School, part of the Uniontown Area School District, for lunch and to allow the children to visit. On Saturday, the wagon train heads down the Summit with a stop for lunch in Hopwood before heading through Uniontown and onto Mount St. Macrina, just west of Uniontown, where they will rest and have dinner before the wagon train breaks up and the participants head home.

    The Wagonier’s Wagon Train travels east across Washington County, led by wagon master J.D. Ridenour. The wagon train gathers Friday morning in Claysville, Washington County, and camps overnight at Washington Park. The wagon train arrives in Scenery Hill at 2 p.m. Saturday for super and an overnight camp. It departs Sunday, heading to the Waleski Farm for lunch around noon and then on to the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association around 2 p.m. The wagon train breaks up about 4 p.m.

    Participants in the wagon train dress in period costume to portray pioneers who traveled west on the National Road in the early 19th century, showcasing the American spirit.

    44th Annual National Road Festival Highlighted Events Near Pittsburgh

    Town Location Events
    Richeyville, PA Waleski Horse Farm
    38 Emery Road    		 Saturday –Blue Grass Music
    Sunday at noon the Wagon Train will make a stop for lunch.
    Brownsville, PA Nemacolin Castle History Tours: Friday -noon –5:00pm Saturday –10:00am-5:00pm Sunday-11:00am-5:00pm Ghost Tours: Friday & Saturday-6:00PM-10:00PM (*Tours-$10-adults; $4.00 12 & under)
    Scenery Hill, PA Saturday:
    10:00am – Opening ceremony
    10:30am – B& B Performing Arts
    12:00 noon – Spirit & Grace
    1:30pm –WAGON TRAIN ARRIVES
    2:00pm– Keith Wilson
    3:00pm– Scotty SpharSunday:
    9:00am – Community Church Service
    11:30am-Kenny & Chip
    12:00 noon—Kenny & Chip
    1:00pm – Tap n’ Toes Dance Studio
    2:15pm – Deborah’s School of Dance
    3:30pm—”The Rain Dogs” (acoustic)
    Washington, PA Main St Pavilion Saturday, May 20th -8am – 5pm
    National Road Antiques Fair –20 vendors offering antiques from 18th, 19th & 20th centuries.Historic walking tours –meet at 1pm at Main St Pavilion with Sandy Mansmann for walking tour of historic downtown Main St buildingsFrancis LeMoyne House –take a tour of this Underground railroad site& visit the Military Heritage Museum (Sat & Sun 11am-3pm)

    David Bradford House –Living history demos and activities. Museum open for self guided tours with docents in period attire (Sat&Sun 11am–3pm)
    Smock, PA Abel Colley Tavern Noon until 5pm The Abel Colley Tavern & Museum will host an exhibit of newly acquired Native American Artifacts; children’s activities; a 19th century operating telegraph; illustrated story of Ephram Walters, who was captured by Native Americans and Traditional National Road Era menu items and Book Sale. Admission $5.00
    Uniontown, PA Searight Toll House Saturday – 11am – 4pm Guided Tours Sunday, Noon – 4pm Guided tours Admission both days : Adults – $2.00; $1.00 /student -Children 12 & under Free;
    Uniontown, PA Mount Saint Macrina Saturday 3:00pm –Approximate arrival of Wagon Train. 1:00-3:00pm – Mansion Tours by Laurel Highlands High school history students in period costumes. Music performed by a pianist. Adults -$12.00; Children (6-12) $5.00
    Farmington, PA Mt Washington Tavern

    Sat-Sun –10am-4pm

    Ft Necessity National Battlefield and Mount Washington Tavern will be open daily from 10am to 4pm. Park staff and volunteers will staff the buildings to answer questions. Entrance fee is free and all activities and pro

    Facebook Event
    Ohiopyle, PA Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center

    Saturday, 12pm—7:00pm – 3rd Annual Wine and Arts Festival, hosted by Spirit of the River —The town of Ohiopyle and surrounding community will be hosting a Wine, Arts and Music Festival. No charge for admission— ticket sales for Spirit Tasting only – and must be 21 with valid ID. Local Crafts, local music and art. Tickets are $25, you donations is used to raise funds for support of the boro of Ohiopyle.

    Spirit of the River: Ohiopyle Wine and Arts Festival Facebook Event
    Addison, PA  Addison, PA Saturday, May 20

    • 9am –noon –Bicentennial Stamp Cancellation at Addison Post Office
    • 10am –1:00pm-1860’s baseball played at ball field behind the Cemetery (Addison, Rockwood & Pittsburgh teams to play)
    • 10am-4:00pm- Food by Country Lane LambsCrafts & Wool Products (Lutheran Church parking lot)
    • 10am-5:00pm-Vendors on the green space beside Lutheran church
    • 12 noon –4:00pm –Toll House & Addison Museum open
    • 7:00pm – A Play at Addison United Methodist Church entitled “ Who Lived Here?” Admission is free.

    Sunday, May 21st

    • 9am –10:15am—Church on the Green with Blessing of Pets, Addison UMC (Main St)
    • 10:00am-5:00pm – Food by Country Lane Lambs; Crafts & Woolen products
    • 11:00am-5:00pm – Vendors on green space beside St. John’s Luthern Church
    • 11:15am-3:00pm– Antique/Classic Car Show (Main St –Luthern Church Park lot—music by JohnEB Good.
    • 11:00am-1:00pm– Fireman’s Chicken Barbecue at Fire Hall on Route 40
    • 1:00pm-4:00pm– Addison Museum Frederick Augustine History House Welcome ctr open, Humbertson School Student art display at school –open
    • 1:00pm-4:00pm – Petersburg Toll House open

    Facebook Page for Old Petersburg-Addison Historical Society

     

  • Free Tours of Clayton Mansion at The Frick on Thursday for #ArtMuseumDay

    Free Tours of Clayton Mansion at The Frick on Thursday for #ArtMuseumDay

    The Frick compound takes up an entire city block between Penn Ave and Reynolds Street in Point Breeze. The large house on Penn Ave is know as Clayton and was lived in by members of the Frick Family until 1984. In 1990 the house was turned into a historical museum and other buildings on the property have become an art museum, car museum and cafe.


    While the art museum and grounds are always free, there is a fee to take a tour of the Clayton house.  Thursday, May 18, 2017, is #ArtMuseumDay and to celebrate The Frick is offering free tours of Clayton.

    Free Tours of the Clayton Mansion at The Frick
    Thursday, May 18
    10:00 am – 5:00 pm

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  • There is still time to impress your Valentine! Pittsburgh Valentine’s Day Events for friends, families, lovers (and those who love to hate Valentine’s Day)

    There is still time to impress your Valentine! Pittsburgh Valentine’s Day Events for friends, families, lovers (and those who love to hate Valentine’s Day)

    So according to our trusty blog stats, the popular posts this week are the Valentine’s events posts we have published in years past (here, here and here). Since there are more than a few Pittsburghers who are still trying to figure out how to impress their sweethearts. So we’ve put together this is of Valentine’s Day events, classes and workshops happening around town. From new wineries to places to wear your finery, from running around in your underwear to classes to make things to wear, there is something that should impress even the coldest of hearts.

    Know of an event we missed? Share a link in the comments or share your love on Twitter with #ValentinesDayPGH.

    Pittsburgh Valentine’s Day Events

    1. Friday, February 10 – SHOP // A Midwinter’s Valentine’s Crawl in Carnegie // FREE. Merchants in downtown Carnegie are staying open late for an evening of shopping local, champagne and chocolates.
    2. Saturday, February 11 – Family Friendly Valentine’s Day Crafting Party @ The Shop in Homewood // Free. This event is pure love, join your Pittsburgh neighbors to make Valentine’s Day cards to welcome refugees to Pittsburgh. Read more about the inspiration for the event here.
    3. Saturday, February 10 – SHOP // I Made It Market @ McCandles Crossing // FREE. Shop 60 local artists who will have sweets for your sweetie just in time for Valentine’s Day! The market is located inside two retail spaces near Panera Bread and Chipotle.
    4. Saturday, February 10 – RUN // Cupids Undie Run // $35. Celebrate Valentine’s Day and raise money for neurofibromatosis by running around the North Shore in your underwear.
    5. Sunday, February 12 – DATE // Breakfast in Bed @ The Mattress Factory // $30.  Bring your Valentine to the Mattress Factory for mimosas, bloody marys, brunch, museum admission and they have upped the cute factor by having Animal Friends bring some adoptable pets to cuddle with. Read more about this event here. Follow: @MattressFactory.
    6. Sunday, February 12 – MAKE // Bow Tie Class @ Spool // $35. Spend an afternoon and make a custom bow-tie for your special someone at Spool Fabric Shop in Allentown. Follow: @SpoolPGH
    7. Sunday, February 11 – Vintage inspired Valentine Making Workshop hosted by The Warhol Museum // FREE.  Warhol Museum is hosting a Valentine making workshop at the Ace Hotel on Sunday. Of course there will be a bar available for all of your Sunday brunch drinking needs. 
    8. Monday, February 13 – Galentine’s Day with Pop Craft @ Allegheny Wine Mixer // $40. The creative forces of Pop Craft have a special ladies craft night planned, head to the Allegheny Wine Mixer with your best gal pals for an evening of crafting stuffect succulents, clay ring dishes and block prints. Pop Craft runs differnt crafty classes at drinking establishments all over town. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.  Follow: @PopCraftArt @AlghnyWineMixer
    9. Monday, February 13 – DRINK // Big Heart Trivia @ Wigle Whiskey // Free. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of trivia about some of Pittsburgh’s historic buildings and other love-ly facts about the city. A percentage of the evenings sales will be donated to Friends of Albright. Follow @AlbrightPGH.
    10. Monday, February 13 – MAKE // Chocolate, Wine & Cello with Yogis Chocolate @ B52 Cafe // $40. Spend an evening learning to make organic, coconut oil based chocolate with Yogis Chocolate. There will be live chello by David Bennet and you can BYOB your own wine. 
    11. Tuesday, February 14 – MAKE – Beaded Heart Rings @ Hatch Studio // $30. Join jewelry artist Lauren Fraley to make a beaded heart ring from start to finish. Follow: @Hatch_PGH
    12. Tuesday, February 14 – DRINK// The Incline’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Party @ Knob Hall Winery // FREE. Join Pittsburgh’s newest news outlet at Pittsburgh’s newest wine tasting room for a Valentine’s Day party for friends, lovers and future exes. 
    13. Tuesday, February 14 – DANCE // Love of Friends @ Spirit // $25. Proceeds from this Valentine’s dance party will benefit PPWP–Planned Parenthood of Western PA.  A $25 ticket includes two drink tickets, pizza, and dancing. Jams will be provided by DJ QUEEN YAAASSS QUEEN and DJ Diana Boss!
    14. Tuesday, February 14 – DATE // Dinner & Movie Date Night @ Row House Cinema // $100/couple. Enjoy a 3 course dinner at Tender and then head across the street for a screening of one of these classic romantic comedies: When Harry Met Sally or Sabrina. Not up for a 3 course meal, not a problem. Tickets for the movies can be purchased and there is an optional beer and chocolate pairing happening next door at Beirport for $20/person.
    15. Tuesday, February 14 – DATE // Black Tie Formal @ Brew Gentlemen // $80. This is the perfect date night for the beer lover in your life. The Brew Gentlemen are known for their beer skills, but they know how to put together quite the party as well. They are brining together Kevin Sousa and DJ Nate the Barber for a fancy Valentine’s Day soiree. 

    Valentine’s Day Cards, Flower & Gifts – Best places to pick up a last minute gift in Pittsburgh

    • White Whale Bookstore – Independent bookstore in Bloomfield is ready for those last minute gift shoppers, they aready have some favorite books wrapped for the occasion.
    • Farmers Market Coop of East Liberty – still one of the best kept secrets in town. Open every Saturday morning, this is one of the best places to pick up local food, baked goods, etc. Need a gift – coffee, fancy cheese or some of the items from Straight Up Mixer.
    • Pack Up N’Go – Take your Valentine on a surprise get away. This Pittsburgh startup does all of the work for you.
  • Spectators Guide to the 2016 Dirty Dozen Bike Race

    Spectators Guide to the 2016 Dirty Dozen Bike Race

    Update 10/24/19: The 2019 Dirty Dozen will be held on October 26, 2019. Read more about the race and where to watch here. 

    The Saturday after Thanksgiving is the annual Dirty Dozen Bike Race. What started as a group of friends pedaling up the steepest hills in Pittsburgh, now has several hundred riders.

    The race was started by Danny Chew, a Pittsburgh cyclist who is on a mission to ride 1,000,000 miles in his lifetime. Earlier this year, Danny was injured in a cycling accident and is currently in Chicago for rehab. Thanks to the magic of technology he will be giving race commentary via Skype.

    The website for the 2016 Dirty Dozen race is mostly information for riders,  here are a few things that might be helpful if you want to watch the race. You should still click over to the website, lots of links to articles about Danny and the history of the race.

    Dirty Dozen Live Video Feed

    A livestream of the race is being broadcasts via Facebook here. The link has been a little unreliable, so you may have to refresh or visit the Cycling Fusion Facebook page to see if they have posted a new link.

    Where to watch the race in Pittsburgh

    Here is a map of the race: https://www.strava.com/routes/7068026

    So this is a little tricky, the most important thing if you are going to try to watch is to stay out of the way of the cyclists. There is usually not much parking near some of the hills.

    From previous races, I would recommend, looking at the livestream, see which hill the cyclists are on and then go ahead 2-3 hills, so you have plenty of time to get there and park before the cyclists start.

    At 10 am, the lead group had just completed hill #2.

    List of hills:

    1. Centre Ave, Aspinwall
    2. Ravine Street, Sharpsburg
    3. Christopher Street, Lawrenceville (New for 2016)
    4. High Street / Steavy Road, Etna
    5. Logan Street, Millvale
    6. Rialto Street, Troy Hill
    7. Suffolk / Hazelton / Burgess, North Side
    8. Sycamore Street, Mount Washington
    9. Canton Ave, Beechview
    10. Boustead Street, Beechview
    11. ?
    12. Barry / Holt / Elanor, Southside

    Spectator Events

     

  • 2016 Pittsburgh Marathon Map & Hashtags

    2016 Pittsburgh Marathon Map & Hashtags

    Sunday May 1, 2016 is a busy day in the City of Pittsburgh. Today is the Pittsburgh Marathon and graduation at University of Pittsburgh.

    Here is a .jpg of the Pittsburgh Marathon Map. You can download a larger .pdf of the map here: 2016 Pittsburgh Marathon Course Map.

    2016-pittsburgh-marathon-map

    Pittsburgh Marathon Hashtags & Twitter Accounts to Follow

    If you are following the race on social media, here are some hashtags to follow…

    Follow these folks on Twitter for Pittsburgh Marathon updates:

    I’ve added all of these accounts to this PghMarathon Twitter list.

    Tweet and UPMC is Giving the Neighborhood with the Most Spirit A Green Makeover

    Check out UPMC’s Steel City Spirit contest and use these hashtags. The neighborhood with the most tweets wins. (Kudos to the UPMC team for designing a really great website for this contest.)

     

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