Things to do / Travel Guide
The southwestern Pennsylvania region is one of the United States' best-kept travel secrets. Located less than two hours from Pittsburgh at the gateway to the Laurel Mountains, Ohiopyle State Park features more than 19,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Ohiopyle's 1,700-foot river gorge, breathtaking waterfalls, and natural waterslides are understandably among the region's highlights. Winding its way through the region, the 14-mile mighty Youghiogheny River (pronounced: “Yock-uh-gain-ee”) offers tourists great trout fishing, miles of scenic biking trails, and some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States. Also near Ohiopyle are world-class architect Frank Lloyd Wright's modern masterworks, Kentucky Knob and Fallingwater, both of which expertly blend the beauty of nature with the needs of man.
Pittsburgh's architecture features ornate, historic constructions and cutting-edge, contemporary skyscrapers that comprise the city's spectacular urban skyline, widely considered one of the most beautiful in the United States. Houses stacked against lush green hills serve as backdrops for Pittsburgh's 720 bridges, which artfully arch across the shores of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. A host of family-friendly adventures including museums and botanical gardens, bike trails and urban parks, fine and fun restaurants, and world-class entertainment are just a few of the reasons why Pittsburgh is fast-becoming a popular travel destination.
The fact that over four million people visit Pittsburgh every year is a relatively new and exciting phenomenon. This turn in the tide of Pittsburgh's image is evident in the city's newest architecture. Heinz Field, the stadium of the 2006 Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and the new PNC Park, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, intentionally showcase Pittsburgh's attractive downtown and riverfronts. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the world's largest “environmentally smart” structure, was designed to highlight Pittsburgh's best vistas.
What can you expect from your vacation in southern Pennsylvania? Enjoy a gourmet dinner atop a scenic Mount Washington restaurant, renowned for its breathtaking city views. Take a turn along Pittsburgh's Strip District for an unforgettable experience at a lively, colorful, open-air market. Stroll or bike along 600 acres of wooded trails in Pittsburgh's Frick Park. Go trout fishing on the Youghiogheny River, cool off while sliding down one of Ohiopyle State Park's natural waterslides, or hop in a raft for an amazing whitewater adventure. The southwestern Pennsylvania region may be one of the United States' best-kept travel secrets, but please don't hesitate to discover its charm!
Southwestern Pennsylvania is on Eastern Time, three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
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