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City Cast Pittsburgh

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

If you’re looking for outdoorsy autumn getaways, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has you covered. Check out the team’s 

favorite trips within four hours of the ‘Burgh.

Mallory loves this park in Davis, West Virginia for the incredible fall foliage, the biking and hiking trails, and the idyllic waterfalls. After a day of exploring the park, you can treat yo’self at several breweries and distilleries in the area. Mallory also recommends taking a nine-minute drive to 

🚗 About 180 miles northeast of Pittsburgh

This park in Coudersport, PA is the ideal location for stargazers. It’s also a great place for seeing meteor showers, the Milky Way, and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. Sophia especially loves Cherry Springs because it’s the only 

 in Pennsylvania. Campgrounds at the park are 

🚗 About 230 miles northeast of Pittsburgh

 canyon in Arizona get all the love — you’ve got a grand canyon in your state, too! Drive over to Tioga State Park near Wellsboro to witness this canyon that stretches 45 miles with depths of nearly 1,500 feet. Check out the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed that travels along the Pine Creek Gorge.

🚗 About 300 miles southwest of Pittsburgh

Megan loves staying in the northern tip of this Finger Lake in New York state for its great restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores that make it ideal for overnight stays. The lake itself is great for water sports enthusiasts, and there are a few great bike trails for visitors who’d rather stay dry. The area is really known for its wineries; Megan recommends 

the ideal trips for Pittsburgh beer lovers.

And local haunts for the scary season 👻

If you’re looking for outdoorsy autumn getaways, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has you covered. Check out some of the team’s favorite trips within four hours of the ‘Burgh, including Pennsylvania's only dark-sky-certified park.

4 Fall Getaways Within 4 Hours of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Best

Cheers to beers and fall getaways! Trace Brewing’s Aadam Soorma 

 to share his favorite spots for craft brews near the ‘Burgh.

Drive two-and-a-half hours north to sip beer from Southern Tier's flagship location located near the beautiful Chautauqua Lake in Lakewood, N.Y. Stay a weekend to check out the Lucille Ball Memorial Statue, National Comedy Center, Celoron Lighthouse, and the 

You can fill up on so much more than beer at this Port Clinton, Ohio brewery near Lake Erie. The 60-acre farm has stone fruit orchards, home-grown produce, a wildflower garden, and a small, seasonal menu that pairs perfectly with Twin Oast’s traditional German brews. Keep an eye on their calendar for live music, game day watch parties, and five-course dinners.

If you’ve enjoyed a craft beer at the Cobblehaus Brewing Company in Coraopolis, you have to take a trip to its cliffside brewery in Mercer, Pa., located on the site of an old iron furnace. Sip on a German or Belgian beer while soaking in its seven acres of natural beauty overlooking Springfield Falls.

Can it get better than drinking beer in a converted barn in the middle of nowhere? Actually, it does: there are pigs everywhere! This Fresno, Ohio brewery practices sustainability by feeding the spent grain to wooly pigs. Head two hours west of Pittsburgh for traditional lagers, ales, and new friends with tails!

You can find this brewer-owned, family-friendly spot specializing in IPAs and lagers just 30 minutes outside of the city. They give a portion of their proceeds year-round to environmental nonprofits, and they’re close to fun seasonal activities — like a visit to the 

Head west an hour to Youngstown, Ohio for a thirst-quencher from this Black woman-owned biz. OK, so it’s not beer, but there is a brewery attached to the building and plenty more in town. It’s a great weekend trip for outdoor fun at 

Cheers to beers and fall getaways! Trace Brewing’s Aadam Soorma joined the City Cast Pittsburgh team to share his favorite spots for craft brews near the ‘Burgh.

The Best Weekend Trips for Pittsburgh Beer Lovers

 Stacey Federoff and Dave Archer to share their favorite frights and delights around Pittsburgh.

Explore more than 70,000 square feet of gore at the 

, located east of Akron, Ohio, inside an old meat processing plant. The tour starts with an introduction from Grandpa Karver, a fictional namesake based on the Karver family who supplied meat for locals since 1948. Yes, that means you can expect cleavers, blood, and guts!

We’ve all seen a horror movie set in an old, creepy school — you can step inside that real life nightmare on three floors of 

 in Connellsville, Pa. The 1916 building is a complete scare season destination with a thrilling escape room, ax throwing, and a coffee shop.

A Victorian cemetery, hayride of no return, and chainsaw-wielding killers — find it all at the 

 in Smithfield, Pa. This Halloween tradition has been entertaining with fear in Fayette County for over three decades.

 in Canton, Ohio has five unique spine-chilling attractions. And if you need a minute to work up some courage, there are a few bars throughout: Carnevil, Poison Ivy’s Greenhouse, and French Quarter at the Factory. Shake out all of your fears at the new-this-year Fear Fair Back Alley dance club.

 in Beaver County becomes a haunted, 18-hole mini golf course this time of year. Putt through the shadows with your glow-in-the-dark golf ball, and treat yourself to ice cream afterwards.

Rain or moonshine, there’s a chilling experience waiting for you along the trail at 

, Beaver County's longest-reigning Halloween attraction. Follow the colorfully-painted signs through the woods. Freddy’s slogan is "half the scare is getting there.”

If you want the tricks or treats without being terrified, there are tons of family Halloween activities to explore:

 in Monessen features theatrical vignettes in a former funeral home.

 in Cedar Creek and Twin Lakes Parks takes you through mazes and cemeteries, and past more than 100 ghouls, goblins, and monsters.

 in Ligonier has themed-rides, fall-favorite concessions, and trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest.

 in West Mifflin is perfect for pint-sized thrill seekers.

 in Highland Park has crafts, a costume contest, a Halloween parade, and trick-or-treating.

 in Monongahela has a new and improved Big Boo Barn, plus hayrides, apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and life-size scarecrow building.

Make your own fun this Halloween with dozens of local and destination haunted houses and attractions near Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh's Best Haunted Houses and Halloween Fun

 in early-to-mid October. Admire Pennsylvania's bright-colored leaves on your way to these four getaways outside of Pittsburgh.

Mallory’s favorite Ohiopyle activity is biking along the Youghiogheny River Trail — a crushed limestone trail that was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad. Get your thrills and chills this Friday at two 

 guided hikes with haunted stories. Want to 

? There are plenty of campgrounds, cottages, hotels, and resorts.

Go back in time to the 1800s with a visit to McConnells Mill State Park in Portersville. The park has a deep scenic gorge, waterfalls, and a restored watermill that was one of the first rolling mills in the country. Stop by 

 (3 minutes away) for hayrides, corn mazes, and a pumpkin patch. You can rough it at the 

We love a cool, underground destination — 

. You can explore rock formations in Farmington, Pennsylvania, home to the largest cave in Pennsylvania. 

, and don’t forget your layers! The cave is 52 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

The quaint little town of Harmony has interesting old buildings, restaurants, and an even more fascinating history. The town was founded in 1805 by Harmonists, a group of exiled, pious Germans that followed their prophet leader to Western Pennsylvania. Their settlement was a common trust where no one individual owned anything, and in the 1800s, the society was worth $2 million. But their riches didn’t last; church leaders called for a celibate period, eventually dissolving the group after 100 years.

Check out the cemetery where they buried their dead without markers, and learn more about the bygone society at 

Fall foliage will be at its peak in early-to-mid October. Admire Pennsylvania's bright-colored leaves on your way to these four getaways outside of Pittsburgh.

Go Leaf Peeping on These 4 Fall Getaways Near Pittsburgh

Whether you like to be scared to the bone or prefer just a little fall fright, there’s a Pittsburgh movie theater waiting for you.

, “The Wolf Man” and “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

,” or discover the ghostly scenes of the city with “

” — a telling of supernatural tales on Oct. 6 and 7.

Want to experience Halloween on the biggest screen in town? Head to the Carnegie Science Center’s theater for “

Step into an eerie mansion with the characters of “

” on Saturdays at midnight. For a family-friendly outing, watch the 

 participate in a costume contest, and meet black rescue cats on Oct. 21. On Oct. 28, see a 

 including “Night of the Living Dead,” “One Cut of the Dean,” and “Shaun of the Dead.” Plus, come dressed for a zombie walk and bring a donation for the Dormont Free Pantry!

Are you a fan of “The Silence of the Lambs?” There’s a 

 celebrating the Pittsburgh-filmed movie at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Oct. 27. See a replica cage and movie stills, take a selfie with Hannibal and Clarice re-enactors, and 

hear from the owner of Buffalo Bill’s house

 in Perryopolis. Vendors, face painters, tarot readers, and flash tattoos will be onsite. The movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

” with trunk-or-treating, pumpkin funnel cakes and hot apple cider, and a double feature for all ages. 

👻 Visit horror film destinations in Western Pennsylvania with 

Where To Watch Halloween Movies in Pittsburgh

It’s fall time at the farm! Here’s where to pick the perfect pumpkin around Pittsburgh.

 in Wexford drinking cider, picking pumpkins and apples, and shopping at the market; 

 opens Sept. 30 and is open seven days a week. Check out their scenic walking trail!

 in Beaver County hosts its fall festival on weekends in October, but right now you can still find fresh corn at the market.

 in Gibsonia turns into a pick-your-own pumpkin festival on the weekends in October with hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals, craft beer, baked goods, and more.

 every weekend in October with tractor and hay rides, farm-fresh food, a pumpkin patch, and more. Get in on the autumn fun early with the 21+ 

 event on Sept. 23 where you can hunt for local beer, wine, and spirits in the corn maze.

 in Murrysville is known for its annual corn maze. The design includes a “mystery aerial message” that’s revealed at the end. 

 on Oct. 7 with a family-friendly celebration of the fall harvest season featuring food, crafts, games, pumpkins, and demos.

 in Monongahela kicks off its fall season on Sept. 23 with pumpkin, apple, and flower picking, and it lasts through October.

 in Upper Saint Clair doesn’t have a patch, but it always has a selection. For now, purchase their homegrown peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, and onions.

 in McMurray: hayrides, corn mazes, and apple and flower picking. Go for a 

 in Finleyville starts its fall festival on Sept. 23, and runs every weekend through October 22. Find goods from the market, hayrides, farm animals, food trucks, a corn maze, live music, and pumpkins galore. And don’t miss 

 was always my pumpkin picking destination. Celebrate fall at 

 weekends in October with hay rides, corn mazes, food and craft vendors, and more. Don’t forget to stop in the market to find lots of locally made goodies.

 in the Strip District on Oct. 21-22, and a 

 at Black Dog Wine Company in Oakdale on Oct. 26.

where to pick the perfect pumpkin around Pittsburgh

Where To Pick Pumpkins In Pittsburgh

Once a month, we’re helping you show your Pittsburgh pals that you care by sharing things, consumables, and experiences made by locals, for locals. Below are my September picks.

For Yinz Who Don’t Want Summer To Be Over

Getting ice cream from Page’s Dairy Mart is an iconic Pittsburgh summertime experience, and now you can conjure up that memory anytime with 

 made by Baxter and The Bear. Don’t forget: Page’s is selling its fall flavors right now, and the 

Have a baked goods lover in your life? Take them to tour the tastes of plant-based desserts at Sweet Alchemy Bakeshop’s 

 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 in New Kensington. There will be sweet treats of all kinds, plus pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider.

🎧 Here are some of the City Cast Pittsburgh team’s 

If you have a friend that dreams about what houses look like on the inside (me!) or can’t seem to stop lurking on Zillow, take them to an upcoming house and garden tour. It’s such a fun way to see history, architecture, and personal style. The 

🎧 Listen to Last Month's Gift Picks!

Show your Pittsburgh pals that you care with these gifts made by locals, for locals.

Best Pittsburgh-Made Gifts to Give in September

Whether you’re planning lunches for kids or need some snacks to fuel you in the office, here are some great Pittsburgh-made food and drinks to pack in a lunchbox.

This isn’t cheap, but if you struggle to get in your fruits or veggies, $12 for a delicious organic juice from 

 will have you hydrated and nourished. Kids will dig the plain 

 Order online, from their brick-and-mortar in Lawrenceville, or at the new 

This one involves a little prep on your end, but it’s worth it to have a grab-and-go snack. And since it’s almost preseason, try 

 or buy from Mary Mac’s Bakehouse in New Castle.

Pair this gluten free, vegan granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. It’s packed with rolled oats, raw seeds, and nuts, and it doesn’t have any refined sugar. Try dark chocolate chia or a seasonal flavor like lemon blueberry thyme.

In my opinion, hummus is essential to a packed lunch, and you can keep it interesting with flavors from Hello Hummus like everything bagel, caramelized onion, roasted red pepper, 

 Catch them at farmers markets for the rest of the season or 

What would a lunchbox be without a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Find your fruity spread of choice from local businesses like 

Cheese, pepperoni, and crackers are appropriate for all ages. Adult lunch-packers will especially like the salami and cured meats from Salty Pork Bits, handmade by Chef Justin Severino. For an equally unique pairing, try my new favorite blend of goat and cow milk cheese from Goat Rodeo.

 for delivery or look for it at local shops like Penn Mac.

Best Pittsburgh Snacks To Pack for Lunch

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to 

If you have a lizard or bird, this shop on 

 is for you. They also carry supplies for cats and dogs too! Sara’s Pets and Plants shares a space with the exotic pet rescue 

Stop in to see the store’s permanent residents: Burt the bearded dragon, Mildred the alligator, Princess Peach the chicken, Petey the African gray parrot, Ruby the eclectus parrot, and Large Marge the 10-foot red-tailed boa.

 is dedicated to your four-legged friends, with more than 25 years of experience in the pet biz. You can find food, treats, leashes, toys, and more supplies.

Find nutritious foods and treats, grooming supplies, and toys at the independent shop on E. Ohio Street in East Allegheny on the North Side. Every year, Wagsburgh hosts free photo 

 has a wide selection of healthy and natural foods, treats, and supplies for dogs and cats. The name comes from the word “pedagogy,” the art or profession of teaching, because the shop owners love learning about the best products for your furry friends.

Does your pet have wings? Find everything your flying friend needs at the family and veteran-owned 

 in Millvale. Plus, if you’re going away, you can board your bird there, too!

🎧 Plan the Perfect Day With Your Pittsburgh Pup

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to feed, care, and play.

Pittsburgh’s Best Locally-Owned Pet Stores

If you have a sensitive belly like me, here are some sweet treats to try before summer ends:

 has chains all across the country, but it started in Bridgewater in Beaver County. At VegFest this year, they offered oat milk-based black raspberry chocolate chip, cold brew, peanut butter Oreo, and raspberry truffle. 

You’ve seen this Ohio-based ice cream in grocery stores, but now they finally have a post in Bakery Square. Try 

 like banana cream pudding, caramel pecan sticky buns, lemon bar, and Texas sheet cake.

If you want unique flavors with even cooler names, Sugar Spell Scoop’s small batch, cashew-based ice cream is for you. 

 and order pickup on Sundays, 1-6 p.m. in Sharpsburg. Did I mention they have 

’s riverfront restaurant in Aspinwall for a bagel sandwich and oat milk soft serve. Special flavors this season have been plum, blueberry hibiscus, strawberry rhubarb, and magnolia ginger.

 shop sells Penn State ice cream as well as coconut-based flavors like pistachio, Oreo peanut butter fudge, and raspberry and brownies.

If you have a sensitive belly like me, here are some dairy free sweet treats to try before summer ends.