Pittsburgh and Its Countryside and Great Lakes Region
Keystone Country
Country life along I-79
When you imagine rolling farmland and fresh produce, you might not think of Pittsburgh or Erie but prepare to fall in love with western Pennsylvania’s blend of city bustle and country charm. Plan a trip along I-79 to discover farm-to-table cuisine in the Steel City, barns with a story to tell in Butler, and endless relaxation along the commonwealth’s only shore in Erie.
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Phipps Conservatory
Start your journey with a glimpse of the “crystal palace” of Phipps Conservatory, a 13-room extravaganza that’s considered one of the largest and finest Victorian glasshouses in the country. The botanical gardens feature lush tropical plants, palms, orchids, ferns and desert plants, as well as special flower shows, exhibits and butterflies.
Strip District
Your next stop is only a bridge away as you explore the Strip District, Pittsburgh's only historic market district. Pittsburghers looking for the best produce at great prices arrive early on Penn Avenue and stay through the day to explore the numerous ethnic groceries, bakeries, arts, crafts and collectibles shops, street vendors and much more.
Market Square
Be sure to swing by Pittsburgh’s ever-renovating Market Square, located at the intersection of Market Street and Forbes Avenue and overshadowed by One PPG Place, a glass neo-Gothic castle that defines the downtown skyline. This popular square is home to concerts and a farmers market in the summer months, as well as great restaurants year-round.
Eat Here
Habitat
For a more elegant take on farm-freshness, this sleek, light-filled restaurant is famous for its global fusion menu that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, including golden trout from a nearby fish farm.
Sleep Here
Sun and Cricket B&B (Gibsonia)
Escape to the Sun and Cricket Bed & Breakfast, a hidden estate with acres of fields and forests. This B&B has recently been called "the most photogenic and perfectly appointed country-inn setting in the Pittsburgh area."
The Road North
Heading north to quaint Butler, take some time to explore the Barns of Butler County, a self-guided driving tour that shows just why the people of Butler County have good reason to be proud of their cherished farmland. The three separate driving tours take you to 16 barns housing everything from cows to alpacas, as well as past some historic landmarks like the oldest barn ever built in Butler County (Harmonist Ziegler-Wise barn in 1805) or the Marharg Farm barn, where along with 50 acres of land, guests can take advantage of an “extreme croquet” course and play a shot right through the barn.
From there, glimpse inside the barn at the Marburger Dairy in Evans City, where visitors can make an appointment to see the daily milking of the farm’s 150 cows. For a hands-on experience, cuddle up to the alpacas at Four Points Alpacas and take home some alpaca clothing and handcrafted accessories. As you continue your trek up I-79, don't forget to stop off in Meadville, where you can load up on edible farm market souvenirs at the Market House, Pennsylvania's oldest continuously-operating market structure, or at Sprague Farm & Brew Works in Venango, where lunch is served in an old barn.
Eat Here
Mama Rosa's
Locals love this authentic Italian restaurant family operated since the owners emigrated from Italy 50 years ago. Mama Rosa’s sauce is made daily using only the freshest natural ingredients from the area. Mama even grows her own basil!
Sleep Here
Sunset Hills Farm
Tucked away in the gently sloping hills of Butler County is Sunset Hills Farm with its beautiful alpacas grazing in the pastures and the quaint cottage-style of the Stargazer Bed and Breakfast.
Presque Isle State Park
Continue north to say hello to Erie, home of Pennsylvania's very own shoreline. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail offers excellent views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre peninsula that's a haven to swimmers, hikers, bikers, and rollerbladers. Boat, fish, or take a plunge along seven miles of unfettered surf beaches before hanging out at downtown Erie's Renaissance Bayfront District, home to the Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1872, and the 1867 Land Lighthouse. The glorious sunsets alone are worth the trip.
Mazza Vineyards
Lake Erie, of course, produces the kind of weather that makes for great vineyards for Lake Erie Wine Country. Mazza Vineyards’ broad, breezy porches and rolling hills full of Lake Erie spray just beg for a blanket, a bit of cheese and some slow, sweet quality time. But first, tour the beautiful Spanish-style estate, taste what the house is pouring that day and treat yourself to a bottle of their perfect German Riesling right there on the lawn.
Eat Here
Johnny B's Restaurant
Known for their daily specials and friendly service, Johnny B's is a local favorite.
Sleep Here
Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
Nestled among grape vines, apple orchards and fruit farms, Vineyard Bed & Breakfast beckons you to enjoy the tranquil Pennsylvania countryside.
