Whether you’re looking for information or adventure in town, around town or around the SW region of our state you’re likely to find it in our lists below.
Allegheny County
Attractions
Pittsburgh is home to many great attractions. Click here for our list of just some of the wonderful places for sightseeing, sports, culture, and fun in and near Pittsburgh.
Neighborhood Names in Pittsburgh
Closer to town there are many unique names for different neighborhoods. Let's explore how some Pittsburgh neighborhoods got their names.
Seasonal Family Activities
How can you be sure that the activity you’ve carefully planned for your family will be a winner? You can’t really be sure until after the event. However, you’ll know you’ve picked a winner when, a week or a month later, someone in your family comes up to you and says: “Let’s do that again.” Go here for our lists of fun family activities. We have them broken down into seasonal suggestions.
What's in a Name?
We live, work, worship, and play in Allegheny County, but do we know how some of the towns, boroughs, and municipalities around us acquired their names? Some are obvious, having derived from descriptions of geographical or features found in that area. But what about those other places? How did they get their names?
Armstrong County
The Best of...
Among the scenic hills and farmlands of Armstrong County lies a plethora of historical and natural wonders alike for you to add to your next road trip. Ranging from unique museums, sharing the story of this county’s past, to romantic gardens and wineries, there are quite a few hidden gems to be discovered and enjoyed.
What's in a Name?
Armstrong County was named for Colonel John Armstrong. During the French and Indian War, the area was home to an Indian village that was notorious for launching raids on white settlers in western Pennsylvania, parts of Maryland, and Virginia.
Beaver County
The Best of...
Pittsburgh isn't the only place located on a river that's burnishing its image. We've all heard the accolades that keep coming in for Pittsburgh, but just down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh is Beaver County. And this county is booming and is poised to become an even bigger player in the region. From literary festivals to recreation to a resurgent economy, this neighboring county to the west is making a name for itself, establishing it as a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
What's in a Name?
Although Pennsylvania’s 20th governor was named James Beaver, Beaver County was not name for him as Beaver County was created in 1800, 37 years before Governor Beaver was born. The county and the county seat took its name from the Beaver River, the 21-mile-long tributary of the Ohio River that flows through the western part of the state.
Butler County
The Best of...
If there is a “sweet spot” in Western Pennsylvania, it may be Butler County. Located only 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, Butler County is close enough to enjoy all the attractions and amenities that the city offers, but is far enough away to retain the charm of small-town America and the peacefulness of rural life.
What's in a Name?
Butler County was named for Richard Butler, who was born in Dublin, Ireland. He came to the area in the 1770s and was a trader at Fort Pitt. He also served as a General in the Revolutionary War.
Cambria County
The Best of...
Cambria County lies to the east of Westmoreland County, and at one time, this area was so remote that railroads could not traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains. Today, those mountains have been conquered, but Cambria County is still home to some of the most picturesque vistas in the state.
What's in a Name?
“Cambria” is the Latinized term for the what the people of ancient Wales called their country Cymru. Cambria County shares that name perhaps because, like Wales, it has abundant coal.
Fayette County
The Best of...
Fayette County received its name from the Marquis de Lafayette, who was instrumental in helping the colonists win the Revolutionary War. The county benefits from natural wonders as well as from a rich history.
What's in a Name?
Fayette County was named for the Marquis de Lafayette, the French aristocrat who fought for independence along with the Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Laurel Highlands
If you and your family are on the hunt for a fun, new adventure, Laurel Highlands is the prime spot to check out. Filled with natural beauty, incredible historic sites, and one-of-a-kind attractions, this 300 square mile area of the Allegheny Mountain Range is a part of Pennsylvania you will not want to miss out on! Before traveling be sure to read up on some amazing stops and develop your own itinerary of the Laurel Highlands HERE.
Greene County
The Best of...
Home to Waynesburg University and filled with endless beauty, Greene County offers an abundance of activities for locals and visitors alike.
What's in a Name?
If the counties in Pennsylvania were puzzle pieces, Greene County would be the corner piece that fits into the Southwest right angle of Pennsylvania, bordering West Virginia on the south and Ohio to the east. Greene County was founded in 1796 and named for Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene.
Indiana County
The Best of...
Indiana County lies to the east of Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. It offers some interesting attractions and regions to explore.
What's in a Name?
Indiana County takes its name from the Indians who lived in the region as it was purchased from the Iroquois Six Nations in 1768. Read more about it here.
Lawrence County
The Best of...
Lawrence County lies to the north and west of Pittsburgh and abuts the Ohio line. The county was once known as the Fireworks Capital of America, and two of the largest fireworks manufacturers are still located there as well as other great attractions.
What's in a Name?
Lawrence County owes its name to naval ships and officers. The county derives its name from the USS Lawrence, the flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who sailed on this ship during the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The ship was disabled in that battle on September 10, 1813. The vessel took its name from naval officer James Lawrence who was a friend of Commodore Perry and who died in the war. Lawrence is famous for his dying command, “Don’t give up the ship!” Its county seat is New Castle.
Somerset County
The Best of...
Somerset County is located to the southeast of Pittsburgh, and its southern edge borders Maryland. Its county seat is also called Somerset and the names derives from Somersetshire, England. Primarily a rural, agricultural county, it is known for its beautiful rolling farmlands and mountain peaks.
What's in a Name?
Somerset County was thrust into national prominence during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, but do you know how the county and many of the communities there got their names? Some are obvious, having derived from descriptions of geographical or features found in that area. But what about those other places?
Washington County
The Best of...
Sometimes Pittsburghers refer to Washington, Pennsylvania, as “little Washington,” but there is nothing small about Washington and its eponymous county. From history and entertainment to sports and shopping, Washington County has something for everyone.
What's in a Name?
It’s no surprise who Washington County is named after. It’s named for Revolutionary War General and our first president, George Washington. Formed in 1781, the county is one of the earliest of numerous places named for the father of our country. Its county seat is also called Washington, but locals also know that the place is often referred to as “little Washington.”
Westmoreland County
The Best of...
Westmoreland County is where it’s at if you like natural, beautiful surroundings, affordable housing and taxes, numerous parks and opportunities for recreation, and history. Located to the east of Allegheny County, it combines the best of both worlds: rural life and the amenities of metropolitan areas.
What's in a Name?
We live, work, worship, and play here, but do we know how some of the towns, boroughs, and municipalities around us acquired their names? Here are some of the places in Westmoreland County, without obvious namesakes, and how they got their names.
Laurel Highlands
If you and your family are on the hunt for a fun, new adventure, Laurel Highlands is the prime spot to check out. Filled with natural beauty, incredible historic sites, and one-of-a-kind attractions, this 300 square mile area of the Allegheny Mountain Range is a part of Pennsylvania you will not want to miss out on! Before traveling be sure to read up on some amazing stops and develop your own itinerary of the Laurel Highlands HERE.
