Attended this annual arts and heritage festival today. Very well organized event. Lots of vendors…read morewith exceptional works of art. Many delicious food booths with plenty of seating in the shade. Live musical performances and children's activities. Very enjoyable for all ages. The grounds and lake are beautiful with a walking trail that goes along the water. They do have a Facebook page. No animals allowed in the park.

Well, I find that the last review for this festival is 5 years old; so I think I have an obligation…read moreto update it. The Westmoreland Arts & Crafts Heritage Festival is in its 42nd year and is always scheduled around the 4th of July weekend. It is located in Twin Lakes Park. This year, it runs from June 20 through July 3. Over the years, it has expanded and attracted artisans from all over the country. The items for sale range from wood crafts, jewelry, pottery, art prints and paintings, plants and other specialties. Also, one can wander through the park and find great food to purchase. Popular choices for many are the fresh raspberries and ice cream, fried vegetables, and wood fired pizza. I tried steak fajitas ($7 for two) and French beignets ($4 for about 8) from one food booth. I was very pleased with both. There are several stages that offer different musical genres. A schedule for performers can be found on the web site. The Island Stage is the main performance area, but check out the stage located a short distance from the boat house. Around that stage are several craft and food booths. If you feel like walking, there are reenactors located on the upper lake. So, there is plenty to see, music to listen to, food to eat and beautiful items for purchase. There is also an area for kids to make crafts and play. CONS: Although, things are spaced throughout, this festival draws a big crowd. Sometimes a little patience and a smile is needed when waiting in food lines. No alcohol is served, but there are water, cola, Gatorade booths. The thing is you have to purchase tickets to buy your beverage. I don't know, why not use cash for beverages, too? Parking is sometimes at a premium but some people let you park on their property for a price. There are shuttle buses available, but riding in a hot school bus isn't something I care to do. They seem to have a good system though, by dropping passengers off at an entrance area of the park and picking riders up at the other end. No dogs are allowed in the festival area. I think this is a very nice way to spend time over the holiday and has something for everyone. More information can be found on their web site.

Great face painter...she did my grandkids and just wowed us...she was asked to do a little piggy…read moreand did it from memory...I would definitely hire her...she said she would travel a distance and would work with me on price because I explained that I was limited on funds..very nice girl and great with kids!

From the owner: Face Painting Henna Tattoos…read moreGlitter Tattoos Airbrushing advertisement

I'm all about hidden gems within any city but especially when it happens in my own neighborhood…read more With that said it's absurd that I've not given them a review yet. It's actually irresponsible of me not to have done so sooner. This is a cool little gallery with lots of vibe. Every now and again they have exhibits with showing open to the public that are a lot of fun. Viewing art, sipping wine and meeting fellow artists, designers and art admirers is always best when in a welcoming environment. Even when they aren't having open exhibits you're able to pop in and have a look around and make purchases. Always something unique and eye-catching here. They've done it right. Check it out if you get a chance.

I've purchased a couple of pieces from box heart, all of which I am pleased with. The gallery…read morefeatures rotating exhibits of local artwork, which can be purchased at moderate prices. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and remembered me even after my first visit. Box-heart also features an in-store framer and a large selection of frames at reasonable prices.

One of my favorite spots on Mt. Washington! They have beautiful flowers, great gifts from local…read morevendors, and fun festivals/markets every month. The staff is always so helpful and kind, and bonus points for the cutest shop pup!

Great eye with how they creatively bundle the flower bouquets . My wife loved the flowers and they…read morelasted about 2 weeks.

Yoooo, I had a lot of fun at the Dormont Arts event with…read morethem doing the music and sound. It was great to have the music and they had vinyl records there too, I got to take a really cool record home for listening later, cheers guys!!

From the owner: The Parking Pad is outdoor music venue in a backyard with major local and regional bands playing…read moreonce a month from April through September. They welcome anyone and everyone of any age into their yard and home for a live concert and a potluck for $10 per person for every show. The space itself is charming and welcoming, and the hosts are kind and so generous with their space, even putting out a bin of Lego and Barbies for kids to play with while parents are listening to music.

Derry Railroad Days is an annual celebration celebrating the history of Derry, Westmoreland County,…read morePennsylvania. The street fair includes free live entertainment, food vendors, crafts and informational booths as well as children's activities.

A hidden gem in Latrobe! This cozy little deli is the perfect spot to grab a sandwich and soup. The…read moreatmosphere is warm and welcoming, with colorful, quirky artwork that adds so much character--it's fun just to look around while you wait. It's a unique neighborhood spot that we love supporting. The sandwiches are fresh and flavorful, and the soups are seriously delicious--perfect comfort food. Parking was a bit challenging at first, but I found metered street parking nearby after looping the block once. Totally worth it for the food and charm. We'll definitely be back!

Stopped in for a quick lunch and to see the Mr. Rogers stuff (very little available)…read more When you walk in the cafe is on your left as part of the main room of the art center. We had pictured it as a separate space but not so. If you're looking for an art gallery, it's not here, but there are some nice looking local pieces available and one of the rooms looked like a studio where you could create things though we didn't go in. Lunch was good and since we were the only ones in the place, we were waited on with exceptional care.

My update isn't as much about the food, but the level of customer service. I regularly volunteer at…read morethe farmer's market, so I see many of the same people on a weekly basis. Like life, you encounter people of every description and quality. I posted my first review about this vendor at the market last year. During this new season, I was stopped as I was going past by the same woman I had encountered during my 1st visit. If you'd think her attitude had changed, I can assure you that it had not. She immediately attacked me about the review I had left. At no time did she offer to make anything right. Once again, she bragged about how great her products are and that she sells thousands. In addition, she made a concerted effort to make me feel guilty about my review. She asked how I felt about leaving a poor review of a family business. Well, I can assure you that I feel just fine. I believe my reviews are honest and assess my opinions of the products and level of service. She yelled at me that I should have brought the jars back. At that point, I didn't remember if I did or didn't return the bad product. I stated that I thought I had, but she yelled at me that I never returned them. At no time did she ask me any questions or offer any solutions. I was in the business of customer service for many years. I have never fixed the blame. I always strived to fix the problem. She may well do very well at her stand, but there is always room for improvement. From her attitude, everything is perfect in her own world and pleasing customers is the furthest thing from her mind. I have never once seen her stand jammed with an overabundance of customers, as I have seen at many other stands. I don't see it as a product issue, since there are people willing to pay a price for small jars of relishes and jams. I see this as an attitude issue. The woman is not friendly and I don't get a good feeling dealing with her. I don't believe that being combative solves any issues.

Although I have not been at their physical storefront location I've met with "the pickled chef" on…read morea number of occasions during my recent farmer's markets visit. I had purchased three of their popular items, apple bourbon maple jam, raw fermented ginger beet kraut, and pickled red beets. These items have been outstanding. The jam as described has real apple chunks in it and when spread on bread it tastes like an apple pie. Made with quality ingredients including the maple syrup from Paul's family farm it is worth the investment. The kraut is red pink due to the beets but you can taste the pickle in it. It makes a great side dish and will keep in the fridge for some time. My understanding is that it is one of their more popular items. With the markets winding down for the season you can still shop for their products on their website or you can purchase their products at East End food coop or Shenot's farm and market in Wexford. It is my hope to visit their Latrobe brick and mortal location when I'm in the area to stock up on more of their "farm to jar" as they call it products. Even if you are looking for pickles you won't be disappointed.