This stately stone home in Brownsville, PA stands on Market Street. It is on the main drag before…read moreit passes over a river. The French General Marquis de Lafayette stayed here and spoke to townsfolk in 1825. Directly across the street is the local FD Engine of Brownsville which is also really neat to visit when in the area! The Brashear House is also a corner house, so it is picture perfect for pit stops, to explore around the block or to take family pictures.. Review: 5

This is the quintessential Brownsville historical attraction. If you are looking for a prize of…read morelocal history you cannot find anywhere else then look no further

I have heard of Nemacolin Castle, but had thought it was near the resort by the same name. It…read morewasn't until I entered the address into the GPS that I learned it is located in Brownsville. Husband and I decided to visit when the Christmas tour was offered. We got a history lesson on the man who founded a trading post and built the castle. The Bowman family was quite influential in the area. It is impressive to be made aware of the history behind the family and the home. The home is managed by the historical society and volunteers. It would be great if they would get some additional funding for restoring the home. Right now, they rely on donations and admission fees to maintain the upkeep. There are areas of sagging floors and peeling wallpaper. It is fortunate that most of the furniture items were actually owned and used by the family. The piano is beautiful and one of the first to come to the area. The home was decorated for the Christmas holiday. Admission is $15 for adults and tickets may be purchased online or at the door. On busy times, I would recommend reservations. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We were in a tour of about 18-24 people which was too large of a group. The some of the rooms were small and we were crammed in to hear the guide. Still, it was a nice way to spend a rainy Saturday before Christmas. I want to return when they have a haunted tour next fall.

This is a beautiful boat with an amazing educational mission. Yes, they do run charters, but their…read moreprimary mission is to educate school-age children and adults on the history of Pittsburgh's steel making and also environmental issues. The staff is well trained and the boat is spacious and versatile. The boat is moored near the Science Center.

I had my eye on these tours for a long time, and finally we were lucky enough to be in town for the…read more"Voices of Carrie Furnaces" guided tour of the Homestead Iron Works, which I believe only happens one day each month during the warm half of the year. This is absolutely a treat for anyone with roots here or a fascination with industry and manufacturing. The highlights: Most tours are guided by former steelworkers and people with a first-hand involvement in the steel industry. You get a great overview of the plant, which was the center of life for this community and the lifeblood of the region for more than a century. Our tour placed a heavy emphasis on the engineering and technology of steelmaking, so if that's your thing, it's Christmas. And it's a minor miracle that these two blast furnaces have been preserved. I would suggest that they augment the tours with photos or videos that might help bring these hulking structures to life a bit more, and maybe insert some specific stories about immigrants and working families, union battles, and other colorful bits about Homestead. Sure, a windfall of donor support and a visitor center would go a long way to improving things on that score, but a little shift in emphasis could be done on a budget. Either way, Rivers of Steel is hugely important for preserving the region's steel heritage, and their efforts to extend that support to the community are vital.

The scenery was lovely. The boat is nice and clean. The sound system, in the cabin, is hard to…read morehear clearly. The reason for a 1 star review: The lake is the jewel of Taylor County. The boat tour is a great idea. The problem is that this lovely jewel was overshadowed and tarnished by a guide telling "historical" tales of murder, maiming, kidnapping and blood and gore. This, on July 4th after a year and half of families and friends not being able to see each other and have a good time. For the "Open boat cruise" you are expected to remain seated, not talk, and be thrilled to hear these horrific stories. We were also supposed to be happy about paying $20 a person to have someone use us as an infomercial to sell their book. This is not a tour that is for families wanting to spend time together or for small children (not for them to hear or be expected to remain seated that long). It does state on the website that this is a historical tour. We did not realize it was non-stop talking for two hours. When the cabin part of this tour grew weary of the tales, her "folksy" style (learn to love the phrase "...and so anyway"), gossip on what people spent for properties and not being allowed to move around, the guide came down and reprimanded the whole cabin of PAYING customers for being too loud. Learn to read the room, you didn't keep their attention. I would have loved to have heard the purpose of the dam, how far reaching the effects of it were, if there are any conservation projects happening, had some silence to enjoy the scenery but most of all, I would have loved an enjoyable time with my family.

I am a yinzer through and through and cherish all the history that is Pittsburgh…read more Carrie Furnaces are no different. The tours are incredible and you learn so much. I come from a long line of steelworkers and thought I pretty much knew all there was to know. That was, until the tour. The tour guide was extremely informative. Most of the folks working (volunteering) at Carrie have some connection to the steel industry. In addition to the tour, I have had the privilege of attending events there as well. Yep, they rent out the space. Everything was well put together at the events and having the furances as backdrop took it to the next level. As far as the tours go, I feel so strongly that Pittsburgh natives and tourists alike take one. It's really incredible to learn how much of the country was built because of Carrie.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Keith! He had to do much first hand knowledge of the facility,…read morehaving worked there himself when he graduated the army. The tour lasted about 2.5 hours and was mostly outside in direct sunlight. There were a few opportunities for shade, but not many. If you come on a hot day, plan to arrive hydrated and grab a complimentary water bottle from the check in desk. You'll need it. Parking is plentiful, the history is intriguing, and the art scattered about the property is thoughtful and engaging. If you're lucky, you'll spot some wildlife who inhabit the surrounding area.

If you haven't heard of the Woodville Plantation before, please read my previous reviews. This…read morehistoric plantation was established in 1775, and the house was built in 1785, and is located along Rt. 50 between Carnegie and Bridgeville. Although a lot of their events have been virtual over the past pandemic year, you can still tour the grounds in person, and soon they will be starting house tours and special events again later this season (check their website for details). This small piece of what once was a huge Virginia-style plantation, is like having a miniature Colonial Williamsburg right in our own backyard. The highlight this year is the new 1800s era timber-frame barn which is currently being constructed by an Amish crew (see photos). When finished, this barn will add an additional historical aspect to the property, and also provide more space for events. If you are a fan of history, do check this place out ... Cheers!

From the owner: Enjoy a guided tour of this National Historic Landmark and learn more about the Whiskey Rebellion,…read moreJohn Neville, and 18th Century Pittsburgh & Western Pennsylvania history. We also have special events. Open seasonally April through November on Sundays afternoons, 1-4pm. Self-guided tours of the grounds are available at all times.

A great place to stop and do some unique shopping. This little village off I68 and 219 has lots to…read morelook out. The restaurant has some wholesome food and also a gift shop. They have done quite a few improvements since a few years ago a big storm knocked down alit of trees. The Savage river runs right next to it. Unfortunately right now 6/25, you cannot go on the stone bridge over the river due to repairs. Just down the road is Candy-land that has a nice assortment of loose candy that you can mix and match. This is a definite rest stop if you are traveling I68.

A very cool place with a lot to offer…read more Funny thing is, I used to travel back and forth to Baltimore and DC for years for work and I would always pass by this place and I'd think, I wonder if that Penn Alps Restaurant is any good? I even had several of my customers who had businesses right up the road from this place who'd praise their food, but I have never once ate it. Hopefully one day :) Then not long ago me and a good friend of mine went on a little hiking adventure in the surrounding area with her kids and we decided to stop by here to look around and check things out. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the stuff they have here and the history tied to it all. It's such a cute little Swiss village and honestly has a decent amount of stuff to offer and learn about. Plus, there is a newer building behind all of this that looked to me like it was a super cool cafe at one time, but it was closed when I was there. It did have a sign on the door that said it would be reopening soon. The Cornucopia Cafe, which I hope to try soon as well. There is a lot to do and see here. Take your time and look around, buy some local merchandise, learn some history, and eat some good food. If you're on 68 heading East or West take a little break here to check it out and learn about a time period in which George Washington was a part of. Enjoy :)

The National Park Service has done a superb job of preserving the history of several important…read morehistoric sites along the National Road in Southwest Pennsylvania. Fort Necessity was the site of one of the first skirmishes that began the war between the French and Anglos. George Washington and his men did not fare well in the battle where they were outwitted and overpowered by their opponents. The primitive fort, composed of wood posts, was destroyed by the Indigenous army after Washington's surrender. Archeologists recreated a replica of the fort at the site that visitors may explore and contemplate the history. We walked the trail back, taking our well travelled dog for a walk. The trail is an easy walk with several historical plaques along the way. The setting is picturesque with a meadow surrounded by trees. An audio tour is available using your mobile phone. The Visitors Center is upscale and filled with information about several sites along the National Road. The Park Rangers are welcoming and knowledgeable about the local history. They provided me with an informative brochure about the sites with maps. A twenty minute film depicts the historic events that took place and shaped the war and early days in the colonies. Exhibits explain the tales of the battle that took place at the fort and other life in the area. Cases with artifacts are interesting. Information is well balanced. The gift shop inside supports the park and offers books, shirts and other nice souvenirs. The site also includes the historic Mount Washington Tavern, preserved as it would have entertained guests in the mid 1800's. The self guided tour of the Tavern is free. The staff offers several special programs throughout the year such as reenactments. A schedule is available on their website. The Park is filled with amenities including a pavilion with picnic tables, an outdoor classroom, nice parking and accessible walkways. The restrooms inside the Visitors Center are immaculate. Dogs are not allowed in the Visitors Center, but are allowed leashed outside. There is no charge to enter and explore the Park (thank you, tax dollars). Fort Necessity offers a truly unique experience and glimpse into the past. Plan two hours for the visit.

We were very impressed with the National Park Service presentation on the battle at Fort Necessity…read moreand George Washington role in this important piece of history. The visitor center has a lot of good information with a 20 minute film which gave a great overview. We then join a park Ranger for a walk to the fort, he was truly passionate about his job and very Knowledgeable. At the end of the talk a period dressed employee talked about the uniform, how to load and shoot a gun which he did at the end of the talk. Walked down to the fort, which I was surprised how smaller it was. It really gave a perspective of what the soldiers experienced. This was a wonderful stop in our National Parks journey. I recommend. stopping at Fort necessity and learning about this important. chapter of American history.

George Washington is credited with dreaming of the building of a road that would connect the east…read morecoast with the Midwest. The National Road was the first government funded road in the U.S, connecting Baltimore, Maryland with St. Louis, Missouri. I've travelled most of the National Road over the years, visiting historical sites. This week, I travelled through Western Maryland and Southwest Pennsylvania. A number of inns and taverns along the route provided shelter and food for early settlers traveling by stage coach. The Mount Washington Tavern was one of the upscale taverns and is today a museum managed by the National Park Service. The tavern was built in the late 1820's by Nathaniel Ewing on land once owned by George Washington. The museum has been restored with furnishing similar to what travelers would have encountered in the mid-1800's. The museum is a self guided tour with an audio tour available using a mobile phone. I walked through the tavern and saw the dining room, tavern, parlor and several of the guests quarters. I was able to imagine being back in time 200 years. If only these walls could talk, the stories they would tell. The parking lot is nice with steps or paved ramp leading to the tavern. On the grounds of the tavern is a stable that holds a Conestoga Wagon and memorial to early travelers. Several historical markers describe the National Road and tavern. Restroom and other amenities can be found at the Fort Necessity Visitor Center, a short walk or drive down the hill. There is no charge to visit the museum which is opened daily from 10 am - 4:00 pm. I highly recommend for history buffs.

Pleasant little trip into 1830's roadside tavern history (and more history of the National Road,…read morecomplimenting some of the history at next door's Fort Necessity visitors' center), such as what sort of people traveled, how they traveled, what they could afford to eat, and how they slept (uncomfortably and sharing space with strangers).

Let me just start with the host, Informative, wonderful and very helpful. He went way out of the…read moreway to help me keep all a surprise from my wife until she walked up to the front of the house. it was great. Thank you so much for all of your help!! The home on its own is beautiful, the tall ceilings, the pocket doors the 1' tall baseboards, the cute powder room behind Hannibal, it was just a wonderful layout, the time period furniture, the wall paper, it just a beautiful home. Now lets add in the rest, OMG!! The scene shots, the pictures, painting and props, just top notch and very "well" done, speaking of the well, it was great, we both did poses in the well with precious and the music and the background music and all were great, we had a blast. A++++++++. It was great, and if you can get a bunch of people to go, all the more better. It can slept 8 so it would be a great and fun group weekend. For an older home, you would expect it to be a little musty, but no, it was fresh and clean and just wonderful. I loved having coffee watching the trains go by, car counting. it was just awesome, all of it. Watching the Silence of the Lambs on the big screen up stairs, while being in the house while watching it, was epic and a nice way to top off the evening. Bravo Chris, Bravo, we, my wife and I, have been hosting Halloween parties for almost 4o years, so I am used to sweating the details, and I can tell you are spot on and caught every detail possible. Outstanding, A++++ and would spend another night there for sure. Already have two friends viewing and definitely going to book a stay at this home. Thank you again as it was everything we expected and more!!!! Tom D

All the way from CT to PA for the living dead weekend. Took a little road trip to the Buffalo Bills…read morehouse with my husband and friends. Booked the 10 am tour. From the owner of buffalo bills house this was the last tour of the season until May of next year. But, you can book a stay in the house. I think it is also through their website. The tour was about two ours long. Got a little history of the house and town. Got the details of the movie and how the house was before filming and after. It was an amazing experience and so much fun. This house is beautiful inside and out. Thank you Chris for letting us experience this house with your knowledge. We had so much fun