Make the most of the season with our 2022 summer bucket list
Summer goes by fast — like, blink and you might miss it fast.
We’re already in the middle of July, and back-to-school supplies are on the store shelves. Before we know it, pumpkin spice everything will surround us.
But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s make the most out of what’s left of summer while we still can.
Tribune-Review reporters scoured the area and came up with a summer bucket list — in no particular order — of must-do items that really take advantage of the region and season.
Eat some ice cream — Who doesn’t scream for a creamy, frozen treat when it’s 80-plus degrees outside? From Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to Glen’s Frozen Custard in Lower Burrell, to the Ligonier Creamery, there are dozens of great ice cream spots across the region. Try a new one every week until it’s time to switch to hot chocolate (or go on a diet).
Randyland, 1501 Arch St., North Side — This vibrant, colorful outdoor courtyard museum is the brainchild of local artist Randy Gilson, and it’s open daily from noon until dark. Children certainly will delight in the whimsical atmosphere. Rebecca Cumpton of Bridgeville, has it on her summer bucket list. “I’ve been able to cross off a lot of my ‘Black and Gold Bucket List,’ but it’s still pretty big,” Cumpton said.
Other destinations and experiences on Cumpton’s list are the Andy Warhol Museum; the Fred Rogers statue; Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood, the steepest public street officially recorded in the U.S.; a visit to Bob’s Garage in Blawnox; a ghost tour; and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Fallingwater, 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, Fayette County — Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterwork is a must-see for many reasons. Nestled in the woods and built partly over a waterfall on Bear Run, the cantilevered marvel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
“Fallingwater was designated by the American Institute of Architects as the best all-time work of American architecture,” said Fallingwater director and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy vice president Justin Gunther. “The World Heritage list is an honor reserved for irreplaceable landmarks and places that have what’s called outstanding universal value, meaning they’re important culturally to all of humanity.
“Fallingwater is up there with the Great Wall of China, the pyramids of Egypt and Notre Dame in Paris as one of those places in the world that you should experience and learn from,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anywhere else where you can see such a remarkable intersection of art, nature and design coming together.”
Flight 93 National Memorial, 6424 Route 30, Stoystown, Somerset County — The site honors the 40 passengers and crew of one of the four aircraft hijacked and downed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. A visitor center overlooks the rural crash site, with an observation platform and a white marble wall listing victims aligned beneath the flight path.
Knowing what had happened at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, “these 40 heroes did something that had never been done before in fighting for their lives, primarily, and fighting for the country,” said Henry Scully, former executive director of Friends of Flight 93.
“They knew their plane was a missile aimed for somewhere. Think of all the lives they saved at the Capitol Building,” he said. “Once you spend an hour or two there, you step back and remember what it’s all about — being proud of your country and what you can do for your country and for yourself.”
Sandcastle Water Park, 1000 Sandcastle Drive, West Homestead — Don’t let summer slip, slide away without that visit to Sandcastle Water Park. Bombs Away opened July 1. It’s the park’s first new water slide in 10 years. The floor of the attraction disappears beneath you, and you fall into a tube, traveling down six stories at 26 feet per second.
“Bombs Away is the big thrill Sandcastle guests have been seeking,” assistant general manager Ricky Spicuzza said in a statement. “This slide is the explosive exclamation point to our park enhancement efforts that have created a better, brighter and fresher-than-ever Sandcastle experience.”
Sandcastle, which opened in 1989, has 15 waterslides, a Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool, Mushroom Pool and Lazy River.
Note: Sandcastle went cashless in June. There are three cash-to-card kiosks in the park that can convert up to $500 in cash onto a prepaid card.
Outdoor concerts — Allegheny County’s outdoor concert series at South Park and Hartwood Acres are always a hit. Upcoming shows include The Regrettes on July 31 at Hartwood and Soul Asylum on Aug. 19 at South Park. A complete schedule is online at alleghenycounty.us. The shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. Food trucks, Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm Brewing Co. will be available, and the shows take place rain or shine.
Fort Ligonier, Routes 30 and 711, Ligonier — Signs proclaiming “George Washington Slept Here,” accurate or not, once dotted sites along the Eastern Seaboard as a means of attracting tourists. One place he really did sleep was at the restored 1758 stockade, which interprets the French and Indian War and other early American history and features a gallery devoted to the Father of His Country, including his saddle pistols and handwritten reflections of his time at the fort in 1758.
“Visitors will discover national treasures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” said Julie Donovan, director of marketing and public relations. “This incredible historic site with its renowned French and Indian War collection vividly tells the story of how Fort Ligonier made Pittsburgh possible and changed world history.
“From an exceptional art collection to amazing archaeological finds, and artillery train, visitors will be intrigued with what they experience at Fort Ligonier.”
Pittsburgh’s Inclines — The Duquesne and Monongahela inclines connect Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington neighborhood to Station Square. The ride is an adventure in and of itself, and the view at the top is nothing short of amazing. Be aware, though, that the Monongahela Incline will close in August for four months for upgrades.
Hike the Highlands — Hiking trails in the 120,000 acres of state parks in the Laurel Highlands run the gamut from easy to difficult and short to long — but all of them have million-dollar views. Stroll the level, quarter-mile path from the Laurel Summit State Park parking lot to Spruce Flats Bog, backpack the rugged, 70-mile length of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, or find a happy medium.
Idlewild & Soak Zone, Route 30, Ligonier — There’s something for everyone at the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania (third oldest in the United States), nestled in the wooded Laurel Highlands. With roller coasters, games and a water park, along with areas devoted to the younger set, the bucolic park has been named best children’s park in the world on numerous occasions by “Amusement Today Magazine.”
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry — Beach-lovers don’t have many options in Western Pennsylvania, but they will find sun, sand and a lake for swimming in the 1,200-acre park. The beach is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily through Labor Day. Food, beverages and pets are not allowed in the designated beach area, but picnic areas and a concession stand are nearby.
Catch a drive-in movie — Riverside Drive In Theatre in Vandergrift is open on the weekends, showing some of the latest films available in addition to older films. Grab the kids, pack a cooler and get ready for a family-friendly fun night.
Take a bike ride — Not only does Pittsburgh have dedicated bike lanes, but you can hop on the beginning of the Great Allegheny Passage trail at Point State Park. Travel on it as near or far as you’d like, and take in the sights along the Monongahela River, or even the Youghiogheny River, once you pass McKeesport.
Ohiopyle, Fayette County — Sleepy little village no more, Ohiopyle is a hub of summertime adventure for everyone from sightseers and hikers to cyclists and whitewater enthusiasts. Shoot the natural water slides in Ohiopyle State Park, kayak or raft the Youghiogheny River, hike or bike a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage and get a meal at one of the many local restaurants.
Road trip — Gas prices have dipped slightly as of late. Maybe that’s enough incentive to hop in the car and roll down the 68-mile Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. Take Route 711 south from Seward and continue along Route 381 to the West Virginia border (or pick a portion to explore). The route passes through rolling hills, farmlands, woods and quaint small towns, including historic Ligonier and scenic Ohiopyle.
“Backyard road trips can be a blast, especially when you add a challenge along the way. Create a scavenger hunt for landmarks along the (byway),” said Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands. “Can you find Yogi Bear’s Giant Pic-a-nic basket? Great fun for the little ones or the kid in all of us.”
Gus & Yiayia’s, North Side — The opening of this ice ball stand marks the beginning of spring, and regardless of which flavor — or flavors — one gets, they all taste like summer. It’s run by 90-year-old Gus Kalaris, and it’s open from noon to 7 p.m. seven days a week through October.
Try disc golf — Disc golf is similar to regular golf, except instead of hitting a golf ball with a golf club, players throw flying discs. Deer Lakes Park has an 18-hole disc golf course that was created by and is maintained by the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society. It’s free and open to the public, save for during tournaments.
Tribune-Review staff writers Joyce Hanz and JoAnne Klimovich Harrop contributed to this story.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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