Tag - Outdoors

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp

Great 8 For Steelers Fans: What to See, Do

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 9:00 AM by Eric Knopsnyder

The Pittsburgh Steelers are returning to Saint Vincent College and bringing their legions of fans with them. Training camp opens July 27 and runs through Aug. 17 with 15 practices open and free to the public – although a mobile ticket must be used to attend – along with the Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium on…

Linn Run Hiking

Four Amazing Days in the Laurel Highlands

Thursday, July 20, 2023 5:00 PM by Eric Knopsnyder

The Laurel Highlands is the perfect spot for a long weekend, whether you’re looking to escape to the great outdoors, learn about historic events that helped shape our nation, enjoy our arts and cultural scene, or simply relax with a tasty beverage. We’ve got you covered. Make a splash – and unforgettable memories – at…

Family holds rafting paddles above their head while floating on a white water raft

Dressing Guide: What to Wear for Summer Rafting Whether commercial rafting or just an easy float on the river with your friends, prioritizing your comfort when summer rafting is advisable. Just like camping and other adventures, summer rafting requires essential gear for a fun experience. Some rafting companies will provide basic safety equipment…

Somerset Fireworks

Put on your red, white and blue, get outdoors to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Laurel Highlands with your friends and family! Follow our list of the best places to see Independence Day fireworks in Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. Fireworks at Jennerstown Speedway - July 1 Get your motors running on July 1 for an incredible…

Stonycreek Rendezvous

Surf’s up in the Laurel Highlands! Whitewater lovers are flocking to Somerset County this weekend for the annual Stonycreek Rendezvous. Greenhouse Park, an 11-acre oasis on the Stonycreek River, will be the gathering spot for up to 1,000 paddlers using canoes, kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards in what has become a can’t-miss…

Monarch butterflies have been threatened by habitat destruction and climate change.

Westmoreland County is doing more than just preserving its past during its 250 th anniversary year. The Westmoreland Pollinator Partners program is looking to improve its future as well with a project designed to ensure the survival – and revival – of the butterfly population in the Laurel Highlands. The International Union for…

Laurel Mountain can be a scenic wonder in the winter

Do you have friends who absolutely love the snow? You know, the ones who start talking about fresh powder in October? Me, too. And I definitely wasn’t on the same wavelength as them. I used to hate winter. My friends convinced me to try downhill skiing about 30 years ago and it didn’t go well. I’ve held a grudge –…

Nearly three dozen hikers took to Laurel Hill State Park for a morning hike on Jan. 1, 2023.

Mother Nature couldn’t have picked better weather for First Day Hike participants at Laurel Hill State Park on Jan. 1. About three dozen of us set out with Kimberly Peck, an environmental education specialist at the park, on a 3.5-mile, out-and-back hike to Jones Mill Run Dam. With temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, it was a…

Seven Springs

5 Ways to Beat the Heat this Summer!

Friday, May 27, 2022 11:00 AM by Kristin Ecker

Here comes the sun! Summer is kicking off in the Laurel Highlands and we've rounded up the best spots for cooling down. Warning: All of these spots pair well with onsite or nearby lodging and camping options, so stay a while and make it a fun getaway for the family! Idlewild & SoakZone When you take the family to Idlewild & SoakZone,…

Brantview Farms Maple | Maple Taste & Tour

It's the sweetest season in the Laurel Highlands! Our region, specifically Somerset County, takes great pride in the tradition of tapping maple trees and producing maple syrup and other goodies. After all, it is the largest producer of maple products in the state. Celebrate the county's maple heritage while satisfying your sweet tooth at…

SPOTLIGHT