We love winter in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. Like really, really love it. So when the temperatures dip, the local meteorologists start throwing around the S-word, and our phones keep dinging with weather advisories, we get giddy. After all, humans weren’t meant to hibernate. While winter sports are really popular in the region,…

Faced with numerous restrictions, it would've been easy for many theatre productions and arts organizations to shut down and try again in 2021. But here in the Laurel Highlands, the pandemic has made our vibrant arts and cultural organizations innovate and expand in exciting new ways. See all of the new and exciting methods our region is using…

April 22, 2020 marks 50 years of Earth Day. While the global pandemic might keep us from celebrating by being out in nature, it is also showing us the importance of coming together as people in the fight for our planet. Explore these local, state and national events and organizations to celebrate Earth Day digitally and be ready to give back when…

As a young girl growing up in the river town of Confluence, Kara Weld spent countless days paddling on the water. Perhaps paddling was in her blood as her parents owned the local kayaking school, Riversport. It was here that Kara found her passion and her husband, John, who worked for Kara’s parents. That same passion guided Kara as a…

In 1971, Tom Love was a river guide living the dream in the small town of Ohiopyle. With extensive experience in repairing and crafting boats under his belt, Love was approached by his friend Tom Clark, who suggested that they collaborate to create a boat that would accommodate river photographers. They needed to make something light and sturdy.…

Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, look no further than Ohiopyle State Park for your fresh air fix and adrenaline rush! As Pennsylvania’s largest state park, Ohiopyle offers 80 miles of trails, a variety of camping options, abundant waterfalls and rapids, 28 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail, and 14 miles of the…

The beauty of the Laurel Highlands is well-known and unrivaled. And it doesn't happen effortlessly. The trails don't maintain themselves, fairies don't remove invasive plant species and the rivers aren't magically monitored. There are many conservation heroes, past and present, that contribute to the beauty of the Laurel…

Fishing has long been a recreational pastime for many Americans and their families. Each year, an average of 81 million fishing trips are taken annually, according to the Marine Fish Conservation Network. In 2017, a record 101.6 million Americans headed outdoors and participated in activities such as hunting, fishing and wildlife watching. It is a…

If you are a fishing enthusiast, you have probably heard of the famous trout trail in the Laurel Highlands. A trout trail is basically a spectacular track for fishermen to journey along while fulfilling all they have ever dreamt to see. The Laurel Highlands is located in southwestern Pennsylvania and is made up of three counties: Fayette, Somerset…

Looking for something new to try outdoors this winter? How about ice fishing? It may sound cold, but ice fishing in the Laurel Highlands is actually a very energizing adventure. Below are some of the amazing things you need to know about ice fishing. Fishing Gear You will need to put together your fishing gear before sitting out on the cold ice.…