The Laurel Highlands is hustling and bustling with bikers, hikers, families, rafters and foodies during the day, but what outdoorsy activity can you do once the sun goes down? Get lost in the stars! While there aren't any dark sky sites in the region, we know a few spots where there is minimal light pollution and not too much tree coverage,…

Put on your red, white and blue, get outdoors and celebrate the 4th of July in the Laurel Highlands with your friends and family! Follow our list of the best places to see Independence Day fireworks in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties in 2021. Fireworks Over Fayette - June 27 Our Fourth of July celebrations start off with a blast at…

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…

Mountain-laurel is in bloom in the Laurel Highlands! The shrub keeps its foliage year-round, but keep an eye out in May and June for umbrella-like flowers that range in color from white to pink, with unique purple markings. Not only is mountain-laurel absolutely beautiful, but it is also Pennsylvania's state flower and can be found all over…

The natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands is stunning any time of year. With so many of us spending more and more time outside, exploring new nooks and crannies of our great outdoors, it got me thinking about the region's array of fascinating flowers and wildlife. I'm certainly no botanist, naturalist, or biologist, so I reached out to…

There is no doubt about it. Since last spring the popularity of bicycling has skyrocketed. Folks who hadn’t ridden a bike since middle school found themselves back in the saddle, getting reacquainted with their gears and ability to balance. Full disclosure – this was me. I was one of the many who dusted off an old bike in search of…

Take bubbling brooks, greenery in abundance, add birdsong, the odd woodpecker pecking away in the distance, the serenity of being outdoors, in the woods, and the result? My mood just soars! Hiking is most definitely food for the soul, and boy, do we have a ton of hiking trails in the Laurel Highlands to explore and fuel YOUR soul. With two state…

After a long winter filled with remote working and learning, we’re all ready to get out and enjoy some fresh air. It’s April in the Laurel Highlands and the weather is turning upward. The natural landscape that has laid dormant for months now is about to burst with life. And if you’re like me, you might be ready to burst out of…

We can all feel spring in the air. This warmer weather, plus shaking off quarantine-cabin-fever, has me ready to start gardening for the first time in my life. Whether you are a complete novice like me, or an experienced Master Gardener like many of the volunteers at our local historic and cultural sites, this month’s episode is all about…

I learned to ski as a teenager and my husband even earlier. The sport has been the centerpiece of our winter months, offering an experience unlike any other. The crisp air, the expansive views, taking flight on the chairlifts, testing your skills all the way down, and even getting some cardio – there’s just nothing that compares. So…