Virtual hands up if you start counting down the days until opening day at Kennywood the minute you leave Holiday Lights in December? Going to Kennywood - during the summer, for Phantom Fright Nights, and for Holiday Lights - is just one of the best parts of being a Pittsburgher. We can ride plenty of amazing, modern rides. Then, we can hop aboard some of the old favorites like the 10 oldest rides at Kennywood.
Can you think of a better way to get a breather than with a relaxing meander around the Lagoon? Back in its earliest days, Kennywood visitors rowed around on a rowboat. A popular ride since 1898, the paddle boats offer picturesque views of the Racer and the Carousel. (You might even see a duck or two during your time on the water.)
Generations of us Pittsburghers have made our way through the Old Mill. However, most of us have known it by different names at different times. The popular ride, right at the beginning of the park, opened in 1901. Today, the ride has transformed into Garfield's Nightmare.
You've probably whipped around the bend of the Whip's track with your hands in the air, right? Even as kids, most of us loved letting our hands off of the bars as we swirled around the bend. The Whip, in fact, has been a Kennywood favorite since it first opened in 1918. Tucked in Olde Kennywood, the Whip still features its original 16 cars.
What's a trip to Kennywood without a ride on the Jack Rabbit? The popular wooden roller coaster debuted in 1920 and has boasted long lines ever since. Part of its popularity is thanks to the breathtaking 70-foot drop that double dips.
Which roller coaster in Kennywood is your favorite? The Racer, dating back to 1927, consistently features long lines. Did you know that if you start the journey around the track on the right side you'll finish on the left and vice-versa?
The Turtle made its debut the same year as The Racer. (It was a pretty good year for Kennywood, huh?) Which of the six turtles do you always try to get? The one in the front? In the middle? Or, do you prefer the last turtle on the track?
We can all probably agree that Kennywood just wouldn't be the same without the sound of the organ and the ringing of the Merry-Go-Round's bell. Like The Racer and The Turtle, the Merry-Go-Round made its debut in 1927. Did you know it has more than 60 carved horses as well as chariots, a lion, and a tiger? Which is your favorite?
We may have said goodbye to the Turnpike years ago, but we still have the Auto Race. How cool was it to ride the Auto Race when we were kids? We felt like we were actually driving. It's still fun today - and a lot less stressful than driving in real life, wouldn't you say?
Walk through the mouth of a whale and into the wonderful world of Noah's Ark. It's probably safe to say that the majority of Pittsburghers have traveled through the ark - making our way on moving floorboards and discovering surprises at every turn.
The Kangaroo's always popular. We can usually expect to spend plenty of time in line for our turn on the ride that's the only one of its kind left in the United States. Originally known as the Flying Coaster, the Kangaroo features just one huge jump off of a hill that makes us either yell or raise our hands - or both.
Address: 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, PA, 15122
What are your favorite oldest rides at Kennywood? Join the conversation in the comments! Keep that nostalgic feeling going. Click here to view rare footage of Kennywood from the 1950s.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
What are the two sweetest words in the English language? Why, road trip, of course! Sure, we may not have a ton of free time to hit the road on a week-long road trip. We can, however, still embark on a short road trip close to home, one that we can easily finish in a day or break into two days. This road trip will take you to five of the best flower fields in Pennsylvania, and, specifically, around Pittsburgh.
Gas up your car for what just might be the most breathtakingly beautiful road trip of the season. Today, we'll visit vibrant flower fields and gardens. Can you think of a better way to spend a few hours or even an entire day? Off we go!
Here are the Google Map directions that will take you to some of the best spring flowers near Pittsburgh. Follow it as it is; add a few stops, or change it up. Whatever you do, have fun!
Let's start our road trip at the Wildflower Reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park. Admire the fields of flowers at the 314-acre wildflower reserve that also features several hiking trails. Embark on the Jennings Trail or the Audubon Trail that will take you straight through the vibrant reserve. Keep in mind that you should never pick the flowers along your journey. If you've been Googling "flower fields near me," you've found one of the best flower fields in Pittsburgh.
We can't visit the best flowers around Pittsburgh without a stop at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, right? Carve out plenty of time for your visit. Meander through magical exhibits, and snap photos of the gardens of orchids and bonsai. Phipps features both indoor and outdoor gardens. Need a break? Stop by the Cafe for a meal or a quick bite to help you fuel up before heading to our next stop, one of the best flower fields in PA.
Our next stop takes us to the Rose Garden at Renzie Park in McKeesport. Nestled among the 200-acre park is the three-acre rose garden that, when in full bloom, features more than 2,000 roses. Entrance to the garden, which is maintained by volunteers, is free. You'll certainly be enchanted by the roses at one of the best flower fields in PA. The garden also showcases perennials and herbs. When you need a break, sit by the picturesque pond or in the gazebo.
Love picking flowers? You'll definitely love Simmons Farm, our next stop. Stroll through the brightly-colored fields. If you visit during the early summer, you'll be able to grab a basket and pick your own bouquets. After wandering through the flower fields, stop by the greenhouses, bursting with flowers and plants you can add to your garden at home. While you're there, stop by the market that sells fresh fruit and vegetables. You'll find so much to do at one of the best flower fields in PA that you'll need at least a few hours at this delightful farm.
Alas, all good things must end, and we'll end our beautiful road trip at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Wear comfy shoes, especially if you want to explore the whole garden. Visitors typically can see everything the garden has to offer - from flower gardens to the fairy garden - in two hours. Drink in the beauty of the flowers. Stroll over enchanting footbridges, and relax on perfectly placed benches that are dotted throughout the garden.
Are any of your favorite flower fields in Pennsylvania on this road trip? What are your favorite flower fields in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! If you prefer to journey a bit farther from home, you're in luck! Here are seven quick road trips from Pittsburgh. Before you head out on a road trip, though, make sure you have everything you need. Check out the OIYS Road Trip Essentials Packing List.
