Just over 20 miles southeast of Pittsburgh proper is a charming small town. Conveniently located at the interchange of Highway 30 and Highway 76, you may be surprised at all that Irwin has to offer. If you’re looking for an escape from the city, check out Irwin’s local retailers and live entertainment. Explore historic spots like the Lamp Theatre and shop local along Main Street.
Here are our top 12 favorite things about downtown Irwin, the biggest little town in Pennsylvania.
Entertainment at the Lamp Theatre
As soon as Irwin gets on your radar, you’ll probably hear about the Lamp Theatre. It’s a historic spot, established in 1937, and features a variety of entertainment from movies and concerts to everything in between. The Lamp Theatre is considered a true community project and is staffed through volunteers. They have events going on year-round — check it out and meet some Irwin neighbors!
Interiors by Woleslagle
Considering a new color on your walls? What about hanging some custom art? Interiors By Woleslagle is a local shop offering paint, paint accessories, wall coverings, and framing. They’ll even mix up a custom color of your choice. Update your digs and shop local with Interiors by Woleslagle.
The Line Boutique
This boutique is a must-stop spot if you’re on a shopping kick in Irwin. Look through thoughtfully-selected clothing, accessories, beauty and gifts. The Line Boutique’s owner, Robyn Tedesco, fulfilled a lifelong dream operating this charming shop that opened in 2015. Enhance your wardrobe with a unique piece or choose a special gift while you’re out and about. This month, they started carrying Naples Soap Company products – a new natural skin and haircare line. They’re the only location in Western PA that carries it! Between the distinctive clothing, natural beauty and haircare products, and fun and unexpected accessories, The Line Boutique is a place where you’ll find something special.
Belak Flower, Inc.
Stop in and smell the roses at Belak Flower, Inc., located along Irwin’s Main Street. This flower shop has served the Irwin and North Huntingdon areas since 1960. They offer gorgeous floral arrangements and gifts, backed with that hometown service you would expect. Grab flowers for a friend or loved one, or even better, yourself!
The Enchanted Garden of Irwin
Find the perfect decor for your home and garden at The Enchanted Garden of Irwin. Also along Irwin’s Main Street, The Enchanted Garden of Irwin prides itself on having something for everyone. Home decor includes beautiful crystals, motion clocks, lanterns, candles, table runners, and florals. Shop new decor alongside vintage pieces like garden fairies and gnomes. And the best part — an Amazing Fairyhouse built within the store.
Wight Elephant Boutique
Shop trendy dresses, tops, swim and accessories at this local boutique. You can also help save the elephants by shopping at Wight Elephant. This boutique has many philanthropic efforts, with one of their main focuses as helping save elephants. Wight Elephant Boutique offers exclusive beaded elephant charm jewelry that is hand-crafted in the USA, and with each piece sold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Save the Elephants Foundation is Africa. Shop in Irwin, their new location in Greensburg, PA, opening later this summer, or online.
Salsa Sam’s Eatery
It’s always taco time at Salsa Sam’s Eatery. These Southern California-style tacos are just what your summer needs. Inspired by West Coast flavors, they use fresh ingredients, always made from scratch. Stop by for their salsa favorites plus quesos and tacos. This is a great place to take friends — most of their recipes are plant-based, so they have many vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options. And if the tacos weren’t enough, Salsa Sam’s Eatery is now featuring Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream.
Feathers Artist Market & Gifts
For the artist in your heart, be sure to stop by Feathers Artist Market & Gifts in downtown Irwin. Owned by PA local Tracy Alaia, this artist market is a gift shop, art gallery, and painting studio all in one. The art gallery features a new local artist every month, with an opening night reception for them at the beginning of each month. Tracy hosts paint parties for adults and children as well. Feathers Artist Market & Gifts has that perfect little gift for any occasion, or just a treat for yourself.
New Crescent Brewing Co.
Fellow craft beer enthusiasts, this one’s for you! New Crescent Brewing Co. is a small, five-barrel brewery and taproom located in downtown Irwin, PA. You can find them at 229 Main Street, just up and across the street from the Lamp Theatre. New Crescent usually has ten to twelve taps flowing with a wide variety of beer styles, as well as other options from Greenhouse Winery and Laurel Highlands Meadery. You’re also welcome to order in food from any of the great downtown Irwin restaurants.
Natural Solutions for Health and Wellness
Interested in natural healing? Natural Solutions for Health and Wellness, nestled right in downtown Irwin, provides cutting-edge, progressive holistic treatments, as well as vitamins, supplements, and essential oils. In a beautiful, relaxing and healing environment, you can experience natural healing modalities. The owner, Paula Marzaloes, RN and Holistic Practitioner, is on a mission to enlighten her clients to the possibility that they can achieve wellness from methods other than pharmaceutical drugs or surgery.
The Green Berry
Whether you want a juice cleanse or just a super healthy and delicious drink, stop by The Green Berry. This unique hometown juice and smoothie café serves nutritious smoothies, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, locally-made water kefir, French-pressed coffee, and wellness shots. They source organic, local or sustainably farmed produce whenever possible. Try almond milk in your next smooth, or treat yourself to homemade granola for a smoothie bowl that is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and GMO-free.
Laurel Highlands Meadery
Laurel Highlands Meadery makes mead, which is the oldest fermented beverage no one has ever heard of! Mead is also known as honey wine and is made by fermenting honey instead of grapes or barley. Take this chance to taste history with a modern flair. Their tasting room is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-7 p.m. Mead samples, glasses, and bottles are available for sale and on-site consumption. Swing by for a tasting, stay and play with board games available, and don’t forget to BYOF (Bring Your Own Food).
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
It is wonderful to have our small town highlighted, but it is also disappointing to notice that most on the list are the newest stores. There are several older ones that have supported our town through the worst of times and to name just a few-Curious Cat (gift shop), Miller’s Crossing Fleatique, Sage Jen Taylor, Victorian Treasures, Mon Cherie Jewelry & Gifts, Main Street Music and Sound, Manda’s curvy Boutique, McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate, Rosendahl’s Appliance, and other stores. Please support small store owners and “Shop Local”!
I have been to most of these places recently. I have lived in North Huntington for 24 years and feel like I have found a really great town. The activities are numerous and there is always something going on. Thanks to all who keep Irwin going.