We get it – sometimes leaving the city can seem like a chore. You might have to cross a bridge or four or go through a tunnel. But if you make the journey to Washington PA, we have a bunch of places you should visit to make it worth your while. And, guys? It’s actually only like a 40 minute drive to get there…so it’s definitely worth your while.
The Marketplace at Emerald Valley
If you’re into farm to table, The Marketplace should be your very first stop. They buy directly from farmers and producers to provide the absolute best the region has to offer. You can get everything from local artisan cheeses to pickles, heritage breed meats to jams and honey. They boast three in-house wineries and two distilleries, so it’s seriously a one-stop-shop. And did we mention that you can grab a bite while you’re there, too? The Marketplace also offers take-out, catering, and some unique gift options. We actually might not have to leave here for anything ever!
The Ivy Green Floral Shoppe
If you need a floral arrangement, you need to hit up The Ivy Green because their arrangements. are. gorgeous. Plus, you know how there are so many subscription services for everything? Well, The Ivy Green offers two tiers of subscriptions called “The Man with the Plan”. They do arrangements for every occasion, from corporate to weddings, and everything in between.
Thistledown Home & Art / Art by April Ryan
Looking to hone your artistic abilities? Thistledown Home & Art and April Ryan Fine Art can help you out. They offer classes for families, kids, and adults, plus specific mediums like water colors. You can also sign up for a paint and sip event or schedule a paint party. And don’t forget to check out their unique home decor while you’re there!
David’s Limited
David’s Limited specializes in both men and women’s high end clothing, shoes, and accessories. They’re even doing men’s tailored clothing and made-to-order suits. How snazzy would the man in your life look in a made-to-order suit?! Their service and styling is second to none, and we can think of quite a few things we’d like to invest in, thankyouverymuch.
Red Pump Spirits
Red Pump Spirits is taking the idea of local spirits seriously …by using local grains ground the same day the mash process begins, to tying tags onto their bottles with yarn from sheep that eat their mash. They also believe the local PA spring water is important to their products, which include whiskey, vodka, and fruit liqueurs. They are the first licensed distillery in Washington County since Prohibition and are veteran-owned. We’ll meet you there for a tasting? You can drive 😉
Liberty Pole Spirits
You can definitely drive because we’re also stopping at Liberty Pole Spirits. They get their name from a group of whiskey distillers, called the Mingo Creek Society, who opposed a tax and planted Liberty Poles throughout the county as a symbol of their unity. Fast forward to today, and Liberty Pole Spirits proudly displays the Liberty Pole on every bottle of their whiskey. We are especially excited to try their Peated Bourbon and Bourbon Cream!
Southern Yank Smokehouse
We don’t know about you, but we like to plan in a couple meals when we travel across the country or through a tunnel (ha!). If you like southern style BBQ, one of those meals needs to be at Southern Yank Smokehouse. Everything they make is smoked low and slow in cherry wood. They even serve tri-tip! (If you know, you know.) Their smoked meats sound delicious, but we think we’ll also need to try one of every side dish, just so we have a well-rounded opinion.
Hopewell Diner on Main
If you’re not in the mood for BBQ, check out Hopewell Diner on Main for breakfast or lunch. It’s a traditional diner, with omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, sandwiches, wraps, you get the idea. Sometimes we just want that comfort food! They also sell take-home meals, which are exactly what they sound like…and we’re super into that.
The Table
The Table is completely devoted to coffee. They’re passionate about growing the craft coffee culture in Washington County. Everyone is welcome, whether the barista knows your regular order or if you’re just visiting and passing through. We love that their flavored syrups are made in-house. And they also have plenty of milk alternatives if that’s your thing.
The Union Grill
If an Italian restaurant has homemade wedding soup, you basically can’t keep us away…so we’ll save you a seat at The Union Grill. They’re serving up all of your favorites, like chicken parmesan, pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. Plus they have an extensive wine collection, local drafts, and daily features, and are you here yet?
Duncan & Miller Glass Museum
We’re betting the Duncan & Miller Glass Museum wasn’t on your radar, but you should definitely visit while you’re in Washington County. Duncan & Miller glass is known for the artistic designs, skill of the workers, and beautiful colors. Most pieces required at least 10 people to handle them, and some as many as 14. In 1955 when production stopped, people came from hundreds of miles to get the last hand-made pieces.
The Washington Winery
The Washington Winery is an urban winery crafting wines from California grapes. They offer a selection of dry varietals in addition to sweet fruit wines. You can create your own wine flight in their tasting room, or sip on a glass or bottle. We’re bookmarking this one for summer when we can cool down with a wine slushie!
The Washington Brewing Company
If there’s a brewery, you know we have to visit! So naturally The Washington Brewing Company is on our list. They brew following the traditional styles, so you’ll find clean and crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, and smooth and malty German beers. They also have a tasty menu so you can munch on a wood fired pizza or one of Bubba’s Gourmet Burghers. Check their website and social for live music and pup-friendly events!
A&M Wine and Beer Supplies
If all of that wine and beer has you inspired to make your own, A&M Wine and Beer Supplies can help you out. They want to help you craft delicious wine and beer, and their one-on-one service means you’ll get all of your questions answered. The expansive retail store houses a wide selection of equipment and ingredients, so they’ve got all of your needs covered.
Chicco Baccello
We don’t know about you, but one coffee usually isn’t enough for us…so swing by Chicco Baccello for another cup! It’s the perfect stop for a snack with your coffee, or maybe a quick sandwich (voted Best Sandwich Shop in 2019!). Chicco Baccello translates to “bean pod” from Italian, which combines the essence of what they do: coffee and baking. And we love both!
Popcorn Willy
Popcorn Willy has been around since 1991 when William Wolfe began selling his popcorn on the street. Fast forward to today, and they’re displaying the original 100+ year old popcorn machine instead of popping with it. They also sell over 80 flavors of popcorn in addition to the original few, plus other fresh baked goods, breakfast, and lunch. So don’t forget to pop in 😉 (ha! we couldn’t resist)
The Shepherd’s Inn
If you’re nodding your head at all of these shops and restaurants but wondering how you’ll fit it all into one day…you don’t have to! Book a room at The Shepherd’s Inn and make it into a weekend trip. They also book small events like parties, showers, and weddings. You’re sure to feel at home there, especially since they’re the highest rated bed and breakfast in Washington County.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.