Susan Muschweck

Travel back in time at the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Featuring different themes each weekend they are open, this festival strives to provide a unique experience each visit. Whether you are there to meander through the artisan’s marketplace, watch a jousting tournament or slay a dragon, there are plenty of activities for people of all ages and walks of life.

Have your breath taken away as you travel up the Duquesne Incline. Once the main mode of transportation for Pittsburghers to get up the incredibly steep hills, nowadays the historic funicular takes guests up to the top of Mt. Washington for the best view of downtown. Children will get a kick out of the authentic car, the old photographs and artifacts in the upper station, and the ride up and down the mountain.

Advanced water sports enthusiasts and whitewater rafters can challenge themselves at the famous Youghiogheny River Gorge. Hailed as "the birthplace of whitewater rafting," these rapids can be found in Ohiopyle State Park, about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Warm up on the milder Class I and II whitewater like Ramcat, Flipper and Fast & Clean before attempting the churning Class III and IV rapids like Dimple Rock, Double Hydraulic and River's End.