Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Southwest Pennsylvania, made up of townships, boroughs and cities that conjure bucolic images, contains the greater Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Green, Lawrence, Washington, Indiana and Westmoreland counties. This region has much to offer in the way of American history, mountain views, unspoiled farmland and covered bridges. Early September in greater Pittsburgh features hospitable weather in the upper 70s and low 80s, which means great festival-going temperatures for Labor Day weekend, the first Monday in September.
In September 2010, Pennsylvania’s Washington and Green counties’ Covered Bridge Fest celebrates its 40th year. Arts, crafts, historical exhibits, classic American food, vendors and unique entertainment take place among tours of covered bridges spanning these historic Pennsylvania counties. Of the 201 covered bridges within the Steel State, Washington and Green are home to 28. You can see and learn about the bridges throughout the month of September. The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency has information about becoming a vendor at the next festival, as well as free brochures, available in July 2010.
Labor Day weekend is something special at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where the 17th annual Colonial Arts and Crafts festival will be held September 3-6, 2010. Touted as one of the top 20 craft shows in America, this festival features 17th-century wares and more than 500 artisans dressed in period clothing. In addition to home decorative items, ceramics, flags, gourmet foods and scented candles, the festival puts on a reenactment of the Kanawha Artillery military encampment.
If you’re interested in agriculture, come out to this Plumville, Pennsylvania, fair for livestock judging, rides, tractor races and food stands. Held in Indiana County, the event usually features a local bandstand and plenty of food. The 2010 festival will be held September 7-12; those interested in visiting are encouraged to confirm with the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, an organization that offers getaway packages.
You’ll find easy access to the official website of every county in greater Pittsburgh at the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (see Resources). Visitor information includes event calendars, county maps and photo galleries, as well as a complete listing of every township and borough within a county. The information on this website covers 7,112 square miles but consolidates it so well, you won’t have any problem putting together a Labor Day itinerary.