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Community Corner

Winter Adventure Day Trips Near Pittsburgh

Fight cabin fever with Patch's picks for places to visit this winter, all close enough to get to with a tank of gas or less.

Written by Sarah Cocchimiglio

Bundle up and hit the road. These local winter wonderlands are full of adventure—and are less than a tank of gas away. 

Winter Festival of Lights

Why Go: Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, W.V. hosts one of the best and biggest annual holiday light shows in the U.S. Oglebay lights up 300-plus acres— more than six miles.

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Insider Tip: “Weekdays, Sunday through Thursday, usually have less traffic,” Oglebay Marketing Director Caren Knoyer said. “The driving tour consists of six areas, best viewed in this order: Good Zoo; Schenk Lake; Wilson Lodge; Par 3/Ski area; Spiedel; Shops, Garden and Museums.

Must Do: Check out the full slate of Festival of Lights events and activities, like pictures with Santa, trolley tours and live entertainment. You’ll also find a map of attractions and displays. A real-time map is also available in the free iPhone app.

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Fine Print: Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., the Festival of Lights runs until Jan. 4. A per-car donation is requested and will cover you for the entire season.

 

The Rink at PPG Place

Why Go: “[It] has become a holiday tradition for many families, and is an awesome way to spend a cold winter day,” General Manager Harry Datz said.

Insider Tip: The lines are longest during times when students are out of school, and shortest around dinner. Weeknights are less crowded than weekends.

Must Do: “Skate first, then go around town to see the rest of Pittsburgh’s Winter Wonderland,” Datz said. “Come at night! The lights from the 65-foot tall Christmas tree are breathtaking as they reflect off of all six PPG Place buildings.”

Fine Print: The rink is open through Feb. 17. Click here for hours, admission prices and special events.

 

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Why Go: There is something for everyone at this mountain resort, with skiing, snowboarding and tubing, many dining and lodging options, a spa, and lots of exciting events.

Insider Tip: Seven Springs recently bought Hidden Valley, just 13 miles away. Purchase a Highlands Pass for unlimited skiing at both resorts. “Mid-weekdays are a great opportunity to come up and ski, when you’re dealing with smaller crowds,” said Anna Weltz, Seven Springs communications manager.

Must Do: “We have the region’s largest snow-tubing park,” Weltz said. “It’s super easy, not a lot of athletic prowess required.”

Fine Print: Go online for pricing and hours of operation.

 

Entertainment Fun Fest Center

Why Go: If you can’t stand the cold, head inside. Fun Fest Center has everything you need to beat cabin fever this winter: bowling laser tag, Game Zone and special events.

Insider Tip: Check the daily specials page for deals every day of the week, and look for coupons to print out. And text FUNFEST to 91944 to become a VIP member and receive special text offers.

Must Do: Weekday Playdays—get two hours of unlimited bowling, unlimited laser tag and 10 game tokens for $10, Monday-Thursday.

Fine Print: See pricing and hours of operation here.

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