House of the Week: Renovated Central North Side Row House

This home includes two off-street parking spaces and is located minutes from Downtown, PNC Park, Heinz Field and dozens of restaurants.

1207 Sandusky St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Presented by Darla Kay Jobkar Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This three-bedroom home has been renovated from top to bottom. Featuring an all-brick exterior, it is move-in ready.   The center island, eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, two pantries and oversized cabinetry for excellent storage space.   The high ceilings…

House of the Week: Remodeled Lawrenceville Rowhouse

This two-story brick home, built at the turn of the 19th century, is located on a quiet street within walking distance to local shops, restaurants, parks and hospitals.

3648 Mintwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Presented by Nancy Theys Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This two-bedroom home has been renovated from top to bottom with all new systems, walls, flooring, boxed windows and decks.   All of the interior brickwork has been stripped and pointed, the ceilings in the living and dining rooms are open to give those…

Oil Creek Bike Trail is a Great Ride with a Perfect Lunch Stop

Exploring scenic bike routes less than two hours from Pittsburgh.

BRIDGE CROSSING OIL CREEK NEAR SOUTHERN TRAILHEAD | PHOTOS BY RICHARD COOK You are never far from the water when riding the Oil Creek bike trail in rural Venango County. The 9.7-mile asphalt path, built on a former railroad grade, runs parallel to the creek through the heavily wooded Oil Creek State Park. A number of short hiking trails lead…

House of the Week: Custom-Built Stone Home in Shaler

This four-bedroom, four-bath home is just minutes from Pittsburgh, McKnight Road, Route 8 and North Park.

2004 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler, PA 15116 Presented by Janice Eichorn Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This stone/frame custom built home with a tile roof sits on a park-like half acre lot.   The dining area features built-in china closets.   Built-in bookcases surround the fireplace in the living room area. There are cornices, crown molding and parquet flooring throughout the…

Sandy Creek Trail is 12 Miles of Beautiful Views

Exploring scenic bike routes less than two hours from Pittsburgh.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD COOK The Sandy Creek Trail, located near Franklin in rural Venango County, mirrors a Pittsburgh commute. No matter which way you are going, you’re likely to cross a bridge or go through a tunnel. DEEP VALLEY TUNNEL The big difference, the asphalt path had no potholes during a recent ride on a steamy summer afternoon.  The 12-mile…

House of the Week: Colonial in Upper St. Clair on Cul-de-Sac

This well-maintained home is move-in ready.

1782 Robson Drive, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Presented by Bonnie Detwiler Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This four-bedroom home is located on a quiet street.   The home features hardwood floors throughout.   The eat-in kitchen includes stainless steel appliances.   The second floor features four large bedrooms and two full baths.   The lower level of the…

Black Lives Matter Mural Downtown Becomes Inclusive Art Project

Starting as a rogue action from a group of artists, the mural has sparked conversation.

PHOTOS BY MARIE POPICHAK People wandering Downtown have probably noticed the 12-foot high “Black Lives Matter” letters that boldly span a wall by the Allegheny River. What started as a spur-of-the-moment, guerilla action by a group of artists has turned into a large-scale mural that includes artwork from a variety of Pittsburgh artists.  On June 6, a group of artists…

House of the Week: Peaceful Ranch in Fox Chapel

Stylish and stunning home resting on two acres.

220 Hillcrest Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Presented by Julie Wolff Rost Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This four to five-bedroom home sits in Fox Chapel with easy access to community parks, libraries and more.   The spacious living room showcases soaring ceilings and French doors leading to the garden while also allowing for natural light.   The home also…

House of the Week: Spacious Brick Home in Shadyside

Stylish and spacious three-story home with plenty to offer.

5230 Westminster Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Presented by Julie Wolff Rost Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This five-bedroom home is located in Shadyside, just two blocks from Walnut Street.   The chef’s style kitchen features black quartz countertops, white cabinetry and double sinks.   Connected to the kitchen is the dining room equipped with a farmhouse chandelier and gas…

House of the Week: Cape Cod in Fox Chapel

This all brick, two-story home is filled with custom features inside and out.

2 Edgewood Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Presented by Julie Wolff Rost Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This four-bedroom home is nestled in Fox Chapel just 15 minutes from Downtown.   The kitchen features a soapstone island, subway tile backsplash and an open floor plan leading to the family room.   Highlights of the living room include a cast-stone mantle…

House of the Week: Custom Built Ranch in Verona

This brick home has a surprising amount of room inside and out.

145 Colgan Terrace, Verona Pa 15147 Presented by Staci Rullo Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty Custom build in 2002, this home with a level main entry features a main floor, equipped laundry room, vaulted ceilings and a master bedroom ensuite with a soaking tub. Adjacent to the kitchen in a morning room and a great room with a brick…

House of the Week: Brick and Stone Provincial in Cranberry

This home includes a three-car garage, a spacious yard and a saltwater pool.

128 Majestic Drive, Mars, PA 16046 Presented by Jill Stehnach Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty Featuring four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, this custom-built home sits on a .75 acre lot in the Carriage Manor neighborhood of Cranberry Township.   The open floorplan includes vaulted, two-story ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout.   The main level owners suite includes a tray…

House of the Week: Carriage Home in Franklin Park

This spacious home, located in the Fields of Nicholson, includes a gourmet kitchen inside and plenty of room outside for entertaining.

1430 Laurel Drive Franklin Park, PA 15143 Presented by Kay Barchetti Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This custom-built carriage home includes three bedrooms and is located in the North Allegheny School District. The kitchen features thick granite countertops, a center island, stainless appliances, and additional built-in cherry and granite server and china cabinet.   There are dual dens on…

House of the Week: Four-Bedroom Ranch in Hampton

A renovated single-story home that showcases cathedral ceilings and natural light.

3121 Tall Oak Dr, Hampton, PA 15101 Presented by Joan Sorce Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty This four-bedroom ranch is located in Hampton Township and is just 25 minutes from Downtown.   The kitchen Is lined with cherry cabinets and granite countertops offering plenty of space.   The master suite is features a 14×9 walk-in closet and hardwood floors….

House of the Week: Custom Brick Colonial in Mars

This four-bedroom home is located on a cul-de-sac with access to hiking trails.

207 Thornberry Court, Mars, PA 16046 This home is located in the Sewickley Farms community in the North Allegheny School District.   An updated kitchen with granite countertops features an open floor plan.   The kitchen is adjacent to a spacious living area.   The owner’s suite comes equipped with a walk-in closet and plenty of room.   Dual vanities…

A Wedding Photoshoot Even David Rose Would Approve of

Check out this local photographer’s shoot inspired by “Schitt’s Creek.”

PHOTOS BY JENNI GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY (Editor’s Note: This story was first published in March 2020) The series finale of the television sitcom, “Schitt’s Creek,” is in sight, and fans of the show are preparing for the Rose family’s final farewell. Local photographer Jenni Repcik, owner of Jenni Grace Photography, decided to get creative with her end-of-series celebration — a wedding…

House of the Week: Brick Colonial in Hampton

This four bedroom tree-lined home offers plenty of privacy and charm.

3843 Meyers Lane, Hampton, PA 15101 This home in Hampton features a maintenance-free brick exterior and is located close to to Hartwood Acres Park   Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a two-story entry way.   Hardwood floors extend from the house’s entry point to the living and dining rooms.   French doors line the living area and…

Ace Hotel Pittsburgh (Temporarily Closed)

A historic former YMCA in East Liberty is now a hip hotel — with nods to the past.

PHOTOS COURTESY ACE HOTEL PITTSBURGH Editor’s Note: Ace Hotel Pittsburgh closed in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  There are pet-friendly hotels, and then there is the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, the local outpost of the hip Ace Hotel brand headquartered in Los Angeles and New York, housed in a century-old former YMCA in East Liberty. Dogs (and…

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh

Experience the Golden Triangle or relax in indulgent comfort at the hospitable Downtown favorite.

PHOTOS COURTESY KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO PITTSBURGH A stay at Kimpton Hotel Monaco opens Downtown up, allowing you to see the Golden Triangle the way a tourist might. You’ll be able to stroll from one cultural landmark to the next, scheduling great meals before marquee performances. Of course, the hotel is so hospitable you’ll also be disinclined to ever leave the…

The Oaklander

Easy access to museums, parks, eds and meds — plus a swish bar and comfortable rooms — makes this the perfect Oakland nest.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE OAKLANDER Considering Oakland’s historical importance and centrality to Pittsburgh’s two most significant talking points — eds and meds — it was a longtime oversight that there wasn’t a top-flight place for people to stay in the neighborhood. Enter The Oaklander Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, which opened in a new building last year. Ascend 10…

The Priory Hotel

Appreciate history with a twist at a classic and quaint hotel on Pittsburgh's vibrant North Side.

PHOTOS BY LAURA PETRILLA The North Side’s Priory Hotel, built in 1888, is comfortable in the most home-away-from-home sort of way. Staying at the former monastery-turned-42-room hotel, which retains many of its original features, feels like staying in a small European inn — or even the stately home of a distant relative.   Aside from Monk’s Bar, a three-table bar…

Cook Forest Field Guide: Overnight Camping

So you want to go camping? Here are 20 camping essentials to make room for in your backpack, bikepack or car trunk.

PHOTO BY CHUCK BEARD If you’re a hard-core camper with antifreeze in your veins and crickets as your noise machine, you’ll want to pitch a tent at one of Cook Forest’s 210 campsites. Each has a picnic table and fire ring, and pets are permitted for an additional fee. Full-hookup campsites have on-site water, electric (50-amp) and sewage; electric-only sites…

Best Renovated Home

Laken Design puts family — and lighting — first in a stunning home renovation.

PHOTOS BY TYLER NORMAN Like nearly all of the projects Laken Design has tackled in its 18 months of existence, the renovation of a 9,000-square-foot home on 52 acres in New Wilmington began with the lighting. “Lighting isn’t just there to provide light,” says Laken Design co-founder Kate Tomalis. “For us, it’s a statement. We build off of it.” For…

Best Renovated Kitchen

Studio d’ARC transformed a separate kitchen and formal dining room into a spacious, Scandinavian-inspired space.

PHOTOS BY ED MASSERY When Rob and Barb Spagiare told Debbie Battistone, the project manager at Studio d’ARC on the South Side, and Gerard Damiani, the design principal, the goals for their kitchen renovation, the two knew how to give the Spagiares their dream kitchen — and their future dream home. It involved knocking down walls. “We set up a…