Less Than An Hour From Pittsburgh Lies A Peaceful Pennsylvania City With Scenic Landscapes And Historic Charm

When journeying close to the Steel City, it's easy to get blinded by its shine, from trendy neighborhoods with hip cafes and funky shops, to urban islands with dreamy river paddling and trails, and ignore all the rest. Located just under an hour away from alluring Pittsburgh, a petite Pennsylvania city clothed in history and full of scenic landscapes may just convince you to add it to your Steel City travel plans. Small and unassuming, Ellwood City started as a beacon of industry when it produced the first piece of seamless steel pipe in the States in 1893, fueling the bustling industry this region of the Keystone State is known for. Today, it has reinvented itself through craft, food, and entertainment, breathing new life into this post-industrial community with happenings including lively weekly farmers markets and its craft beer-filled Oktoberfest in mid-fall. 

Alongside its small city charms, Ellwood City gives you a unique opportunity to enjoy urban comforts while making the most of peaceful, scenic landscapes surrounding it. Nested in the Allegheny Mountains, the city is traversed by a main river tributary of the Ohio River: the Beaver River, which splits into the Connoquenessing Creek that feeds the town. You can enjoy charming river views by visiting history-rich Rock Point Natural Area, or biking along the creek and through the city on a popular city cycling trail.

It's easy to reach Ellwood City from Pittsburgh, about 40 miles south. But you can equally hop to this garden city from Akron, about 75 miles away past the state border. Akron, too, is well worth a visit as one of Ohio's under-the-radar and affordable cities with outdoorsy fun.

As the city straddles the Connoquenessing Creek, it's to be expected that some of its most scenic landscapes can be observed from points with a good view of the water. One such place is Rock Point Natural Area. Combining wilderness and history, Rock Point has ancient roots and was once known as one of western Pennsylvania's most appealing days out. In fact, it dates back to the Victorian era, when it was built as an amusement park as a part of the Trolley Park phenomenon that was popular in and around Pittsburgh at the time. Rock Point may not be a theme park anymore, but it's certainly kept its woodlands and enchanting violets-filled walks.

Another favorite scenic area for residents and visitors alike, Ewing Park, is also the host of an annual Storytelling Festival held in September. Performers of tales, music, and poetry blend their art with the set-up and natural stage surrounding them. The park is the second largest in the city, and home to a peaceful nature trail running parallel to the creek, where you can enjoy the roiling sounds of water as you trundle, jog, or simply rest at one of the shaded pavilions. Ewing Park is also a great option if you're travelling with family, with its famous 35,000-square-foot jungle-themed playground –- aptly named the Kids Created Kingdom.

If you are curious to find out more about Ellwood City, head to the History Museum downtown. This quaint exhibition space has photographs, clothing, and manuscripts lovingly curated by the Ellwood City Historical Society to preserve the city's history and pass it on to new generations. The museum is only open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to visit, but you can equally soak in this small city's history by walking downtown via the main thoroughfare, Lawrence Avenue, which is also home to some of the city's main dining spots.

One of the city's top beloved eateries is Breaking Bread Co. Stacks of pancakes, burgers and fries, and brunch items make up the menu of this small diner. After you've filled up, head just next door to quirky Fitzgibbon Meadery, a homey independent brewery run by a husband and wife, and inspired by their love for medieval reenactments. If you fancy an afternoon of axe-throwing, you're in luck: the meadery has regular events where you can test your inner Viking. This mom-and-pop establishment also invites the community in with occasional Mead and Art events, where a local guest artist guides your way through arts and crafts, all while enjoying a mead flight. Pretty unique, right?

If you are a golf aficionado (or just want to try your luck), the Olde Stonewall Golf Club just outside of the city boundaries is a must. This 18-hole public facility is not just surrounded with majestic trees rendering the best of fall foliage seasonally, it's also home to medieval-style buildings, including their cozy Shakespeare's Restaurant and Pub, with mock-Tudor frames to make you feel immersed in history.