Under An Hour From Pittsburgh Is Pennsylvania's City With Historic Charm, Museums, And Tasty Local Eats

On the opposite end of the state from Philadelphia's Independence Hall and the Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, southwestern Pennsylvania has its own share of vibrant (though somewhat obscure) American history. One notably rich treasure trove of historic depth is the small, and often overlooked, Pennsylvania city of Washington, home to a population of 13,400. Located about 34 miles south of Pittsburgh International Airport, Washington sits at the southern end of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area, where the southwestern corner of the state merges with Ohio and the West Virginia Panhandle. Though it's overshadowed by the larger Steel City to the north, Washington and its county of the same name have more historical attractions and engaging exhibits than many would expect from a city this size. 

Chief among Washington's many historical ties is its prominence in one of the most bizarre events in early American history — the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. And into the 19th century, Washington would prove to be even more significant, playing a part in the Underground Railroad. You can explore the city's role in both of these events (and more) at its numerous museums and historical sites.

Beyond a wealth of history, Washington today fosters a modern restaurant and entertainment scene that blends the old and the new. This includes the well-known Hollywood Casino at the Meadows (formerly the Meadows Racetrack and Casino), alongside some of the region's best brewpubs, distilleries, and wineries. Better yet, there's a terrific assortment of locally owned eateries, farm-fresh markets, and entertainment options, making it a fun destination for visitors of all ages.

Washington's Downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a distinctive spectrum of architectural styles and historic sites. Washington's historical significance goes back to some of the earliest days of the United States. Perhaps the area's most intriguing event was the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Following a whiskey tax imposed by the still-new U.S. federal government, farmers in the Washington area launched a riot that turned into an attempted rebellion. The incident was a major test for the young American Republic and George Washington's administration.

The Whiskey Rebellion legacy is kept alive in the Bradford House Museum, which protects the historic home of rebellion leader David Bradford, along with an attached museum. Washington is, unsurprisingly, a stop on the northeast's spirited Whiskey Rebellion Trail. Another must-visit Washington historic site is the LeMoyne House. Built in 1812, the Lemoyne House was a major station on the Underground Railroad. 

Beyond those two destinations, there are plenty of other historic sites and museums to peruse in Washington. A visitor favorite is the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and its interactive exhibits of historic streetcars from Western Pennsylvania's history. The Duncan & Miller Glass Museum preserves an elegant collection of historic glassware and glassmaking tools from Washington's Duncan & Miller glass company, spanning the region's glass industry from 1870 to 1955. As for historic landmarks, you'll find the prominent Washington County Courthouse presiding over Downtown Washington, and Washington & Jefferson College's landmark McMillan Hall from 1793. The roads around Washington are also filled with historic covered bridges. Auto tourists can find a visually stunning road trip indicative of the scenic and historic bridges in Pennsylvania's McConnells Mill State Park, just one hour north. 

Today, Washington appeals to foodies and drink aficionados as much as it does history lovers. In keeping with its Whiskey Rebellion legacy, the city has several local distilleries that offer tours and tastings for adult visitors. Liberty Pole Spirits is one of the most popular, holding down a 5-star rating on Google with nearly 200 reviews. Among Liberty Pole's many libations are excellent examples of the region's traditional "Monongahela Rye" whiskey. The smaller Bones Distillery has several highly reviewed batches of whiskey, brandy, rum, and other craft spirits in the Pennsylvania moonshine tradition. If you're interested in more whiskey, head south a few hours to Mount Vernon, where you'll find the historic distillery once owned by George Washington.

Washington's food and drink scene doesn't end with its distilleries. Across the city and its surrounding suburbs, you'll find plenty of excellent brew pubs that combine homemade craft beers with diverse food menus. Many local taverns offer unique settings to complement their food and drink options. The Alchemist's Tavern, for example, has a broad cocktail and food menu and a memorable steampunk-inspired decor. Likewise, the hills around Washington have several vineyards and wineries for oenophiles to enjoy. 

Many of Washington's locally owned restaurants lean into the city's historic prestige. The President's Pub draws top reviews for its delicious American-style menu and history-inspired hardwood interior design. Washington's food scene also pays tribute to Western Pennsylvania's Italian-American heritage with excellent Italian eateries like the Union Grill, Angelos Restaurant, and Bistecca. Foodies can even enjoy a farm-fresh feast at Washington's SpringHouse Market, a family-owned dairy farm turned restaurant, bakery, and buffet, with family-friendly farm tours highlighting Washington County's proud agricultural history. No matter your interests, this tiny slice of American history is bound to surprise you with its amenities.