Laurel Highlands Happenings

Another wonderful episode this month, featuring guests from the Rostraver Township Historical Society, Stage Right, and the Shop 'n Save Westmoreland County Airshow. Learn about upcoming lectures, shows, and chances to buy tickets NOW for next year's Airshow! Listen for last minute gift ideas and exciting plans for 2023.   Thanks as always to Saint Vincent College for sponsoring Heritage Happenings.

It's a packed episode today! First, we get to hear about the wonderful events and projects at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg from the University's President, Dr. Robert Gregerson. Then, we get into the "spirits" of the season with West Overton Village, ending with a wonderful preview of the Norwin Historical Society's Holiday House Tour. Thanks as always to Saint Vincent College for sponsoring Heritage Happenings.

Enjoy some spooky strolls in Westmoreland County, plus general fall beauty throughout this gorgeous season. This month's episode features guests from Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, Jacob's Creek Watershed Association, and the Scottdale Historical Society. We thank Saint Vincent College for their sponsorship of this show.

It's fall y'all! Enjoy this episode of Heritage Happenings, featuring guests from the Mount Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival, the Compass Inn Museum & Ligonier Valley Historical Society, and Westmoreland Performing Arts. We thank Saint Vincent College for their sponsorship of this show!

In this month's episode, we get to hear all about the latest and greatest at Brandywine Conservancy's Penguin Court, Latrobe Art Center, and Greensburg Art Center. There is truly something for everyone as we say goodbye to summer and move into the school year. As always, Heritage Happenings is sponsored by Saint Vincent College. We thank them for their support!

This month's episode of Heritage Happenings features the great duo of the Baltzer Meyer Historical Society and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Learn about Baltzer Meyer's upcoming Ancestry Days, plus their month-long FREE research special for the public. Hear from staff at The Westmoreland Museum about their Artist in Residency programs, plus late summer fun for the whole family! Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College for making Heritage Happenings possible.

We're celebrating anniversaries and the return of Westmoreland County favorites in this month's episode. Learn about Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art: Ligonier Valley's 25th Anniversary celebration, the summer debut of the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, AND the return of Saint Vincent Summer Theatre! Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College for making Heritage Happenings possible.

If you're looking for something to do this summer, you are in the correct place with Westmoreland County. Enjoy events from: Latrobe Art Center, including Mister Rogers Family Days in Downtown Latrobe; the Westmoreland Historical Society, featuring Frontier Court Days; and the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, especially the TGIS concerts on the lawn in front of the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center! Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College for making Heritage Happenings possible.

It takes a lot to keep a community vibrant. In this episode, we explore efforts going on throughout Westmoreland County including the tireless work of Westmoreland Conservancy, Baltzer Meyer Historical Society and The Latrobe Community Revitalization Program. Thanks to our sponsors, LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College, for making Heritage Happenings possible.  

Buying liquor can be tough. There's so many options, prices vary wildly and if you don't like it, the bottle sits on your shelf forever. Luckily, Wandering Spirits is here to help! Sip and sample along with us as we try local moonshine, ciders, nonalcoholic drinks and much more at their friendly shop in Ligonier, PA. Thanks to our sponsors, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, for making this show possible. Please, drink responsibly.

A coffee shop run by college students?! This month, we welcome three young entrepreneurs to the show who attend Saint Vincent College and operate Rachelle's 15650 in Latrobe in their spare time. Learn more about this innovative coffee shop, the latest trends, what exactly a bubble tea is, and how this space is becoming the must-go location for SVC students.

What better way to learn about Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater than visiting the site itself and speaking with someone who walks the grounds each day? Hear Bear Run flowing in the background as we chat with Ashley Andrykovitch, curator of education, about the house, the surrounding trails, her favorite times to visit and much more in this Fallingwater-focused episode. Thanks to our sponsors, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, for making this show possible.

See how Irwin, PA, earns its nickname of "the biggest little town in Pennsylvania" is this event-packed episode! First, guests from Stage Right get us hyped for Local Singles, an original musical coming to the Lamp Theatre from the mind of Pittsburgh writer and composer Nick Navari. Then, Ed Sam from Downtown Irwin shows what makes this town shine the rest of the year, including all of the car cruises, craft shows, concerts and so much more coming in 2022.

The cold and snow doesn't stop our intrepid podcast. In fact, it made Laurelville all the more beautiful to explore. We crunch through the snow as we listen to bubbling streams and native songbirds as we learn about all the events, places to stay, and things to do at Laurelville. Thanks to our sponsors Somerset Historical Center's Maple Weekend Taste & Tour and Living Treasures Wild Animal Park for making this show possible.

We talk about so many events in Westmoreland County you'd have to make 525,600 visits to do them all! If you haven't noticed, the RENT puns are in anticipation of the Greensburg Civic Theatre's production of the acclaimed musical Feb. 11-13, 2022. We're also joined by the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce to discuss the benefits of joining your local chamber of commerce, and Bushy Run Battlefield to discuss the year-round events happening from markets to tabletop war games. Thanks as always to our sponsor, Saint Vincent College, for making Heritage Happenings possible.

Laurel Highlands Happenings returns for 2022 with a slightly new sound and lots of new guests sharing their love for the events and things to do in our region. We sit down with Abigail's Coffeehouse so you can hear the sounds of a busy coffee shop in the heart of town and learn about this unique eatery, then we're joined by Post & Rail Men's Shop and Ice Fest 2022 to discuss ice sculpting, carriage rides and more. Thanks to our sponsors, Abigail's Coffeehouse and Log Cabin Lodge & Suites, for making this episode possible.

We're ending 2021 on a high note (figuratively and literally) with a look at the upcoming Party at the Palace with Westmoreland Cultural Trust and 2022 concert season with Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College for making this episode possible.

Hold your horses! We've got holiday painting fun and carriage rides on our final Laurel Highlands Happenings of 2021!   Brushes & Beans Cafe shows how easy it is to drop in, paint your masterpiece, and create the perfect keepsake or gift. Then, Horsing Round Carriage Service canters in to talk about adding a carriage ride to your next event, and the fun of working with Nemacolin and being showcased on The Bachelor.   Thank you to our sponsors El Vaquero Mexicano and Ligonier Valley Historical Society's 2021 Festival of Lights.

Christmas will be here before you know it, and Westmoreland County has lots of ways to celebrate the season! Norwin and Scottdale Historical Society lead off with discussing their virtual Holiday House Tours. Then, we're joined by Westmoreland Cultural Trust to talk about exciting upcoming holiday shows such as the Rudolph musical, River City Brasstacular, and a live orchestra version of the Nutcracker ballet. Thanks to show sponsor Saint Vincent College, who is also having their Celebrate the Season: A Christmas Show to ring in the holidays! 

The time change has set in, it's dark early and we're looking for new ways to enjoy the Laurel Highlands.   Cozy up as we chat with Forbes State Forest about their Hygge Hikes and full moon hikes to keep you active! Then, learn more about Harvest Candlelight Tours and the Festival of Lights at Compass Inn Museum & Ligonier Valley Historical Society.   Thanks to our sponsors, Fallingwater and Pennsylvania Maple Festival, for making this show possible.

Inside the Distillery makes a surprise return this month as we give you an exclusive first look at Ponfeigh Distillery, a massive property coming to Somerset County in 2022 focused on authentic spirits, history and entertainment. Owner Maximilian Merrill takes the Laurel Highlands Pour Tour on a tour through the new facility, explains why the region's relationship to whiskey is so vital to his vision, and when you can expect to take your first tour of the facility.

The arts are alive and vibrant in Westmoreland County! This month we're joined by three guests discussing new exhibits, programs and initiatives that keep the arts at the top of everyone's mind. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art details their new exhibit Simple Pleasures: The Art of Doris Lee, Westmoreland Historical Society previews Penn's Woods: Plenty for the Use of Man and Latrobe Art Center shows how you can get artsy with their hands-on classes. Thanks to Saint Vincent College for their sponsorship and making this show possible.

In this special episode, perfect for the Halloween season, we sit down with Chris Rowan, owner of Buffalo Bill's House in Perryopolis. Rowan takes us room by room through the iconic "Silence of the Lambs" house and how his background as an Art Director & Prop Stylist allowed him to meticulously recreate and theme the experience throughout. This is an exclusive interview you don't want to miss! Book your stay this Halloween or year-round at https://buffalobillshouse.com/ 

It's a fall frenzy across Westmoreland County, with beloved events returning and new events popping up seemingly every weekend. Here to keep it all straight are guests Scottdale Historical Society, Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, Bushy Run Battlefield & Irwin Business & Professional Association. Join as we talk the Shadows of Scottdale Walking Tour, Mini-Festivals, nature walks, store-to-store trick-or-treat and so much more. Thanks to Saint Vincent College for their sponsorship and making this show possible.

The Laurel Highlands is gearing up for a busy autumn loaded with fall fun. We've got everything from craft festivals and pumpkin patches to haunted houses and ghost tours! Our awesome guests this month are SCARE Tours LLC and Somerset Historical Center - Mountain Craft Days Festival!   Big Thanks to our generous sponsors: Fallingwater and Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival

Special guest host Louise Henry returns this month to talk history, upcoming events and more fun coming to Westmoreland County. We're joined by the Murrysville Historical Preservation Society to learn more about their 10th Annual Historic Festival that lets visitors stroll through time to an 1800s schoolhouse. Then, Greater Latrobe Parks & Recreation unveils a packed fall and winter schedule of events including a Daddy Daughter Dance, Polar Plunge and more. Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College for making this show possible.

Even though our offices are located in Ligonier, this episode makes us fall in love with this beautiful town all over again! Join us as we talk with On the Diamond Antiques for more about their shop, then plan your calendar with upcoming Ligonier events including The Stroll, Antiques on the Diamond and their annual Scarecrow Contest. Shout out to our awesome sponsors Fallingwater and Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival for making this show possible.

Who knew historical societies did so much for our community? Preserving history, furthering the arts and putting on unique events is just the beginning! Join us as we learn more about the Baltzer Meyer Historical Society and upcoming events at Westmoreland Historical Society & Historic Hanna's Town. Tom Harrold discusses the important work of the Society, classes held at the schoolhouse and his popular Greensburg: Then & Now Facebook Group. Then, Pam Curtin details the new Penn's Woods exhibit and upcoming Civil War Reenactment weekend featuring an authentic Civil War Concert. Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College for making this show possible.

If you love PA State Parks, you don't want to miss this very special episode! Mike Mumau, Park Operations Manager, joins us to discuss Laurel Hill, Kooser and Laurel Ridge State Parks in the Laurel Highlands. Learn what makes each park unique, some tips for maximizing your hiking fun and upcoming events! Shout out to our awesome sponsors Fallingwater and Compass Inn Museum & Ligonier Valley Historical Society for making this show possible.

No matter what topics we cover this month, local art and artists remain front and center! Join us as we celebrate Westmoreland Art Nationals and upcoming events with Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival. Then, stay tuned as Latrobe Art Center recaps their celebrations of Fred Rogers in the community and upcoming summer art camps and farm-to-table lamb dinner. Guest host Jared Bundy even gets to discuss Lord of the Rings, so this episode has a bit of everything. Thanks to our sponsor Saint Vincent College and 98.7 Gold for making this show possible!

Bust out the cake! White Water Adventurers is on the podcast this month as we blow out the candles on their 50th anniversary in 2021. We go in-depth on how to find the right rafting trip for your skill level, why E-bikes are the hottest new thing on the trails, and where you can stay right in town to maximize your time to explore Ohiopyle. Shout out to our awesome sponsors Fallingwater and Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnaces for making this show possible.

When most guests enter Laurel Highlands Meadery in Irwin or Greensburg, they have no familiarity with mead, the world's oldest alcoholic drink. After they sample some of their varied and delicious flavors, however, they become mead fans for life. We sit down with Matt Falenski, owner and mazer (a cool word for mead maker) to learn all about the history of this amazing beverage, the care that goes into developing new flavors, building a new outdoor space and even his relationship with meaderies across the U.S. and even into Japan.

Don't touch that dial! Louise Henry is back as a special guest host as we welcome Lincoln Highway Experience and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. This month we're discussing some delectable food and live entertainment at Lincoln Highway's popular Suppermarket events, and then we explore the unique Border Cantos | Sonic Border exhibit at The Westmoreland. Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.

Our awesome guests this month are Tissue Farm, located in Confluence.   Find out how an old Chevy dealership has been reinvented into a cozy stay with riverside views near Ohiopyle and Fallingwater with an espresso shop, art gallery and artist residency program coming soon.   Sponsored by: Fallingwater and Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnaces

Alan Quinn from Quinn Brewing Company welcomes us to his brewery in this month's Inside the Taproom. We sip an amazing red ale as we discuss the past four years, and what it was like going from the new brewery in the region to mentoring others. Share some laughs, see what makes Quinn's beer unique to the region and get an exclusive look at what's coming soon to make Quinn an even bigger destination.

Westmoreland County museums are bustling with activity this spring with events, exhibits and even a little whiskey! We're joined by Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley to discuss their groovy Woodstock-themed Garden Party and a Mother-Daughter collaborative exhibit just in time to honor moms. West Overton also drops by for a distilling update, talk the May Market and more for 2021. Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.

Celebrate Earth Day in the Laurel Highlands and help keep our towns and scenic landscapes beautiful. Join Uptown Somerset on an Earth Day Trail to help clean up the community and help seed bomb the county even greener.   Jar, the Zero Waste Store also joins us this episode to discuss ways you can create less landfill and make our Earth a better place with helpful tips and great products to help your home go green.   Huge thanks to our sponsors, Pennsylvania Maple Festival and Fallingwater, for making Highlands Happenings possible.

Whether you want a traditional apple pie shine or try exotic flavors from cinnamon candy to moonshine slushies, you need to stop by Country Hammer Moonshine! Inside The Taproom sits down with Tim Baureis, owner, and Kerri Bright, general manager, to walk through how they create 50+ signature flavors, discover new and coming soon locations, and see what elevates their shine above the competition. Get started on the Pour Tour today by downloading the free Laurel Highlands Pour Tour app or requesting your free Passport at lhpourtour.com

As the first signs of spring start to pop up in the Laurel Highlands, Ligonier Valley Historical Society and Penguin Court, a Preserve of Brandywine Conservancy, are excited to share information about the upcoming 2021 Native Plant Sale! (Order now as these are expected to sell out soon) Then, Compass Inn Museum shares a summer and fall full of fun events, including living history demonstrations, teaching the game of cricket and even a celebration of home brewing! Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.

Where else can you work with the best artists and learn everything from blacksmithing and jewelry to ceramics and glass? Only at Touchstone Center for Crafts. We're joined by Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Executive Director, and Dean Simpson, Marketing Manager, to discuss 2021 events, workshops, plein air painting and more at PA's premier craft school. Special thanks to our sponsors Shout out to our sponsors, Fallingwater and Blackburn Center's event; Walk a Mile in His Their Her Our Shoes, on April 7-10, 2021 for making Laurel Highlands Happenings possible.

Friendly owners. A beautiful property. Great beer. These are the ingredients that make Whitehorse Brewing in Berlin, PA, such a success. Laurel Highlands Pour Tour sits down with owner/brewer George Walker to discuss new releases, how they work with Somerset County maple camps, the importance of community and giving back with their With You Always coffee milk stout. Watch the 'With You Always' video mentioned in this episode: https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2021/02/09/donation-ovarian-cancer-magee-womens-research-institute/ Sign up for the Pour Tour: http://lhpourtour.com/ Visit Whitehorse Brewing: https://www.whbrewing.com/

As a snowy winter rolls along, we find plenty to do outdoors and virtually in Westmoreland County. First, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust talks about their VIP (Virtually in the Palace) performances featuring local bands and who may take a Pie for the Palace at their virtual Party. Then, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve explains why there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing, as they break down outdoor activities including hiking, cross-country skiing and utilizing their Discover Nature cards. Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.

Live! Casino Pittsburgh, located at Westmoreland Mall, is your world-class gaming, dining, and entertainment destination located at Westmoreland Mall. Brian Uran, VP of Marketing, joins Louise Henry to discuss everything that makes this location unique, from Guy Fieri's American Kitchen + Bar, FanDuel Sportsbook and the incredible 2-floor Sports & Social Steel City sports lounge. Special thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and Comfort Inn Connellsville for making Laurel Highlands Happenings possible. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler

Marino's American Eatery has a commitment to loading their 16 taps with only the best local beer and pairs them with a fresh, always-changing menu that makes it the perfect lunch or dinner spot while exploring the Pour Tour. We sit down with owner Joshua Jones to talk what's on tap, local slushies, top menu items, our craft beer journeys and what's up next for Marino's. Go to lhpourtour.com to get your free Pour Tour passport and explore 40+ wineries, breweries and distilleries in the Laurel Highlands.

Love is in the air in Westmoreland County! Get in the mood with “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” the February musical from Greensburg Civic Theatre. Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber also drops by to discuss their love of supporting small business and how they benefit Chamber members and the local community. Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.

In this special episode, we sit down with Rachel Sager for an in-depth discussion of Sager Mosaics and The Ruins Project, where she is telling forgotten stories and creating amazing artwork along the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail. A native of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Rachel Sager works on the cutting edge of the contemporary mosaic fine art movement. Her imaginary map-like mosaics have been featured internationally and in cities throughout the U.S. where she has received multiple Best in Show Awards in juried exhibitions. Learn more at: https://ruins.sagermosaics.com/

Make your 2021 resolution to get back into the arts! We're here to help with guests from Westmoreland Museum of American Art and Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra to discuss upcoming exhibits and live-streamed concerts. Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.

It's good to Bee Kind, and what better season to celebrate kindness than Christmas? We take you Inside the Winery to meet Joe Kendrick and Sharon Palmer at Bee Kind Winery for a heartfelt conversation about collaboration and partnership. We also learn the story behind their signature wines, discover more about the difficult process of making sweet wine and how you can be an all-star gift giver with their custom baskets. Go to lhpourtour.com to get your free Pour Tour passport and explore 40+ wineries, breweries and distilleries in the Laurel Highlands.

Don't let Santa's reindeer have all the fun this holiday season! The Laurel Highlands is packed with ways to enjoy the lights, sharpen your mind and have fun this Christmas! We're joined by 60 Minute Missions to discuss their holiday-themed Reindeer Revolt escape room and Puzzles with Prancer kids event. Then, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park stops by to talk about all the amazing lights on display now at their Holiday Light Extravaganza where you can meet a real reindeer, a giant nutcracker and so much more. Big Thanks to our sponsors Compass Inn Museum & Ligonier Valley Historical Society and LHTC Broadband for their generous sponsorship that makes this show posible.

We've been inside the taproom, but now we're heading to the farthest corner of the Laurel Highlands to Tall Pines Distillery, the first legal moonshine distillery in the region since prohibition. Owners Keith and Lisa Welch talk with us about what goes into making their moonshine for a different class of hillbilly, and why their new covered space and outdoor bar make Tall Pines Distillery the perfect hangout all year long. Go to lhpourtour.com to get your free Pour Tour passport and explore 40+ wineries, breweries and distilleries in the Laurel Highlands.

This month, Westmoreland Heritage is celebrating history by focusing on anniversaries, events and what's new from our partners. First, we're joined by Norwin Historical Society as they move to a new location and discuss their virtual holiday house tours. Then, Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill reflect on their 150th anniversary and new book available for purchase. Finally, Verostko Center for the Arts dishes on opening the newest art gallery in the region at Saint Vincent College. Thanks to our sponsors LHTC Broadband and Saint Vincent College for their generous sponsorship and support that makes this show possible.