Worth a visit?
Not to be too glum, but Pittsburgh often seems far from escape-worthy places...especially in the winter. Here's a list of interesting sounding locales, mostly for my own reference. My criteria: easier to get to from Pittsburgh than DC and fewer than 4 hours away.
- Arthurdale, WV: "Established in 1933, by the United States government, Arthurdale is the nation’s first New Deal Homestead Community. Created through President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation, the community provided a new chance at life for residents of West Virginia who were suffering from the Great Depression. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt served as the empathetic force behind the community, which became known as “Eleanor’s Little Village” because of her interest. Today, Arthurdale is a National Historic District that features 160 of the 165 original homesteads." South of Morgantown, closed weekends during the winter.
- Hopewell Culture National Historic Park: "Mounds of various shapes and enclosures often built in geometric patterns dot the landscape of the Ohio River Valley. These earthen structures were doubtless the work of many human hands. Evidence suggests that Hopewell earthworks were used for a variety of ceremonial and social activities between 200 BC to AD 500. Come learn about these sacred spaces and reflect upon the lives of their builders." Outside of Columbus, Ohio
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Monongahela National Forest, W.Va. "Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to Cass are filled with rich histories of the past, unparalleled views of a vast wilderness area, and close-up encounters with the sights and sounds of original steam-driven locomotives. The town of Cass remains relatively unchanged. The restored company houses now rented as vacation cottages, add to the charm and atmosphere of the town. From the company store and museum to the train depot, you'll find an abundance of things to do prior to your departure on the historic Cass Railroad."