Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Pittsburgh Area
Photo Credit: Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images
It used to be that a $100 was a lot of money. According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, the average hourly wage for full-time employees in America is $23. That means the average American must work 4.3 hours to earn $100, and that's before taxes. It goes without saying that it's important to stretch every dollar as far as possible. In recent years, more and more Americans have begun taking vacations closer to home in an effort to offset the high prices associated with air travel and long road trips. Fortunately, for many western Pennsylvania residents, you don't have to go far or spend a lot to enjoy some of the region's best mini vacation getaways. Here are the best day trips for under $100 in the Pittsburgh area.
Beaver Creek Fly Fishing
Dinner Bell Road and Farmington-Ohiopyle Road
Farmington, PA 15437
(724) 329-5314
www.beavercreekanglers.com
Few recreational activities provide as much peace and enjoyment as trout fishing. The only problem is that with its immense popularity throughout the region, it's difficult to find a quiet spot all to yourself. Beaver Creek is a private trout stream located just 60 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. It offers world-class fishing at a more than affordable price. The rate for a day of fishing on Beaver Creek is $100 although group rates and coupons can often bring the price down to about $75 per angler.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Drive N.W.
Canton, OH 44708
(330) 456-8207
www.profootballhof.com
Canton, Ohio is about 90 miles (two hours) due west of Pittsburgh. It is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Nearly 200,000 fans visit the Canton-area attraction annually. With six Super Bowl Championships, it should come as no surprise that black and gold jerseys are a common sight there. In a city as passionate about football as Pittsburgh, it's an experience you'll never forget. Every August, the annual Hall of Fame game marks the beginning of the pre-season NFL schedule. It's the perfect time to pay homage to the gridiron greats of decades past. Tickets for adults start at $22.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Road
Mill Run, PA 15464
(724) 329-8501
www.fallingwater.org
You don't have to major in architecture to recognize the name Frank Lloyd Wright, and you don't have to travel very far to witness perhaps the pinnacle of his architecture designs, Fallingwater. Located high in the mountainous terrain of the Laurel Highland, Fallingwater is a spectacular example of human achievement. The home, built directly over a mountain stream, transitions flawlessly with its natural surroundings. Guided tours start at $20 per adult.
Olde Stonewall Golf
1495 Mercer Road
Ellwood City, PA 16117
(724) 752-4653 ext. 103
www.oldestonewall.com
Whether you're a weekend hacker or a scratch golfer, there's something indescribable about playing a truly exceptional course. Olde Stonewall is one of the finest public golf courses in Pennsylvania. With accolades that include Top 50 Public Golf Courses in America by Golf Magazine, a round here is truly special. One of the best ways to experience Old Stonewall on a budget is by taking advantage of the twilight rates. After 3 p.m. from May through October, a round of golf is just $100.
Rivermen: New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting
219 Chestnutburg Road
Lansing, WV 25862
(888) 406-0917
www.rivermen.com
At a distance of 215 miles, a trip to West Virginia's New River Gorge area is stretching the idea of a day trip a bit. For anyone that's never seen it, rest assured that it's worth the extra distance. With rock walls lining the rock wall sides of the New River, it's nothing to snap 100 pictures of the magnificent gorge, river and its jaw-dropping vistas. For anyone looking to experience that New River a bit more up close and personal, try a professionally guided whitewater rafting trip with the good folks at Rivermen Rafting. From June through August, it is offering a Terrific Tuesday rafting package for just $79, a $40 dollar discount of standard rafting rates.
Related: Getaway Guide: Weekend guide to the New River Gorge
Head to CBS Pittsburgh's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!
Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
