Pittsburgh is a bastion of culture and history in and of itself, but venture just a tank of gas away, and you’ll find quirky towns, fascinating museums, and offbeat adventures ready and raring to meet you. Discover five of our favorite Pittsburg pitstops you can hit on a single fill up.
If you’re in an electric vehicle, we’ve noted whether you can expect to find chargers along each route as well.
1. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Total mileage: 170 miles
What’s more iconic than Punxsutawney Phil, the winter-prognosticating groundhog? This charming town has built a rock-solid identity around its famous furry forecaster, making it a must-visit destination for folklore enthusiasts and lovers of roadside kitsch. From the historic and highly walkable downtown to the fun cinematic history (thanks Bill Murray), Punxsutawney in a fun day or weekend trip from the City of Bridges.
A Groundhog’s Day Guide to Punxsutawney, PA
Don’t miss: Visit Gobbler’s Knob, where Phil prognosticates his famous Groundhog Day prediction. Explore the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, a hands on museum that makes meteorology fun for all ages.
And don’t leave without snapping selfies alongside the many “Phantastic Phil” statues scattered around town, each painted in a different whimsical theme.
Stay: The Barclay Bed & Breakfast offers a comfy stay in a restored historic home with friendly small-town vibes.
Charge: The closest EV charging stations are out of the way in DuBois, so it’s best to start off with a full battery on this one.
2. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
Total mileage: 140 miles
Tucked into the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle is an outdoor lover’s paradise that’s home to stunning natural beauty, unique landmarks, and nature-recreating galore. This hip town was even named 2024’s number one small town in America by USA today, so you know it’s a must see.
Don’t miss: Whitewater raft on the Youghiogheny River for an unforgettable thrill, or hike the famous Ferncliff Peninsula Trail to soak in waterfalls and wildflowers. Quirkier attractions include the Ohiopyle Slides, a natural water slide carved into the rock by years of rushing water.
And no trip this way would be complete without a visit to Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s world-renowned architectural masterpiece built over a stream.
Stay: Stay at the Falls Market Inn for a popular spot in the heart of town.
Charge: There’s an EV charging station at Ohiopyle State Park. Other charging stations are available in Uniontown, about 20 minutes from Ohiopyle.
3. Harmony, Pennsylvania
Total mileage: 60 miles
Harmony is brimming with history, German roots, and peculiar stories. With its beautifully preserved historic district and a penchant for the unusual, Harmony is a delightful step back in time.
Don’t miss: Take a guided tour of the Harmony Museum to learn about the town’s Harmonist roots, a utopian religious society from the 19th century. Stroll through the old cemetery, where gravestones have no names, a testament to the Harmonists’ belief in equality. Stop by the quirky Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes, housed in a former opera house, for a delicious bite.
Stay: For an authentic local experience, book a stay at the Harmony Inn, a historic tavern rumored to be haunted.
Charge: EV charging is available a short drive away in Zelienople, PA.
4. Meadville, Pennsylvania
Total mileage: 180 miles
Meadville is the home of Pennsylvania’s quirkiest roadside attraction: the PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden. But beyond that creative stop, this town offers a mix of art, history, and small-town charm.
These ‘World’s Largest’ roadside attractions prove that sometimes, bigger really is better
Don’t miss: Marvel at the unique roadside display of sculptures crafted entirely from recycled road signs, an Instagram-worthy experience without parallel. Wander the historic downtown area, visit the Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum for a glimpse into the world of 19th-century 3D photography, and close it all out with a bite at the fan-favorite Eddie’s Footlong Hot Dogs.
Stay: The Mayor Lord’s House Bed & Breakfast offers memorable accommodations in a restored 1920s home.
Charge: EV charging stations are available in downtown Meadville, making it easy to power up while you explore.
5. Marietta, Ohio
Total mileage: 240 miles
Marietta, Ohio’s oldest town, is a riverside gem with a rich steamboat history, historic sites, and a touch of the paranormal. Scamper across the state line in this one-tank trip to take in a cool little town that punches well above its weight.
Don’t miss: Take a ghost tour through historic Harmar Village, where you’ll learn about the town’s spookier side. Visit the Ohio River Museum, which celebrates the town’s steamboat heritage, and climb aboard the W.P. Snyder Jr., the last remaining steam-powered sternwheel towboat. Stop in for a bite at Neaders Diner, a local treasure with pies, milkshakes, and other grub that’s to die for.
Stay: The Hackett Hotel is a five-room boutique hotel that’s smack in the center of all the cool stuff Marietta has to offer.
Charge: EV charging stations are near downtown Marietta so you can stay topped up the whole trip.
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