Things To Do
in Center
Center is a small township in western Pennsylvania near the Ohio border, offering a mix of suburban neighborhoods, small-town downtowns and riverfront industrial history. Its location places it within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh and regional parks, making it a quiet base for day trips and outdoor activities. The area is shaped by its steel- and manufacturing-era past, with brick main streets, local diners and neighborhood bars that serve as social hubs.
Visitors will find scenic river views, accessible trails and a relaxed pace of life rather than a bustling tourist scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kansas City and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out to explore. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local favorite cafe.
After breakfast, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where you can admire its impressive collection and beautiful sculpture park. Stroll through the charming Country Club Plaza, enjoying the Spanish architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop for lunch at one of the many eateries in the area.
As the sun sets, head to the Power and Light District for dinner and nightlife. Choose from a variety of restaurants featuring local and international cuisines. Afterward, enjoy live music or a fun bar to truly experience the city's energetic vibe.
Travel to St. Louis, where you can begin your day with a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. Don't forget to snap some photos as you marvel at this architectural wonder.
Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, a serene oasis showcasing beautiful flowers and plants from around the world. After a leisurely lunch at the garden's cafe, explore the historic Soulard neighborhood and its lively farmers' market. Immerse yourself in the local culture and pick up some unique crafts.
For dinner, indulge in some world-famous St. Louis barbecue at a renowned local spot. After your meal, enjoy the nightlife in the Delmar Loop, filled with eclectic shops, bars, and live music venues. Wind down with a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short regional bus | $1.50-3.00 |
| 🚗Gas (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, small-town atmosphere with friendly locals
- Close access to rivers, trails and regional parks
- Lower cost compared with big cities and easy driving access to Pittsburgh
- Good seasonal scenery, especially fall foliage
- Limited dining and nightlife options locally
- Public transportation is sparse; a car is recommended
- Fewer specialized services (vegan/GF restaurants, boutique shops) than urban centers
- Winters can be cold and snowy, affecting travel plans
Places to Visit in Center
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside viewpoints offer striking shots of steel bridges, water reflections and the region’s industrial heritage—best at golden hour.
Brick storefronts, classic signage and small-town architecture provide atmospheric street photography opportunities.
Park overlooks and ridge-top viewpoints give wide vistas, especially compelling in fall when foliage colors peak.
Converted trails and old rail corridors feature textured scenes—tracks, trestles and rustic stations ideal for moody compositions.
Food in Center
Center Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pan-fried or boiled dumplings filled with potato and cheese; ubiquitous in diners and church basements—try them at local diners or community events.
Must-Try!
Sandwich stacked with meat, coleslaw and fries (a regional specialty popularized by Primanti Bros.); available at nearby sandwich shops.
Reflecting the area's Eastern European roots, these hearty plates are common at taverns and family restaurants in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend market selling seasonal produce, baked goods and prepared foods—great for snacks, pies and homemade preserves when in season.
Summer events occasionally feature local vendors selling barbecue, fried dough and other fair-style foods—check the borough calendar for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals tend to be courteous and approachable—greeting with a smile and small talk is common. Hold doors open and acknowledge neighbors.
Rural and suburban areas value privacy; stick to public trails and ask before photographing private property or people.
Small towns often have community events and volunteer-run festivals—participation and supporting local businesses is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Center
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard U.S. tipping practices apply: restaurants 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for full-service dining, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% for bartenders on tab; $2–5 for valets or attendants; round up taxi fares or tip ~10–15% for helpful drivers. Small cash tips are appreciated at counter-service establishments but not usually expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops and gas stations. Carry some cash for small businesses, farmers’ markets and tips. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are becoming common but may not be supported everywhere in smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and often humid, with daytime highs commonly in the 70s–80s°F (20s–30°C). Great for boating, hiking and farmers’ markets; bring sunscreen and insect repellent for wooded areas.
Cooler, crisp air and excellent fall foliage—one of the best times to visit for photographers and hikers. Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures vary widely.
Cold and snowy at times with temperatures frequently below freezing; roads can be slippery—pack a warm coat, boots and traction for shoes. Winter sports are available in nearby hills but some local attractions may be seasonal.
Variable weather with warming temperatures and occasional heavy rain; trails can be muddy early in the season—waterproof footwear and a light rain jacket are useful.
Center at Night
Hiking in Center
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A multi-use trail ideal for walking, running and cycling that connects several Pittsburgh-area communities—offers scenic river views and wooded stretches.
State park trails with varied terrain, woodland scenery and a lake—good for day hikes, birdwatching and picnics (drive required).
Short riverside walks and community trails along the Ohio and Beaver rivers provide easy, scenic hikes and photo opportunities close to town.
Airports
How to reach Center by plane.
The largest nearby airport, about a 25–40 minute drive depending on exact location; offers domestic and international flights, car rental services and ground transportation options to the region.
A small general aviation airport for private planes and charters—useful for private flights but limited commercial service; located within the county and a short drive from Center.
A regional option to the west/northwest with limited commercial flights; longer drive but sometimes useful for certain routes or low-cost connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families and workers who commute to nearby industrial, service or tech jobs in larger towns or Pittsburgh.
The area has a strong blue-collar history tied to steel, manufacturing and rail industries; older generations often have deep roots in the community.
A noticeable retiree population appreciates the quieter pace, lower housing costs and community services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Friday night high school football is a community staple with strong local followings and spirited crowds.
Youth and recreational hockey are popular in the region given the colder winters and proximity to hockey culture in western Pennsylvania.
Community leagues and summertime baseball/softball are common family activities throughout the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Center.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options exist but are limited compared with larger cities; diners will usually make simple vegetarian breakfasts, salads and cheese-based pierogies. Call ahead for modifications and consider visiting supermarkets or cafes in nearby larger towns for more plant-based variety.
Specialty vegan or GF restaurants are uncommon locally—best bet is to travel to Pittsburgh for a wider selection or bring snacks. Many eateries can accommodate basic requests (no cheese, grilled vegetables) but cross-contact is possible in older kitchens.
Communicate allergies clearly; smaller kitchens may not have dedicated allergy protocols, so request ingredient lists where possible.