Things To Do
in North Huntingdon
North Huntingdon is a suburban township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, located east of Pittsburgh and serving as a residential and commercial hub for the region. The area blends suburban neighborhoods, small-town main streets and easy access to larger-city amenities in nearby Pittsburgh. Green corridors, scattered parks and proximity to the Laurel Highlands make it convenient for outdoor recreation year-round.
Visitors will find a low-key, family-friendly atmosphere with local diners, taverns and regional attractions a short drive away.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. After breakfast, take a stroll through North Huntingdon's historic center, admiring the charming architecture and learning about the town's rich history. Make sure to visit the local library, which often hosts fascinating exhibits and displays.
For lunch, head to a nearby diner to enjoy classic American fare with a local twist. Afterward, visit the North Huntingdon Historical Society to delve deeper into the town's past, where you can view artifacts and photographs that tell the story of the community. Spend some time wandering the nearby parks, enjoying the natural beauty and perhaps having a picnic.
As the sun sets, choose a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can sample regional specialties. After your meal, catch a local theater performance or a live music event to experience the vibrant arts scene in North Huntingdon. End your evening with a peaceful walk through one of the town's beautiful parks, reflecting on the day's discoveries.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at home or a local café, fueling up for an outdoor adventure. Head to a nearby nature trail, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woods while observing local wildlife. Enjoy the crisp morning air as you walk along the paths, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of rustling leaves. Afterward, continue your exploration by visiting a nearby nature reserve, where you can hike trails and perhaps spot some deer or other wildlife. Take your time to appreciate the natural beauty and capture stunning photographs.
Return to town and unwind with dinner at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table menu, highlighting local ingredients. After your meal, consider visiting a local brewery to sample craft beers made in the area. Conclude your evening with a sunset view from a local park, creating a perfect end to a day in nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Local beer (pint) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Pittsburgh with easy access to city amenities and attractions
- Affordable lodging and dining compared with urban centers
- Good base for outdoor activities in the Laurel Highlands and regional trails
- Family-friendly, low-key suburban atmosphere
- Limited public transportation — a car is recommended
- Fewer tourist attractions inside the township itself
- Winter weather can make travel more difficult
- Nightlife and cultural venues are limited locally compared with nearby Pittsburgh
Places to Visit in North Huntingdon
Visit one of these nice places.
Drive to nearby overlooks in the region or into Pittsburgh (Mount Washington/Grandview) for classic skyline photos at sunrise or sunset.
Long, multi-use trail with pleasant river and rail-trail scenery — good for golden-hour landscape and people-on-trail shots.
Forested ridges, winding roads and waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands provide dramatic seasonal photography, especially in autumn.
Capture everyday American small-town life at local parks, farmers markets and township festivals — great for candid street and cultural shots.
Food in North Huntingdon
North Huntingdon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Dumplings with potato/cheese or meat fillings — commonly found in diners, church fundraisers and many local restaurants; try them fried with onions at a nearby Polish or American diner.
Must-Try!
Hearty sandwich piled with meat, coleslaw and French fries — an iconic regional dish available at local sandwich shops and in Pittsburgh proper.
Reflecting Eastern European heritage in the region, smoked sausages and kielbasa appear on many menus and at community events and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers markets in Westmoreland County sell local produce, baked goods and prepared foods — great places to sample fresh pies, baked bread and seasonal vegetables.
During warmer months you’ll find food trucks and pop-up vendors at township events, fairs and outside shopping centers offering burgers, tacos and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in the area tend to be polite and conversational but respectful of personal space — a friendly hello or small talk is common.
Tip for table service and other services; it’s expected and an important part of service workers’ income.
Most residents rely on cars; follow local traffic laws and be courteous when merging or parking. Yielding to emergency vehicles is enforced.
Safety
Tipping in North Huntingdon
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; bartenders typically receive $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on the tab. Taxi and rideshare drivers are commonly tipped ~10–15% for short rides. Service workers such as hotel housekeeping can be tipped a few dollars per night.
Cards are widely accepted (credit/debit/contactless). Cash is still useful for small purchases, some markets and tips. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and often humid; pleasant for outdoor activities, festivals and dining al fresco. Expect busy weekends at popular regional parks and nearby attractions; bring sunscreen and bug spray.
Crisp, cool air and excellent foliage — one of the best times to visit for scenic drives and hiking. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary greatly during the day.
Cold with regular snow and ice; roads can be slick and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. Bring warm clothing and be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Variable weather with mild days and occasional rain; wildflowers and budding trees make for pleasant hikes. Pack a waterproof layer and expect muddy trail sections after rains.
North Huntingdon at Night
Hiking in North Huntingdon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A multiuse rail-trail with paved sections for easy walking and biking, passing through scenic sections of Westmoreland County.
A network of trails in the Laurel Highlands offering varied terrain, scenic overlooks and excellent fall foliage; suitable for hikers of different levels.
A popular regional destination known for waterfalls, whitewater rafting and extensive hiking — roughly an hour’s drive, ideal for a full-day outdoor adventure.
Neighborhood parks and preserved green spaces offer short trails, picnic areas and easy walks for families and casual hikers.
Airports
How to reach North Huntingdon by plane.
The main commercial airport serving the region with domestic and international flights; about a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic — most convenient major airport for North Huntingdon.
A general aviation airport serving private and corporate flights, located closer to Pittsburgh suburbs — useful for private charters and some smaller services.
Regional airport near Latrobe that handles some commercial and general aviation traffic; useful for regional connections and private flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-oriented with school-aged children, reflecting the township’s residential character.
A significant portion of residents commute to Pittsburgh and surrounding employment centers for work.
The area has roots in manufacturing and trades, and many residents work in skilled trades and local industries.
While predominantly White historically, the region has growing racial and ethnic diversity with increasing Hispanic and other communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Highly popular at both the professional level (Pittsburgh Steelers) and in local high school communities — Friday night high school football is a local social fixture.
Strong regional interest in hockey, supported by the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins and local youth leagues and rinks.
Community leagues and high school baseball are common during spring and summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting North Huntingdon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at diners, cafés and many restaurants; ask for salads, grilled vegetable plates or meat-free versions of regional dishes. Pittsburgh’s larger restaurants and specialty spots have more dedicated vegetarian/vegan choices if needed.
Vegan options are more limited in small-town eateries but improving — look for vegan-friendly cafes in the region or head to Pittsburgh for a wider selection of vegan restaurants.
Many restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests for sandwiches, salads and entrees; always inform staff about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.