cultella

Otherwise, it’s not even on the map. A very small town, more like a village, actually. It’s just 10 minutes outside of Greensburg if you drive by the airport, and you pass through Pleasant Unity on your way there. Not that anyone has the slightest idea what I’m talking about. I have family in Greensburg, friends nearer Pittsburgh, and more family there in Calumet. Very nice little town though; everybody is very friendly and the landscape is very beautiful if you like farmland and rolling green hills. If you’re in the area, you should visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water which is in the area (about 30 minutes away) and definitely try to stop by Pollock’s Pub in Calumet. Mmm… delicious food all the time. There’s nothing they serve that isn’t good.

My family and I decided quite spontaneously to spend a few days in Newport on the way back home from Niagara Falls (I recommend staying on the Canadian side, if you have the choice, but that’s another story…). The town, although quite the tourist destination, is very casual and laid back; a very comfortable town to be in. The variety of different foods and cuisines is excellent—there really is something for everyone, whether it be seafood, Indian, Thai, Japanese, classic American, Mediterranean… you name it and they’ve got it. Also, the shops are to die for. They have the best artists and craftsmen right in town, and the atmosphere of the town itself is lovely. It is exactly what you would imagine a quaint seaside town to look like.

Most notable, however, are the rocky beaches, cliff walk, and mansions! A few minutes’ drive from town and you can find yourself driving up the shore to see the most extravagant homes you’ve ever seen. The Vanderbilts and other old-money families owned some of these, most of which now belong to the local restoration society. For a nominal fee you can tour these exquisite palaces (very highly recommended!). Also, the cliff walk should not be missed. The path runs along three miles (if I remember correctly) of coastline, a portion of which goes along the mansions. Definitely a must-do when you’re in Newport. Along the cliff walk there are some spots to go down more toward the water on some jutting rocks and even a few beaches along the way. It doesn’t hurt that the cliff walk is free! :D