Experience a Little Christmas Cheer Without Breaking the Bank

We love Pittsburgh during the holiday season and we want everyone to experience some Pittsburgh holiday cheer.  The best part of what we want to share is these events and activities are either free or inexpensive so you still will have money for all that Christmas shopping. Make sure to check out the Pittsburgh Creche on the US Steel Plaza. Aside from just looking at its wonderful display there are free concerts and performances select days and times so make sure to check it out.  Another awesome free event is the Spirits of Giving from Around the World at the PPG Wintergarden.  Bring the kids to see a display of life-size Santas and paintings. If you're looking for something a little more active there is always the skating at The Rink at PPG Place.  This event is inexpensive and they also run family specials on Tuesday nights and student specials on Wednesday nights.  Get out there and experience Pittsburgh during this magical season and still have some money left in your wallet!

Walking In a Winter Wonderland...Pittsburgh!

Take a break from life to really stop and enjoy the holiday season and we have a suggestion of how you can do just that, our Winter Wonderland package! First grab some dinner at the delicious Six Penn Kitchen. After dinner partake in some ice skating at the Rink at PPG Place.  If ice skating isn't really your forte (hey, we don't blame you it isn't ours either) just enjoy the holiday atmosphere and check out the beautiful lights.  When you can't take any more of the cold come back and we'll warm you up with some hot cocoa and cookies waiting for you in your room from Priory Fine Pasties. Sounds like a great holiday plan, right?

The Age Old Combination of Football & Thanksgiving

This is the season we are reminded how thankful we are for all we have and one thing we here in Pittsburgh are always thankful for is our Pittsburgh Steelers! It's rare to find an NFL team so committed to their city with such a winning record.  The Heinz History Center is running an exhibit from November 23rd-November 29th, 2012 where you can show your Steeler pride and get your picture alongside all six Steelers' Super Bowl trophies.  The Steelers have the most Super Bowl titles of any NFL team and have won more AFC Championship Games than another other professional football team.  If that's not something Steeler Nation isn't proud of we don't know what is! Make sure to check out this cool exhibit while it's here.

Chateau de Charmes, Niagara Region

I had a chance to visit the Chateau de Charmes winery in the Niagara on the Lake region of Ontario, not far from the shores of Lake Ontario.  Chateau de Charmes is one of many wineries in this region, which has become a true destination for oenophiles.  Chateau de Charmes is a lovely winery with immaculate cellars and growing fields.  The wines are very tasty, and present a good value.  If you're in the Niagara area, Chateau de Charmes is a must stop for the wine lover.

The photos above show the Chateau's cellars, which have wine aging both in oak and stainless steel barrels, and the facade of the winery's showroom.

Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara on the Lake

I had an opportunity to stay at a fabulous boutique property, the Prince of Wales Hotel, in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada in late September.  The 100+ room property was in the heart of town, and offered a true step back into history, with its Victorian facade and furnishings.  It was a great stay, and I had a chance to chat with the hotel's GM, Kelly Exelby, to swap stories and observations about running a historic hotel.  Check out the Prince of Wales if you're ever traveling to the Niagara Falls area.

Here's my Tripadvisor.com review of the Prince of Wales.