What to do in Irwin, PA (Mon & Tues evening)

[Michael Cody]

Will be in Irwin on Monday night (about 6pm) and have a free Tuesday nite after 4pm .. is there anything to do that I might consider other than a good meal. I will be @ 76 & US 30....

[Brad Knabel]

Hope this isn't too late - although I doubt it's going to be all that useful - I'm still relatively new to the area. Plus I think most of this stuff is only open during the day so you may have to hurry just to get a quick look. None of these places are directly in Irwin - mostly in Pittsburgh proper.

There are of course the standard Woodcraft and Rockler. But to be honest I'd skip the Pittsburgh Woodcraft. I really like the Rockler here, but Woodcraft here has been less than friendly/helpful and not as well stocked. (It's interesting, but this is just the opposite of what I experienced living in Denver.) Woodcraft is in the mall near Robinson which would be quite a hike for you from Irwin. Rockler is in the North Hills.

There's another retailer here that's great - Woodcrafter's Supply. Nice selection of stuff and well staffed.

If you go towards Latrobe instead of Pittsburgh there's a veneer retailer that I've been meaning to get to but haven't. They're called Homecraft Veneers.

The Heinz Regional History Center is not necessarily directly woodworking related but is fascinating. They have a corner containing a few dozen locally made wooden handplanes - very cool. It's located in the Strip District which has some interesting retailers and restaurants - great ethnic grocers.

Have a good visit and travel safe.

Map to WoodCrafters Supply (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7703+Perry+Highway,+Pittsburgh,+PA+15237&spn=0.024008353450655304,0.050065040588378906&hl=en)

Map to Woodcraft (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=woodcraft&ll=40.414216,-80.063321&spn=0.048112437689995596,0.10013008117675781&near=pittsburgh,+pa&num=10&start=0&hl=en)

Map to Rockler (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7703+Perry+Highway,+Pittsburgh,+PA+15237&spn=0.024008353450655304,0.050065040588378906&hl=en)

Map to Heinz Center (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Heinz+History&ll=40.446651,-79.992509&spn=0.02404546827062219,0.050065040588378906&near=pittsburgh,+pa&num=10&start=0&hl=en)

Map to Homecraft Veneers (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=manor+ave+and+Karns+Ave,+Latrobe,+pa+15650&hl=en)