Being the last Thursday of the month, Greensburg held its monthly night market. That meant downtown was going to be packed. The growth of this event has been so phenomenal over the last few years. I went a few times in 2020 to support small businesses during COVID, as the local restaurants and shops needed a lifeline more than ever.
No doubt, it was a crowded house Thursday. I got there around 6:45 and stayed until 8:30, picking up the shuttle at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. I still enjoyed myself even though I didn’t stick around for the whole time. I walked the four blocks, just browsing. While it’s a good way to get your steps (slowly), it’s also nice to shop.
The night market has food trucks, multiple stops for beer and even coffee. You can buy all sorts of things from plants and healthy juice (kombucha) to home decor and pet accessories. During this time, the shops and cafes will be open, so you can get deals and grab a bite to eat, as the foot traffic from the market adds to their business.
The next time I plan to visit, I could have had a plan for what I wanted to shop for and where I wanted to eat. Past night market trips had me eating an amazing grilled cheese from the Pickled Chef. Also, doing my research and knowing what I wanted to buy would make for less time walking around feeling lost. These minor improvements will make for a better experience next time I want to go. I would like to go again at the end of October if my schedule agrees.
Other upcoming markets this weekend include the Vintage Market on Sunday at St. Clair Park, and the First Sunday Market at Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker. The next Greensburg Night Market is August 28, and the Cutie’s Market is August 31.
“The Next Day….” (in Spongebob Narrator voice)
Training camp is in full swing now at Saint Vincent College. Local coffee shop Coffee Bean Cafe (located on the westbound side of US 30) not only serves amazing coffee, but sandwiches and pastries as well as other food and merchandise.
I had one of those Steeler-themed coffee drinks on my radar. The next time I visit, I’d like to treat myself to breakfast. A sandwich or bagel with cream cheese would be perfect. I enjoyed my Black’n Gold Brew as there was a nice variety of drinks. This place gave me some Rooster’s vibes. Rooster’s was the coffee shop I went to in Slippery Rock back in June during my vacation.Â
With my drink halfway done, I took it with me and drove off to my next destination. Ligonier was quiet and not too crowded for the first day of August. I read a few pages in “Becoming” and the jazz playlist I found en route to my Laurel Highlands adventure was perfect for the cooler, less humid weather that ushered in August. It’s funny how we welcomed that June warmth after that damp, cool May, yet that 73 degree day on Friday was just right. If you love it hot, don’t worry, we’re back to the summer heat next weekend. There’s still plenty of summer left.
Even a quick stop in Ligonier can be therapeutic. It’s fun to walk around, shop, or grab a bite to eat. But, even watching the world go by while sitting in the Diamond has its perks. It’s still summer, but Fall will eventually get here, and that means Fort Ligonier Days in October, before the gazebo gets decorated for Christmas, and families and couples schedule holiday photo shoots in the Diamond.
I wrapped up my adventure with a trip down PA 711 through Stahlstown and then on to PA 31 very close to Donegal. I could have turned left and come out right by the Sheetz. I passed through the main drag of Mount Pleasant before making my way home on US 119.
The end of this month marks 25 years since my arrival at HGA to begin my ascent into higher learning, and I’ll definitely have a piece about that in this blog.
Stylish 🍒 