July 4 email: A Wildly Wonderful Tour of Western PA!

Rep. Melissa Cerrato July 3, 2025

Dear Friends,

Adventure was calling, and wow, did Western Pennsylvania deliver! Preceding budget month I went on an unforgettable journey with the House Tourism, Recreation, and Economic Development Committee, and I am excited to share the highlights.

Day 1 we headed off to Fayette County, south of Pittsburgh, and kicked our tour off underground (literally!) at Laurel Caverns, PA’s largest cave system, with over four miles of passages and a thriving ecosystem. Even more exciting: this awe-inspiring wonder is on track to become our 125th state park, and the first underground one! Big thanks to David Cale, owner and longtime advocate, who guided our tour and whose vision and generosity are making this state park designation possible.

From there, we climbed to new heights, the Historic Summit Inn, perched atop Chestnut Ridge. This timeless hotel, operating since 1907, offered stunning views, rich history, and the cozy charm that’s made it a favorite of icons like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. A true gem!

Day 2 began at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, where we soared above the Laurel Highlands on the chairlift and got a behind-the-scenes look at their groundbreaking snowmaking tech, born right here in PA! Beyond skiing, Seven Springs offers golf, hiking, ziplining, and more for year-round adventure seekers.

We recharged at the Bittersweet Café, a magical stop filled with tasty eats and heartwarming stories. A world map inside features pins from travelers across the globe who’ve visited this special spot. We added ours, hope you’ll add yours someday too!

Then it was off to Ohiopyle State Park for an e-bike ride along the stunning Great Allegheny Passage. The views from the Ohiopyle High Bridge? Unreal. And with support from the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy, we learned how tourism, conservation, and community stewardship go hand-in-hand.

Day 3 wrapped with brilliance, Fallingwater! Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece is not only visually breathtaking but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built directly over a waterfall, Fallingwater perfectly embodies the harmony of nature and design.

This trip reminded me of everything that makes our Commonwealth special: stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant communities, and the passion of the people who protect and elevate them.

Here’s to the places that take our breath away and the work we do to ensure they last for generations.

Upcoming Events

Fall Shredding Event

Join us for our Free Shredding Event—a fantastic opportunity to protect your personal information while making a positive impact on your community! ??????

Safely dispose of old documents and keep your sensitive information out of the wrong hands. Paper shredding is a powerful deterrent to identity theft, making it nearly impossible for thieves to reconstruct private details. Plus, shredding supports paper recycling, helping to reduce waste in landfills!

And here’s another way to give back—bring non-perishable food items for donation and support local food banks while you’re here.

We’re thrilled to offer this service once again for our constituents. Protect your identity, reduce waste, and help your community—all in one event! Hope to see you there!