The ads always alert us first, screaming “Get back to school in style!” or “Back to School deals – one day only!” The kids they feature are more excited than anyone has ever, ever been about waking up for the school bus at 6 a.m., jumping around in new jeans and sneakers. One or two of those ads and it’s clear: summer is coming to an end.

Don’t mourn the end of summer – celebrate it! Get out and do something this weekend, to send the season of long days at the pool, afternoons running through sprinklers, and evenings catching fireflies out with a bang. We promise you’ll have as much fun as your little ones. 

Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail

Have a family full of sweet teeth? Take them on the Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail – we all know that one scoop is never enough!

The three routes of the trail cover the West, South Central, and Eastern parts of the state. Discover delights at stops like Windoon Soft Serve, home of the ice cream nachos, and Fox Meadows Creamery, a farm-to-table shop in Lancaster County that I can personally attest is fantastic (their Peach Melba, farm-fresh peach ice cream with raspberry swirls, is a seasonal must-try). 

Don’t forget about your local shops! We’ve got a list of our few favorites in and around the city. 

Picklesburgh

Picklesurgh is back this year, and it’s a big dill. (We couldn’t resist.) Taking over the entire Andy Warhol bridge, this free festival, twice voted the number one Specialty Food Festival in the country, celebrates all things pickled. Taste briney treats from some of the city’s best restaurants, like the infamous Eau de Pickle whiskey from Wigle Whiskey, pickle-flavored mozzarella from DiAnoia’s Eatery, dill-ightful drinks from Atria’s, and for the kids, chocolate-covered pickles on a stick. 

Grab a bite in between sets on the main stage, showcasing a lineup of local artists, and make sure to snag a front-row seat to the pickle-juice drinking contest. The winner is named Mayor of Picklesburgh!

Prepare yourself by making a batch of pickles at home. Check out these recipes for quick-pickled red onions and jalepeño pickle relish. 

Over The Bar Bicycle Cafe North Park 

Covering 3,075 acres in Hampton, McCandless, and Pine townships, there’s no shortage of fun to be found at North Park. Take a walk or a bike ride on the trails or around the 64-acre lake before stopping in at Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe (OTB) for lunch. For the adults, there’s a large tap list. For kids, find all the favorites: a burger, chicken fingers, and a grilled cheese. Sit on the deck, overlooking the water, while you eat!

Or, bring your picnic basket (order OTB to go!) and find a cozy, tree-covered spot for lunch. We’ve got plenty of picnic recommendations for you – visit Chantal’s Cheese Shop before you get to the park and pack up the perfect, lakeside charcuterie board. 

Baby Loves Tacos 

What better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a hands-on meal? Set up a picnic table outside and put your little ones to work with Baby Loves Tacos’ meal kit. The small taco shop provides all the fixings – tortillas, meats, and toppings – all you have to do is put them together. 

Adult-up the tacos by pairing them with a Classic Margarita or a Bourbon Paloma. Need dessert? Try another hands-on project: homemade popsicles.  

Pittsburgh VegFest

VegFest is back for its seventh year on August 21, and trust us, this isn’t an event to miss. Vegetarian and vegan vendors from around the area come together in Allegheny Commons for a festival of food and fun. Find scratch-made, vegan treats from Valkyrie Doughnuts, Mediterannean delights from Brookline-based Pitaland, and magical, whimsical scoops from Pennsylvania’s first all-vegan ice cream shop, Sugar Spell Scoops. 

Walk the festival grounds and find small shops, educational booths, and live music. Try out some meatless recipes at home, too! We love this shakshuka from Spirits and Tales Chef Jessica Lewis. 

STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER/ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FOX MEADOWS CREAMERY