Apr 18, 2013 3 min read

Put me in, coach, I’m ready to play!

That’s the cry heard far and wide around Western Pennsylvania, and in Washington County in particular. Spring seems to have sprung, everything is once again fresh and new, and Washington County is open for all to get out and play!

We’re not just talking “play” as in baseball, although your Washington Wild Things do open their 12th Frontier League season on the road May 17, with the home opener to follow a week later on May 24. And, while we fully appreciate the tune-ups now under way at area driving ranges for those itching to get on the golf course, or those eager to wet a line on opening day of trout season, you don’t have to swing a bat, club or rod to PLAY in Washington County this spring.

Several notable county attractions swing open their doors in the next few weeks, ready to welcome visitors and residents alike. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum already opened its season a few weeks ago with its always successful Bunny Trolley, and continues to welcome adults and children of all ages for a ride into the past.

Quicker than you can say “Spring Fever,” heritage sites such as The Goaziou Print Shop, Duncan & Miller Glass Museum and McDonald Trail Station followed suit and opened to the public for the season, spotlighting the unique flavor, history and heritage of Washington County. And crowds will flock to Consol Energy Park beginning the last Sunday in April and every following month through October for the Washington Antiques Fair, hoping to find that hidden treasure.

Things really heat up in early May, so let’s highlight the hotspots. The David Bradford House Museum, celebrating one of the most noted 18th century historical and architectural sites in the region, opens to the public May 1, while another significant historical site, Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, holds its grand opening that weekend.

The first Saturday in May also finds the Meadows Racetrack & Casino hosting a “Run for the Roses” party and concert for the Kentucky Derby, and the Washington Symphony Orchestra capping off its 10th season with a “WSO Country Jamboree” concert.

Other special events focus on Canonsburg Lake, the Washington County Historical Society, the John White and LeMoyne houses, plays, and Mother’s Day brunches and celebrations from one end of the county to the other.

Make sure to save some energy for the middle of the month, as the Main Street Farmers Market opens its season on the 16th, offering the freshest in local produce and goods through the summer and fall every Thursday afternoon in downtown Washington.

Finally, look for a wagon train in your neighborhood the third weekend in May, as the 40th annual National Road Festival rolls down Route 40 the 18th and 19th, inviting you to travel America’s first national highway.

Take time to play this spring. Whether you are here for work, for pleasure, or for a lifetime, discover what’s unique and special about Washington County. And just think, it’s not even summer yet!

Travel safely.

J.R. Shaw is executive director of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.