More Than Meets the Eye: WashCo Hidden Gems Part II

Located at the Washington Crown Center, Ironblast’s Game Zone is a world of fun. For just $10 a person (or four for $25, Monday-Friday) you can spend the entire day surrounded by a full free play arcade complete with retro games, pinball machines, console and other arcade games, plus a huge selection of toys, games and merch.

Located just off the Panhandle Trail, Heist Spirits is Burgettstown’s most mischievous small-batch distillery housed inside a former bank. With a lowkey atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails and live music events, this distillery makes for a trail marker you will want to visit again and again – just make sure you have a getaway car.

Rock out to your favorite hits all summer long at the Noble J. Dick Monongahela Aquatorium. The annual Rockin’ on the Mon concert series is always a huge hit with both locals and visitors for its picturesque river views and lively music that lights up the venue all summer long. The fun is hardly over after the summer ends because the Monongahela Aquatorium is also home to the crowd-favorite Witchfest in the fall, which draws hundreds of witch aficionados from throughout the East Coast each year.

Hidden in plain sight in the middle of Peterswood Park in Venetia is the Peterswood Amphitheater, which offers concerts, movies and other family-friendly, mostly free outdoor events throughout the year. Be sure not to skip out on the summer concert series, which features plenty of local food trucks and fun to last the entire night.

Tour the 108-acre expanse of rolling hills and towering maple trees that is Rustic Rock Maple Farm, a well-loved staple at festivals and farmers markets across Washington County. Walk the maple farm, tap a tree and taste test maple syrup during this unique guided tour, and do not forget the farm’s shop full of organic maple products.

If you have ever wanted to hug a Highland cow, Hickory Hearth Highlands should be on your bucket list. Brush, feed, and take pictures with adorable Highland cows and miniature donkeys on a picture-perfect, family-owned farm in Hickory.

Four Seasons Resort in West Finley is 850 acres of fun for the whole family. The resort boasts 35+ miles of ATV trails, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, pickleball courts, fishing and hunting, as well as fully furnished cabins and bunkhouses, or bring your RV for the weekend.