Many of the links above will keep you near Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, PA, specifically in or near the Laurel Highlands of southwestern PA. Pittsburgh, the county seat, was named by General John Forbes in honor of William Pitt, a British statesman. Start at the Point -- the historic confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Point State Park features the remnants of Fort Pitt and a stunning fountain with Pittsburgh's vibrant downtown as a backdrop.

In Allegheny County there are miles and miles of navigable rivers offering endless delights for boaters, rowers, and water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy one of the nation's oldest amusement parks at Kennywood, or water slide thrills at Sandcastle Water Park, accessible by boat or car.

Take the family to watch the championship Pittsburgh Steelers football team and the Pirates baseball team. You can also catch the Stanley Cup winning Pittsburgh Penguins as they take on National Hockey League opponents at the Civic Arena, the nation's first retractable roof auditorium.

The Arts draw bigger audiences than sports events in Allegheny County. The downtown Cultural Corridor is anchored by Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, The Benedum Center and The Byham Theater. The Carnegie and Frick Museums display some of the world's finest works of art. Focus on natural science and antiquities at The Carnegie Museum of Natural History. There's hands-on science and experiences for children and adults at the Carnegie Science Center and the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. The Andy Warhol Museum is devoted exclusively to the works of this Pop Art pioneer.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and the remarkable new children's zoo, Kids Kingdom, are located in Pittsburgh's Highland Park section. The National Aviary features colorful birds in natural habitat settings.