Experience Scottdale!

November 12th, 2009

By Guest Blogger: Mariah Wyman, Trail Town Outreach Corps

The town of Scottdale is a charming destination in the Laurel Highlands. The experience of walking down the street is a deliciously pleasant one, and the unique storefronts evoke the character and nostalgia of their heyday when Scottdale was a growing industrial town driven by the H.C. Frick Coke Company.

Two of my favorite destinations on Pittsburgh St. in downtown Scottdale are Miss Martha’s Tea Room and The Geyer Performing Arts Center. Located just a couple of blocks apart, each brings a distinct Victorian flavor to the town recalling the height of this bustling era in the town’s history.

Walking into Miss Martha’s Tea Room is like breathing in the scent of a freshly blooming garden. The décor is light and airy, but maintains a cozy, welcoming feeling, as if you had walked in to a friend’s parlor. The front of the store is a gift shop featuring tea sets, jewelry, scarves and more. The first time I walked in I noticed the plethora of large, dazzling ladies’ hats. Not really expecting an affirmative answer, I asked, “Are you allowed to wear them?” and to my delight our hostess replied, “It’s encouraged!” I promptly donned a hat and proceeded to enjoy a rejuvenating tea break. And if the atmosphere is grand, the food, tea and desserts are to-die-for. Featuring pies, scones and entrees, you can satisfy your sweet tooth or get a full-on meal or just browse the gift shop.

The Geyer Performing Arts Center (GPAC), “Scottdale’s little off-broadway theater,” offers a sense of grandeur in the small-scale. With a long and rich history, The Theater was built in 1900 and its original character has been preserved impeccably. Walking through the doors and seeing the gold-trimmed details, glowing lights, and plush red carpets, it feels like taking a step back in time to the splendor of the early days of the theater. After a period of neglect, the GPAC saw a resurgence in 1987 when local residents lovingly restored and revived the theater. Since then, many local performers have graced the stage of the GPAC during a busy season of high-quality community theater productions, offering educational and cultural resources and events in Scottdale and the surrounding towns and a gathering place for residents and visitors alike to revel in their history and cultural legacy.

This weekend, the Tea Room and the GPAC team up to offer what promises to be a whimsical and witty evening of dining and entertainment. The Geyer Performing Arts Center is featuring “Harvey” a hilarious comedy about an invisible rabbit, and the Tea Room offers a mouth-watering pre-show dinner. For the excellent discounted price of $20 per person, you will receive an entrée, side dish and drink at Miss Martha’s, and a voucher for the show at the GPAC. Entrée choices are Roast Beef, Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Pork Rib Chop, Salmon, Rainbow Trout or Grilled Chicken Salad. The shows start at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday the 13th and 14th. Treat yourself to a fantastic evening this weekend. Reservations are required, so call Miss Martha’s at (724) 887-6574 to get in on the fun. And if you happen to be at Miss Martha’s this Saturday around 6:00, look for me, I’ll be wearing the most extravagant hat I can find!

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