I feel like sometimes July can be a weird month. It seems like the 4th of July, comes and goes, and then what? What other fun activities can we do during the hottest month of the year? Thankfully, we still have plenty of very hot and long weekends left before that chilly Pittsburgh weather returns.

To make sure you’re soaking up these last little bits of summer, I figured that I, (Bella) would help you find some enjoyable activities to do. Not only did I find places to go throughout the day, but I also found some small businesses that you should definitely check out! I also am happy to mention some fun, annual events that occur in Pittsburgh, too!

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1. Love, Pittsburgh

If you and your friends want to take a stroll one weekend through the Strip District, Mount Washington, or Downtown make sure to stop by Love, Pittsburgh. Since they have three locations across the city, you have no excuse not to stop in! Love, Pittsburgh sells a curated collection of gifts that represent the talent of over 100 different artists and makers living in the Pittsburgh region. At Love, Pittsburgh you will find candles, cards, t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, jewelry, ceramics, personal care items, and more! The owners of this wonderful business are Monica and Kelly. These two women instantly bonded over the talent of the Pittsburgh artist and maker community and envisioned a gift shop to serve their customers that walk into Love, Pittsburgh. If you want to buy a keepsake, a decoration, or a gift for someone, then this is the place to go!

Something special about Love, Pittsburgh is that they are a gift shop that promotes sustainability. All of the products are designed and produced by local artists and makers that constantly upcycle materials. Make sure to check out their stores and website where you can see all of the cutest gifts (that I will be purchasing for all my girlfriends)!

2. Glam Picnic Company

With spouses, relatives, or even friends, book your own luxurious and photogenic picnic with Glam Picnic Company! Glam Picnic Co. is owned by Jessica Anikenko who has 13 years of event experience and comes to The Steel City from Orlando, Florida. Her team creates gorgeous picnic themes such as bridal showers, romantic dates with your hubby *smirk*, GNOs, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, gender reveals, and morer! The best part about the Glam Picnic Company is that you can leave all the planning to them! To me, that sounds like an ideal plan since I am not the craftiest girl out there lol!

To make your picnic a reality, Glam Picnic Company asks you to fill out a quick Google Form and the team will get back to you in 24-48 hours with a quote and to go over any questions you may have. Their business recommends that you PLEASE book early for events of 15+ guests. Lastly, they only serve locations within 60 miles of 720 E Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301. Travel fees will apply to areas further than 30 miles.

I highly recommend checking out their IG for all of the dreamiest luxury picnic inspo! Check out their profile @glampicnicco!

3. Leona’s

If you are looking for a scrumptious and unique dessert for a hot day, then Leona’s is the best place to consider! Leona’s are ice cream sandwiches – yes, ice cream sandwiches, that are made with 100% real dairy and 100% lactose-free! Katie and Christa are the masterminds behind the biz. Katie came up with the idea of lactose-free ice cream and Christa quickly took charge of organizing the structures, processes, and systems that would shape the company’s foundation! They have taken Pittsburgh by storm and partnered with many local stores and restaurants. Leona’s will be able to deliver your order right to you!

Now I want to talk about the most important part, which is the ice cream. Leona’s not only makes homemade ice cream, but also the homemade cookie that is part of the dessert! If you check out Leona’s website under flavors, you will see all the various kinds of yummy ice cream sandwiches they offer! What is it about ice cream sandwiches that makes me feel so nostalgic? It really does take me back to when I was a young kid eating ice cream on a hot summer day!

Consider taking your time to look at their website because these little treats are a must-have this summer!

4. She’s All Tap

Need beverages provided for a summer cookout you have coming up? She’s All Tap has got you covered! She’s All Tap is a mini mobile bar and bartending service! She has four taps and can pour anything a client desires. Do you need bubbly, booze, or cold brew coffee…well the team will tap that! This mini-truck can fit indoors and does not require electricity, so this can be provided for an event that can be in a field or a ballroom wedding venue, you name it! But hold on, it even gets better! They also provide a fully styled, experiential event rental beyond just a bar service.

Behind the taps are friends Ashley, Ashley, and Kelsey! The three of them took some time to figure out how to make these services special and unique. Eventually, they put their efforts in and made it a dream business! To check out their services, visit their website to look over what type of package fits your planning! You can also check what is on their tap menu, too! Now take a look down at how Instagram-worthy this photo is!

5. Picklesburgh

Come on “Dahn” to the annual Pittsburgh Picklesburgh food festival! If you LOVE all things pickled, then this is the event for you! Picklesburgh is approaching its seventh year of hosting this festival and let me tell you, it’s kind of a big dill. *wink* This annual event showcases Downtown Pittsburgh’s pickled history and culinary ingenuity. It celebrates international dishes, prepared foods, and artisan cocktails that feature pickled ingredients! Picklesburgh will have plenty of vendors there, so get ready to visit all of them, too. The best part? Admission to the festival is totally free!

Join Picklesburgh on July 15th-17th at Rachel Carson (9th Street) Bridge & Riverside on the 10th Street Bypass in Downtown Pittsburgh! Make sure you spread the word and gather your friends and family because this is an event that you do not want to miss!

6. Sandcastle

If you are a big water park gal like me and my family, then take a day trip to Sandcastle with your family or friends! Don’t wait, check out the flash sale that they are having right now…yes, RIGHT NOW!

Purchase Sandcastle tickets that are currently $29.99 online! (I say that’s a great deal!)

Here’s the rundown about the tickets…season passes start at 2 easy payments under $50. One-day tickets are only $29.99 for a limited time, so buy now and visit any day before July 31st! Bring a big group of 10 or more and save on admissions. Or, enter your organization’s promo code and save on admissions that way. too! You do not want to miss out on this perfect sale opportunity!