This Western Pennsylvania town is in the news for its sweet invention, so we’re taking the neighborhood guide on a mini road trip. Next time you go to Latrobe, hit the spots on our scavenger hunt marked with the magnifying glass 🔍
Birthplace of the Banana Split
Latrobe is one of the first inductees into the Dole Food Company’s National Banana Hall of Fame — a celebration for the company’s 125th anniversary. Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame doesn’t have a physical location, but Western Pennsylvania is proud to pay tribute to soda jerk David Strickler, inventor of the banana split in 1904.
🔍 Find: A larger-than-life statue of the dessert and its historical marker.
A historical marker honoring the birthplace of Fred Rogers. (Tribune News Service / Getty)
Mr. Rogers’ First Neighborhood
Fred Rogers was born here in March of 1928 and grew up at 705 Main Street. His family attended Latrobe Presbyterian Church, and Fred grew up with strong values in ethics and public service.
🔍 Find: Mr. Rogers’ memorial off of Main Street and Grave in Unity Cemetery.
In this video, Randy "Tank" Tantlinger sits down and has a cold "ROCK" with Jim Mickinak to talk about his "Rolling Rock Beer Garden." (Tom Kincaid on YouTube)
Bedrock of Rolling Rock Beer
Latrobe Brewing began in 1893, and legend has it that Benedictine monks were among its first brewers. The establishment remained in business until the ban of alcohol sales in 1920, but even Prohibition couldn’t shut its doors forever. In 1939, local brewers introduced Rolling Rock beer, with the long-neck green bottles that soon became popular in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
🔍 Find: The largest Rolling Rock memorabilia collection at the Rolling Rock After Hours Bar and Museum.
All aboard for breakfast in the trolley car. (Lincoln Highway Experience)
Stop on the Lincoln Highway
The first coast-to-coast highway traveling from New York City to San Francisco was created in 1913. Latrobe’s Lincoln Highway Experience gives visitors a look at the early days of transportation and roadside attractions.
🔍 Find: The reconstructed trolley car diner where guests can get a free cup of coffee and a slice of pie.
Pittsburgh Steelers' team drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College, July 2023. (Brandon Sloter/ Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)
Camp for the Black & Gold
The Steelers have been hosting public practices at Saint Vincent College every summer since 1966. The camp is free, but you have to register to attend.
🔍 Find: Troy Mascot. He’s exactly what you’d expect: a Troy Polamalu impersonator.
