The town's history is full of ups and downs - the downs nearly ended that history at some point. In May of 1918, a tragedy took the lives of 200 residents - a TNT explosion occurred on a local chemistry factory.
In the 70s, a part of the Pennsylvania Railroad that went across the town and was a crucial part of the local economy for many years was discontinued, leaving locals to fend for themselves. Oakdale has suffered through several hurricanes in relatively modern days, destroying homes and businesses and permanently rehoming many people.
And one would think that there's no coming back from that. But many stories of local people coming forward to rebuild and uplift the community say otherwise.
One major project that keeps bringing hope to “America's Hometown” is the Kinsey Events Warehouse. The Kinsey Venue is housed in a former warehouse previously owned by the Kinsey Electric Company that stopped operating in Oakdale over 100 years ago. And it perfectly captures the irresistible spirit of this town, bouncing back from what life throws at it. Today it invites various events, private and public, from Pittsburgh and surrounding areas to celebrate the continuation of life, both metaphorically and quite literally. The action started from a seemingly “crazy” idea of Whitney Jurgovan, who was a stay-at-home-mom and an antique hobbyist at the time. She was actively looking for a place to host antique markets in the area and used to pass the abandoned warehouse each day. Suddenly one day, she decided to stop and look inside the ruin. The rusty, filthy industrial site mesmerized her, and that's how their story began.
The venue's first event to ever be hosted was the original Kinsey Vintage Market. It was a massive success among the local public, and today it is hosted three times a year. They've quickly moved on to even bigger things like organizing weddings, concerts, various gatherings, and holiday parties. And they never forget about some kind of community outreach element, like food or toy donations, while hosting their events.
You should definitely pay a visit while you're in town!
The Best Time to Visit Oakdale, PA
The best time to visit Oakdale, PA, is any time of the year! The town is surrounded by beautiful nature, which means there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy all year long.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and golfing in the spring and summer. Places like Oakdale Community Park, Preservation Park, Huck Field will undoubtedly satisfy your need for outdoor exploration and physical activity.
The leaves turn a spectrum of colors in the fall, and Oakdale becomes a prime destination for leaf peepers.
And in the winter, the slopes at nearby Seven Springs and Hidden Valley resorts provide ample opportunity for downhill and cross-country skiing.
The Laurel Highlands region is known for its picturesque mountain scenery, and there are plenty of trails and slopes to choose from.
After a refreshing day of winter activities, visit Pittsburgh's Chocolate, Wine, and Whiskey Festival to warm up and share your thoughts and feeling about this vacation with the group in a cozy atmosphere.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Oakdale, PA:
Oakdale by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Oakdale, PA. You can use these charts to evaluate the best time period to stay in Oakdale for your upcoming travels.
Best Luxury Hotels in Oakdale, PA
4 Star Average Prices: $157.87
Our website provides an up-to-date listing of all the available upscale hotel options in the area near Oakdale.
All of the luxury, 4.5-star hotels and comfortable resorts around Oakdale are listed on our website, complete with photos and lists of amenities. You can book your stay online and make your booking process stress-free and quick. Browse our site today to know your options and make the most informed decision.
Affordable Hotel Options in Oakdale, PA
3 Star Average Prices: $123.20
Our selection of low-budget hotels offers excellent rates and easy access to all the best local attractions. Whether you're searching for a place to park for the night while passing through the town or want to stay in town for a while, we'll help you find just what you need.