Merry Phipps-mas

The trip with my fellow journalist friends to the Phipps Conservatory was one for the books. After an hour of confusion, I picked up Angelesa Desatnik, Gianna Colella, Alex Hammers, and Taylor McConnell. Of course, due to my friends’ limited knowledge of the PA road system, we drove in the complete opposite direction, returned within five minutes of their home, and, for the second time, headed out. Operating a vehicle with four girls plagued by car-sickness was certainly an experience, and I can safely say we were equally relieved to exit the car.
After pulling into the entrance of the conservatory, I was ridiculed by valet men because of my large array of one dollar bills (I’m not sure what they were suggesting). Gianna almost smashed a pedestrian with the door of my mother’s car, yelling expletives. Despite the fact valet people are supposed to know how to operate cars, it took me over five minutes to explain 2016 Chevy Malibu’s do not use keys. Sighing in frustration , they took the remote control and skirted away.
The Christmas lights illuminated the building, and, walking in, we were taken aback by its beauty. The Phipps Conservatory consists of numerous greenhouse-rooms, with plants and trees meant to simulate other parts of the word. Lights and tinsel draped everything from orchid plants to palm trees, with toy trains and other decorations included in the exhibits.
Next, regardless of the temperature, we shuffled outside to view the display. Gazebos draped in lights, beautiful archways, and pieces of art lined the walkways on either side. Although a small fence existed to keep visitors off the grass, Gianna had no problem stepping over and hiding behind numerous sculptures. Because she wore a jedi-looking robe, she posed in front of numerous tubular lights colored red, blue, and green. Surprisingly, we exited on our own terms, without being escorted by security.
Once we left the conservatory, we drove back to the Cranberry/Wexford area. Around 11 pm, we visited a small restaurant called Stack’d, (which I knew about due to my knowledge of the area). The group feasted on home-spun milkshakes and numerous dishes, enjoying the personality that exuded from the store.
It certainly was a memorable occasion, and we’d all recommend taking a trip down to Phipps over Christmas vacation.