New Kensington is a recovering bad boy who got covered in tattoos and loves craft beer. A small town about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, and another victim of the steel industry shutdown, it's on its way to the top with new businesses coming in seemingly every year. My family and I frequent the town for their breweries, restaurants, and art and music culture, and I bring clients here more and more often. My husband grew up here, so I always have a pro tour guide in finding cool spots for photos.
Parking
Parking is ample, just know that some streets are one-way. There are 2 free lots that I use every time I go: a big lot next to the Peoples Library. There has since been a basketball court and playground built on the one half of it, so just drive slowly and watch for kids. The second is just up Barnes street, past Voodoo Brewery. Voodoo seems to be the backbone of this town and are always having events, so be sure to check their Facebook page before you go.
Taking photos
From either parking lot, you can walk Barnes Street and shoot in front of graffiti across from the library, and turn down alleys to see more murals. Look for "Art in the Alley" signs. The photos here were taken along Barnes Street and 5th Ave. You can really walk anywhere between 4th and 5th Ave, and Barnes St. for interesting backdrops.
What else to do
You're here, might as well eat! My favorites:
Beer, food & atmosphere: Voodoo Brewery 956 5th Ave.
Mexi-cali tacos: SoCal 700 5th Ave.
Coffee: Steel Cup Coffee Roasters 507 10th St.