07 - Lillian Rafson // Dancing Gnome and Pear and the Pickle // New Years Eve

In this episode of The Slaw: Staying on top of Pittsburgh, we talk to Lillian Rafson, who is the founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, a surprise travel agency. We also share the details on the collaboration between Dancing Gnome and Pear and the Pickle for burger night. Our events section takes a look at some of the New Years’ Eve options in Pittsburgh. 

We chat with Lillian Rafson about traveling, starting a business and how to be a tourist in Pittsburgh. Rafson is the founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, a surprise travel agency. Pack Up + Go is located in Pittsburgh and books travel all over the United States. Pack Up + Go plans three-day trips where the destination is a surprise.

Lillian started Pack Up + Go after learning about a similar company while traveling in Europe. Pack Up + Go was founded in 2016 and now has 10 employees here in Pittsburgh. 

Lillian was selected to participate in the 2019 Tory Burch fellowship program.

On starting a business in Pittsburgh rather than NYC or west coast? 

Pittsburgh is affordable

Learn more about Pack Up + Go 

• Pack Up + Go Website
• Facebook
• Twitter @packupgo_travel
• Instagram @packupgo_travel

Other travel companies based in Pittsburgh

• Travel Wits
• Go Jane Go

Packing tips

• Less is more

“the less you pack the more time you have to enjoy your vacation.” 

Pittsburgh pick: Una Biologicals

Lillian uses skincare products from Una Biologicals in Lawrenceville

Lillian’s recommendations for a Pittsburgh day trip

• Pear and the Pickle for a breakfast sandwich
• Tory Hill Art Houses
• Mattress Factory
• Randyland
• Warhol Museum
• Strip District
• Tina’s
• Hidden Harbor

Looking to take a food tour of Pittsburgh? 

Check out ‘Burgh Bits and Bites, which offers food tours in different neighborhoods around Pittsburgh. 

A very Pittsburgh Collaboration: Burger Night @ Pear and the Pickle with Dancing Gnome Brewery

If you have been to Pear and the Pickle, you know that it is famous for breakfast sandwiches. Pear and the Pickle occasionally stays open for a burger night dinner. The next burger night is on December 19 and Dancing Gnome will be bringing the beer. 

Pear and the Pickle Burger Night with Dancing Gnome

• Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2019
• Time: 6-8 pm
• Location: Pear and the Pickle, 1800 Rialto St. in Troy Hill

Follow Pear and the Pickle on Instagram @pearandpickle for updates. 

Events: New Years’ Eve in Pittsburgh

Looking for a way to ring in the new year? We’ve put together a list of all the New Years’ Eve and noon-years’ eve parties around town.