Some restrictions lifted across Western Pennsylvania on Friday, and people wasted little time getting back to life a little closer to normal — but still coronavirus-style.

Patricia Slifkey said she felt free as she browsed rows of antiques and knickknacks at Miller’s Crossing Fleatique in Irwin.

“It’s good to get out and about and enjoy the sunshine and talk to people,” said Slifkey, 84, of Harrison City. “I love people. I’m just happy to be out.”

Friday was the first day retail stores were permitted to open as 13 counties, including Allegheny and Westmoreland, moved from the most restrictive orders put in place to help curb the spread of the coronavirus to lessened stipulations.

The yellow phase allows retailers to open, along with child care centers and liquor stores. Social gatherings also are able to increase from 10 people to 25. Restaurants must continue offering takeout and curbside delivery options only.

In Springdale, employees at Glen’s Custard turned on the waterfall for cousins Alexis Reedy of Harrison and Brittany McDade of Lower Burrell as they started their miniature golf game on the course behind the custard stand.

“It was nice out,” McDade said. Her cousin “read on Facebook that this was open today. We figured we would get out and do something.”

Neither said they had any concerns about being out. Reedy works at Community Market in Harrison, McDade at Platinum Ridge Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Brackenridge.

“We’re both essential workers, so we know what to do,” Reedy said.

While bustling Irwin streets appeared normal with parking mostly full, signs promoting social distancing and face masks, along with plexiglass barriers at checkout counters, still hinted at the looming threat of the virus.

Kristin Miller, who owns Miller’s Crossing Fleatique in Irwin and Mt. Washington with her husband Jim, said shoppers are not allowed in the store without wearing a face mask. Still, she said they were ready to reopen after being closed since March when Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close.

“It’s been wonderful,” Miller said of reopening. “It wasn’t too crazy, but we had a lot of our regulars come back, a lot of vendors come back to restock their booths, which is awesome. We’ve had a steady amount of people, but not too packed. We were worried about it getting to be too crowded, but we’re doing really well.”

Stores up and down Main Street in Irwin took different precautions. The Line Boutique, located near Fourth Street, had guidelines posted on a sign outside the entrance stating only four masked adults could be in the store at one time, guests should wait outside until they are welcomed in, no public restrooms and more.

Victoria Piekut, who owns Wight Elephant Boutique in Greensburg and Irwin with her family, was thrilled to see shoppers looking around after weeks of being closed. Chalk messages on the sidewalk in Greensburg welcomed business owners and shoppers back as people visited several stores on a breezy afternoon.

“It’s been really great, and we’re really happy and excited that everybody wanted to come out,” Piekut said.

Parking on South Pennsylvania Avenue in Greensburg was once again at a premium Friday as shoppers left their homes.

Heather Cain of Monroeville said shopping at Wight Elephant brought her a sense of normalcy even though she wore a mask while doing it.

“I’m going to a few other places today but this was my first stop,” she said.

Now Cain is itching for the day when she can socialize with friends for dinner and drinks.

“That’s something I’m really looking forward to,” she said.

Marianne Houck, 62, of North Huntingdon and Margie Ramsey, 52, of North Versailles were one step ahead of Cain. It was the first day the duo reunited after adhering to social-distancing guidelines, causing them to only chat on the phone since March.

Houck and Ramsey were shopping in Irwin after enjoying a lunch at the Cheesecake Caffe. Both wore masks.

“I just think the economy, we need it,” Ramsey said about stores reopening. “I don’t love wearing a mask, but I’ll wear one if it means that all the small businesses can open up.”

Ramsey noted she has not been worried throughout the pandemic. Houck agreed, saying, “There is a threat, but I think if everyone’s careful, I think it’s manageable.”

Similar scenes were happening in Ligonier. Vickie Lipinski left her Indiana County home Friday morning with one destination in mind — an antiques shop.

She eyed up a large silver plate tray in the front window of On the Diamond Antiques and decided she wanted it. Owner Jeff Poole was more than happy to welcome his first paying customer since reopening Friday.

“This is the only place I’m going, because Jeff has such unique things,” she said. “This is my love, my passion.”

Lipinski said she was content staying at home on her White Township farm, but now she feels a bit more freedom.

“It’s nice to be able to get out, to have that choice,” she said.

She wore a mask and latex gloves and browsed antiques while others walked around The Diamond, peering into storefronts on a warm spring morning. Lipinski and Poole chatted in the entryway about pieces he has found and items she’s looking for.

Poole said he threw open the door 90 minutes early because he couldn’t wait any longer. The excitement and nerves kept him up through the night.

“As happy as I am for things to go back, I’m concerned for the people who won’t obey the rules,” he said.

Southwestern Pennsylvania was in the second wave of counties to lift restrictions. The first were 24 counties in the northwestern region of the state. Twelve other counties will begin reopening next Friday, Wolf announced, including Beaver.

It is not clear when counties will be permitted to move into the green phase, the final phase of reopening.

Brian Rittmeyer contributed to this report.

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