Year: 2024

The Oaklander Hotel Review – True Luxury in Oakland

We are lucky to have many hotel options available in Pittsburgh, with several neighborhoods offering great accommodations for visitors.

Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, home to college campuses like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon, is one such neighborhood. For those looking for a high-end experience with luxury at every corner, a stay at The Oaklander is a must as it offers lovely amenities all while being steps away from the highlights of the neighborhood that gives the hotel its name.

We got the chance to stay at this one overnight as guests of the hotel and had what may go down as arguably one of the best experiences we have had at any Pittsburgh hotel to date!

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Arepittas Review – Delicious Venezuelan Arepas Downtown

Arepittas on Cherry Way in downtown Pittsburgh is one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of spots.

Part of this is because it is on a less frequented stretch of downtown Pittsburgh outright, but the main reason is that it is tucked on the first level of a large parking garage. So much so that it feels almost like it is inside the garage properly. 

So when we drove down this road and saw the small Venezuelan street food restaurant, we had to do a double take. But after hearing many glowing reviews from others who have visited before us, we knew we had to get in right away.

To put it bluntly- Arepittas may be the best cheap eats in downtown Pittsburgh.

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La Bodega Taqueria Review – A Surprising Find in South Side

La Bodega Taqueria is one of those places that we absolutely love to discover in Pittsburgh.

We did not know this one had opened up right on the heart of East Carson Street in South Side, and only stumbled upon it while driving to meet friends for drinks at Acacia a few blocks away.

In the brief seconds it took us to drive by, we knew where we had to end up for dinner after, and a short while later we made our way down the block for some delicious, delicious Mexican food.

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The Pittsburgh Glass Center is a Hub for All Things Glass

The Pittsburgh Glass Center has been a hub for all things glass art and glassmaking in Friendship for several decades now, and in 2024 the facility recently upgraded its facilities in a beautiful expansion.

While you may be familiar with this one for its numerous glassmaking classes on offer, this one has come together to be a facility that is three spaces in one. One part museum, one part artist space, and, of course, one part for glass classes for the public!

So be sure to plan an afternoon visiting this one to check out their museum-caliber exhibits, tour the facility, and take a class!

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Wild Illuminations Brings Holiday Lanterns to the Pittsburgh Zoo

In recent years, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium was known for hosting the Asian Lantern Festival for a night-time walkthrough amongst beautiful, massive lanterns.

In 2024, this changed as the zoo did not bring the show back for another year. Instead, the zoo announced a new show for the holidays, known as Wild Illuminations, that would be a similar experience to the lantern fest- with a holiday twist.

Naturally, as fans of the Asian Lantern Festival we had to visit this one on opening weekend to see what it is like!

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Solera Wine Co Offers Wine and More in a Welcoming Space

We are always of the mindset that Pittsburgh needs more wine bars and bottle shops, and, thankfully, our wine scene is improving with each passing year.

In 2024, Lawrenceville's wine scene got a new addition- Solera Wine Co.

Not only is this one a wine bar offering an array of wines by the glass, but it also offers an on-site bottle shop, small bites, and a modest cocktail program, too!

Go for a glass, leave with a bottle? We're okay with this.

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Golden Gai Review – Premium Japanese Dining in Bakery Square

Golden Gai brings an izakaya-type dining experience to Bakery Square, complete with sushi, hot dishes, craft cocktails, and an extensive sake menu. As a sister restaurant to downtown's high-end sushi spot Gi-Jin, Golden Gai brings a slightly more relaxed vibe while still delivering the same great flavors.

We dined during opening week and were especially excited about the delicious noodles and grilled dishes that reminded us of our time in Japan just a few days prior.

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Beercode Review – Gastropub With Local Beer at PIT

We've often wanted more local options at Pittsburgh International Airport, and whenever a business with a local connection gets announced, we visit it as soon as we can the next time we're at the airport.

Beercode was no different, and this gastropub took over the former Bar Symon space right in the heart of the airside terminal.

True to the name, this one is focused on all things beer and has a rather impressive lineup of local brewers alongside some national favorites.

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West Overton Village Dives into Whiskey Distilling History

As you likely know, southwest Pennsylvania has a rich heritage in the whiskey industry, with the production of the acclaimed Monongahela Rye, the Whiskey Rebellion taking place nearby, and more.

This history can be seen all over the region, and perhaps one place that shows it off the best is none other than West Overton Village in Scottdale- just a few minutes off the turnpike in the Laurel Highlands.

This museum does an excellent job at showcasing village life in the 1800s, highlighting the growing whiskey trade around the Old Overholt brand, and even has a connection to the steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, too!

So head down to the Laurel Highlands during their seasonal operating hours to check out this gem of a museum.

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