The estate at Hartwood Acres is often called the crown jewel of the public parks in Allegheny County. Featuring numerous hiking trails, a gorgeous mansion open for touring, and other unique features, this destination is one that truly lives up to its reputation and is a perfect half or full-day out for visitors from Pittsburgh.
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Hidden Harbor Review – A Tropical Paradise in Squirrel Hill
When it comes to neighborhoods to drink at in Pittsburgh, odds are good your first thought is not Squirrel Hill. This popular neighborhood for college students, Jewish delis, and Asian restaurants has a few bars, but is not as bustling in nightlife as other neighborhoods nearby.
This is now changing, and the tiki lounge Hidden Harbor is one of several new additions to the neighborhood worth checking out when you are in the mood for a drink!
Embracing the Arts at Downtown Pittsburgh’s Gallery Crawl
If the only things that come to mind when you think of the Pittsburgh art scene are the Carnegie Museum of Art or the Andy Warhol Museum, let me tell you: you’re missing out.
Dozens of museums and galleries of all different sizes and themes are scattered around the city, with the Cultural District downtown having one of the highest concentrations of these galleries.
In fact, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust sponsors Gallery Crawls downtown four times a year, typically on Friday nights. During these crawls, all of the galleries are free and open to the public.
There’s also generally live music, free performances, venues where you can make your own art projects, and even a night market complete with tons of local food and crafts vendors.
We checked out the recent gallery crawl in March 2016 that coincided with the 200th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s incorporation as a city. What we appreciated the most was the opportunity to explore cool little corners of downtown that we had never been to before- all for free!
North Side Neighborhood Guide – Attractions and Dining
For many, the North Side is viewed as the home to the Pirates, Steelers, and numerous museums along the rivers.
While it is true that many of the city’s top attractions are found along the shore of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers on the North Side, this corner of Pittsburgh is home to many hidden gems that are a must for anyone exploring the city. To highlight these destinations, as well as their more famous counterparts, this neighborhood guide was born!
It is worth noting that the following is not a collection of every business in the North Side. This article only features businesses that we personally visit when we explore the neighborhood. As such, it should only be taken as a starting point and is certainly not a list of every establishment. If you see an interesting business while exploring the North Side, do yourself a favor and go inside!
Riverview Park Pittsburgh – Serenity and Music in Observatory Hill
Riverview Park is perhaps our favorite city park in Pittsburgh.
With miles and miles of densely wooded trails, Allegheny Observatory, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an off-leash dog park, this lesser-known Pittsburgh gem is a true urban oasis.
Highland Park – Exploring the Gardens and Reservoir Path
Highland Park, located in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of the same name, is a bit different than the rest of the city’s urban parks.
Although you probably won’t achieve that “lost in nature” feeling like you will in the other city parks, this one has some unique features that are well worth a visit.
The beautifully landscaped entry garden, the walking track around one of the city’s water reservoirs, playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool, and volleyball courts are just some of the highlights of this urban park.
Frick Park – An Enduring Legacy in Pittsburgh’s East End
Frick Park is the youngest and largest of Pittsburgh’s four city parks, opened in 1927 and coming in at 644 acres.
Miles upon miles of hilly, wooded trails snake through the park, making it a perfect escape from the city time and time again. There are also basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, and even an off-leash dog area.
Mount Washington Neighborhood Guide – Attractions and Dining
Mount Washington holds a special place in the hearts of many Pittsburghers as it is home to what is often considered to be the billion dollar view of the city. For us, we have many fond memories of Mount Washington as it was also the neighborhood we called home for many years.
Although we may not live there anymore, we find ourselves visiting this neighborhood quite often to take in its many parks, good selection of restaurants, and to photograph the iconic viewpoint. To share all of the wonderful things to experience on Mount Washington, including the viewpoints and beyond, this neighborhood guide was born!
It is worth noting that the following is not a collection of every business on Mount Washington. This article only features businesses that we personally visit when we explore the neighborhood. As such, it should only be taken as a starting point and is certainly not a list of every establishment.
If you see an interesting store while walking around Mount Washington, do yourself a favor and go inside!
The Roberto Clemente Museum – More Than Baseball
Although you might not expect it, the Roberto Clemente Museum in Lawrenceville is about much more than the Pirates’ baseball legend; this museum has something for everyone.
Even if you don’t necessarily love baseball or know much about Clemente, you’re bound to find something here that appeals to you. Whether it’s the beautiful old firehouse in which the museum is housed, the amazing photography on display, or even the classy wine bar, this museum is sure to keep you surprised and interested.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History – Full of World Wonders
When it comes to learning about the history of the natural world around us, there is certainly a lot to take in.
For those who are interested in the animal kingdom especially, Pittsburgh has no better place to visit than the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Oakland- home to a wonderful selection of exhibits featuring dinosaurs all the way to modern day animals, and everything in between.
Toss in a few more unique exhibits from the natural world, and you have the makings of an incredible day out in the city.