Attractions

Kayak Pittsburgh Makes for Perfect River Exploration

One of our favorite on-the-water activities is kayaking. But when it comes to kayaking around the Point, we could never make the logistics work. When we were free, the river would be running too fast, or it would be abysmally hot. 

Then, Kayak Pittsburgh closed its rental location next to PNC Park to work on an upgraded dock near the convention center, which opened in the summer of 2025.

So we resolved to check this one as soon as it opened, and we are really glad we did- this kayaking launch site is a dream come true!

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Shore Thing is the Perfect Pittsburgh River Experience

If there is one thing we want more of in Pittsburgh, it would be more amenities on the rivers.

Yes, we have great bike trails and numerous boating opportunities to get out on the water, but it often feels like businesses (like restaurants) and public spaces to relax along the shores are lacking at times. With three rivers, we would love waterfront amenities everywhere you look.

So when Riverlife announced that they were bringing a new concept to the Allegheny River in 2025, called Shore Thing, we were in. Not only was this one set to be a space for everyone to get out and enjoy the views of the water for free, but they went one better- it is built on the water!

We went to this one on opening day and loved it so much that we returned the next day for more. It is just that good.

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Phipps Conservatory for the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show

The Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show, aptly themed “A Moment of Beauty” for 2025, brings these two beautiful plants (both favorites of ours) to the forefront of the Conservatory while highlighting how some of the flowers with special art, lighting, and more.

The theme here invites you to take a few extra moments in each room to really stop and appreciate selected flowers, and we really appreciate the notion as you really do see more when you stop and reflect.

As always with our show features, we wanted to share a few of our favorite rooms from this show and hope you'll make it out to visit for yourselves!

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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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Pittsburgh Pinball Dojo Offers All-You-Can-Play Fun

As budding pinball fans, we decided to start checking out places to play pinball in Pittsburgh. Over time, one spot came recommended to us again and again- the Pittsburgh Pinball Dojo in Bellevue.

This modest pinball hall features two rooms loaded with roughly 50 machines, all set to free play mode after your initial ticket fee, and, best of all, is BYOB and BYOB friendly!

So on one rainy Friday night we made our way over to the dojo to check out a free play night and we have to say, we can understand why this one is so popular.

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5 Great Mini Golf Courses Near Pittsburgh for a Competition

When it comes to playing mini golf in Pittsburgh, there is no shortage of options in the region. From the historic courses that have been around for years to modern designs with every bell and whistle and some that are just plain unique, we have just about everything here.

So check out a few of our favorite mini golf courses we've tried in southwest PA in this one!

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Puttshack Brings Novel Tech to the Mini Golf Experience

We are big fans of all things mini golf in Pittsburgh, and always get excited when more courses open in the city.

The Strip District is becoming a hub for modern mini golf, with two companies offering unique, themed experiences indoors right in the heart of the city.

Puttshack inside The Terminal building is one such golf company, and this one introduced some fun and smart technology into the mini golf experience to really make for a unique round. We were invited by Puttshack to check out their facility for their anniversary party, and we wanted to share more in this review!

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Allegheny Observatory Shares Pittsburgh’s Astronomy History

I have to admit, I'm rather crazy about astronomy. I took several courses in astronomy in college and love getting out to observatories and dark sky locations all over the world just to be able to have a clear look out into the cosmos.

While Pittsburgh's skies aren't the best for stargazing, we do have a rich history of all things astronomy. For those who are interested in the field, a visit to the Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park is a must to learn about notable local astronomers, their contributions to several scientific fields, see historic telescopes, and, if you're lucky, look through one on a clear summer or fall night!

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5 Famous Battlefield Sites Near Pittsburgh You Can Visit

Every battle that takes place has the capacity to change the history of the world as we know it. 

While Pittsburgh and southwest Pennsylvania has not experienced too many appreciable battles, the five major events that occurred have been some of the most consequential in early American history. 

From George Washington inadvertently kicking off the French and Indian War, to the British taking over the confluence from the French, and Pontiac's War shortly thereafter, the events that transpired between 1754 and 1763 had a profound impact on the region we know and love today.

So let's take a look at some of the major battlefield sites near Pittsburgh and share a bit more about their significance and what you can see when visiting today!

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