Attractions

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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Escape USS Requin – Escape Room on a Submarine

When we heard that our resident submarine, the USS Requin at the Science Center, was getting an escape room, we knew we had to check this out immediately. Although we’re not that big on escape rooms overall, we’re all about the unique concept of one on a submarine and tried to get a booking right away.

The emphasis should be on tried because this one’s limited operating hours meant that the initial tours sold out quickly- within minutes of posting for the first few dates.

It wasn’t until the second season of Escape USS Requin that an appreciable number of timeslots were added, and we booked one right away to go with friends. As far as escape rooms are concerned, this one was a real treat!

Note: Photography is prohibited on board the USS Requin during the Escape Room experience. All on-board photos here are from a visit during the conventional tour outside of escape room season. Do not expect hints to escape room games in photos here, because there are none.

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Fun Fore All Holiday Lights – Mini Golf With a Holiday Twist

You may know about the family-friendly entertainment complex, Fun Fore All, in Cranberry.

This staple north of the city is home to a large assortment of fun activities be it mini golf, arcade games, bumper cars, rides for kids, and so much more.

But did you know that Fun Fore All gets into the holiday spirit by decorating the mini golf course with holiday lights? This one certainly makes for a different kind of winter experience if you can visit on a night with good weather!

We were invited by Fun Fore All to check out the Holiday Lights mini golf and have to admit we had a lot of fun here!

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Puttery Combines Indoor Mini Golf with Libations in the Strip

We are big fans of all things mini golf, and when the indoor-themed mini golf course, Puttery, opened in the Strip District in 2023, we knew we had to go right away.

Themed mini golf courses seem to be a hot commodity as they combine uniquely designed courses with a restaurant and bar space to make for a place to spend an entire evening hanging out with friends. 

Whether you want a drink and a meal before your course, a drink while playing, or a bit of everything, this 21+ establishment offers a ton of fun. That being said, this one comes at a price to match!

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Pins Mechanical Co. Brings the Fun and Drinks in South Side

We always wondered what would go into the old movie theater space in South Side Works, and we have to admit an entertainment complex was not the first thing on our radar.

But when Columbus-based Pins Mechanical Co. announced they were opening a two-floor, 30,000-square-foot bar and gaming facility, complete with duckpin bowling, pinball, vintage arcade games, and more, we were intrigued.

We were fortunate enough to check this one out shortly after opening for a media event, and have to admit this one packs a punch (and then some)!

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Castle Blood is a Haunted House Experience With a Twist

There is no shortage of great haunted houses in Pittsburgh. 

But, in a way, many haunts follow a fairly standard blueprint. That is to say, you enter a themed area, walk through a linear path, and get scared at each and every turn.

For those who are looking for something just a bit different (or simply a solid haunt south of the city), Castle Blood, located in a 100-year-old funeral home in Monessen, entertains by being as much of a game as it is a place to be scared silly. To put it bluntly, you’ll have to keep your wits about you to survive this one!

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Bracket Night Brings Tournament Style Improv Downtown

If you are a fan of stand-up comedy, odds are good you’ve taken in a show at Arcade Comedy Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. This one features an array of performances ranging from live standup to themed shows run improv style and more.

We were invited to check out one of these shows, aptly named Bracket Night, and got to throw down with other guests in an interactive, tournament-style battle focused on a single topic. As we visited for a pre-Halloween show, the theme was a timely one, Best Candy, and as they say, there can only be one winner!

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