Nestled away in a highly populated area along the Ohio River, Pittsburgh, better known as “The Steel City,” is a truly special town in Pennsylvania and throughout the entire country. Besides its long-lasted ties to steel and the golden age of American industrialism, Pittsburgh remains a town with plenty to see and visit all year. This article highlights the charm of Pittsburgh and why it should be on your travel bucket list.
1. Unbelievable Natural Scenery
Point State Park: A Real Living Legend
Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park is significant because it joins three rivers, the Ohio, the Monongahela, and the Allegheny. To highlight the significance of these three rivers intersecting, Point State Park has an iconic fountain where the three rivers intersect.
Spanning over thirty acres, Point State Park is also home to some of the oldest forts in the nation, Fort Ritt and Fort Duquesne. These forts date back to the French and Indian War. Besides admiring up close the amazing dedication to preserving precious American history, Point State Park offers plenty of leisurely trails for hiking and even having a picnic.
The Duquesne Incline: A Trail to a Bygone Era
What better way to experience The Steel City than by actually riding one of its historic runways? When visiting, book a trip to the Duquesne railway. The Duquesne railways dates back to 1877, with the original purpose being transporting works and materials throughout Port Washington.
As you go up the incline, prepare to have your breath taken away from the incredible views of where the three rivers intersect. Also, as you move up the railway incline, you are treated to many of the historical buildings that the workers once used. At the end of the journey, you can enjoy plenty of delicious dishes at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
No trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without stopping at the Phipps Conservatory. Dating back to 1893, stunning and breathtaking doesn’t even come close to describing the natural beauty of the Phipps Conservatory. The centerpiece of the Phipps Conservatory is the amazing Victorian-style greenhouse architecture that houses the sensational botanical gardens.
Take a tour inside the greenhouse to find well over a dozen rooms that house all sorts of exotic plants and wildlife. Once you’re done admiring the sensational Victorian architecture and the amazing scenery, stroll through one of the many outdoor gardens to admire the edible rooftop gardens. If you like butterflies, the Phipps Conservatory has a special butterfly garden where you admire the different butterfly species.
2. A Rich Museum History
Carnegie Museum of Art: Timeless Elegance
Step into history and the oldest museum in the United States with the Carnegie Museum of Art. The name comes from the legendary Andrew Carnegie, and it was established in 1895. Always in style, the Carnegie Museum focuses on the latest in contemporary art. Besides the hottest art from locals, the Carnegie Museum of Art also houses sculptures and classic paintings going back centuries.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Step into the Past
Located on the same grounds as the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum first opened to the public in 1896. The centerpiece of its amazing collection of architectural exhibits is the dinosaur exhibit. Witness the “Dippy” exhibit up close, alongside built fossils of a T-Rex and Triceratops, as they were in their prehistoric habitats. Besides the amazing dinosaur exhibits, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History also supports putting on exhibitions of rare gems and minerals.
3. Authentic Pittsburgh Cuisine and Brews
Rare and Regional Cuisine
Hopefully, it goes without saying that Pittsburgh is known for its legendary toughness is also because of its regional cuisine. When visiting The Steel City, be sure to try pierogies, an Eastern European style of traditional Chinese dumplings. These delicious dumplings are stuffed with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut and various meats.
If you have some room left over, be sure to get a heavy helping of Pittsburgh Salad that is loaded with chicken, steak, vegetables, and plenty of fries. Polish sausage is a religion in Pittsburgh. The Haluski dish is available at several restaurants and local casinos. The typical Haluski dish features Polish kielbasa with plenty of cabbage and buttery noodles.
Craft Beer
Of course, in between all of those massive fish sandwiches and authentic hoagies, you’re going to need something to wash all that down. Pittsburgh has no shortage of local craft and artisan breweries. The East End Brewing Company is a Pittsburgh institution. Both locals and tourists find their way to The East End Brewing Company to gulp down the world-famous Big Hop American Ale and Black Strap Stout, especially as they cheer on their beloved Steelers, Penguins, and Piraters sports teams.
4. Arts and Crafts
Three Rivers Arts Festival: A True Bonding Experience
Believe it or not, Pittsburgh has an amazingly underrated arts and crafts scene. The highlight of the Three Rivers Arts Festival is that for ten days, the Pittsburgh communities come together to celebrate new and emerging art, with plenty of vendors and workshops.
Plan Your Adventure to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The fun part about visiting Pittsburgh is that it has all four seasons. If you don’t mind the brutal, bitter cold, you’ll have plenty of chances to ice skate on the rivers and the local ice rinks. The best time to visit Pittsburgh is during the spring and the beginning of fall. During this time, you can experience the best local crafts scene, including the Shadyside Arts Festival and Handmade Arcade, where you can interact and buy from hundreds of local vendors.
