World Class Hugs

By Rachel Puryear

Recently, I visited the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with my husband, while he attended a web developers’ event there (his profession). We were there about a week, largely in the downtown area.

It’s a neat city with a friendly vibe, a diverse population, and plenty to do. It’s situated on three rivers, and is Appalachia’s largest city. The downtown area is highly walkable, with lots of public transit available.

Here are some highlights to check out from this city:

Point State Park

This park nicely showcases the city’s surrounding rivers, with plenty of walks by the water. There are easy, flat, wide paths throughout the park, and with all the good views.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

This is also a walk along the waterfront, with fewer people around than at Point State Park. There’s a ramp leading down to the walkway, which is also flat and spacious.

August Wilson African-American Cultural Center

The African-American cultural center in downtown is currently featuring exhibits based upon the celebrated plays of playwright August Wilson, called the “theater’s poet of Black America”. Free guided tours are available, with donations appreciated.

Mount Washington and Duquesne Incline

Do you like to go up to where you can get a view of the whole city? You can get a great view of everything from up here. I always enjoy the perspective shift that comes from “zoomed out” views like this.

Note: Duquesne is pronounced “due-CANE”.

Cathedral of Learning at University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museums

If you love grand old buildings, this one is for you. Though it’s only a century old, it has a look and feel like it’s from the middle ages. It’s a peaceful place to read and study, or to view its nationality rooms (check hours).

Locals nickname this place “Cathy”. 🙂

You can also visit the nearby Carnegie museums of natural history and art – allow several hours for each.

Mexican War Streets Neighborhood Museums and Art

This is a great neighborhood – it’s quiet, funky, and seems to attract a lot of artists – that’s always a good thing!

Here are a few local gems:

Randyland

Randy is a local artist who’s made a public art exhibit out of his own home and yard. It’s colorful, original, and invites a nostalgia that’s not about clinging to the past, but instead showcasing free use of bright, vibrant colors in a way that’s uncommon now.

Entry is free, but donations are of course appreciated. The entry and most of the display areas are flat.

Bicycle Heaven

If you’re a bike aficionado, you might think you’ve died and gone to heaven here – even if you’re more limited in your experience with bikes, it’s still a pretty cool place to visit. Bikes of all colors, shapes and sizes, and going back decades and even centuries are on display, with an array of dazzling accessories decorating and covering wall spaces everywhere.

Entry is free, but donations are of course appreciated. Some aisles are narrow, and part of the museum is up a flight of stairs.

Mattress Factory

We tried to stop at the Mattress Factory, but they were closed due to an event. However, it’s reputed to be an art museum well worth seeing – hopefully we’ll catch it another time. But stop by if you’re in the area.

Places to Eat

If you’re downtown and you’re hungry after seeing so many places, check out one of these spots:

Ritual House for Brunch and More

Plenty of delicious brunch choices – whether you want lemon meringue or red velvet pancakes (and more choices), candied bacon or smoked salmon, or omelets and waffles and other favorites galore.

Primanti Brothers for Trucker Sandwiches

The downtown location is in Market Square. The restaurant got started selling trucker-friendly sandwiches with the fries on them, so they could be easily held and eaten with just one hand while driving. Try one of their huge, deliciously stuffed sandwiches. As an appetizer, the fried pickles are also delicious!

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Check out my other blog, too – Free Range Life, at https://freerangelife.net. It’s about road trips to parks and other cool places to see, how wealth is built – and why unequal opportunities persist, remote/passive income streams, and van/RV life generally.

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