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The Carnegie Museum was one of my favorite places to visit when growing up in the Pittsburgh area. In fact, it still is! If you only have time to visit one attraction in the city--see the Carnegie Museum. It has a world renown dinosaur collection which includes some of the most complete skeletons ever found. Be sure to look for the Tyrannosaurus Rex--a fierce fellow!
Here's some examples of what you might see: The Ice Age exhibit where you'll see both a Mastadon and Mammoth. A lifesize igloo the kids can walk through at Polar World including a collection of Eskimo artifacts. A funerary boat that is approximately 3,500 years old in the Egyptian exhibit--a rare find! Plus countless objects from this ancient culture and a royal mummy to fascinate and educate. The display is riveting and a little eerie!
Visit Bird Hall to see a specimen of the extinct dodo bird or stop by the Hall of African Wildlife for a glimpse of what many consider the best preserved animals in the world. A headdress purported to have been worn by Sitting Bull sits in The Hall of American Indians, along with hundreds of objects related to that culture.
The museum is opened Tues.-Sat. from 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 12 Noon-5 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Admission is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors; $6 for children age 3-18; free for children under 3. A wonderful museum store, filled with fun and unique gifts for children or adults is located on the entrance level.
UPDATE: Carnegie's new Dinosaur Hall is wonderful!! Stop by to see it.
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For lovers of American History (even before it was known as the US of A), the Fort PItt Museum is a quaint museum (unlike the grand Carengie Museum or modern Andy Warhol Museum) that is dedicated to Pittsburgh's involvement in the French and Indian War.
Fort Pitt Museum offers a wide variety of exhibits and dioramas that cover from the early French expeditions into this region, to the beginning of Pittsburgh’s industrial age.
The tour of the museum and Point State Park (another Must See Activity) only takes and hour or two, and on nice days, a picnic in the park can turn a visit into a half-day or all-day event.
Children 5 and under are admitted for free.
PLEASE NOTE: The museum is CLOSED until April 17, 2004. Call ahead to make sure it has reopened. Leave a Comment Address: Point State ParkPhone: (412)-281-9284Directions: Fort Pitt Museum is located inside Point State Park on Commonwealth Place in the city of Pittsburgh.Website: http://www.fortpittmuseum.com/
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Each time we visit Pittsburgh we try to see the Science Center. At Christmas time the center exhibits a huge model railroad display that has captured the hearts of children for decades! Growing up, it was a tradition of our family to visit this miniature train exhibit during the holidays--now it is housed in the Carnegie Science Center.
Many hands-on display areas are located throughout the building. See a wind tunnel in action, a star show in the planetarium, watch experiments being conducted or learn how sound travels, how earthquakes affect us or what fish are found in specific ocean habitats. We never get tired of wandering through the thought provoking displays. The USS Requin, a WWII submarine is open for exploration in good weather. Only the able-bodied are up to the task of navigating in this narrow, confined space.
The Omnimax theatre is always thrilling with its bigger than life presentations--a seat in this theatre requires an extra fee. Laser Fantasy Shows are given in the planetarium and are very popular with the whole family--they combine laser technology with super cool music for an additional fee. The Omnimax and Laser Show schedules go beyond regular hours.
Hours of operation are Sun.-Fri. 10 am-5 pm; Sat. 10 am-7 pm. The cost of general admission is $14 for adults; $10 for ages 3-12 and seniors. General admission and the Omnimax are $19 for adults; $15 for ages 3-12 and seniors. The Omnimax only is $8 for adults; $6 for children and seniors. The Laser Fantasy shows are $8 for adults, children and seniors.
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If you don't appreciate architecture, please move on to the next tip, as I would not want you to drive an hour or so out of Pittsburgh just to see another house in the woods.
But, for everyone else, if you make it to Pittsburgh, I highly recommend getting in a car and driving for about an hour to tour one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces - Fallingwater.
There really is no need for me to explain what to do there, but if you can't move around very well or are limited to a wheelchair, the tour could be a tough one, as there are several steep climbs (down and up) to get to the actual house. Going inside for a tour is only possible if you are walking.
I can not stress enough to MAKE RESERVATIONS before you go. Otherwise, you might get stuck looking at the house from the outside (not a bad view, but definitely not as nice as taking the tour). Leave a Comment Address: Mill Run, PennsylvaniaPhone: (724) 329-8501Directions: From Pittsurgh - Take Turnpike East (I-76) to Exit 91 (Donegal). Turn left on to Route 31. Go 2 miles to Route 381 South. Turn right on to 381 South and go 19 miles until you reach Fallingwater.Website: http://www.wpconline.org/fallingwater/
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When my husband and I lived in the Pittsburgh area, we loved going to Heinz Hall to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony. Attending a concert at Heinz Hall was something memorable--the superb performances, intricate embellishments, gold accents and ornate decor all helped create something magical!
A thumbnail sketch: Heinz Hall, as we know it today was completed in 1971. It had a prior life as a hotel in the mid-1800's and as an opulent movie house known as the Loew's Penn Theatre in the 1900's. Penn Theatre closed its doors in 1964 and remained vacant for five years.
The building had originally been very elaborate, so in three years time the 24 karat gold leaf detailing and crystal chandeliers were brought to life again. Marble touches along with rich velvet once again impressed all who entered the Hall. A five story rear wing added additional space to the stage, dressing rooms, music library and rehearsal room.
MORE MILESTONES:
A Garden Plaza with moving water sculpture came in 1982. Bars and Lounges were added to the first and second floors, along with dining and meeting rooms.
Public areas in the lower levels were refurbished in 1988 to be used as further dining and reception facilities.
In 1987, the 90th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Symphony was observed.
Heinz Hall's 20th anniversary was marked in 1991, as Pennsylvania was mourning the premature death of Senator John Heinz III in a plane crash. A celebration honoring the lives of Henry J. Heinz II and his son, Senator John Heinz III was held. The auditorium of Heinz Hall was named in the Senator's honor at that time.
A four month renovation was done in 1995 and many further improvements were made to the seats, heating and air conditioning, acoustics and other enhancements. Heinz Hall is considered a world-class concert hall seating 2,661. Address: 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Penna.Phone: 412-392-4900Directions: Located near the Gateway Center, PPG Place, CNG Tower, Fifth Avenue Place and Liberty Center and is in the cultural district.Website: www.pittsburghsymphony.org
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Pittsburgh is a city filled with activities in the summer and Mellon Square is the site of some of these. Concerts are held in this downtown park during the week, so people bring their lunches, relax a bit to the music or feed the pigeons. It's a nice break from desk work! The square is located in the center of the city.
I took this photo over Thanksgiving--it was a chilly day. Ordinarily in nice weather there will be many people enjoying the square. Apparently the pigeons had not had breakfast that day for when I entered the park to take the picture, they swarmed me--some trying to land on my head. I didn't spend any further time there, but ran for the car!
A brief historical portrait: Mellon Square was donated to the city of Pittsburgh by Richard K. and Paul Mellon. The square seems anchored by two buildings connected to the Mellon family--Three Mellon Bank Center (5th and William Penn Way) and the Alcoa Building ( 6th and William Penn). The intent was to add a green space to the downtown area--it was built in 1955. The architects were Mitchell and Ritchey; landscape design by Simonds and Simonds. Directions: At 5th and 6th streets
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We had a fun-filled time ice skating at the PPG rink last Christmas! This diamond-shaped 9,600 square foot rink is located in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh. A brilliantly lit 60 foot high Christmas tree sits majestically in the center of the rink, greeting skaters as they fly by. It was a brisk, snowy day when we put on skates to whirl around the rink last year. The atmosphere felt charged with excitement and imbued with a spirit of Christmas! The tree in the photo is this year's beauty!
Hours of operation are seasonal. The rink opens daily from 11 am-9pm Mon.-Thurs.; 11 am-10:30 pm Fri.-Sat.; 12 Noon -8 pm Sunday. Christmas Day hours at 2 pm-8 pm. The cost is $5.00 for adults; $4.00 for children and seniors--skate rental is $3.00. The rink is open through early March. Address: 7th Street and Fifth AvenuePhone: 412-394-3641Directions: Downtown Pittsburgh
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PNC Park, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, opened in the Spring of 2001 along the shore of the Allegheny River. It boasts an outdoor river terrace, a river walk , an outfield barbeque and an Outback steakhouse restaurant with party deck overlooking the field and downtown Pittsburgh. There are other eateries at the stadium, too.
FYI: The stadium was designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum from Kansas City, Missouri. It was designed for intimate viewing, more like nostalgic Forbes or Wrigley Fields and is natural grass. There are 60 suites with private concourse and club seating with lounges on two levels. The highest seat is just 88 feet from the field, so it lends an old-time atmosphere to the viewing--it seats just over 38,000.
We had a great time at our last Pirates game. A client of my husband's gave us box seat tickets, so we watched the game in high style. Conveniently located inside were booths selling snacks and beverages, souvenir shirts, programs and anything PIRATES related--typical souvenir items. There was also a nicely appointed bar with a pool table--no charge to play. If I could sit in the same seats, I'd go with my husband to see the Pirates anytime--who wouldn't?
Tours of the stadium are given mid-April to mid-October. Call 423-325-4700 to reserve--there is a charge for the tour. Address: 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.Phone: 412-323-5000Directions: Along the riverfrontWebsite: www.pirateball.com
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When we were children our parents would take us to see Phipps Conservatory at Easter time when the tulips, daffodils, jonquils, hyacinths, lilies and other Spring flowers were in bloom. The scent was heavy in the air as we wound through the greenhouses viewing the floral displays.
As our children aged, we brought them to the Conservatory,too. Years later, we were pushing our grandson's stroller through the labyrinth of twining vines, Japanese gardens and Rose Courtyard. We think of Phipps Conservatory as a jewel in the city of Pittsburgh!
Our favorite time to visit was Spring, but the Christmas display was absolutely gorgeous, as well. A recent visit kick started our holiday spirit! SEE MY TRAVELOGUE for a colorful preview of the latest exhibit.
There are thirteen garden rooms in this Victorian greenhouse, tropical indoor displays, exhibits, seasonal floral shows and butterflies. A horticultural program assists those who wish to learn more about "things that grow".
Update: (Fall,2007) While we were waiting for our tour of the Chihuly exhibit to begin, we enjoyed a chicken quesadilla in the snack area--it was tasty. Wine and desserts were also available for purchase. (picture 3).
Note: Special exhibits will be more expensive. Phipps is open daily from 9:30 am-5 pm; until 9 pm on Fridays. Admission is $9.50 for adults; $6.50 for seniors; $5.50 for students with ID's; $4.50 for children 2-12; and free for those children under 2. Address: 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Penna.Phone: 412-622-6915Directions: In the Oakland area of Pittsburgh
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The Good Ship Lollypop has been in service since 1959. As a child I cruised on it with my family, traveled up the river on it with our own children and carried on the tradition by bringing our grandchildren to The Good Ship Lollypop in recent years.
The "Lollypop" offers themed cruises throughout the year, $12 for adults and $7 per child. An example of the holiday theme is the Santa Cruise where Jingle Bear, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and River Rover accompany the families on the ride.
Here's a bit more information: Five boats comprise the Gateway Clipper Fleet: the Majestic (1000 passengers); the Party Liner (600 passengers); the River Belle (400 passengers), the Keystone Belle (400 passengers) and The Good Ship Lollypop (150 passengers) which sail the three rivers of Pittsburgh--the Allegheny, the Ohio and the Monongahela.
The idea of a river excursion was conceived by John Connelly, who thought that this was needed to show off the revitilization of Pittsburgh and its rivers. The Gateway Clipper Fleet has become a celebrated tradition in the city. Address: 9 Station Square Dock, Pittsburgh, Pa.Phone: 412-355-7987Directions: Located on the Southern bank of the Monongahela River at Station Square--Downtown PittsburghWebsite: www.gatewayclipper.com
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5311 Campbells Run Road (formerly Country Inn), Pittsburgh, PA - Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree
101 Radisson Drive, Pittsburgh, PA - Shadyside Inn
5405 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - Omni William Penn Hotel
530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA - Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh Intl Airport
1111 Airport Boulevard PO Box 12420, Pittsburgh, PA - SUPER 8 MOTEL - PITTSBURGH/MONROEVILLE
1807 Route 286, Pittsburgh, PA - Mainstay Suites Pittsburgh
1000 Park Lane Drive, Pittsburgh, PA - SUPER 8 MOTEL - PITTSBURGH/HARMARVILLE
8 Landings Drive, PA Turnpike Exit 48 Harmarville, Pittsburgh, PA - Crowne Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh South
164 Fort Couch Rd. (formerly Holiday Inn Select), Pittsburgh, PA - Holiday Inn Express And Suites South Side
20 South Tenth Street, Pittsburgh, PA - Residence Inn Pittsburgh Oakland
3896 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA - Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh City Center
One Bigelow Square (formerly Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Center - Pittsburgh), Pittsburgh, PA - Hampton Inn Pittsburgh-University Center
3315 Hamlet St., Pittsburgh, PA - Amerisuites Pittsburg/Cranberry Hotel
136 Emeryville Drive (Formerly "AmeriSuites"), Pittsburgh, PA - Comfort Suites Coraopolis
750 Aten Rd., Pittsburgh, PA
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on November 29, 2007
on February 27, 2004
