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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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 Carnegie Science Center by VeronicaG
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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 Heinz Hall by VeronicaG
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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 Mellon Square by VeronicaG
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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 Phipps Conservatory &
Botanical Gardens by VeronicaG, 2 more photos
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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 Aboard the Lollypop by VeronicaG
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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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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 PPG Ice Rink by VeronicaG
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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 The Carnegie Library by VeronicaG
The main library was built in 1895 and has since grown to include libraries in eighteen different locations throughout the city. The Carnegie Main Library offers many different services and has a Pennsylvania Department containing the history of this area.
For avid readers there is a monthly book discussion group. A film lounge is part of the 'New' and 'Featured' section of this institution.
Hours are Mon.-Thurs. 10 am-8 pm; Fri.-Sat. 10 am-5:30 pm and Sun. 1 pm-5 pm. Address: 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Penna.Phone: 412-622-3114Website: www.clpgh.org
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 The oldest structure west of
the Appalchians. by MaosRedArmy
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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- Residence Inn Pittsburgh Oakland
3896 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA - Mainstay Suites Pittsburgh
1000 Park Lane Drive, Pittsburgh, PA - Holiday Inn Express Harmarville
10 Landings Drive, Pittsburgh, PA - Quality Suites Pittsburgh
700 Mansfield Ave. (formerly Greentree Suites), Pittsburgh, PA - Econo Lodge Pittsburgh
4800 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA - Wyndham Garden Hotel University Place
3454 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - Marriott Pittsburgh City Center
112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA - Crowne Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh South
164 Fort Couch Rd. (formerly Holiday Inn Select), Pittsburgh, PA - Holiday Inn North Hills
4859 McKnight Road Route 19A, Pittsburgh, PA - Candlewood Suites Pittsburgh Airport
100 Chauvet Drive, Pittsburgh, PA - Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree
101 Radisson Drive, Pittsburgh, PA - Days Inn Pittsburgh Harmarville
6 Landings Drive Route 28 & Pennsylvania Turnpike, Pittsburgh, PA - University Club
123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA - Red Roof Inn Pittsburgh South Airport
6404 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA - Holiday Inn Parkway East
915 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, PA
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