"Iron City" a Pittsburgh Travel Page by Pounder73

Pittsburgh was traditionally a blue-collar working class town, known for factory steel mills. Although it is home to many prestigious universities, it had a hard time retaining businesses (like Lycos) and the younger educated crowd after the demise of the steel industry back in the early 70's. For years Allegheny County, where Pgh is located, was ranked #2 in oldest median age in the US. (The first place county residing in Florida – not sure if this still holds true)

Two things predominate in this town - The Stillers & Beer – blue collar hearts I tell you. Take a look in the general tips and sports pages.

Since my father sill lives in Tha Burgh, I’ve gone back just about every year, and have been impressed with the turn around in population. I’ve seen more of a, how can I say this?, younger attractive crowd? But it is true, the city has put some money into a better pub districts and has done things to attract the recently graduated. It is a refreshing thing to see.

Now that I set up a little of the good and the bad, I will give you the ugly. Tha Burgh has some quirks about it... I could have put this in the warnings and dangers, but I wanted to be up from with you.

1.One is the Picksburgese – "check em aht en tha custums paht."

2. The Burgh and surrounding areas is probably one of the last strongholds of THE MULLET. (If you find mullets as funny as I do, or want to really find out what mullets are about, visit www.mulletsgalore.com - this will give you some idea what you might expect if you go 30 miles outside of the city)

3. Road construction is the worst. 1 lane of 2 will be closed for 10 miles to fix one small pothole. No kiddies, I am not exaggerating…. Okay, maybe 5 miles.

4.the weather. Cold and damp in the winter, gets to your bones. And hot and VERY humid in summer. 95deg F and 95% humidity anyone?