The John Heinz History Center and other Pittsburgh, PA Things to Do Tips

by VeronicaG , 2 more photos

If you travel to Pittsburgh and only have a limited time to see this friendly city, try to see the John Heinz History Center. We've visited many times, the most recent was just a few weeks ago when we brought our 13 yr. old grandson to see the Lincoln exhibition.

"Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War and Lincoln Slept Here" was impressive. We were surprised to hear that Honest Abe stayed for a time in Pittsburgh--part of the exhibit chronicles his visit.

Pittsburgh opens its 250 years of history to each visitor in an imaginative way! This museum is an 'affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution' and is the largest history museum in the state. Six floors await your exploration, 275,000 sq. ft. of interesting displays, documents, mini-films, oral histories--any kid would find it fun. A favorite is the old trolley car which once plied the streets of the city and inside you'll watch a brief history of Pittsburgh.

Especially attractive to sports enthusiasts are the six trophies on display at the Sports Center. Here you'll see and read about poignant moments in sports history and learn about the people who made it happen. Remember, Pittsburgh is a town of CHAMPIONS!

One of the most important archaeological sites pertaining to native people has been discovered outside of Pittsburgh--Meadowcroft. A authentic Upper Ohio Valley village from the mid-19th century has been created. Also, a new site has been opened that shows occupation since the 1700's. But the creme de la creme is a rock shelter, which shielded ancient people from the elements for over 16,000 years. Volunteers can even sign up to help uncover more info. on these early people.

History Center hours are daily from 10am-5pm. A wonderful gift shop is on the premises. Meadowcroft hours are from Wed.-Sat. noon to 5pm and Sun. 1pm-5pm.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 412-454-6000
Address: 1212 Smallman St., Pgh.,Pa
Website: www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Pittsburgh?

Read reviews about Pittsburgh Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

Things To Do: The Gallery Crawl

Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet]

Written by VeronicaG

on Aug 13, 2009

by VeronicaG

On a recent trip to Pittsburgh, we learned about an event in the Cultural District known as the Gallery Crawl.

The Gallery Crawl was held on a Friday evening from 5:30pm-9:00pm in Pittsburgh's Cultural District, spreading out among 25 different sites. Some of the locations were galleries, but others were lobbies of office buildings, a theatre, a non-profit organization....a plethora of places. The art was extremely modern and one could even say, futuristic.

We loved the idea, although we tend to lean towards the more traditional form of art. This event was well attended, testifying from the lack of parking spaces and crowded sidewalks. We drove around and around for quite some time before finding a spot. Many lots had signs out saying, "leases only" or "reservations only" or just "Sorry, we're filled!" Perhaps because this event was free and it was a lovely evening.

Downtown came alive that night and I'm sure the restaurants and bars were happy to see that! My experience is that Pittsburgh is pretty empty in the evenings, but perhaps that is changing. A 'summer rooftop party' followed after the crawl with tickets running from $35 to $100 pp.

Leave a Comment

Address: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Directions: Primarily along Penn Avenue
Website: www.pgharts.org

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Southside--It's the Place to Go!

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Jan 7, 2009

by VeronicaG , 4 more photos

Whenever we spend more than a long weekend in Pittsburgh, I try to visit Southside--it's one of Pittsburgh's trendiest neighborhoods.

Southside's history begins around the mid 1700's when 2400 acres of land was given to John Ormsby for his service in the French and Indian War by no other than King George III of England. Ormsby divied the land up into four boroughs--South Pittsburgh, Birmingham*, East Birmingham and Ormsby...all annexed by the city of Pittsburgh in 1872.

pic #2 A colorful mural
pic #3 Southside Works shopping district
pic #4 An architectural mix along its East Carson Street
pic #5 New residential area

While I generally prefer the interesting little shops on the main street, Southside Works offers such stalwarts as Banana Republic and other upscale shopping. I particularly like the fact that chain restaurants are rare here and you're offered a nice collection of unique eateries and lounges.

The Southside neighborhood consists of row houses and larger homes on somewhat decent lots which have been transformed into modern residences or lovingly restored to their original glory. You'll still finds streets where one home has been updated, while many long to be redeemed.

*Much of what is now the shopping district was part of the Birmingham borough

Leave a Comment

Address: Pittsburgh, Penna.
Directions: 20 walkable blocks less than 2 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh
Website: www.pittsburghneighborhoodtours.com

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Shadyside--A Coveted Address

Tip Rating:

Written by VeronicaG

on Jan 1, 2009

Affluent Pittsburgh

by VeronicaG , 3 more photos

Named for its shady lanes, Shadyside was established in the mid-19th century and developed into an especially affluent Pittsburgh neighborhood. The main shopping district along Walnut Street offers such shops such as Coach, Gap, Victoria's Secret and Banana Republic, as well as, the Shadyside Variety Shop (pic #4).

Beyond lively Walnut Street, you'll discover elegant mansions, apartment buildings, single family and row houses in various stages of restoration (pics 1 & 2). Artsy Ellsworth Avenue boasts several galleries of note, which participate in a First Friday Art Walk each month from 6pm-9pm (pic #3). Unfortunately these were closed when we visited over the Christmas holiday recently.

When we lived in the Pittsburgh area, we loved the annual Shadyside Art Festival (September), which drew hoards of people and featured high quality artisans and live music! It was also a genuine treat to stop by Max and Erma's for dinner before or after a flower show at Phipps Conservatory or concert at Heinz Hall.

Shadyside has become attractive to young upcoming professionals and is a desired address to many.

Leave a Comment

Address: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Directions: On the East End of Pittsburgh near Oakland

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Tour the Allegheny West Neighborhood

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Nov 19, 2008

West Allegheny Neighborhood

When we lived in Pennsylvania, my husband and I looked forward to the Allegheny West Victorian Christmas House Tour each year. We were restoring a 130 year old Victorian cottage in Butler County and were always looking for ideas. The tour provided a wonderful opportunity to see some of these magnificent homes all decked out for Christmas!

The Allegheny West neighborhood was first laid out in 1788 as part of the 'outlots' or farming area laying outside the town of Allegheny. This area developed slowly. No structure was found on this land until 1813, when John Irwin, a veteran of the Revolutionary War built a rope factory here.

The rope factory was removed in 1858, building lots were laid out and new homes were built. Allegheny West quickly became an exclusive neighborhood and by 1879 was showcasing architectural gems in the Greek Revival, Italianate, French Second Empire,Richardson Romanesque, Queen Anne and Classical Revival styles.

As Pittsburgh enjoyed the industrial boom, pollution overtook some of these areas and the prominent moved to the suburbs or the country. The neighborhood declined, then languished until the 1970's when preservation became an interest to those wishing to resurrect the area.

For more info. on the history of Allegheny West or the home tour, go to www.pittsburghneighborhoodtours.com. (Be sure your computer has virus check)

Leave a Comment

Address: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Directions: off North Avenue, on Beech/Galveson Streets and surrounding blocks

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Pittsburgh?

Read reviews about Pittsburgh Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

Things To Do: Tour the Mexican War Streets

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Aug 14, 2009

Mexican War Streets

The Mexican War Street neighborhood hosts a Garden House Tour each September that welcomes the public to this Victorian-era district. I had the pleasure of touring these homes several times and highly recommend it to those living nearby or visiting the city at this time.

This area was first plotted out by General William Robinson, Jr. following the Mexican American War. In light of the military connection, streets were named after the war's battles: Buena Vista, Monterey, Resaca, Palo Alto and after it's military leaders, Taylor, Sherman and Jackson. This land was originally given to his father, in lieu of payment for services rendered during the Revolutionary War.

At first this area was used as 'outlots' on which to graze horses, raise pigs, chickens or cows. When the homeowners received their deeds, they acquired the grazing rights to Allegheny Commons.

Tenants maintaining the livestock built the first homes in the alleys of this neighborhood. As the district developed, the Italianate, Gothic Revival, Richardson Romanesque, Empire and Queen Anne style of architecture appeared.

As the car became a popular mode of transportation in the 1920's, residents began moving out of the city. Soon the single family homes became rooming houses or apartments and the area declined.

Then in the 1960's, some residents along with the Pittsburgh Historical & Landmark Foundation and The Mexican War Street Society began a drive to restore the area. For more info. on the history of this area or on the House Tour, go to www.mexicanwarstreets.org.

Leave a Comment

Address: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Directions: near North Allegheny Hospital; along Resaca /Rose Streets and surrounding blocks

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: A Glimpse of History at Point State Park

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Sep 12, 2008

The Fountain at Point State Park

Point State Park is an area of historical importance at the forks of the Ohio River. I'm certain any visitor to Pittsburgh will want to become acquainted with this riverside park!

Once you park your car, you can enter the grounds using a walkway which progresses beneath an overpass. A spectacular panorama opens before you and the immense fountain at the Point can be viewed from afar.

Both French and British troops constructed fortifications here to protect their claims to the West and as their trade with the Native American Indians flourished. A conflict ensued between the two countries, leading to the Seven Years War (also referred to as the French and Indian War).

The Point is where the Fort Pitt Museum is located 'in a re-created 18th century bastion of the fort that Great Britain built in 1759, after it captured the Point from the French'. As you explore the area, you'll discover the old Block House and a large outline depicting where French Fort Duquesne stood. (pic #2)

General John Forbes led 6,000 British and Colonial soldiers to reclaim the Point for the British. The French had left it in ruins, so he ordered that 'a new permanent fortification be built of earth, stone, timber and brick be built on a site just east of the ruins of Fort Duquesne'. First called Fort Mercer, it soon became known as Fort Pitt.

Forbes called this area 'Pittsbourgh', which eventually came to be known as Pittsburgh, in honor of William Pitt. Fort Pitt was one of the few forts that withstood attack by the Native American's in an uprising called Pontiac's War.

Leave a Comment

Address: Point State Park, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Website: www.fortpittmuseum.com

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Fort Pitt Block House

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Sep 13, 2008

The Stalwart Block House

by VeronicaG , 2 more photos

A tidy black iron fence encircles the historic Block House erected by British Colonial forces in 1764. My husband and I along with my mother had taken time from a family visit to explore this 18th century time capsule and learn something about this area's history.

The purpose of the building was to 'extend the field of musket fire beyond the walls of Fort Pitt and create a protective field of crossfire between the bastions of the fort'. The Block House is the oldest building in Pittsburgh and the only part of Fort Pitt that remains.

The structure sits in beautiful Point State Park, near the Fort Pitt Museum and it's been open to the public for over 100 years. Upon excavation nearly 2,000 small pieces of history were found which show it was once 'a fort, a trading post, a home and small store'. Some of these artifacts are displayed in the Block House.

pic #2 interior Block House-artifacts and bits of history
pic #3 Indian wampum belt

The Block House is sited as coming from the earliest part of an era known as the Trans-Allegheny Migration, whereby settlers from Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland progressed over the Allegheny Mountains to parts of the already established east, west and Ohio.

Tensions over Ohio Valley's fertile land resulted in a squabble known as the Seven Years War or the French and Indian War of 1754-1763.

Hours are Weds.-Sun. 10am-5pm year round, check inclement weather. There is no charge for admission.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 412-471-1764
Address: 101 Commonwealth Place, Point State Park, Pgh. Pa
Website: www.fortpittmuseum.com

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: The Fort Pitt Museum--Early Pittsburgh History

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Sep 13, 2008

The Fort Pitt Museum

Our children's love of history began after seeing some of Pittsburgh's noteworthy sites, such as The Fort Pitt Museum. The entire family will find something interesting about this stop!

The museum is at Point State Park and located in a 'recreated 18th century bastion of the fort that Great Britain built in 1759'. It was constructed in 1969 and expanded to 27,000 square feet in order to 'depict the region's history from the early French expeditions to the beginning of Pittsburgh's industrial age before 1800'.

pic #2 footprint of Fort Pitt

Displays of significance are a scale model of the Point and Fort Pitt detailing what the area looked like in 1765 with accompanying narration; a peek at the colonial barracks and the lives of the soldiers; dioramas and exhibits illustrating the history of Pittsburgh; a replica of a fur trader's cabin, many original documents and artifacts from the time.

After visiting the museum, be sure to see the Block House nearby and stroll along the river walk which leads to the lovely fountain at the very tip of the Point.

The museum recommends 1-3 hours for your visit. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $4 for AAA members; $2 for students; $2 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under.

Hours are Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-5pm. Closed on most holidays and Mon. and Tues.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 412-281-9284
Address: Point State Park on Commonwealth Place, Pgh,Pa
Website: www.ftpittmuseum.com

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Renovating The Golden Triangle

Tip Rating:

Updated by VeronicaG

on Sep 13, 2008

View of Heinz Field from The Golden

Triangle