The Gateway Clipper Fleet is anchored right in Station Square, on the Monongahela River. If you have an hour, sign up for a tour of our three rivers and the city of Pittsburgh from a different vantage point. It's a fun way to learn some interesting (and sometimes strange) bits of Pittsburgh history.
Pittsburgh is full of great, interesting, and sometimes plain old weird, museums- but please don't miss the chance to tour Phipp's Conservatory. This is where Sarah works everyday, and it is a world class oasis in the heart of the city's Oakland neighborhood (home to Pitt and Carnegie Mellon Universities). You will float on a cloud of tranquility through rooms filled with blossoms and greenery. In June you can enjoy the summer flower show "The Hidden Life of Trolls" as well as a gallery exhibit of troll paintings by Swedish artist John Bauer. On Sunday 6/6 you can drop in on the "BioBlitz" Fun Festival, giving you a chance to meet local scientists and naturalists.
There are great museums in Pittsburgh- but we are going to put some of the less obvious suggestions at you, come back again to see the rest of them! The Andy Warhol Museum: 117 Sandusky St. PGH 15212 Rumor has it that Andy Warhol hated Pittsburgh (he was from here!), but we had the last laugh, because here is where the BEST and largest collection of his art is housed. Truthfully, we think he would have loved the museum...You will, too! Heinz History Center: 1212 Smallman St., PGH 15222 It's an affiliate of the Smithsonian, and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, with 8 floors of exhibits. They have really interesting exhibits and events. Right now you can visit the "American Democracy: a Great Leap of Faith" exhibit, and don't forget to walk through the iconic "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood."
The Mattress Factory: 500 Sampsonia Way PGH., 15212 The Mattress Factory is a contemporary museum that hosts artists in residence from around the world. There are immersive and experiential exhibits that are (ahem) quite extraordinary. Right now, Jennifer Angus is the featured artist. The materials she uses include: insects, taxidermy, Victorian furniture. Check it out. Randyland: 1501 Arch St.,PGH 15212 As long as you're on the North Side, you really should take a moment to take in Randyland, public art at its quirkiest. The artist, Randy Gilson, bought the place with a credit card in 1995. The first floor is his studio. The outside (every inch of it) is filled with his art- repurposed garbage that he has collected from all over the city. It is colorful, chaotic, and happy. As is the artist.
Off the beaten path....but not too far for you! Elliott's Bluff commands an impressive view of the city skyline, and the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. Historically it was a lookout for the Shawnee and other Native American tribes indigenous to the area. Whatever else it is, it provides stunning, truly stunning, views.
Well, we are going to make all of the cycles life fair game here! It opened in 1845, and covers over 300 acres of real estate in Lawrenceville (a terribly hip place on its own). There are some very cool old edifices here, and a 'shark' stone to find, abundant wildlife, and some good, strange ghost stories as well. It's a little different from the usual sightseeing destinations, but we think you'll find it worth your while.
Just two. There are so many more, but you only have so much time! St. Anthony's Chapel: 1704 Harpster St., PGH 15212 At the top of Troy Hill you can find the largest collection of relics outside of the Vatican, housed in the Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua. The collection was built by Friar Suitbert Mollinger in 1880, and housed in the chapel that he built, using his own money. There is some fascinating stuff here, including relics of each of the 12 Apostles, pieces of Christ's cross, and, well, you need to see it! St. Nicholas Croatian Church: 24 Maryland Ave., PGH 15209 Inside of this church are 25 life-sized murals painted by Croatian artist, Maxo Vanka, between 1937 and 1941. Come to view them for their historical significance, social activism, or for your faith. But you should definitely come and see them. (warning: accessing the top of this hill is not for the faint heart, but you'll be fine!)
The Strip District. No, not what you're thinking! Located alongside the river, this was once a thriving location for mills and warehouses. Now it is a mecca for foodies. And alongside food, come libations. Check out these craft distilleries and see what's popping up in Pittsburgh as a new industry! Wigle Whiskey: 2401 Smallman St. PGH., 15222 Drop into the tasting room in the Strip District and see what all the buzz is about for the most awarded craft distillery in the U.S. Maggie's Rum Farm: 3212a Smallman St., PGH 15201 Distilled in copper pots, from turbinado sugar rather than molasses, comes a delicious, locally crafted rum. Try the spiced rum, if you can. They make some pretty good cocktails, too. But don't wait until Sunday, Pennsylvania still has some funky 'Blue Laws' on the books that will dampen, but not completely, that experience.