There are lots of unique things to explore in the neighborhood where our wedding is! Attractions: Andy Warhol Museum, Mattress Factory immersive art museum, the Children's Museum, Randyland (fun colorful outdoor art collection), Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field), and PNC park (the view from the stadium is one of Steph's favorites) Outdoor Activities: Walk along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and across the famous yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge Food: Nicky's Thai Kitchen (our favorite Thai place) Drinks: Federal Galley, Southern Tier Brewing, or Voodoo Brewing
Outdoor Activities: Point State Park - A park right where the three rivers meet in downtown Pittsburgh Food/Drinks: Our favorite Pittsburgh restaurant group, Richard Deschantz, has many restaurants downtown including Meat and Potatoes, Gi Jin, and Tako. Other favorites include Emporio's (go to their rooftop bar, Il Tetto, for some great views), Gaucho's, and La Gourmandine (the BEST almond croissant and french pastries).
Go up the historic Duquesne Incline to the Mount Washington Grandview Overlook to see why the Pittsburgh skyline is one of Steph's favorite views of all time! A roundtrip ticket up the incline is $5 and you must bring exact cash! You can also drive up directly to the overlook (218 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211). If you have extra time and are feeling fancy, make a reservation to eat at one of Steph's favorite fancy restaurants that overlooks the city from Mt. Washington, Altius (reservations recommended).
The Cathedral of Learning is Steph's favorite building on the Pitt campus! If you explore the Oakland area, this is a must visit! Inside, if there are not classes, there are many different nationality rooms that have been sponsored by many nations across the globe. Steph's favorite room is the Armenian room. Take the elevator up to the 35 and 36th floors to visit the Honor's College and get a great view of Pitt's campus. Other attractions: Heinz Chapel (beautiful historic church), the Carnegie Museum of Art and Science (say hi to Dippy the Dinosaur and see what seasonal scarf he is wearing), Soldiers and Sailors Museum, Phipps Conservatory (beautiful botanical garden), and the Mellon Institute (whose famous columns you may recognize from a scene in the Dark Knight). Outdoor Activities: Schenley Park (our favorite Pittsburgh Park and one of the largest suburban parks in the country) HAIL TO PITT!
If you know Stephanie, you know that she loves food more than anything (perhaps even John)! The Strip District is an outdoor market that is any cook's dream. Food Markets: Mancini's (great focaccia), Penn Mac (Italian grocer with great cheese), Wholey's (fresh fish market with a sushi stand), and Penzey's spices. Restaurants: Deluca's (old fashion diner food), Coop de Ville (amazing fried chicken and arcade games), DiAnoia's (pasta), and Salem's (large portion, cheap Middle Eastern eatery). Drinks: Prestogeorge (great coffee/tea)
Lawrenceville also known as Pittsburgh's "Little Italy" is the home of the Children's hospital of Pittsburgh, but also some of our favorite beer and food! Food: Poulet Bleu (OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT) and La Gourmandine (for the BEST almond croissant and french pasteries) Drinks: Arsenal Cider House (the Archibald is our favorite), Bierport (eclectic beer store with Sega in the basement and beers on tap), and Church Brew Works (a brewery in an old historic church)
Rumor has it that the Southside has the most bars per resident in the US! If you love dive bars, you have to visit the Southside of Pittsburgh! Food/Drinks: Cilantro and Ajo (great arepas/empanadas), Fat Head's (get the blueberry Bumbleberry beer and greasy headwiches the size of your head), Piper's Pub/Pub Chip Shop (great Irish Pub serving fish and chips), the Library on Carson (the new version of our old favorite bar), Big Dog Coffee (our favorite coffee shop), and Hofbrauhaus (famous German brewery location in Pittsburgh).
A cute Jewish/Asian blended neighborhood with cute boutiques and restaurants. Outdoor Activity: Frick Park Kim Food: Everyday noodles (soup dumplings/pork belly), How Lee (Szechuan food), Waffalonia (sugary Belgian liege waffles that pairs great with Speculoos ice cream) Drinks: Dobra Tea House