Pittsburgh was never on my radar. I never had the desire to go there, truthfully I did not think about the city period. The only reason I ended up here was because my travel junkie tendency and need to always try and go someplace different. When I saw that Spirit had a great deal on a flight (less than $50 roundtrip, no bags included of course), I said why not. So I booked my ticket (this was months ago), added it to the calendar and didn't think about it again until a couple week before the trip when I decided to try and plan things out.
It was at the time I discovered my Spirit Pittsburgh flight doesn't actually fly to Pittsburgh, but to Latrobe, a city over one and a half hours outside of Pittsburgh. I had a mini panic attack but managed to compose myself. I mean, I couldn't really do anything about it at that point.
When I arrived in Latrobe, I had a bit of a culture shock. This was not the Pittsburgh I had envision. Don't get me wrong, Pittsburgh is not a big city but it is far from this small country town. There was a benefit to flying through this airport though, the typical airport process was quicker and easier and if you have a car or are from the Pittsburgh area, there is FREE parking so its up to you if the good outweighs the bad. In any case, there is a KFC nearby and I was able to get some Nashville Hot Chicken.
The drive from Latrobe was not very scenic and was mostly local road disguised as highway, but we made eventually we made it to Pittsburgh.
I stayed at the Homewood Suites Pittsburgh Airport, a newer hotel near the actual Pittsburgh airport for a really good rate which included free parking, wifi and breakfast. The room was also a suite with a full kitchen.
If you love bridges, you'll love this city. As a city built on steel they utilize it in as many ways as possible, likely to mostly build cars, but in my head, for building a mass load of beautiful bridges.
As far as things to do, if you love art, you'll love the Andy Warhol museum. It's a multi story museum which showcases a lot of his work amongst the work of a few other artists. There is also a lot of history about his life and some interactive exhibits to enjoy. Its fun.
If you like drinking whiskey, head to Wigle Whiskey. They are a small distillery with quite a few different and unique options to try. They also have some cocktails if straight up isn't your thing; in other words if you can't handle your liquor. It is also right in the Strip District so you can walk from there and make a stop or several stops at one of the variety of restaurants in the area.
If you can't handle your whiskey and rather get your beer on, then head to Grist House Brewery instead. I loved their Tripel Grist but they have plenty of other great options in a cool, laid back atmosphere. They are dog friendly too. The best part though is that they always have a food truck on site.
If you love food, don't walk, but run to Gaucho Parrilla. One word, PHENOMENAL!!! I'll let the photos speak for itself.
Want to do a little bit of sightseeing? Take the climb up one of the cities two inclines. I only took one, the Duequesne Incline, which seems to be the more popular of the two. Both offers amazing views of the city.
If you are spending the winter/holiday season in Pittsburgh, visit the Peoples Gas Holiday Market at Market Square and the outdoor Ice Skating Rink.
If you want to venture outside of the city and have an appreciation for architecture, please do yourself a favor and go see Fallingwater. It may be in the middle of nowhere and the ride from the city feels like something out of a horror film, but you will discover the beautiful Fallingwater home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A gem well worth the hour and a half ride.
I'll admit I really thought I was going to hate Pittsburgh and wrote it off as a place I would never come back to, but the little voice inside me is still chanting, black & yellow, black & yellow! It was a great city and I would gladly return, but unfortunately, I still even after this visit, I still don't like ketchup (sorry Heinz).
