Last week we had the pleasure of hosting friends from Melbourne for one week. Our primary goal was to spend time together, but while we were at it, we thought we may as well do our best to show off Pittsburgh to its best advantage. This felt like a tall order, as most Melburnians are rightly proud of their sophisticated city. We happen to think, however, that the City of Bridges also has much to offer. I have compiled a list of suggestions for covering Pittsburgh's highlights, and at the same time, for offering overseas visitors a glimpse into life and culture in America's heartland.*
1. Take them to Walmart and Giant Eagle (pronounced Gynt Igle in Pittsburghese).
The euphoria from the cheap prices will for several days. We threw in Costco and Dick's Sporting Goods into the mix on the first full day for an extra bonus for our grateful guests. It's not just the merchandise--the fellow shoppers and friendly workers add to the cultural experience.
2. If there are children involved, a visit to Kennywood is a must. Confession: We never told our own kids about Kennywood before we moved to Australia. We managed to keep it a secret from them. Kennywood was a hit with all of the kids, although the adults could have cheerfully given it a miss.
3. Give them a glimpse of America's heartland by taking them to Ohio's Amish Country.
When we lived in Australia, I was surprised by how often I was asked about the Amish. The number of recent documentaries with the Amish as subject matter would suggest that many people around the world are curious about this group that has managed to avoid most forms of modernization. I grew up being dragged to Amish country far more often than I would have liked, but as an adult I can better appreciate its charms. The countryside is beautiful, the farms provide a record of how American farming families once lived, and the odds of seeing horses and buggies (and cute children dressed just like their parents) are 100%. Better yet, for some at least, the restaurants offer homestyle cooking.
4. Take a trip up to Mt. Washington via the Duquesne Incline.
A visit to Mt. Washington is at the top of most lists for sightseeing in Pittsburgh. The views are spectacular and it is interesting to see how Pittsburgh's three rivers converge. Ideally visit at least twice: first during the day, and again in the evening to watch the sunset. The adults in our group ate at one of the restaurants on Mt. Washington and enjoyed watching the changes in the lighting as the evening progressed.
5. Take them to Fallingwater, located in the Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountains.
Fallingwater is a home built for the Kaufman family over a thirty foot waterfall between 1936 and 1939. Designed by America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is well worth the 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh. Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time.
6. Visit a museum or two (or more depending on your guests).
Pittsburgh has several good museums. When my kids were younger we spent many hours at the Carnegie Science Center, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum and the Children's Museum. All of them are excellent. Last week we chose to visit the Andy Warhol Museum based on the interests of our visitors. I can highly recommend that one as well.
7. Take in either a Pirates game or a Steelers game depending on the season.
The women chose to skip this option and go shopping instead, but the Pirates game was a big hit with the guys. They stayed to the finish of what was a successful game for the home team.
8. Make the most of any American holidays that fall during the visit.
This one was easy for us as the Australian winter school holidays always fall during the during the first two weeks of July. I wrote about our Independence Day celebration in my last post.
In spite of a busy week with activities planned for each day, we left many things undone. The unanimous conclusion is that we must schedule a return visit.
*The heartland does not technically include any part of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is not far from its borders, however, and to us it feels far more midwestern than eastern U.S.
I really like Pittsburgh, and you have done it proud. Fallingwater is one of my favourite places anywhere…so good on you for making the drive. And I know they loved every moment with you and seeing your place now.
Posted by: Pinky Watson | 07/10/2014 at 03:14 PM
Very interesting post! Everything sounded just right. :)
Posted by: Shanda | 07/10/2014 at 10:45 PM