Pittsburgh Travel
March 4, 2023 10:39 AM Subscribe
My dad (early 80s) and I (F, early 60s) are considering a trip to Pittsburgh, and I seek your suggestions.
He grew up there, but has rarely visited. I am leaning toward us spending two full days, plus several hours the day we fly out. Do you think that is a good amount of time?
I am thinking one day could focus on my dad showing me his old haunts. I don’t offhand know what area of town he was in. But I think he lived in walking distance to the now-defunct Pittsburgh Press, if that means anything to you. I expect little help from him with planning.
I think he would enjoy a tour of a brewery or distillery. I would enjoy an incline. He has zero interest in sports. He is not an adventurous eater, but I am. We are on a modest budget.
Do you have any suggestions for attractions, eating, drinking or transportation?
I usually stay in a place from https://www.vrbo.com/. Do you recommend for or against any areas? Do you think we need a rental car?
I am thinking of going in May. Is that a good time? What do you think of the Millvale Music Festival?
Any other advice or info is good, too.
He grew up there, but has rarely visited. I am leaning toward us spending two full days, plus several hours the day we fly out. Do you think that is a good amount of time?
I am thinking one day could focus on my dad showing me his old haunts. I don’t offhand know what area of town he was in. But I think he lived in walking distance to the now-defunct Pittsburgh Press, if that means anything to you. I expect little help from him with planning.
I think he would enjoy a tour of a brewery or distillery. I would enjoy an incline. He has zero interest in sports. He is not an adventurous eater, but I am. We are on a modest budget.
Do you have any suggestions for attractions, eating, drinking or transportation?
I usually stay in a place from https://www.vrbo.com/. Do you recommend for or against any areas? Do you think we need a rental car?
I am thinking of going in May. Is that a good time? What do you think of the Millvale Music Festival?
Any other advice or info is good, too.
The few hours I had in Pittsburgh were spent at the Andy Warhol Museum. If I'd had more time, I would've liked to ride an incline, as well.
posted by Rash at 10:59 AM on March 4, 2023
posted by Rash at 10:59 AM on March 4, 2023
I think he would enjoy a tour of a brewery or distillery
City Brew Tours offers them for a number of interesting Pittsburgh spots that do not give them independently (e.g. Voodoo Brewery - if you find yourself anywhere near Homestead, don't pass on the chance to have a drink at their location there, which is in a pleasantly ramshackle former town hall and jail). For a cheaper option, or to focus your available $ on drinks, there are a number of breweries where you can easily see some of the production floor from the bar itself - e.g. Dancing Gnome and the fantastic Church Brew Works.
He is not an adventurous eater, but I am.
For me, Eastern European cuisine, which Pittsburgh does very well, is the sweet spot here: a mix of comfort food w/a chance to mix it up w/flavors foreign to a US palate. Two favorites are Huszar and Apteka. The food truck selection at Grist House is another possibility for you guys to both get some good beer and easily split the difference food-wise (if the taco truck is there, do not pass it up).
What else is your dad into?
posted by reedbird_hill at 1:17 PM on March 4, 2023
City Brew Tours offers them for a number of interesting Pittsburgh spots that do not give them independently (e.g. Voodoo Brewery - if you find yourself anywhere near Homestead, don't pass on the chance to have a drink at their location there, which is in a pleasantly ramshackle former town hall and jail). For a cheaper option, or to focus your available $ on drinks, there are a number of breweries where you can easily see some of the production floor from the bar itself - e.g. Dancing Gnome and the fantastic Church Brew Works.
He is not an adventurous eater, but I am.
For me, Eastern European cuisine, which Pittsburgh does very well, is the sweet spot here: a mix of comfort food w/a chance to mix it up w/flavors foreign to a US palate. Two favorites are Huszar and Apteka. The food truck selection at Grist House is another possibility for you guys to both get some good beer and easily split the difference food-wise (if the taco truck is there, do not pass it up).
What else is your dad into?
posted by reedbird_hill at 1:17 PM on March 4, 2023
Response by poster: What else is your dad into?
Mainly, he likes to watch sci-fi and fantasy on TV. Also cop shows.
posted by NotLost at 2:53 PM on March 4, 2023
Mainly, he likes to watch sci-fi and fantasy on TV. Also cop shows.
posted by NotLost at 2:53 PM on March 4, 2023
I enjoyed The National Aviary when I visited Pittsburgh some years ago was a lot of fun if you like birds. I also loved strolling through the Alleghany Cemetery, but I'm a history buff with a weird bent.
posted by annieb at 3:57 PM on March 4, 2023
posted by annieb at 3:57 PM on March 4, 2023
An incline fan? There are two in Pittsburgh: the Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline. I loves me a good funicular.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:16 PM on March 4, 2023
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:16 PM on March 4, 2023
The novelty food thing of Pittsburgh is Primanti Bros. Think sandwiches with French Fries on them. It’s not haute cuisine but it isn’t bad either. They are old enough that your father might have eaten there. They have lots of locations.
posted by mmascolino at 8:59 PM on March 4, 2023
posted by mmascolino at 8:59 PM on March 4, 2023
Response by poster: I remembered something else my dad likes. Our of all the places I've gone with him for a while, the place he got the most out of was a living-history museum.
posted by NotLost at 10:52 PM on March 4, 2023
posted by NotLost at 10:52 PM on March 4, 2023
Would he be interested in touring one of his old schools? I would call the school in advance to see if they could accommodate such a request.
posted by happy_cat at 2:18 AM on March 5, 2023
posted by happy_cat at 2:18 AM on March 5, 2023
I highly recommend the Rivers of Steel tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Very living-history. My tour guide had worked at the facility.
Tours highlight the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture.posted by brainwane at 9:46 PM on April 6, 2023
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During this two-hour guided tour, you’ll hear stories about the site’s technology (including why it is nationally significant) as well as get to know the culture of its workers. You’ll also learn a bit about the iron-making process, from the movement of the raw materials to the tapping of the furnaces that produced fiery molten iron.
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posted by Melismata at 10:46 AM on March 4, 2023 [1 favorite]