Ahhh…
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The City of Bridges – The Town of Black and Gold – The City of Champions – The ‘Burgh – The Steel City
This post is not for my neighbors, but rather for all of you whom have yet to experience this wonderful city and all it has to offer. Pittsburgh is a big city with a small-town feel. The people are kind, the breweries are numerous, and the fans are dedicated (and that’s a tremendous understatement). We have over 446 bridges (that’s more than any other city in the world, including Venice, Italy), love our sports teams (oh’ how we love our Black and Gold), have an impressive skyline (come through the Fort Pitt Tunnels just one time and I know you’ll agree; it’s a sight that never grows old), and at times, a place that has its own language (fine, I’ll say it, but only this once, Yinz). I love this city – always have and always will! It will be home regardless of where my journey takes me. I’m proud to be from Pittsburgh!
Long gone are the smoke and smog that was prevalent during the city’s steelmaking heydays. Today it’s a foodie town with arising neighborhoods full of vibrancy and opportunity. There’s truly something here for everyone. Love the outdoors? Go for a run on one of the several riverfront trails or kayak along one of the three rivers. Prefer to stay indoors? Buy a ticket to a memorable show in the cultural district or visit one of the museums. Do the names Andy Warhol or Roberto Clemente sound familiar? Or how about a ride on either the Duquesne or Monongahela Incline? Take these rails high above the city to Mt. Washington to get a sweeping, 360-degree view.
The 412 has evolved into a city that impresses new residents and continues to surprise those born and raised here. Recently ranked as the 6th most livable city in the U.S., Pittsburgh take pride in the quality of life it provides those who call it home. Who couldn’t fall in love with a city that puts French Fries on its sandwiches and salads, is home to Heinz ketchup (all 57 varieties made here), waves Terrible Towels in every home, bar, and restaurant across the city during game day, and gets to experience all four seasons (sometimes all in a single day)?
When it comes to traditions, Pittsburgh has plenty. We do things our own way. Saturday mornings are spent browsing The Strip District, the city hosts an annual Pierogi Festival, the Picklesburgh event, and the St. Patrick’s Day parade (which happens to be one of the largest in the country). Weddings are not considered complete without a cookie table and every home prepares a New Year’s Day feast of pork and sauerkraut.
This post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our sports teams. This is a place where everyone watches football on Sundays. And when I say football, I mean the Steelers because as far as this city is concerned, that is the only team in the NFL. Nothing gets the energy flowing quite like Renegade echoing through Heinz Field during the 3rd quarter. Baseball fans get the best seats of all of MLB at PNC Park. That view…OMG! It’s so beautiful it could be mistaken for a painted backdrop. There’s not a bad seat in the ballpark and even without a world series title since 1979, we still love our Pirates. Take one look at the Penguins record and I think you’ll agree they deserve every square foot of the recently ranked best arena in the NHL to call home. They are the only team to win five Stanley Cups!
Above everything is this view! How blessed am I to wake up each day to this sight?
Maybe I’ll see you soon!
Real Life Talk 