Summer is a great time in the city, although Steeler season is the best time. Here is a list of my favorite summer pastimes in the greatest city on earth:
Kennywood
Kennywood is a Pittsburgh tradition. All of the schools in the surrounding Pittsburgh area have their school picnics here every year. This was one of the days that I looked forward to the most each year when I was growing up. As a mom of 3, I love bringing my kids here to ride the coasters of my youth. Of course, they prefer the newer and more thrilling rides, as opposed to the old wooden roller coasters that I love. The Potato Patch serves the best french fries in all of the world. You can get gravy, (yes gravy, Pittsburghers don't eat poutine, they eat GRAVY) on your fries or good old Heinz 57!
The Pittsburgh Zoo And PPG Aquarium
Pittsburgh has a wonderful zoo. It is one of only 6 major zoo and aquarium combinations in the country. Be sure to check out the baby elephant born earlier this year. There is also a dinosaur exhibit featuring life-size dinosaur replicas. My advice is to get there early, before the animals get hot and tired. If you have little ones, they will love the climbing and play area. It's a great place for them to burn off some energy!
The Duquesne Incline
The view from the top of the incline is the best in the city. The incline is a 136 year old cable car that used to transport coal workers up and down Mt. Washington. At the top of the incline there is a museum and you can see the actual working parts of the incline. Make sure to get lots of pictures at the top!
Point State Park
The famous fountain in this state park in Downtown Pittsburgh is where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River. It is a rite of passage to jump in this fountain or sunbathe on its ledge during the summer. If you are visiting in June, The Three Rivers Arts Festival is definitely worth checking out. There is also a museum that commemorates the area's role in the French and Indian War.
The Strip
Hungry? This is where you go for all things to put in your belly. The Strip District is located just outside of Downtown Pittsburgh. There are a number of international and specialty grocery stores. You can shop for and sample pierogies, noodles, tortillas, coffee, seafood, and more. There are wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Make sure to grab something from a street vendor or sit down in one of a number of restaurants. This is also a great place to find the perfect Pittsburgh souvenir. You can outfit the family in a Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins jersey or grab a Terrible Towel.
