The List - Pittsburgh
The top 10 must-dos in Pittsburgh
Phipps Conservatory
1 Phipps Conservatory
This stunning building, complete with 19 lush gardens, is a throwback to the city’s Gilded Age heyday — and modern-day visitors will appreciate summertime events like Friday evening mixers featuring margaritas and apps; candle lit, three-course dinners in the Conservatory; and a Wednesday afternoon farmers market. 700 Frank Curto Dr; 412-622-6914; www.phipps.conservatory.org
2 Primanti Brothers
You’ve never seen a sandwich quite like the monster pastrami at Primanti Brothers. If you’re feeling meek, there’s no shame in bringing a partner to split it. Like all sandwiches at this local chain, it’s topped with a tomato slice, a fistful of french fries and coleslaw. 3803 Forbes Ave; 412-621-4444; www.primantibros.com
3 Carnegie Museum of Natural History
One of four museums admin istered by the Carnegie Institute, this grand museum was founded more than a century ago by the steel baron himself. It holds more than 21 million specimens, including dinosaur skeletons and ancient Egyptian mummies. 4400 Forbes Ave; 412-622 3131; www.carnegiemnh.org
4 Mattress Factory
This museum, housed in an old North Side factory, commissions site specific works from local and interna tional contemporary artists. Through Aug. 21, artists explore the concept of neighborhood through sculpture, photographs and installations. 500 Sampsonia Way; 412 231-3169; www.mattress.org
5 Tessaro’s
At this local burger joint, an in-house butcher custom grinds each half pound patty, and the grill is fired with locally harvested hardwood, making for a charred-on the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside backyard classic with a woodsy barbecue flavor. 4601 Liberty Ave; 412-682-6809
6 Stage AE
This concert space opened late last year with a sold-out show by local remix master Girl Talk. It hosts intimate indoor shows as well as outdoor blow-outs by the likes of My Morning Jacket (Aug. 10) and ZZ Top (Aug. 19). 400 North Shore Dr; 412-229-5483; www.promowestlive.com
7 The Pennsylvania Brewing Company
Housed in the old Eberhardt Brewery, this 163-year-old landmark micro brewery makes authentic German beers using a solid copper brewhouse imported from the Fatherland itself. Quaf a Bavarian style Penn Weizen in the biergarten, or grab a growler to go. 800 Vinial St; 412-237 9400; www.pennbrew.com
8 Cinema in the Park at Flagstaff Hill
Pack a picnic before catching a free flick in Schenley Park (one of six participating parks). This month’s screenings include Secretariat (Aug.
21), The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Aug. 24) and Tangled (Aug. 28). After sunset on Wed and Sun; Frew St and Schenley Dr; 412-422-6426
9 Shadyside
This small, unhurried enclave along Walnut Street is chock-full of shops, restaurants and early 20th-century homes. Parents find children’s specialty clothing at Picket Fence, diners crowd Italian favorite Girasole, and the flexible slip into Yoga Flow. Walnut St east of S Aiken Ave; www.thinkshadyside.com
10 The Strip Public Market
Set in the revamped Produce Terminal amid the city’s most vibrant commercial district, this market dishes out food from the region’s best farmers and bakers. Afterward, hit The Strip’s bustling stores, restaurants and bars. 2100 Small man St, opposite 17th St; 412-281-4505; www.pittsburghpublicmarket.org
Reader Comments
- Don't forget to ride the incline. There are two: the Duquesne incline is further from the city but gives you the "best nighttime view in the US." From the top you see the city from downriver, so you can see both rivers converge, Heinz Field and PNC Park, the "Golden Triangle" and the amazing Pittsburgh skyline. (Posted on 15 Aug 2011)