Artist Janel Young paints a street mural in Downtown Pittsburgh.
NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO
PITTSBURGH 2021-2022
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pghcitypaper PittsburghCityPaper Meet our Staff! Editor in Chief Lisa Cunningham T: @trashyleesuh Director of Advertising Jasmine Hughes T: @pgh_jmh Director of Operations Kevin Shepherd News Editor Ryan Deto T: @ryandeto Senior Writer Amanda Waltz T: @awaltzcp Staff Writer Dani Janae T: @figwidow Staff Writer Kimberly Rooney 냖㵸蔻 T: @kimlypso Photographer/Videographer Jared Wickerham I: @wickphoto Art Director Abbie Adams I: @abbieaadams Graphic Designer Jeff Schreckengost I: @ozma_instruments Digital Marketing Coordinator Darya Kharabi T: @dingusbinch Sales Representative Zack Durkin Sales Representative Owen Gabbey T: @ogab_3 Sales Representative Hannah Moran-Funwela ON THE COVER: Janel Young works on her street mural in Downtown Pittsburgh. Learn more about the artist at janel-young.com RIGHT: A view of Downtown from across the Roberto Clemente bridge on the North Side CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM 4 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Welcome to Pittsburgh! You’ve come to the city at a really beautiful time. Pittsburgh is literally becoming more colorful as we put this Newcomers Guide together for you. Janel Young, the artist pictured on the cover, is currently painting a street mural on two blocks of Fort Duquesne Boulevard in Downtown Pittsburgh for a pop-up park that will be closed to traffic this summer for outdoor concerts and festivals, and located across the river from the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Young, who was commissioned this year for Yahoo’s Black History Month logo along with multiple other arts projects around town, is one of the many talented Pittsburgh artists putting the city on the map. In the following pages, we’ll introduce you to some local faves and hidden gems for arts and culture institutions throughout the city, in addition to a ton of dining and drink recommendations. We’ll also help you figure out how to navigate your way around town, teach you how to translate that unique yinzer accent, and show you a few other tips that will help you get to know Pittsburgh. So throw on your favorite black-and-gold attire … yes, Pittsburgh is a sports town that deeply loves their black-and-gold team colors. But don’t let anyone fool you. We’re an arts and foodie town, too. — Lisa Cunningham, editor in chief NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 5
Public Transit
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
A cyclist on Pittsburgh’s North Side
How to navigate Pittsburgh by public transit, bicycle, and car BY RYAN DETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
GETTING AROUND PITTSBURGH can be intimidating for anybody, but for transplants, it can be a bewildering, anxiety-laden endeavor. Many streets have small road signs or none at all, and some intersections resemble deformed starfish instead of typical four-way stops with traffic signals. The hills don’t make commutes any easier. The confusion can lead newcomers to avoid venturing beyond their local neighborhoods. But Pittsburgh City Paper wants new residents to explore our wonderful city, with its scores of distinct neighborhoods, lively public parks, and cultural institutions. To take in all these attractions, we’ve compiled this handy guide of different ways to get around Pittsburgh, including some well-worn tips and lesser-known shortcuts.
If you are a student at University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, or Chatham University, and you aren’t taking the bus or the T (what we call our light-rail system), you’re throwing money down the drain. Students and faculty at those universities can tap their school IDs aboard buses, light-rail cars, and the incline for free rides. Students at Carlow University, Point Park University, and Robert Morris University can ride for $1 after 7 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, as long as they present their IDs and pay in cash. For non-students, especially those living in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, East Liberty, Shadyside, or Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh public transit is surprisingly good. To ride the bus, wait at a designated stop (look for a small blue sign). If there are cars parked near your stop or you are waiting in a shelter, it’s wise to step out to the curb as your bus arrives, so the driver can see you. Track the progress of your route using the Transit App (live-tracking routes are indicated by flashing lines next to the bus route number). The app allows users to enter destinations or save favorite routes so it’s easy to spot when your bus is on its way. Remember to make sure which direction the bus is heading, inbound or outbound. Most routes travel to Downtown and back out. Toward Downtown is “inbound,” out of Downtown is “outbound.” For routes that don’t travel Downtown, like the 54 and 64, inbound routes travel north, and outbound routes travel south. When your bus arrives, enter through the front door and pay by tapping your student ID or ConnectCard (visit connectcard.org to find where to purchase a ConnectCard), or pay cash. It’s $2.50 for a one-way trip using a ConnectCard and $2.75 if you’re paying in cash. Transfers are $1 and can only be used with a ConnectCard. When your stop is near, pull the yellow cord near the windows or hit the small red button near a rear exit to request a stop. Exit through any door. CONTINUES ON PG. 8
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World Square is a showcase for the various international and newcomer communities that Welcoming Pittsburgh seeks to support.
NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 7
HOW TO NAVIGATE PITTSBURGH BY PUBLIC TRANSIT, BICYCLE, AND CAR, CONTINUED FROM PG. 6
CP PHOTO: KAYCEE ORWIG
Passengers on a Port Authority bus
Riding the light rail around Downtown or to the North Side is free. If you continue riding across the Monongahela River to Station Square or into the South Hills, you have to pay ($2.50 using ConnectCard or $2.75 cash) at the front of the car. Currently, riders from the South Hills heading inbound pay as they enter, and outbound riders pay as they exit. At “low-level” stations, riders pay in the car; others have station agents outside the car to take your ticket. After the station agents go home, everyone pays in the car. It sounds complicated, but you’ll get acclimated quicker than you think. More information about Pittsburgh’s public transit can be found at portauthority.org.
Biking Pittsburgh has been beefing up its bike infrastructure, and as a result, the network is getting safer and more convenient with more protected bike lanes. When cycling, remember to follow Pennsylvania state driving rules and learn to use your hand signals when turning and stopping. It’s recommended that you ride in bike lanes and in the right-hand section of roads, but this is NOT a requirement. Anytime cyclists feel the need (especially if they feel unsafe on the road), they are entitled to take 8 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
the entire driving lane. Local bike-advocacy organization Bike Pittsburgh recently updated its Biking 101 guide with expert tips; you can pick up a guide for free from your local public library or at the Bike Pittsburgh offices in Lawrenceville. Bike Pittsburgh also has a list of how-to videos available at bikepgh.org. The website has a map of the city that provides all the best and safest cycling routes; paper copies of the map are widely available at bike stores. If you don’t own a bike, Healthy Ride has you covered. The bike-share company has more than 100 stations located throughout the city and most are in neighborhoods familiar to newcomers (Downtown, Oakland, Lawrenceville, East Liberty, and the Strip District); a station map and instructions on how to ride are available at healthyridepgh.com. Healthy Ride costs $2 for 30 minutes, and bikes can now be returned to any station, regardless of whether docks are available (just insert the bike lock into the front-wheel base and hit the “OK” button on the bike’s keypad). Free 15 minute rides are available to users who tap their Port Authority ConnectCard (register the card as a kiosk or Healthy Ride office). Membership costs $12 a month and includes unlimited 30-minute rides.
Driving If you need to drive, City Paper advises studying the route before heading out. Driving in Pittsburgh is filled with insufficiently marked intersections and weird rules. Stay alert for Pittsburgh’s many one-way streets and turn-only lanes. There are also bus-only lanes, like on Fifth Avenue in Oakland and Smithfield Street Downtown, so keep an eye out. Drive the speed limit, respect cyclists on the road, and watch for pedestrians. Beware of the infamous “Pittsburgh Left.” The practice — in which a driver going straight will allow a left-turning driver on the other side of the intersection to go first at a green light — is becoming less fashionable, but it still occurs. Pittsburgh freeway on-ramps are also notoriously short and Pittsburghers aren’t great at merging. Keep your head up, but expect people merging to come to a complete stop before entering the lane. Merge points on the Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne Bridges in Downtown are pretty hectic. Slow down and be courteous. If we all realize that we have places to be and different methods to get there, our respective journeys will be less stressful and safer. •
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CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Local Hidden Gem: Co-owner Angel Magwood at Back to the Foodture on the South Side
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Local Faves and Hidden Gems
FOOD &DRINK BY RYANDETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Pittsburgh loves to brag about its favorites. Once you move here, you will hear about them nonstop. There is a lot of local pride in the Steel City, sometimes too much. But many of these local favorites are worth bragging about, and with a growing food and drink scene that has gotten national attention in recent years pre-pandemic, and indoor dining beginning to return, Pittsburgh City Paper wants to provide newcomers with a bit of background on some of the region’s favorite drinking and dining spots. But the popular staples are just one part to enjoying a new city. Discovering the hidden gems is integral to becoming a Pittsburgh, a true Yinzer. To accompany the local faves, City Paper is also highlighting some hidden gems locals love but might not tell you about right away.
NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 11
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Owner Wei Zhu of Hidden Gem Chengdu Gourmet
BRUNCH LF : Square Cafe. 134 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. square-cafe.com A hit with everyone thanks to its varied and inventive menu, including lemon-berry ricotta pancakes, this joint recently expanded into larger digs and is keeping hungry weekenders satisfied. LF : The Abbey on Butler Street. 4635 Butler St., Lawrenceville. theabbeyonbutlerstreet.com An inviting patio, quaint cafe, happening bar, and popular restaurant are all rolled into one place at this space that was converted from an old funeral home. HG : Spirit. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. spiritpgh.com Served in the basement of a converted Moose Lodge, Spirit’s brunch offers artisan pizzas, 12 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
sandwiches made from their homemade bagels, salads, cocktails, and more. Enjoy it on their patio.
PIZZA LF : Driftwood Oven. 3615 Butler St., Lawrenceville. driftwoodoven.com Something about the combination of sourdough crust, melted cheese, and tomato sauce really works at this Lawrenceville pizzeria. Enjoyed by locals, and even celebrities like Chrissy Teigen when she visits Pittsburgh. LF : Fiori’s Pizzaria. 103 Capital Ave., Brookline. fiorispizzaria.com Big slices, greasy cheese, crispy, yet foldable crust. Can’t ask for much more in this perennial Pittsburgh favorite in the South Hills.
HG : Police Station Pizza.1007 Merchant St., Ambridge. Facebook search “Police Station Pizza” Best place in Pittsburgh to try the regional Ohio Valley Pizza style, which is a light and crunchy square crust, covered in sweet tomato sauce, and topped with cheese and toppings after the bake, so they melt just ever so slightly. Worth the 30-minute drive from Downtown.
SANDWICH LF : Primanti Bros. Multiple locations. primantibros.com The Pittsburgh Sandwich. French fries and coleslaw on top of sliced tomato and choice of meat inside two thick slices of Italian bread. HG : Spak Brothers. 5107 Penn Ave., Garfield. spakbrothers.com With both meat and vegan options, this take-out pizza shop in Garfield is a sandwich gem. Try
the seitan cheesesteak, one of the best in Pittsburgh, and it doesn’t even use real meat.
BAKERY LF : La Gourmandine. Multiple locations. lagourmandinebakery.com This French bakery, known for its baguettes and tasty pastries, has been expanding throughout Allegheny County, and for good reason. Their baked goods are also sold at shops and stores throughout Pittsburgh. HG : Madeleine Bakery & Bistro. 609 S. Trenton Ave., Wilkinsburg. madeleinepgh.com Tucked away on a side street in a charming public courtyard, this hidden gem also makes some of the best bread and pastries in the city. The egg sandwiches on brioche buns are excellent.
BARBECUE LF : Showcase Barbecue. 6800 Frankstown Ave., Homewood. showcasebbq.net Strong smoke flavor and ribs, both turkey and port, that have an incredible char. Cover it all in a unique, sour/ sweet homemade barbecue sauce this Black-owned business specializes in.
LF : Gaucho Parrilla Argentina. 146 Sixth St., Downtown. eatgaucho.com Steak cooked over open flames, dipped in some rich and herby chimichurri, is one of the world’s perfect culinary combos. And Pittsburgh is lucky to have an expert in the heart of Downtown.
HG : Z Best BBQ. 2900 Bedford Ave., Hill District. zbestbbq.com Currently in a temporary relocation after a fire, this Black-owned BBQ joint is still slinging racks of ribs, chicken wings, and gut busting sides. Follow them on Instagram at @showcasebbq for updates.
HG : The Columbian Spot. 2019 E. Carson St., South Side. thecolombianspot-pgh.com Get all your South American flavors stuffed into a giant corn dumpling known as an arepa, and wash it down with some fresh tropical juices imported from Columbia.
MEXICAN
LF : Hidden Harbor. 1708 Shady Ave., Squirrel Hill. hiddenharborpgh.com This popular tiki bar gets crowded fast, so arrive early. Enjoy the tropical additions of their cocktails served in barrels, coconuts, and decorative glassware.
HG : California Taco Shop. 890 Butler St., Shaler. californiatacoshoppittsburgh.com Serving up the best Cal-Mex in the Steel City for those missing West Coast flavors. Fried fish tacos, taquitos, carne asada, and even burritos stuffed with guacamole and french fries.
LF : Lorelei. 124 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. loreleipgh.com Serving up classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Gimlets, and Sours with some German and Italian influences. And there is a German-style beer hall in the back, too!
LF : Everyday Noodles. 5875 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. everydaynoodles.net Hand-pulled noodles made through windows that diners can view. Stellar soup dumplings, noodle dishes, and bao buns. Gets busy, so try to dine at odd hours. HG : Chengdu Gourmet. 5840 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill. chengdugourmetpittsburgh.com Pittsburgh’s most authentic and best Chinese restaurant, serving spicy Szechuan specialities on a seldom visited street. The lamb cumin is one of the best dishes in the region.
LAWRENCEVILLE
3601 Butler St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412.904.2622
ZELIENOPLE
215 W New Castle St. Zelienople, PA 16063 724.473.0710
get smashed, eat responsibly
burgherspgh.com
COCKTAILS
LF : La Palapa. 2224 E. Carson St., South Side. lapalapapgh.com In a town with little Mexican influence, La Palapa shines with authentic and slow-cooked dishes that honor those storied culinary traditions. Their Mole Poblano con Pollo stands out.
CHINESE
Locations
LATIN AMERICAN
HG : Maggie’s Farm Rum. 3212A Smallman St., Strip District. maggiesfarmrum.com Tucked away in an industrial warehouse, this craft distillery makes the finest rum in the country and has the awards to prove it. Fittingly, that rum makes some fine cocktails. The Painkiller is addicting.
WINE BAR LF : Allegheny Wine Mixer. 5326 Butler St., Lawrenceville. alleghenywinemixer.com Named after a joke in the movie Step Brothers, this hip wine bar in a hip neighborhood is great for mingling, tasting fancy cheeses, and glugging wines from around the world.
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FOOD AND DRINK, CONTINUED FROM PG. 13
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Don Doherty, building superintendent, and Becky Mauro, AM prep cook, tend to the urban garden on the rooftop of Downtown Pittsburgh’s Local Fave Gaucho Parrilla Argentina.
HG : Market Street Wine Bar. 435 Market St., Downtown. marketstreetgrocery.com Only accessible by walking through a small market, this hidden wine bar offers seclusion and an amazing list of delicious vinos. Great lighting, too.
CRAFT BREWERY LF : East End Brewing. 147 Julius St., Larimer. eastendbrewing.com One of Pittsburgh’s oldest and most beloved craft breweries. Now has a remodeled outdoor patio and regularly hosts local food businesses for tasty provisions. LF : Grist House Craft Brewery. Multiple locations. gristhouse.com Extremely popular, especially their Millvale location which is set 14 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
to open for in-person hours again in June. A wide variety of beers that don’t disappoint. HG : Old Thunder. 340 Freeport Road, Blawnox. oldthunderbrewing.com New brewery on the scene and located in seldom-visited suburb Blawnox, Old Thunder is quietly making some of the best beer in Pittsburgh. Worth a trip.
SHOT AND BEER LF : The Goldmark. 4517 Butler St., Lawrenceville. thegoldmark.com Perfect bar for watching the Pens or the Pirates while chasing your shot with a refreshing brew. They have multiple shot and beer combos to enjoy. DJs arrive later and the bar converts to a club vibe.
HG : Shadyside Hideaway Bar. 228 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside. Facebook search “Shadyside Hideaway Bar” Tucked away down a secluded walkway, this hidden bar is no frills, no BS. Order and beer and whiskey and mingle with longtime locals.
BEER LIST LF : Independent Brewing Company. 1704 Shady Ave., Squirrel Hill. independentpgh.com If you want to really explore all of Pittsburgh’s best locally made beer, this is the place. Always featuring some of the best, and freshest craft breweries, not to mention some great European varieties that pair well with its excellent food. HG : Bulldog Pub. 1818 Morningside Ave., Morningside. thebulldogpub.com Tucked away in the quiet
residential neighborhood of Morningside, this haunt features a great outdoor space to go with its truly impressive rotating beer list. Odds are you find a new favorite brew.
THAI LF : Noodlehead. 242 S. Highland, Shadyside. noodleheadpgh.com Thai street food in a comfortable and hip sit-down establishment. Noodle dishes are the obvious stars here, but their Thai fried chicken is also great. Cash only. HG : Thai Cuisine. 4627 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. thaicuisinepgh.com Staple on Liberty Avenue for years, and a neighborhood favorite. The green curry is outstanding and hard not to order every time.
INDIAN LF : Taj Mahal. 7795 McKnight Road, Ross. tajmahalinc.com A perennial City Paper Best of winner, this North Hills staple has an extremely popular lunch buffet and some killer entrees in the evening. HG : Udipi Cafe. 4141 Old William Penn Highway, Monroeville. 412-373-5581 Bare-bones establishment (it doesn’t even have a website or social media), but more than makes up for that in flavor and variety. Specializes in meat-free South Indian dishes, including dosas — rice crepes stuffed with spices, chutney, and cooked vegetables.
SOUL FOOD LF : Carmi Soul Food Restaurant. 1825 E. Carson St., South Side. carmirestaurant.com All the gut-busting staples you can imagine, not to mention amazing fried catfish and a signature fish stew. Denzel Washington visited the Blackowned restaurant when he was in Pittsburgh filming. HG : Ribs N Bread. 4704 Centre Ave., Oakland. ribsnbread. weebly.com Take-out only joint that slowly cooks up some succulent ribs covered in mustard-style barbecue sauce inspired by the owner’s South Caroline upbringing. Don’t miss out on the collard greens, mac and cheese, or the cornbread either.
HALAL/ MEDITERRANEAN LF : Pitaland. 620 Brookline Blvd., Brookline. pitaland.com Serving up fresh-baked pita filled with slow roasted meats for decades in Brookline. Also offers delectable Mediterranean desserts and pastries. HG : Salem’s Market and Grill. 2923 Penn Ave., Strip District. salemsmarketgrill.com Cafeteria-style joint with an extensive menu where
everything satisfies. Try the plethora of Mediterranean dishes, like kabobs, or even grab the burger — some people swear by it.
BURGER LF : Burgh’ers Brewing. Multiple locations. burgherspgh.com This restaurant specializes in housemade beer and consistently excellent burgers. Can order burgers in the classic style, with grass-fed beef, #TheBlend for a healthier option, or vegan Impossible patty. HG : Pittsburgh Sandwich Society. 108 43rd St., Lawrenceville. facebook.com/ pghsandwichsociety This food truck and sandwich stand offers Pittsburgh’s version of a West Coast burger, and does it well. Two beef patties, American cheese, onion jam, spring salad mix, tomato, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing. HG : Back To The Foodture. 2767 E. Carson St., South Side. Facebook search “Back To The Foodture” Home to some of the most deliciously greasy food around, and the first Black-owned business in SouthSide Works. Dozens of unique items, including tons of wings and a cheeseburger that uses donuts for buns. Trust us, it works.
ITALIAN LF : Piccolo Forno. 3801 Butler St., Lawrenceville. piccolo-forno.com A longtime favorite on Butler Street that serves rustic Italian fare, and has inviting sidewalk dining. HG : Alla Famiglia. 804 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. allafamiglia.com Old-school Italian-American joint that serves hefty pastas family-style on white tablecloths. You can also purchase their pasta sauces at local grocers. CONTINUES ON PG. 16 NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 15
FOOD AND DRINK, CONTINUED FROM PG. 15
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Local Fave East End Brewing
ICE CREAM LF : Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream. Multiple locations. millieshomemade.com Freshly made waffle cones invite just about everyone to try this local ice cream favorite that has been expanding throughout the region and partnering with many Pittsburgh groups. HG : Antney’s Ice Cream. 1316 Poplar St., West End. facebook.com/antneys Rotates through dozens of inventive flavors every summer. All of them are good. Located on the edge of strip mall parking, careful or you will miss it.
EASTERN EUROPEAN LF : Apteka. 4606 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. aptekapgh.com Somehow takes meat-centric traditions of Eastern Europe and transforms them into vegan plates, creating some of the best dining in the city. Great cocktails, too. 16 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
HG : Huszar. 627 E. North Ave., North Side. huszarpittsburgh.com With a chef directly from Hungary, this restaurant might resemble a dive bar, but its goulash is the best you can find in Pittsburgh.
SUSHI LF : Umami. 202 38th St., Lawrenceville. umamipgh.com This Japanese-style pub’s lengthy menu offers everything from ramen to taiyaki, fishshaped pancakes stuffed with sweetened adzuki beans, but the sushi is worth the trip alone. The sashimi is fresh, and a list of sushi plates offer a wide selection. HG : Andy’s Sushi. Wholey’s Market, 1711 Penn Ave., Strip District. wholeyscurbside.com/ andys-sushi Wholey’s Market is one of the best places in the city for home cooks to buy fresh seafood, and for over 25 years, Chef Andy has been serving up some of the city’s
best sushi and conversation from a small counter inside the shop. Grab a roll for lunch as you shop for dinner supplies.
DINER LF : Pamela’s Diner. Multiple locations. pamelasdiner.com Obama’s favorite Pittsburgh spot, and arguably the region’s favorite, too. Known for their slightly crispy pancakes and their Lyonnaise potatoes. LF : Eat’n Park. Multiple locations. eatnpark.com A place for an inexpensive egg and toast breakfast, or a nice salad bar. Enjoy the delicious pies or order some grilled stickies with ice cream. Grab a Smiley Cookie on your way out the door. HG : Grandma B’s. 2527 Wylie Ave., Hill District. Facebook search “Grandma B’s” Homestyle cooking with an
old-school lunch counter for hungry diners. Burgers, fries, and egg and toast breakfast. All the good stuff at this Blackowned establishment.
FOOD HALL LF : Federal Galley. 200 Children’s Way, North Side. federalgalley.org This popular locale combines a rotating list of small restaurant businesses underneath a large and inviting venue complete with a marvelous outdoor patio. Not to mention some great cocktails and drinks from the in-house bar. HG : The Pennsylvania Market. 108 19th St., Strip District. thepamarket.com Five food vendors, four bars, and three retailers all inside a two-story complex on a side street in the Strip. Wine, charcuterie, tacos, pizza, and craft beer all at your fingertips. •
The Ultimate Guide to Pittsburgh Farmers Markets Spring is officially here, and that means one thing – Pittsburgh Farmers Markets are back! SATURDAYS SEWICKLEY FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday, April 10 – Nov. 20 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: St. James Parking Lot, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley, PA. The Farmers Market at St. James Church of the Divine Redeemer Parish features vendors that sell meat, locally-grown fresh vegetables, local honey, organic farms products, pierogies, pasta. THE TERMINAL FARMERS MARKET Every third Saturday of the month starting April 17 – October 16 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: The Terminal in the Strip District, between the 18-20 Street Passageways The newly-opened Terminal in the Strip District is launching a brand new farmers market on the third Saturday of every month from April through October. Each market will feature local farmers and artisans, such as Cherry Valley Organics, City Grows, Kingfly Spirits, The Pickled Chef, Primrose Farm and more. BEAVER FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday, April 24 – Nov. 27 Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Beaver Courthouse Parking Lot, 4th & Market Streets. One of five Beaver County Markets open this season, including markets in Ambridge, Beaver Falls, Chippewa and New Brighton. They feature locally-grown agricultural products including plants, fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and honey, along with wine, baked goods, hot prepared meals, bagels and breads.
Location: 1000 Braddock Avenue, Braddock From Grow Pittsburgh, the Braddock Farm Stand features their own locally-grown produce. Grow Pittsburgh markets accept Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program checks, EBT/SNAP payments, and Food Bucks. Produce is priced affordably or on a sliding scale. BLOOMFIELD SATURDAY MARKET Every Saturday, May 8 – Nov. 20 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: 5050 Liberty Ave Featuring fresh fruit, vegetable, and locally-made goods. Vendors include Freedom Farms, Who Cooks for You Farm, Sturges Orchards, Cutting Root Farm and Apothecary, Old Time Farm, Twin Brook Dairy, Paul Family Farms, and Sol Patch Garden. The Bloomfield Saturday Market also hosts a winter market from December through March on the first and third Saturday of each month. The market is a program of Bloomfield Development Corporation. MONROEVILLE LIONS FARMERS’ MARKET Every Saturday, May 8 – Nov. 20 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Monroeville Community Park, 2399 Tilbrook Road. Vendors selling local produce, baked goods, meats and preserves. Vendors in the past have included: Pitaland, Paul’s Apple Orchard, McKinney Family Farm, Larry Musser’s Produce, Mish Meats, McElhinny Farm, Ruk’s Preserves and Harvest Valley Farms and Bushy Run Winery.
FARMERS MARKETS OF GREENSBURG Every Saturday, April 24 – November Hours: 9:00 a.m. – Noon Location: Lynchfield Recreation Park & Rt 66N Offering local produce, breads, eggs, plants, cookies, salsa.
LIGONIER COUNTRY MARKET Saturdays starting May 15 Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: West Main Street & Route 30, Ligonier Offering all kinds of fresh picked produce, flowers, farm beef, poultry and eggs, specialty breads, pastries, hot cooked foods, honey, maple syrup, jewelry, purses, country crafts and much more.
BRADDOCK FARM STAND Saturdays starting April 24 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
BUTLER CITY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays,
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May 29 through October Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: 205 S. Chestnut Street, Butler The Butler City Farmers Market takes place in an open-air space, featuring local produce, baked goods, crafts and more. ELLWOOD CITY FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday, June 5 – October 9 Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Beaver Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, 500 Block of Beaver Avenue, Ellwood City, PA Part of the Ellwood City Revitalization (ECR) project, the Ellwood City Farmers Market features locally-grown fruits and vegetables, along with flowers, baked goods, snacks, live music and kids activities. SWISSVALE FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday, June 5 – October 30 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: 2036 Noble Street You’ll find locally-grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, plus a variety of handmade crafts and gift items. Vendors include: Jodikinos Farms, Growing Groceries PGH, Catchfly Gardens, Pitaland, Great Harvest Bread, Sugar Mama’s Sweets and Treats and Just Harvest. Live music is also at the market. FARMERS MARKET COOPERATIVE OF EAST LIBERTY Every Saturday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: 344 Sheridan Ave. The Farmers Market Cooperative of East Liberty is the city’s only year-round market operation, offering locally-grown meat, fresh produce and more.
SUNDAYS CITY OF PITTSBURGH SQUIRREL HILL Sundays, May 16 – Nov. 21 *no market July 4 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Beacon/Bartlett parking lot Features farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods. All City of Pittsburgh farmers’ markets accept food stamps (SNAP),
credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program, where food stamp shoppers will receive a special match at the farmers markets.
key, kettle corn, shaved ice, honey, baked goods, pasta, coffee, pressed juice, smoothies, goat cheese, gyros, jerky, olive oil, bread, and more.
CARNEGIE FARMERS MARKET Every Sunday July 11 – Sept. 26 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: East Main Street between Broadway and Mary Streets in Carnegie Featuring vendors such as Primrose Farm, D&O Wine Cellars, Hey Tabouli!, and Mediterra Bakehouse. The Carnegie Farmers Market is also participating in Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program this year.
ZELIENOPLE-HARMONY FARMERS MARKET Every Monday, June 7 – October Hours: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Zelienople Community Park Fresh fruits, vegetables from McKinney Family Farm, along with a rotating list of vendors, such as Awesome Acres, Becky’s Baked Goods, Belle Fleur Gardens, The Enchanted Olive and Harkins Mill Wines.
MONDAYS BEAVER FALLS FARMERS MARKET Every Monday, May 3 – November 22 Hours: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Location: The market is in the parking lot behind Brodhead Apartments, 712 12th Street, Beaver Falls Features fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meat, honey, fresh-cut flowers and bedding plants. Vendors change regularly, and include Enon Country Gardens, Oakspring Farm, and PJ’s Deli. CITY OF PITTSBURGH EAST LIBERTY Mondays, May 10 – November 22 *no market May 31 and September 6 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: N. Euclid Ave. & Broad St. Features farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods. All City of Pittsburgh farmers’ markets accept food stamps (SNAP), credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program, where food stamp shoppers will receive a special match at the farmers markets. ROBINSON FARMERS MARKET AT HOLY TRINITY Every Monday, starting May 24 – October Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Holy Trinity, 5718 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks Features produce, dairy, ice cream, hummus, wine, whis-
TUESDAYS BETHEL PARK FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday, May 4 – Sept. 28 Hours: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: South Park VIP Parking Lots, directly off Corrigan Drive. Offering fresh produce and baked goods, like cookies and breads, along with items like gyros, salads, sandwiches, hummus, milk, cheese, yogurt and more. LAWRENCEVILLE FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday, May 18 – Dec. 14 Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Arsenal Park, between 39th and 40th Streets, and between Butler and Penn Streets. The Lawrenceville Farmers Market will feature vendors such as Harvest Valley Farms, Sturges Orchards and Wildom Farm. CHIPPEWA FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday from May 4 – November 23 Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Chippewa United Methodist Church 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls Features locally-grown plants, fruits and vegetables, along with food products like biscotti, baked goods, and hot prepared meals. Hosted by Beaver County Farmers Markets. LATROBE FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday from
June 1 – September 28 Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Legion Keener Park Latrobe’s farmers market features local vendors with produce, baked goods, popcorn, crafts and more. NEW BRIGHTON FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday, from June through October Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: 5th Avenue & 12st Street, New Brighton, PA Hosted by Beaver County Farmers Markets, features fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, baked goods, and prepared foods.
WEDNESDAYS CITY OF PITTSBURGH CARRICK DAIRY DISTRICT Every Wednesday, May 12 – November 24 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Road Features farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods. All City of Pittsburgh farmers’ markets accept food stamps (SNAP), credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program, where food stamp shoppers will receive a special match at the farmers markets. ROSS TWP. FARMERS MARKET Every Wednesday from May 12 through October Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church parking lot, 920 Perry Hwy. Vendors will include farms and greenhouses, prepared foods, baked goods, and local businesses. Vendors include Leeper Meats, Yvonne’s Handmade Pasta, Mazur’s Greenhouse & Farm, Sam’s Gyros, Daugherty Orchards, Yoder’s Amish Baked Goods, Colombino Farms and The Flame BBQ. MOON TOWNSHIP FARMERS MARKET Every Wednesday June 2 – October 27 Hours: 3:00 – 6:30 p.m. Location: Moon Park, 1350 Joe DeNardo Way, Coraopolis The Moon Township Farmers Market is a producer-only
market, and all vendors grow or make at least 75% of their own products for sale. Vendors in 2021 will include Graeter’s Ice Cream, Tree Cup Tea, Tommy’s Jerky, Butler Maple Farms, Wigle Whiskey, Mediterra Bakery, Simmons Farm and more. MT. LEBANON LIONS FARMERS MARKET Every Wednesday June 2 – October Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Mt Lebanon United Lutheran Church at 975 Washington Rd in Mt. Lebanon Find local produce, freshbaked breads and other food products. Vendors in previous years have included Mediterra Bakehouse, Dillner’s Family Farm, Nellie’s Middle Eastern Foods, Paul’s Orchard, Logan Family Farm, Salsa Sam’s, LVIV European Pierogies, Dock to Table Seafood, Costello Honey, Sand Hill Berry Farm, Bad Azz BBQ and Next 7 Organic Farm. PETERS TOWNSHIP FARMERS MARKET Every Wednesday, June 2 – October 27 Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 905 E. McMurray Rd., Venetia, PA. Vendors in previous years have included City Fresh Pasta, Cherish Creamery, Fresh From the Farm Juices, Hello Hummus, Jose Quiroz Farm, Kern Farms, Loafers Bread, Logan Family Farms, the Olive Tap, P3 Grain Free, the Pie Place, Simmons Farm, Swopes Honey, Wild River Kettle Korn, Wu’s Shaved Ice, Bad Azz BBQ, Pitaland, Wood Stoked Oven Pizza and Caustelot Creamery. In 2021, the market will bring back live music, and on-site dining. BELLEVUE FARMERS MARKET Every Wednesday, June 2 – October 27 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Bayne Park, 34 North Balph Avenue, Bellevue, PA A variety of fresh, locally-grown food as well as hand-crafted items sourced from local ingredients. HAMPTON TOWNSHIP FARMERS MARKET
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arkets across western Pennsylvania will be opening in the coming weeks, offering local produce, fresh-baked breads, sweet treats, prepared foods, flowers, and more. As we have in years past, we’ve rounded up a day-by-day guide to all of the markets that we could find. This year, we’re excited to partner with the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council and Farm to Table Western PA on our 2021 list, featuring more markets than we ever have before.
Every Wednesday, June 2 – October 13 Hours: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Location: Community Park, 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park The Hampton Township Farmers Market will have local produce, honey, baked goods, spices, and much more. Keep an eye out for occasional food truck days throughout the season, too. MIDWEEK MARKET AT SOUTHSIDE WORKS Every other Wednesday, starting July 14 through October Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: The Town Square Area of SouthSide Works SouthSide Works is launching a mid-week farmers and artisan market with Buy Fresh Buy Local of Western PA and I Made It! Market beginning in July. The Midweek Market will be open to the public, and will offer popular prepared foods vendors, local produce, meat, cheese, dairy, and wares from local artists. The market will also feature live music.
THURSDAYS SHILOH FARM STAND Thursdays starting April 22 Hours: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Location: 7209 Thomas Blvd. From Grow Pittsburgh, the farm stand at Shiloh features their own locally-grown produce. Grow Pittsburgh markets accept Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program checks, EBT/SNAP payments, and Food Bucks. Produce is priced affordably or on a sliding scale. AMBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday, May 6 through November 18 Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 624 Park Road, Ambridge Features fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meat, honey, fresh-cut flowers and bedding plants. Hosted by Beaver County Farmers Markets. MARKET SQUARE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday, May 13 – October 23 Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Select farmers markets accept food stamps (SNAP), credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program. The Fresh Access program enables shoppers to use their food stamps, as well as credit and debit cards, to buy fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food. Food Bucks give Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and vegetables. You can find the most updated information on which markets accept food stamps, Food Bucks, SNAP benefits and more here.
Location: Market Square The Downtown Market Square Farmers Market has been a summertime staple for more than 15 years. Over 30 weekly vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, organic milk and cheese, honey, breads, cakes, fresh-pressed juices, and other homemade food products are available for sale in Market Square every Thursday. The market also includes free afternoon concerts from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and special events, like a free bulb giveaway during the first market of the season from Western PA Conservancy. WASHINGTON MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday, May 20 – October Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Location: 139 S. Main Street, Washington, PA. Now in its 18th year, the Washington Main Street Farmers Market offers fresh, locally-grown produce, including organic options, meat, eggs, dairy products, breads, pastas, salsas, and other prepared foods. Live music is also scheduled for more weeks. In the past, vendors have included BadAzz BBQ, Bread Spreads by Susan, Conover Organic Farms, Headacres Farm, Jodikinos Farms, Kern’s Farm, Peanut Butter Bones and more. For every $1 of SNAP benefits redeemed at the market, benefit holders will receive $2 in tokens to spend at the market.
Markets that accept SNAP through Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program: • Bloomfield • Monroeville • Swissvale • Squirrel Hill, • Carnegie • East Liberty • Forest Hills • Lawrenceville, • Carrick • Bellevue • Market Square • Wilkinsburg • North Side
find local produce, sweets, artisan products and more. Vendors include Chocolate Moonshine, Schramms Farms and Orchards, Crafted Creations, Gary’s Gourmet Produce, Caruso Farms, Carter Farms and more. WILKINSBURG THURSDAY MARKET Every Thursday, June 17 – October 14 Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Location: Harold Young, Sr. Parklet, 700 block of Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg The Wilkinsburg Thursday Market offers fresh, locally grown produce, homemade preserves, baked goods, prepared foods and more. The Market accepts EBT/SNAP payments, and Food Bucks. Produce is priced affordably or on a donation basis.
FRIDAYS THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET (BRIDGEVILLE AREA) Every Friday in May starting May 7, then open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting in June. Hours: Starting at 5:30 p.m. Location: 151 Parks Road, McDonald, PA Vendors include Bayer Farm, Simmons Farm, Janoski Farms, George Bartkus Cheese, Debbies Deluxe Cookies & Cakes, Tim Wu Shaved Ice, Victoria’s Fudge-A-Licious, and more!
MURRYSVILLE FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday, June 3 – September 30 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Murrysville VFC Field, 3235 Sardis Road, Murraysville, PA The Murrysville Farmers Market offers local produce vendors, baked goods, pantry items, dairy products, fresh flowers and plants, honey and herbs, and hot foods, such as wood-fired pizzas, food trucks, and also live entertainment.
CITY OF PITTSBURGH NORTH SIDE Every Friday, May 14 – November 19 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave. Features farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods. All City of Pittsburgh farmers’ markets accept food stamps (SNAP), credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program, where food stamp shoppers will receive a special match at the farmers markets.
VERONA FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday, June 3 – November 18 Hours: 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Location: 736 E. Railroad Avenue, Verona At the Verona Farmers Market,
FOREST HILLS FARMERS MARKET Every Friday, May 21 – October 29 Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Forest Hills Presbyterian Church parking lot,
Green Grocer
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Green Grocer mobile farmers market provides fresh food options at affordable prices at 20 different market stops in 20 different neighborhoods. Everyone is welcome to shop at the market, and Green Grocer accepts multiple forms of payment, including SNAP/EBT and FMNP & SFMNP checks. Green Grocer runs from April 1 – November.
2021 SCHEDULE:
1840 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Features home grown produce, baked goods, and unique products for sale. Previous vendors have included: Cherish Creamery, Bates & Hayes Concessions, Billy’s Country Smokehouse, Harvest Valley Farms, Hello Hummus, Logan Family Farms, Monroe’s Coffee, McElhinny Farm, Olive & Marlowe, Pasta Bill, Sandhill Berries, and Wood Street Bread Company.
11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Spring Hill, Three Rivers Manor, 125 Rhine Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Millvale, Yetter’s Candy parking lot, 504 Grant Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Sharpsburg, Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP FARMERS MARKET Every Friday, June 4 – October 1 Hours: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Location: Cranberry Township Municipal Center Front Parking Lot, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township The Cranberry Twp. Farmers Market will feature special events on select market days throughout the season. The market provides everything from fresh fruit and produce, artisan gifts, baked goods, live music, food trucks, and hour hours featuring local brews and libations.
11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Woods Run, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Woods Run, 1201 Woods Run Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Oak Hill, UPMC Matilda H. Theiss Health Center, 373 Burrows St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Rankin, A Child’s World Daycare Center, 300 Rankin Boulevard, Rankin, PA 15104
FARMERS MARKET AT THE BLOCK NORTHWAY Every Friday, June 4 – October 29 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: The Block Northway, near DSW Shoe Warehouse in the South Atrium, Upper Level Market vendors include farmer’s market sellers, artisan booths, food trucks, live music and more. MONONGAHELA FARMERS MARKET Every Friday from June 11 – October 29 Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Location: Set up on the side street that runs along the side of Chess Park in Monongahela’s Main Street District Previous vendors have included: Aunt Kims Jellies, Gimme Some Sugar cupcakes, Jimmy’s Italian Ice, Sam’s Gyro, Harden Farm, Triple B Farm, and more!
1st & 3rd Mondays
2nd & 4th Mondays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Mt Oliver, Clock Tower, Brownsville Road & Hays Ave., Mt. Oliver, PA 15210 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Clairton, Family Dollar parking lot, 533 Miller Ave., Clairton, PA 15025 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Glassport, Glassport Honor Roll Park, 440 Monongahela Ave., Glassport, PA 15045
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
2nd & 4th Tuesdays 11 – 12:00 p.m.
East Hills, East Hills Community Center, 2291 Wilner Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15221 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Lincoln-Larimer-Belmar, Corner of Lincoln Ave. & Lemington Ave., 1433 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Hill District, Centre Heldman Plaza, 1850 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
1st & 3rd Thursdays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Homewood, Alma Illery Medical Center, 7227 Haimlton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. East Pittsburgh, Across from East Pittsburgh Community Center, 509 Bessemer Ave., East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Wilmerding, Wilmerding Apartments on Station St., 314 Commerce St., Wilmerding, PA 15148
2nd & 4th Thursdays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. McKees Rocks, 5 Generation Bakers, 1100 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Sheraden, Pavilion, Hillsboro St. & Sheraden Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15204 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Northview Heights, 533 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15214
1st & 3rd Fridays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Monview Heights, 48 Midway Dr., West Mifflin, PA 15122
2nd & 4th Fridays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Duquesne, Route 837 & Grant Ave., 35 Grant Ave, Duquesne, PA 15110
NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 19
Local Food Drop Sites ALLEGHENY COUNTY
BLAIR COUNTY
BLACKBERRY MEADOWS www.Blackberrymeadows.com
BLUE GOOSE FARM www.bluegoosefarmnicktown.com
BLUE GOOSE FARM www.bluegoosefarmnicktown.com
FRIENDS FARM www.facebook.com/ friendsfarmmarket
BRENCKLE’S ORGANIC FARM & GREENHOUSE www.brencklesfarm.com CHERRY VALLEY ORGANICS www.cherryvalleyorganics.com DILLNER FAMILY FARMS www.dillnerfamilyfaarms.com
BUTLER COUNTY BRENCKLE’S ORGANIC FARM & GREENHOUSE www.brencklesfarm.com DREAM THYME www.facebook.com/ dreamthymefarm/
THE FAMILY COW www.yourfamilyfarmer.com FULTON COUNTY FARM OF PEACE www.farmofpeace.com INDIANA COUNTY BLUE GOOSE FARM www.bluegoosefarmnicktown.com THE FAMILY COW www.yourfamilyfarmer.com MERCER COUNTY
FIVE ELEMENTS FARM www.fiveelementsfarm.com
DREAM THYME www.facebook.com/ dreamthymefarm
EDIBLE EARTH FARM www.edibleearthfarm.com
FREEDOM FARMS www.freedomfarmspa.com
EDIBLE EARTH FARM www.Edibleearthfarm.com
FOOTPRINTS FARM www.footprintsfarm.com
HARVEST VALLEY FARMS www.harvestvalleyfarms.com
HARVEST VALLEY FARMS www.harvestvalleyfarms.com
MEDIUM RARE FOODS (South Butler) www.mediumrarefoods.com
NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA GROWERS COOPERATIVE www.nwpagrowers.com
DREAM THYME www.facebook.com/ dreamthymefarm/
HARVIE FARMS PITTSBURGH www.harvie.farm MEDIUM RARE FOODS www.mediumrarefoods.com NORTHWEST PA GROWERS COOPERATIVE www.Nwpagrowers.com THE FAMILY COW www.yourfamilyfarmer.com THE MARKETPLACE AT EMERALD VALLEY Themarketplacevfs.square.site WHO COOKS FOR YOU FARM www.whocooksforyoufarm.com
NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA GROWERS COOPERATIVE www.nwpagrowers.com THE FAMILY COW www.yourfamilyfarmer.com CAMBRIA COUNTY BLUE GOOSE FARM www.bluegoosefarmnicktown.com CRAWFORD COUNTY LINK’S HERITAGE FARM www.lisksheritagefarm.com
SOMERSET COUNTY BLUE GOOSE FARM www.bluegoosefarmnicktown.com VENANGO COUNTY NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA GROWERS COOPERATIVE www.nwpagrowers.com PLOT TWIST FARM www.plottwistfarm.com WASHINGTON COUNTY CHERRY VALLEY ORGANICS www.cherryvalleyorganics.com
NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA GROWERS COOPERATIVE www.nwpagrowers.com
THE MARKETPLACE AT EMERALD VALLEY www.themarketplacevfs. square.site
FIVE ELEMENTS FARM www.fiveelementsfarm.com
PLOT TWIST FARM www.plottwistfarm.com
EDIBLE EARTH FARM www.Edibleearthfarm.com
WHO COOKS FOR YOU FARM www.whocooksforyoufarm.com
STRAWBERRY LANE PRODUCE harvie.farm/profile/ strawberry-lane-produce
HARVIE FARMS www.harvie.farm
ARMSTRONG COUNTY
BEAVER COUNTY CHERRY VALLEY ORGANICS www.cherryvalleyorganics.com CONFORTI FAMILY FARM www.confortifamilyfarm.com DILLNER FAMILY FARMS www.dillnerfamilyfarms.com MEDIUM RARE FOODS www.Mediumrarefoods.com THE FAMILY COW www.yourfamilyfarmer.com
ERIE COUNTY BURCH FARMS www.burchfarmscountry marketandwinery.com MASON FARMS www.Masonfarms.com POST APPLES FARM www.postapples.com FAYETTE COUNTY FOOTPRINTS FARM www.footprintsfarm.com SARVER’S HILL FARM & CSA www.sarverhillfarm.org
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STONE CHURCH ACRES www.stonechurchacres.com THE FAMILY COW www.yourfamilyfarmer.com WESTMORELAND COUNTY FOOTPRINTS FARM www.footprintsfarm.com MEDIUM RARE FOODS (Irwin & Murrysville) www.mediumrarefoods.com SARVER’S HILL FARM & CSA www.sarverhillfarm.net
What is a CSA? I
n a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture), customers pay for “shares” and receive a percentage of the products harvested from local farms. “Shares” are available from farms and farm cooperatives throughout Western PA. Customers pick a designated site such a home, business or church for pick up. CSAs have gained popularity over the years and farms have responded by offering a variety of options: 8FFLMZ CJ XFFLMZ PS NPOUIMZ TIBSFT 4NBMM BOE MBSHF TIBSFT 0SHBOJD PS $FSUJGJFE /BUVSBMMZ (SPXO %JFUBSZ DPODFSOT TVDI BT WFHBO PS HMVUFO GSFF TIBSFT $VTUPNJ[FE PSEFST 1BZJOH XFFLMZ PS ±BT ZPV PSEFS² 5JQT GPS #VZJOH B $4" ±4IBSF² 4IBSF 4IBSF B ±TIBSF² XJUI B GSJFOE PS GBNJMZ NFNCFS %SPQ 1JDL B ESPQ TJUF DPOWFOJFOU UP ZPVS IPNF PS XPSL 'BSNT NBZ BEE B TJUF JG UIFSF JT B NJO JNVN PG ¯ DVTUPNFST $PPL 6TF GSFTI JOHSFEJFOUT FBDI XFFL UP NBLF NFBMT BU IPNF .BOZ $4"T QSPWJEF SFDJQFT UIBU JO DPSQPSBUF UIBU XFFL³T IBSWFTU
'SFTI &BUJOH GPS 4VNNFS We are lucky to live in a place that can provide nutritious, locally grown food. Buying farm fresh products and preparing them at home is a healthy alternative to eating preservatives. The key to eating local is to make a commitment to eat seasonally. Eat greens, asparagus, berries in spring. You can then progress to tomatoes, corn, zucchini, melons throughout the summer. Move on to autumn crops, such as potatoes, more greens, squash in the fall. Summer is the time to preserve the harvest. A simple Internet search will provide direction and know-how for canning, fermenting, drying and freezing your favorite summer produce. Buy a few extra quarts of blueberries each week and freeze them. You will be rewarded in mid-winter when you’re mixing your local food smoothies. The farm stands and stores, farmers markets and retail stores that sell these local products are located throughout Allegheny County. Farmers Markets typically run once a week for about four hours at a time. Ask your favorite restaurant if they buy from local farms. If you notice specials that contain seasonal ingredients, they are most likely getting these from a local producer. Lastly, start a garden and grow your own food! The easiest plants and some of the most delicious are tomatoes and basil. You will be rewarded with the freshest tasting ingredients for many summer dishes.
10 mnemonic devices to help navigate Pittsburgh BY KIMBERLY ROONEY 냖㵸蔻 KIMROONEY@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
DURING QUIETER HOURS at the coffee shop where I used to work, I’d often shoot the breeze with the other person on the bar. Once, when chatting with my manager about how to get to the South Side from Squirrel Hill, she imparted an important piece of Pittsburgh wisdom to me: it’s only three miles away, but you can’t (easily) get there from here. Pittsburgh is a notoriously difficult city to navigate for newcomers. Unlike many other urban centers, it’s not built on a street grid. Streets end without warning, only to pick back up a block away. Sometimes, staircases technically function as continuations of streets. But it’s not an impossible city to traverse, and we’ve compiled some mnemonic devices — learning techniques to help with memorizing details — to orient you and get you where you need to go.
1.
Forbes and Fifth avenues run one-way and parallel through Downtown and Oakland with only a few blocks between them. To make sure you’re heading in the right direction, remember: Fifth Avenue has an “i,” so it goes into Downtown. Forbes Avenue has an “o,” so it goes out of Downtown.
2.
Confused which river is which? Take a look at the water color. The Monongahela starts with an “m,” so it’s a mud-based river (or, to be precise, silt), usually giving it a murky tint. The Allegheny, instead, is rock based, making its waters clearer.
the east, and Schenley Park is to the west. (“E” for east and “F” for Frick are also alphabetical neighbors, if it’s easier to remember that way!)
6.
Penn and Liberty avenues stretch through the Strip District side by side before distancing as they move through Lawrenceville. Penn, with two “N”s, runs north of Liberty and closer to the Allegheny, the northern river.
7.
Having Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue in close proximity Downtown seems like poor urban design, but a little alliteration can go a long way. Sixth Street is shorter, spanning several blocks closer to the shore of the river.
3.
8.
4.
9.
But what if the colors are difficult to tell apart? Associate alphabetical order with north to south. “A” comes before “M” in the alphabet, so the Allegheny, which is parallel to the North Side, is the northern river, while the Monongahela, which is parallel to Station Square, is the southern river.
Which bus do I get on? It’s not the most precise system, but Pittsburgh’s Port Authority bus lines are generally numbered going counter-clockwise around the city, starting north of the Allegheny with the 1 and ending south of the Allegheny with the 93 stopping in Lawrenceville.
5.
Which park is which? Schenley Park and Frick Park both flank Squirrel Hill. This time, associate alphabetical order with east to west. “F” comes before “S,” so Frick Park is to
The Sister Bridges are three similar looking, self-anchored suspension bridges along the Allegheny River. The birth dates of the people they’re named for stretch from east to west, oldest to most recent, starting with Rachel Carson in 1907, then Andy Warhol in 1928, and finally Roberto Clemente 1934. Ellsworth Avenue and Walnut Street run parallel through Shadyside, but Ellsworth, which starts with “El,” runs closer to East Liberty, to the north.
10.
N. Negley and S. Negley avenues are a little easier to tell apart since their relative directions are included in their names, but to remember where S. Negley ends, fall back on alliteration because S. Negley ends in Squirrel Hill. • NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 21
CP PHOTO: KAYCEE ORWIG
Local Hidden Gem: Co-owner Indigo Baloch holds Queso, a cat available for adoption, at Garfield’s Black Cat Market
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Local Faves and Hidden Gems
ARTS & CULTURE BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Pittsburgh boasts a number of great ways to see and experience art and entertainment. Some are more obvious, like the major museums located in the city’s Oakland and North Side neighborhoods. Others are a little harder to find, but no less interesting or worthwhile. Check out the following pages for Pittsburgh City Paper’s list of local faves and hidden gems, including galleries, theaters, tours, and other fun ways to spend a day with friends or family, or on a solo adventure.
NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 23
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Local Fave Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
ART MUSEUM LF : Carnegie Museum of Art. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. cmoa.org Experience new exhibitions, dynamic programming, and permanent collections featuring every major art movement, as well as local artists like photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, at this important Pittsburgh cultural institution. LF : Mattress Factory. 500 Sampsonia Way, North Side. mattress.org Open your mind to new art forms and emerging artists at this contemporary art museum. Explore multiple floors at the main building, or visit the Monterey Annex. HG : Frick Museum of Art. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. thefrickpittsburgh.org Located on the attractive Frick 24 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Pittsburgh campus, the museum houses Helen Clay Frick’s personal collection of fine and decorative arts, and hosts a diverse array of creatively curated exhibitions.
HISTORY MUSEUM LF : Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. carnegiemnh.org Adults and kids alike will delight in the expansive, educational presentation of dinosaurs, architecture, gems and minerals, and more in this historic building. LF : Senator John Heinz History Center. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. heinzhistorycenter.org Get a fun crash course on Pittsburgh at this museum covering the full history of the city, from its founding to its many important contributions and figures.
HG : Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology. 616 North Highland Ave., Highland Park. pts.edu/museum Located in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the Kelso Museum covers an array of archaeological finds from modern day Israel, West Bank, and Jordan.
DEDICATED SPACE LF : The Andy Warhol Museum. 117 Sandusky St., North Side. warhol.org Did you know Andy Warhol was born and raised in Pittsburgh? The influential pop artist has his own museum, covering his prints, films, and more, as well as new voices in the art world. LF : August Wilson African American Cultural Center. 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. aacc-awc.org This architectural beauty honors
the legacy of late playwright August Wilson, whose plays highlighted the Black experience in Pittsburgh, with art exhibitions, live music, talks, and more. HG : Maxo Vanka Murals. St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, 24 Maryland Ave., Millvale. vankamurals.org Croatian artist Maxo Vanka graced the walls of this Catholic church with an incredible collection of murals rich in political and social commentary. Guided tours are regularly scheduled on Saturdays. HG : The Clemente Museum. 3339 Penn Ave., Strip District. clementemuseum.com This museum pays tribute to the late Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente, one of the most celebrated athletes in Pittsburgh, and overall sports history.
FAMILY FUN LF : Carnegie Science Center/ Highmark SportsWorks. One Allegheny Ave., North Side. carnegiesciencecenter.org Help the kids exercise their bodies and minds with a day at Carnegie Science Center and Highmark SportsWorks, two state-of-the-art facilities full of fun, interactive activities. LF : Kennywood. 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin. kennywood.com Generations of families have enjoyed the many rides, games, and events at this historic theme park. Be sure to try the Potato Patch fries and brave the Phantom’s Revenge roller coaster. HG : Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. 401 Meadowcroft Road, Avella. heinzhistorycenter.org/ meadowcroft Right outside the city is one of the earliest examples of human habitation in North America. Learn about prehistoric life with fascinating demonstrations and other programs.
ART GALLERY LF : Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Galleries. Various locations, Downtown Pittsburgh. trustarts.org Downtown Pittsburgh offers several expertly curated art galleries all within walking distance of one another. See shows at Wood Street Galleries, SPACE, 707 Gallery, and 937 Gallery. LF : Brew House Association. 711 S. 21st St., South Side. brewhousearts.org This longtime space hosts a regular rotation of exhibitions focused on showcasing and nurturing local artists and curators. HG : BoxHeart Gallery. 4523 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. boxheartgallery.com Nestled in Pittsburgh’s bustling Bloomfield neighborhood, this eye-catching storefront gallery recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and often offers dual artist exhibitions on its two floors.
SPECIALTY GALLERY LF : Pittsburgh Glass Center. 5472 Penn Ave., Friendship. pittsburghglasscenter.org See innovative works and try your hand at glass-blowing at this center dedicated to the glass arts. LF : Silver Eye Center for Photography. 4808 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. silvereye.org Breathtaking exhibitions feature artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary photography. HG : Trundle Manor. 7724 Juniata St., Swissvale. trundlemanor.com This offbeat “tourist trap” invites guests into a world of weird taxidermy, macabre finds, occult objects, and more. Tours are appointment only, so make yours today. HG : Bicycle Heaven. 1800 Preble and Columbus Ave., North Side. bicycleheaven.org Pittsburgh is becoming a more bike-friendly city, and not just in terms of transportation. See tons of cool, classic, and even famous bikes at what’s touted as the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop.
PERFORMING ARTS THEATER LF : Benedum Center. 237 Seventh St., Downtown. trustarts.org As one of the city’s lead venues, the Benedum Center hosts popular Broadway shows and musicals, ballet, live comedy, and more. HG : Kelly Strayhorn Theater. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. kelly-strayhorn.org Named after two of the city’s most famous performers — movie star Gene Kelly and jazz pianist Billy Strayhorn — this community theater focuses on new dance, music, and more, particularly by artists from under-represented groups. CONTINUES ON PG. 26 NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 25
ARTS AND CULTURE, CONTINUED FROM PG. 25
CP PHOTO: AMANDA WALTZ
Local Fave Mattress Factory
CONCERT HALL PERFORMANCES LF : Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. pittsburghsymphony.org The city’s Grammy awardwinning symphony orchestra celebrated its 125th anniversary in February, and after a year of virtual performances, is returning to in-person productions this summer at Hartwood Acres Park. In non-pandemic times, you can find the orchestra performing at Downtown’s beautiful Heinz Hall. HG : MCG Jazz. 1815 Metropolitan St., Manchester. mcgjazz.org Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild’s program is one of the longest-running subscription jazz series in the country, presenting an eclectic mix of musicians and vocalists of the genre. 26 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
BOTANICAL BEAUTIES
COMEDY
LF : Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. 7370 Baker St., Highland Park. pittsburghzoo.org Explore the animal kingdom on land and under the sea while strolling through this major zoo and aquarium that offers educational opportunities and a number of close-up encounters.
LF : Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. One Schenley Park, Oakland. phipps.conservatory.org This giant domed jewel contains a long list of plant and flower species from around the world. Gaze at vibrant seasonal blooms, check out various exhibits and events, and find healthy snacks at Café Phipps.
LF : Arcade Comedy Theater. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. arcadecomedytheater.com This theater group first moved its shows to the virtual stage during the pandemic, then to a cozy spot outdoors in the Cultural District for Arcade at the Oasis, a comedyvariety show featuring a rotating set of local and national comedians.
LF : National Aviary. 700 Arch St., North Side. aviary.org Soar to new heights at the National Aviary, where you can meet tropical birds, owls, and other winged species, as well as penguins and a sloth.
HG : Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale. pittsburghbotanicgarden.org Take a stroll through acres of planned gardens, conserved woodlands and meadows, and more at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
HG : Black Cat Market. 5135 Penn Ave., Garfield. blackcatmarketpgh.com Meet a new furry friend at this locally owned and run cat cafe, where you can interact with adoptable felines, enjoy a cup of coffee, and buy fun cat-themed merchandise.
HG : The Frick Pittsburgh Greenhouse. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. thefrickpittsburgh.org The Frick Pittsburgh welcomes visitors into its renovated and partially reconstructed greenhouse, which served industrialist Henry Clay Frick’s family from 1897 through the 1970s.
LF : Steel City Improv. 5950 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. steelcityimprov.com Best known for its improv classes, Steel City has been physically closed during the pandemic, but has been offering skits on Twitch throughout, including Dubs of our Lives, a regular comedy act where performers improv lines over episodes of an old reality TV show. HG : Mildred the Lunch Lady. Blue Moon Bar, 5115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. facebook.com/ mildredthelunchlady Mildred the Lunch Lady, once
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CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Hidden Gem Bicycle Heaven
voted Pittsburgh’s no. 1 Bartender by City Paper readers, is an 84-year-old lunch lady who works at Blue Moon, an LGBTQ bar in Lawrenceville. She’s the alter ego of drag queen Alistair McQueen, and is worth a trip — and a tip! — for a drink and some laughs.
MOVIE TIME LF : Row House Cinema. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. rowhousecinema.com Set to reopen in late September 2021, this single-screen movie theater offers a curated schedule of classic, popular, and arthouse films. You can also grab a beer at the connected Bierport bottle shop and bar. And until the reopening, it’s offering private rentals and virtual screenings. HG : Riverside Drive In Theatre. 1114 Lees Lake Lane, Vandergrift. riversidedrivein.com Take in a double-feature under the stars at this drive-in theater located just a short drive outside of Pittsburgh. Besides new films, the theater also hosts weekend horror movie marathons and other special events.
TOUR LF : Walk The Burgh Tours. 1049 Penn Ave., Downtown. walktheburgh.com What better way to learn about the city than by foot? Walk The Burgh offers a variety of guided tours covering famous landmarks, film locations, and even haunted sights. LF : Gateway Clipper Fleet. 350 W.Station Square Drive, South Side. gatewayclipper.com Become familiar with the city’s waterways during a trip on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. The riverboat service invites passengers to sightseeing tours, as well as themed parties, romantic cruises, and more. HG : Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms. 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. nationalityrooms.pitt.edu Learn more about the towering University of Pittsburgh landmark with a look at its many Nationality Rooms, classrooms decorated to represent countries from around the world. Tours are on hold due to COVID-19, but check back for reopening dates and virtual resources. •
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A Resource Guide to Pittsburgh Arts Nonprofits BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
ARE YOU AN ARTIST, musician, or creative professional who is new to Pittsburgh and looking to connect? The city has a number of organizations that provide support to those looking for funding, space, or other resources for their next project or practice.
1HOOD MEDIA 460 Melwood Ave., Oakland. 1hood.org Socially conscious, Black-led organization combining activism with art, music, and other creative outlets. Stated mission is to establish a “platform for artistic expression in efforts to further the economic and creative advancement of artists, as well the active engagement of diverse audiences.”
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS OF PITTSBURGH 100 43rd St., Suite 107. Lawrenceville. aapgh.org Long-standing visual arts organization with a mission to provide a “vital and challenging environment for artists to exhibit new work in the widest possible range of media.” Currently serves 550 members.
BOOM CONCEPTS 5139 Penn Ave., Garfield. boomuniverse.co Black-led community art hub providing creative and professional development assistance to marginalized artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Also serves as a space for exhibitions, events, performances, and projects by guest artists.
GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS COUNCIL 810 Penn Ave., Suite 600. Downtown. pittsburghartscouncil.org Provides financial, professional, and political support for those working in the arts and culture sector in Southwestern Pa. Offers workshops, grants, and more. Comprised of more than 400 artists and nonprofit organizations. • CP PHOTO: LAKE LEWIS
Thomas Agnew and D.S. Kinsel of Boom Concepts in Garfield 28 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
A guide to Pittsburgh radio stations for easy listening BY DANI JANAE // DANIJANAE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
PITTSBURGH IS A CITY that has a love for live music and entertainment. For the everyday though, sometimes we want to kick back and listen to music from the comfort of our cars and homes. Whether you’re commuting to work or unwinding after a stressful day, we hope you’ll find a station you’ll love from this curated list of some of our favorites. Adult Alternative WYEP 91.3 FM The city’s listener-supported station, with a wide variety of programs and genres. I love the eclectic style and range host Joey Spehar plays on the Morning Mix every weekday, and don’t miss Pittsburgh City Paper contributor Mike Canton’s The Soul Show every Saturday.
well-known for its live shows featuring local artists.
Hip Hop WAMO 107.3 FM If you’re a hip hop and R&B fan, this station’s a must to keep up on who’s hot and who’s up-and-coming. With great tunes and popular hosts like Portia Foxx, it’s Pittsburgh’s best station for the genre.
Top 40 KISS FM 96.1 FM One of the most popular mainstream stations in the city. Best known for their Morning Freak Show, hosted by comedians Mikey and Big Bob.
College WRCT 88.3 FM Carnegie Mellon University’s station run by students, faculty, staff, and community members. Offers a variety of programs with music ranging from West African rock to electronic music and Latin American tunes to power pop. WPTS 92.1 FM Stationed out of the University of Pittsburgh, WPTS is operated by its students, but reaches 30 miles from its campus. The station is edgy, and
Socially-distancing herself but still broadcasting LIVE Every Monday thru Thursday at 10 a.m. Listen in at lynncullen.pghcitypaper.com
Country WPGB 104.7 FM Big 104.7 calls itself “Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country.” With artists like Lee Brice, Darius Rucker, and Rascal Flatts, it is definitely the place to get your country-and-western fix.
Adult Contemporary WISH 99.7 FM Touts “the most music for your workday.” Offers a wide mix of genres within the same program, like going from “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen to “DJ Got Us Fallin in Luv” by Usher. Classical WQED 89.3 FM Touted as “the voice of the arts in western Pennsylvania.” I recommend checking out “Afternoon Classics” with Anna Singer. • NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 29
BEYOND/HELLO 9337 Lincoln Highway, Irwin. beyond-hello.com
Delta 9 PA 211 52nd St., Lawrenceville and 305 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. delta9pa.com
Ethos Pittsburgh West 470 Home Drive, Robinson. ethoscannabis.com
A newcomers guide to Pittsburgh’s medical marijuana program and dispensaries BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
PENNSYLVANIA’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA program has been rapidly growing over the past few years, bringing more dispensaries to the region, and with it, long-overdue relief to patients. Medical cannabis became legalized in the commonwealth in 2016, and there are currently 23 qualifying conditions that allow patients to access medical marijuana under Pennsylvania law. To get your medical marijuana card, you must first fill out a form at the Pennsylvania Department of Health website (padohmmp.custhelp.com), then get a doctor to certify your application. If your primary care doctor isn’t certified, or isn’t a believer in cannabis treatment, you can find a doctor to help you through a certification center, such as Compassionate Certification Centers (compassionatecertificationcenters.com), HerbalCare RX (herbalcarerx.com), or Releaf Specialists (releafspecialists.com), who will take medical records and charge between $125-200 for a new patient certification. Then, you will need to turn in your application and return to the Department of Health website and pay a $50 application fee. Your medical marijuana card will then arrive by mail in just a few weeks. Once you’ve received your card, take it to one of the following dispensaries. First-time patients will need a consultation before placing an order, but once registered, dispensaries offer online ordering for easier pickup. 30 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Harvest of Cranberry Township 20269 Route 19, Cranberry. harvesthoc.com
The Healing Center 130 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville; 799 West Chestnut St., Washington; and 270 Executive Drive, Cranberry. thehealingcenterusa.com
Liberty 2320 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa. libertydispensarypa.com
Maitri Medicinals 5845 Centre Ave., East Liberty. maitrimedicinals.com
RISE 3838 William Penn Highway, Monroeville; 20808 Route 19, Cranberry; and 117 Beatty County Road, Latrobe. risecannabis.com
Solevo Wellness 5600 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill; 22095 Perry Highway, Zelienople; and 200 Adios Drive, Suite 20, Washington. solevowellness.com
Sunnyside 201 Pillow St., Butler; 4 Kensington Square, New Kensington; and 2116 Penn Ave., Strip District. sunnyside.shop • CP PHOTO: KAYCEE ORWIG
Sunnyside in the Strip District
NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 31
Pittsburgh Resource Guide The need-to-know facts for Pittsburgh newcomers
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation Executive Director Sarah Rosso and Program Director Coley Alston outside their offices in the North Side
BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Where can I find LGBTQ-friendly resources? SisTersPGH (sisterspgh.org) is a transgender/nonbinary centered shelter transitioning program. Persad Center (persadcenter.org) serves LGBTQ+ communities and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. You can also check out the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (glccpgh.org), and Trans YOUniting (transyounitingpgh.org), a nonprofit activist group offering crisis housing and food assistance. Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation (hughlane.org) recently launched an AFFIRM program for LGBTQ youth, and True T PGH (truetpgh.com) is a community resource for queer people of color working through arts, activism, and entertainment. For LGBTQ news, don’t miss Pittsburgh blog Pgh Lesbian Correspondents (pghlesbian.com), as well as LGBTQ news source QBurgh (qburgh.com).
Where can I find more Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh? Kyley Coleman initially launched her Instagram account @blackowned.pgh in May 2020 after calls to support more Black businesses spread on social media following the continued reckoning against racist police violence. Her account highlights everything from Black-owned yoga studios to ice cream shops, and since its creation, the account has amassed over 22,000 followers. 32 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Cocoapreneur Pgh (cocoapreneur.com) is another resource, founded by marketing consultant Khamil Scantling in 2018, and features an online directory of over 300 Black-owned businesses in the Pittsburgh region.
Where can I find AAPI community organizations? OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates (ocapghpa.org) has an active Pittsburgh chapter that promotes civil rights advocacy and cultural education for Asian Pacific Americans through civic engagement, free medical clinics, festival celebrations, and more. There’s also an active Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh (bcapgh.org) with an after-school program, citizenship and immigration assistance, counseling, and recreational activities. The Japan America Society of Pennsylvania (japansocietypa.org) is based in Pittsburgh, and the Japan Association of Greater Pittsburgh (pittsburghjapan. wordpress.com) offers services and programming for Japanese residents. The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh (thefaap.org/wp) promotes Filipino heritage through cultural, charitable, and educational activities. The Bengali Association of Pittsburgh presents traditional musical and dance programs, stage performances, and other cultural events. And the Pittsburgh branch of the Taiwanese Association of America (taapittsburgh. org) supports the Taiwanese community through recreational programs such as a choir and softball club, as well as various cultural events.
Where can I find Latino community organizations? Casa San Jose (casasanjose.org) is an immigrant-service organization based in Brookline that supports Latinos all throughout the city, with a concentration in Pittsburgh’s South Hills and East Liberty. The Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (phdcincubator.org) operates out of Beechview (home to Pittsburgh’s biggest Latino community) and provides services to Latino and Hispanic entrepreneurs, including a business incubator. The Latino Community Center (latinocommunitycenter.org) is based in Downtown and offers case management support and referrals to services. The Pittsburgh chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (facebook.com/ lclaapittsburgh) is a great source for Latinos and immigrants who need help with a labor dispute.
Where can I get tested for an STD? We recommend visiting one of the city’s Planned Parenthood centers. Find your nearest location at plannedparenthood.org. Or find help at Allies for Health and Wellbeing (alliespgh.org), an LGBTQ-friendly HIV/AIDS resource that also offers tests and treatments for a range of sexually transmitted infections, as well as Hepatitis C.
How do I report things like potholes and overgrown weeds? Residents and homeowners can report non-emergency situations like graffiti, litter, and illegal parking to 3-1-1. You can also fill out a request online at pittsburghpa. gov/311/form, or tweet @311PGH.
How do I report a crime? For emergencies, call 9-1-1 within Allegheny County, and if you have a hearing/speech impairment, or feel unsafe speaking on the phone, you can send a text message to a 911 operator from a mobile phone. (Send text only, no photos or videos.)
Can I take public transit out to the airport? Yes, the Port Authority of Allegheny County runs a specially equipped bus out to the Pittsburgh International Airport. The 28X runs from East Liberty, through Oakland and Downtown, and then on to the
CP PHOTO: LAKE LEWIS
Casa San Jose Executive Director Monica Ruiz outside their offices in Beechview
airport in Western Allegheny County. The ride takes about 45 minutes from Downtown and costs $2.50 with a ConnectCard or $2.75 cash.
Why are there lights flashing at the top of that one building Downtown? The lights on top of the 40-story Grant Building at 310 Grant St. actually flash out a symbol in Morse code: “P I T T S B U R G H.” Cool, huh?
What about the top of that Downtown building that’s always changing colors? Fun fact: That’s a weather beacon at the top of the 44-story Gulf Tower on Grant Street. The temperature is displayed on the top three floors; precipitation, humidity, and wind speed are shown on the others.
What exactly are the Parkway West, Parkway East, and Parkway North? Pittsburgh’s most traveled interstate
highways, for some reason, are sometimes referred to as parkways, and given as directions to determine which is which, even though drivers travel in multiple directions on them. Considering that maps only refer to these interstates by their interstate numbers, it can be very confusing to newcomers. When people say the “Parkway North,” they mean 1-279 between the Pittsburgh North Side and the North Hills. Traveling south on the Parkway North means driving inbound into Pittsburgh on 1-279. When people say the “Parkway East,” they mean I-376 between Downtown and Monroeville in Eastern Allegheny County. And when people say the “Parkway West,” they mean I-376 from Downtown out to the Pittsburgh International Airport in Western Allegheny County.
What’s up with the weird furniture blocking my parking spot? “Parking chairs,” which generically refers to any item used to reserve a
street parking space, attempt to claim private ownership of a public space. Under the official law of the land, parking chairs can be ignored. The law of the jungle, though, says something else, especially in winter. If your neighbor shovels their car out from snow, their chair indicates they claim that spot when they return. There are horror stories about what happens to people who violate local parking customs.
How do I know when to take my trash out? Enter your address at pgh.st and find your street’s schedule for trash, recycling, and yard pickup. Sign up for free text or email reminders sent out the evening before scheduled pickups. There are also designated recycling centers located throughout the city if you want to drop off glass, cans, mixed paper, etc. and can’t wait until trash day. Look up the closest one at pittsburghpa. gov/dpw/drop-off. • NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 33
Pittsburghese Dictionary The newcomers guide to understanding the Yinzer vocabulary BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
THE STEEL CITY’S ACCENT is a thing to behold. Words like “iron” aren’t pronounced “eye-urn” but instead like “arn.” The word “steel” is spoken like the word “still,” and sometimes Pittsburgh actually sounds like “Pixburgh.” Old timers often add the letter “r” into words where they don’t belong, and like many other Pennsylvanians, we often drop “to be” from sentences. So that means your Steelers jerseys don’t need to be washed, they need warshd. “The” is added to the beginning of words where they’re not necessary, so when we’re going to buy groceries, we’re going to “The Giant Eagle,” instead of just Giant Eagle. And we also add a possessive “s” to the end of non-plural names. So when you hear us say we’re going to “Aldi’s,” we are shopping and not visiting a cousin by that name. Then there’s “yinz.” It’s sold on T-shirts all over the city. It’s the Pittsburgh way to say “you all,” and Pittsburghers are oft referred to as Yinzers. The word is unique to the region, and while lots of folks claim to hate it, it’s still affectionately used by old-school, born and bred Pittsburghers, and you can still hear it casually spoken in everyday conversation throughout the city. The city’s accent is too difficult to teach in one article, but here is a list of Pittsburghese words and a breakdown of what they mean to help welcome you to the city.
Aht = out Self explanatory. Buggy = shopping cart As simple as that but said more authentically with a slight accent. “Go aht an’ grab me a buggy.” Chipped-Chopped Ham (chipped ham) = processed lunch meat made from ham pieces, trimmings, and spices. Usually eaten on a sandwich, sometimes with barbecue sauce called “ham barbecue.” Crik = creek Used for just about any flowing body of water smaller than a river. “Just have the kids go play near the crik.” Dahntahn = Downtown “Yinz wanna go Dahntahn, n’at?” Dippy = appropriate level for dipping into Mostly used when ordering eggs over easy. “I’ll take an order of dippy eggs with some toast.” Gumband = rubber band Western Pennsylvania term. “There are extra gumbands in the top drawer.” 34 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Jagoff = jerk The best yinzer word that everyone can use without judgment. “Quit being a jagoff and let the car merge into the lane.”
Pixburgh = Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s talk so fast, it often comes out pronounced as this. Millennials have adopted this spelling as an affectionate term on social media.
Jeet jet = Did you eat yet? Best said with such a thick accent that most people can’t understand you.
Pop = soft drink Pittsburgh choosing pop is the equivalent of Penguins vs. Flyers and Sheetz vs. Wawa in Pennsylvania’s pop vs. soda war. Head east, and you’ll find the opposite.
Jumbo = bologna lunch meat Probably the preferred way to order bologna at the deli counter. “I’ll take one pound of jumbo, thinly sliced.” N’at = and that An oft-used extender to just about any sentence. “We were watching the Pirates and drinking beer, n’at.” Of course, like yinz, “and that” isn’t even a particularly common phrase in standard English, but generally n’at is a more or less meaningless casual phrase to tag on to the end of a sentence, like “and whatnot.” You also might see it as a bumper sticker, spelled “n@.” Nebby = nosy, prying Used to describe your most gossip-loving coworker, primarily used when referring to personal, yet trivial details. “Stop being so nebby about my date last night.”
Redd up = clean, tidy up Used by old, yinzer parents when they want you to clean your room. “Your grandparents are coming over, so go upstairs and redd up your room.” Slippy = Slippery Simple and used all the time in winter. “Careful: The sidewalk is slippy.” Sweeper = vacuum Also, the verb “sweep” is used when vacuuming, which is a bit confusing when saying, “I emptied out the sweeper and swept the carpet.” Yinz = you all Also sometimes said as “Yinz guys.” Yinzers love yinz. Get used to it. •
Get acquainted with Pittsburgh’s local artists, chefs, and home cooks
50 recipes directly from the home kitchens of Pittsburgh chefs, food bloggers, and local celebrities! 50% of proceeds goes directly to 412 Food Rescue, helping Pittsburgh solve food insecurity each day.
35 perfectly Pittsburgh scenes illustrated by local artists. Quickly learn the inside jokes and fun traditions of “yinzers” with a purchase of this coloring book! 50% of the proceeds are split among the 35 contributing artists.
Visit pghcitypaperstore.com to purchase your Pittsburgh City Paper book today! Click “BOOKS” to view options NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2021 35