A Fresh Look at Pittsburgh

A Fresh Look at Pittsburgh

By Robin Rectenwald

The “boomerang effect” is one way to explain why Pittsburgh is a top-rated city to live, work and visit. Whether born and raised, attended college here or visited once or twice, many return to the ‘Burgh.

Gone are the days when Pittsburgh was known for its dark and gloomy facade from the Steel Mills. After experiencing its own renaissance, Pittsburgh is nationally ranked for its museums, sports, colleges and tourist attractions. Recent honors and accolades include:

⊲ The Discover Blog named The Andy Warhol Museum one of the top-10 coolest museums in the nation.

⊲ Golf Digest ranked Oakmont Country Club the fifth-best golf course in America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list.

⊲ Esquire named Con Alma one of the best bars in America.

⊲ Fodor’s Travel declared Pittsburgh one of the Best Craft Beer Cities in the U.S.

Pittsburgh was not immune to the COVID-19 global pandemic, but over the last two years, the small business community has remained resilient. In 2021, the city saw a surge of new businesses open including restaurants, cafes and breweries.

As travel picks up in 2022, here are just a few reasons to consider Pittsburgh for a week-long vacation or weekend trip.

How to Get Here

Located in the southwest region of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is two-and-a-half hours from Cleveland, four hours from Washington, D.C., and seven hours from New York City, making it an easy road trip in the Mid-Atlantic region.

For those who prefer to fly, Pittsburgh International Airport is ranked one of the best and greenest in the nation. In 2021, the airport became the first in the world to be completely powered by natural gas and solar energy as part of its live microgrid.

How to Get Around

No access to a vehicle? No problem. Pittsburgh is one of America’s most walkable cities with many walking tours available, including the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour and a Whiskey Walking Tour offered by Walk the Burgh Tours. Prefer two wheels? People for Bikes ranked Pittsburgh among the top-20 cities in the U.S. for bicyclists. As an Uber test site, Pittsburgh has plenty of ride share options available, as well as electric scooters, bike shares and Segway tours. For other popular transportation methods, take a scenic ride on Pittsburgh’s 145-year old funiculars – the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines - or, enjoy a view of Pittsburgh from the water aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet or Cruisin’ Tiki Pittsburgh.

Where to Stay

The best part of visiting a smaller metropolitan is having a plethora of affordable options to stay. While many might be drawn to Downtown, Pittsburgh is made up of 90 neighborhoods, giving visitors 90 personalities to choose from when it comes time to eat, shop and stay. From luxury hotels to comfy bed and breakfasts, Pittsburgh has no shortage of hospitable options. Lawrenceville, Strip District, Shadyside, North Shore and the Northside are usually top destinations.

Where to “Wine and Dine”

From Pittsburgh’s most popular attractions to hidden gems around the city, the region’s culinary offerings are wide and varied, offering visitors plenty of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some classic Pittsburgh favorites are:

⊲ Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, Altius or Vue 412 for the best views of Pittsburgh from Mount Washington.

⊲ Caliente Pizza & Draft House for literally the “Best Pizza in America” – no, seriously, “The Mee-Maw” was named the Best Pizza in America in 2019! Plus, they boast a wide selection of craft beers.

⊲ Acacia Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh’s very own speakeasy in the South Side with the best cocktails.

What’s New in 2022

There’s always something new happening in the ‘Burgh. In 2022, Pittsburgh is eager to welcome Moonshot Museum, Bombs Away, a free-fall slide at Sandcastle Water Park, and The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

For those who haven’t visited in a few years or perhaps visited long ago, consider “boomeranging” back to Pittsburgh. With its big-city attractions and small-town charm, there are plenty of adventures waiting for you!

While born in Bogota, Colombia, Robin Rectenwald is a true Pittsburgher. Like many others, she briefly left the city to attend college and boomeranged back two years later to finish her undergraduate degree at Duquesne University. As a public relations professional, Robin regularly follows local media outlets and blogs to stay up to date on the latest events and new restaurant openings. Robin loves to travel, but she also likes to keep busy when home, which is why Pittsburgh is the perfect place for her to live, work and play.