If variety appeals to you, head north to Pennsylvania. The Keystone State, from its bustling cities to its rural farmland, is rich with enough American history, celebrated art, family festivities, award-winning dining, and nature excursions to suit any visitor’s tastes. In our September issue, we’ll tell you where to go and what to do in some of our favorite PA destinations. We’ll be sharing those stories online over the course of the month, so check back for more.
Drive time from Dulles: 4+ hours
The first thing one notices in Pittsburgh is how friendly and good-humored the people are — they’re quick to answer any questions you have about their cherished city. The second is how beautiful it is, particularly at night from the upper platform of the Duquesne Incline, with its panoramic views of the twinkling skyline and Pittsburgh’s three rivers: the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela.
Make time for the short cable railway ride on the historic funiculars, which run from the early morning until after midnight most days. During baseball season, the cheap seats at PNC Park make for nice skyline views, and it’s not unusual to see Nationals fans at the Pirates park. Perhaps the third thing you’ll notice is how affordable everything seems here compared to NoVA.
This medium-sized city in southwestern Pennsylvania is the second largest in the state. It’s small enough to relax but big enough for adventure, making it perfect for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Take advantage of its natural beauty with some outdoorsy fun. Kayak, canoe, walk, or bike at Point State Park, a 36-acre downtown park that’s at the apex of the three rivers. This National Historic Landmark that was once a military fort still has monuments that mark Pittsburgh’s role in the French and Indian War. Free tours are available at the Fort Pitt Block House, the oldest authenticated structure in western Pennsylvania, dating back to 1764. Book a Bike the Burgh Tour for guided small-group cycling that delves into the city’s history and architecture.
At the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, another historic landmark, founded in 1893, see special exhibits, plant and art collections, including blown-glass sculptures by the renowned Dale Chihuly on permanent display. Bird watchers, don’t skip the National Aviary; the nonprofit is the country’s largest independent indoor aviary.
The birthplace of Andy Warhol has a seven-story museum dedicated to the pop-art master. The Andy Warhol Museum holds the largest collection of his artworks and archives in the world. Start on the top floor and work your way down. You’ll want to spend at least several hours here looking at everything from childhood sketches to commercial work to films to paintings to collaborations (including a 1980s partnership with Basquiat).
Other notable art museums include the Carnegie Museum of Art; the first in the country dedicated to contemporary art, it holds more than 30,000 works, including the archive of Pittsburgh photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, whose work depicts everyday life for Black Americans in the 20th century. The contemporary art museum Mattress Factory is known for site-specific installation art and features permanent installations by Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and Greer Lankton. The Troy Hill Art Houses also feature installation art in three themed homes filled with the artworks acquired by one quirky collector.
Head to the Strip District for a half-square-mile strip of independent shops, grocers, bars, and eateries in a funky warehouse district. Pick up goodies to bring home like pasta from Pennsylvania Macaroni Company (founded by three brothers from Sicily in 1902), coffee beans from Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange, city-themed jewelry and mugs from Love, Pittsburgh, and all the Pittsburgh sports merchandise your heart desires. Get a classic breakfast at P&G’s Pamela’s Diner, Caribbean food at Kaya, and lobster rolls at Wholey’s. For a sampling of the neighborhood’s offerings, book a Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour, where you’ll try a variety of cuisines, learn about store histories, and talk with owners.
Interested in how the Steel City came to earn that nickname? Learn about the technology and history of the iron and steel industry at the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center (where you’ll also find Heinz ketchup and Mister Rogers memorabilia). Or step back in time with a visit to the Rivers of Steel museum or a guided tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark. The two remaining furnaces, towering 92 feet, operated from 1907 until 1978 and were among the 48 blast furnaces operating in Pittsburgh at that time.
From Warhol’s art to the steel mills, you’ll leave Pittsburgh with a greater knowledge of art and industry in U.S. history.
Where to Eat
On the fence about vegan food? A meal at the 2024 James Beard semifinalist Apteka will convert you. Get the pierogi, the celeriac schnitzel, and dessert at this modestly priced Eastern European gem. With its large Polish American population, Pittsburgh is known for its pierogies, so don’t leave town without trying a few more, including housemade sauerkraut or mushroom versions at S&D Polish Deli in the Strip District. For a romantic atmosphere, go to Pusadee’s Garden for elevated Thai (sit outside in the garden if the weather’s nice), or to Altius if you want skyline views and a special occasion meal complete with Royal Osetra caviar.
Brunch at the colorful Sally Ann’s feels like a celebration; get the barbacoa Benedict or whipped ricotta toast and a Fruity Pebbles latte (spiked optional). For lunch, fill up with the city’s iconic french fries–topped sandwich, the signature at Primanti Bros., with meat, cheese, coleslaw, tomato, and fries between Italian bread. Or grab a slice at Fiori’s Pizzaria, Beto’s Pizza (known for cold toppings), and Mineo’s Pizza House (for Sicilian pie).
Where to Drink Beer
The craft beer scene in Pittsburgh is widely recognized as one of the most robust in the country. There are at least 42 breweries in the city, including a Strip District taproom of NoVA favorite Aslin Beer Co. Want to start at the beginning? Penn Brewery, focused on German-style brews, is the oldest and the largest in the city. For a good saison, go to Cinderlands Warehouse or Hitchhiker Brewing Co.
If you’re in the mood for a great pale ale or IPA, head to Dancing Gnome. Trace Brewing is known for its message of inclusivity and packed events calendar along with its diversity of brews. Grist House Craft Brewery has variety as well, from IPAs to fruit-forward sours, and it has generous outdoor seating. Two Frays Brewery and The Open Road are good for alcohol-free options. Church Brew Works has a cool atmosphere in a converted church where you can worship your ale and lager — and your pierogies too!
Where to Stay
It’s easy to zip around from place to place when you stay at the Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh (rooms from $189 a night) downtown. The 185-room hotel offers valet parking, a restaurant, and a lobby lounge and bar. Take a beverage up to the 10th-floor open-air rooftop terrace for beautiful city views, stationary binoculars for a close-up look at Pittsburgh landmarks, and comfortable lounge furniture where you can sit back and take it all in.
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Feature image, stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
