WEEKENDER images : GETTY ; ALAMY ; Christine Armbruster
PITTSBURGH , PA
Spend a weekend exploring on foot in the easily walkable Steel City , says Samantha Priestley
DAY 1
The heritage of Pittsburgh ’ s most famous son can be tracked all over the city . Start at The Andy Warhol Museum , on the North Shore of the river , to discover how much more there was to the man than just Campbell ’ s Soup Cans . This extensive museum sprawls over seven floors , and it takes at least an hour and a half to soak it all in . Afrterward , cross over the Andy Warhol Bridge , along the walking path , toward downtown Pittsburgh .
Clockwise from top left : Carnegie Science Center ; contrasting styles of architecture in Pittsburgh ; The Andy Warhol Museum ; art museum Randyland ; a child learns about dinosaurs at Carnegie Science Center ; yoga in Pittsburgh ’ s Market Square ; one of the Three Sisters ’ bridges in Pittsburgh ; the Mattress Factory art museum ; an aerial view of downtown Pittsburgh
A city of many names , Pittsburgh is also referred to as the ‘ City of Bridges .’ Warhol ’ s titular bright yellow bridge is one of three sister links . Also overarching the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers are the Roberto Clemente Bridge and the Rachel Carson Bridge .
Once you ’ ve crossed the water , head to the Fort Pitt Museum . Situated within Point State Park , a leafy spot with views of the river and both North Shore and South Shore , the small museum was once a large British fort , which was built in 1758 . After a stroll along Fort Point Bridge , stop for lunch at The Grandview Saloon . Grab a hearty burger and enjoy the spectacular views over the Three Sisters ’ bridges .
For the afternoon , head down to Mount Washington Park , for nature trails and woodland walks . Take a hike up to the overlook for unparalleled views of the city below . It ’ s a romantic spot and a great place to watch the sun go down . Afterward , enjoy a late dinner at La Tavola Italiana for classic Italian cuisine .
DAY 2
Start the day with the Steel City Breakfast at DeLuca ’ s Diner in the Strip District . It ’ s an ideal stop for a retro diner experience , where large portions , reasonable prices and vintage decor give a brief reprieve from Pittsburgh ’ s modernity . From there , take a walk along Penn Avenue to explore the traditional world markets and small shops selling local produce and sports memorabilia .
Turn off Penn Avenue onto 33rd Street to take a distillery tour and sip a rum cocktail in the bar at Maggie ’ s Farm Distillery . Cross over 31st Street Bridge onto Herrs Island , where part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail snakes halfway around this small stretch of land . Take the short walk around the coastline of the island , stopping at some of the marked lookout points , and finish at Redfin Blues seafood grill for a late lunch of grilled salmon .
In the afternoon , pick up the Three Rivers Heritage Trail again and cross back over to the North Shore . Follow the walk all the way to the Carnegie Science Center , where you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the interactive attractions and shows in the planetarium . Once you ’ re thoroughly entertained and a little bit smarter , have a quick dinner at The Foundry . Here , bar food is taken to another level with generous portions at reasonable prices . Finish the day off at Southern Tier Brewery to try a wide selection of beers . fall 2022 • 15