Travel guide to flights & holidays in Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Holidays Overview
Pittsburgh was famous as an industrial powerhouse of the US for years with steel and coal industries having built the city into what it is today. Names like Carnegie and Melton can be seen on almost everything, but despite its industrial approach, the city has actually managed to rediscover itself as a popular tourist hotspot in the United States of America. The main transformations began in the 1960s when the city began to ditch its reputation for dirt and pollution and began to transform itself into one of the most liveable cities in the US. This face lift involved abandoning numerous steel mills and constructing sleek skyscrapers, unique attractions and vast green spaces to bring back the powers of Mother Nature into a city that was only known for its pollution. The transformations were kept in check by the city’s student population who ensured that there was never a shortage of things to do, attractions to see and nightclubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from. Pittsburgh offers its visitors with culture, funny, hip and cool attractions, a plethora of museums, an exciting nightlife and excellent shopping and restaurants to choose from. The Waterfront Complex along with its countless shops, a water park, cinema and restaurants is considered to be one of the most famous attractions in the city. Those on the lookout for a bit of history can enjoy a hands on experience with the interactive exhibits of the Mattress Factory, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Science Center. History buffs can revel in sites such as the Point State Park, Duquesne Incline and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Finally, those looking for a relaxed and peaceful holiday are offered with a plethora of parks that present an oasis of green in the midst of the city and include countless activities to choose from.
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Pittsburgh
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Carnegie Museums
www.carnegiemuseums.org |
What is it? In 1895 Pittsburgh industrialist Andrew
Carnegie established an Institute, which he intended to improve and
educate local people. Today his ideal has been realised in the form
of a collection of four museums funded by the Carnegie Institute: a
Museum of Art, Natural History, a Science Center and The Andy
Warhol Museum. The Carnegie Museum of Art on Forbes Avenue has a
notable collection of contemporary art that includes film and video
works. The adjacent Natural History Museum takes visitors
time-tripping through the wonders of planet earth. The Carnegie
Science Centre at Allegheny Avenue offers planetarium and laser
shows and a variety of hands-on activities and exhibits for old and
young. The final museum in the Carnegie bouquet is the Andy Warhol
in Sandusky Street, featuring extensive permanent collections of
art and archives relating to one of the most influential American
artists of the 20th century.
Hours of Operation: Carnegie Museum of Art, Natural History Museum:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Carnegie
Science Center: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday
10am to 7pm. Andy Warhol Museum: daily except Mondays 10am to 5pm,
with late closing at 10pm on Fridays
Phone:(412) 622 3131
|
2. National Aviary
www.aviary.org |
What is it? Situated in historic West Park on
Pittsburgh's North Side, a few minutes from downtown, is the
National Aviary, America's only independent indoor non-profit bird
zoo. The Aviary is home to more than 600 birds of more than 200
species, many of which are threatened or endangered. From
hummingbirds to Andean Condors there are birds from just about
every corner of the world, with particular emphasis being placed on
rainforest and wetland habitats. The birds are all kept in natural
planted exhibits, which allows for close up views of our feathered
friends.
Hours of Operation: 9am to 5pm every day of the year except Christmas
Day
Phone:(412) 323 7235
|
3. Point State Park
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/point.aspx |
What is it? Pittsburgh's Point State Park, formerly a
slum land, has been turned into a recreational delight and declared
a National Historic Landmark for the strategic role played here
during the French and Indian War in the mid 1700s. The site
features paved promenades along the Ohio riverfront, overlooking
dramatic views of the city with its busy waterways, scenic
hillsides and many bridges. The park has been naturally landscaped
and a 150ft (46m) tall fountain enhances the aspect. There is a
biking trail, outdoor amphitheatre and in-line skating route. The
Fort Pitt Museum is housed in one of the five original bastions of
the ruined historic fort, devoted to displaying local history (open
daily except Mondays, from 9am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm). The
Fort Pitt Blockhouse, the oldest authentic building in Western
Pennsylvania, is also open to the public (Tuesday to Saturday
9.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm).
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(412) 471 0235
|
Pittsburgh
holidays - Top Events
1. Pittsburgh International Children's Festival
From 2007-05-16
To 2007-05-20
|
What is it? Pittsburgh is justifiably proud of its annual
International Children's Festival, one of the largest and most
popular child-oriented arts festivals in the country, which has
earned world renown since it started out 20 years ago. The festival
consists of five days of extraordinary performing arts for
children, in one location, at extremely affordable prices. The
programme includes theatre, live music, dance and puppetry to
entrance both the young and young at heart.
Where is it? West Park and Alleghney Center, North Shore
|
2. Pittsburgh Folk Festival
From 2007-05-25
To 2007-05-27
|
What is it? For three days over Memorial Day weekend
Pittsburgh's Convention Center is turned into an international
village offering visitors the chance to experience the food,
costumes and culture of more than two dozen countries. Continuous
entertainment spices up the delights on offer at the many food
booths and the beer tavern. There are numerous craft demonstrations
and displays and entertainment and activities laid on for
children.
Where is it? David L. Lawrence Convention Center
|
3. Three Rivers Regatta
From 2007-07-01
To 2007-07-04
|
What is it? Each year the height of summer is celebrated
in Pittsburgh with America's largest inland regatta, the Three
Rivers Regatta, which is far more than just an aquatic challenge.
The Pittsburgh regatta is a full on festival of fun, covering four
days, with a variety of entertainment on land, water and in the
air. Included in the programme of more than 20 daily events is
powerboat racing, fireworks displays, water-ski shows, extreme
sports, and an 'anything that floats' race.
Where is it? Point State Park
|
4. Three Rivers Arts Festival
From 2007-06-01
To 2007-06-17
|
What is it? The Three Rivers Arts Festival is a nearly
50-year-old tradition in downtown Pittsburgh, bringing art to the
people with a mix of live music, theatre, dance, visual arts and
fine food. A programme of free concerts draws the crowds to Point
State Park, while all galleries in the downtown area exhibit their
finest. Most popular, however, is the vibrant artist market where
artists from all over the country sell their wares in more than 15
different mediums. The beauty of the market is that it changes six
times during the festival, featuring the work of 150 artists at a
time, so one visit is not enough to seek out that special
treasure.
Where is it? Point State Park and various locations throughout downtown
Pittsburgh
|
5. The United States Open Championship Golf
From 2007-06-14
To 2007-06-17
|
What is it? The United States Open Championship is one of
the four 'majors' (major championships) in men's golf. The event
dates back to 1895 where it was first played on a nine-hole course
in Newport, Rhode Island. In 2007, the event will, once again, be
held at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont,
Pennsylvania. Oakmont has hosted more major Championships than any
other course in the United States. It is regarded as one of the
most difficult courses in the country and recently voted the fourth
best course by Golf Digest.
Where is it? Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont
|
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