Pittsburgh is a very interesting city. There is a population of 303,625 in the city itself. There are 3 rivers. The Monongahela (Mon-on-ga-hay-la), Allegheny (al-a-gay-ney), and Ohio (pronounced like the state). The Carnegie Science Center is always a great place to go to. There are many things to do. Such as a theater and a submarine in the Ohio river. It is still able to be used but only if absolutely needed.
Kennywood is a very busy yet great place for family fun. Many roller coasters, games, and rides are there. Different foods from all over the world.
Pittsburgh is also home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins.
The Andy Warhol Museum is a great place, it brings a lot of inspiration not to mention its calming when there are not many people.
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an amazing and breathtaking sight, not only is the building in great shape, but the gardens are so much better in person. What pictures can not capture is the peace and serenity of the gardens, calming, quiet, peaceful, and once again an amazing inspirational place.
Downtown at a glance is amazing. Anyone from Pittsburgh or any place near it could tell you it brings them a sense of home when they go around the bend to see town. It can be very busy, but also worth it. The fountain downtown throws water up to 50 feet in the air.
The south side has a lot of crime, yet is the best place to shop.
The North side on the other hand had hardly any crime. It has small shops here and there. Some children run around, but mainly stay out of the people from out of towns way. Almost everyone knows everyone.
A few of the hidden gems are the abandoned places... 5 of them are the Carrie Furnaces, The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, The Seldom Seen Greenway, Larimer Elementary School, and The Saint Peter and Paul Church.
The Carrie Furnaces: Perhaps the most recognized of places in Pittsburgh being reclaimed by mother nature, Carrie Furnaces is currently undergoing a restoration that would allow visitors to tour inside the buildings of furnaces six and seven. Originally opened in 1907, Carrie Furnaces created iron for Homestead Works. After production peaked in the 1960s, the furnaces permanently closed in 1978. Today, visitors can tour Carrie Furnaces, led by a guide, annually from April through October.
The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike: You'll have to travel nearly two hours outside of Pittsburgh to Breezewood to discover the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike and tunnels, which closed when 13 miles of the highway was rerouted to the new turnpike in 1968. You are allowed to hike along the abandoned highway and tunnels, including the Rays Hill Tunnel, but proceed with caution as the terrain may be rough.
The Seldom Seen Greenway: Once the site of a small village of rural Pittsburghers and farmers, Seldom Seen Greenway in Beechview was slowly reclaimed by Mother Nature in the 1960s when the remaining villagers moved on and developers stayed away from the pristine green. Today, visitors can enter Seldom Seen Greenway via a gate and can stroll on the paths that pass through a stream, the woods, and a railroad.
Larimer Elementary School: Originally built in 1896 in the Larimer section of Pittsburgh, Larimer Elementary School was designed by Ulysses Peoples but earned its name after a local, William Larimer, who would go on to found Larimer City, Nebraska. The elementary school, which closed its doors for the final time in 1980, may not remain abandoned for much longer, however, as developers plan to transform the building into affordable housing units.
The Saint Peter and Paul Church: Saints Peter and Paul Church in East Liberty boasts a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1891. Nearly two decades later, in 1901, the interior of the popular parish was destroyed by a massive fire caused by a lightening strike, which resulted in the construction of a new church around what was left of the burned structure. A declining parishioner base led to the parish being merged with several other churches in the Pittsburgh area before Saints Peter and Paul Church closed its doors for the final time in 1997.
Other places are The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, The Go Ape Adventure Park, Destiny Hill Farm, Sahli Nature Park, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa, Raccoon Creek State Park, Riverview Park, and Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.
The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: Spend a leisurely spring day at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden exploring the trails of flowers and other natural beauty. Cross picturesque footbridges. Tiptoe on stepping stones across a pond. And, stop to smell the wildflowers. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden welcomes guests Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arrive by 3:30 when the last tickets for the day are sold.
The Go Ape Adventure Park: Play among the trees - soaring across ziplines and crossing rope bridges - at Go Ape Adventure Park in Allison Park. Challenge yourself to the five sections of the obstacle course on this treetop adventure course that's open to everyone age 10 and up.
Destiny Hill Farm: Breathe in the sweet scent of lavender at Destiny Hill Farm. Explore the sprawling lavender farm by crossing over a fairy tale footbridge, stopping for a chat with Luther the donkey, and admiring the lavender and sunflowers. Destiny Hill Farm hosts a lavender festival each year during the summer.
Sahli Nature Park: Listen to the sound of a gushing waterfall when you visit Sahli Nature Park, a 90-acre natural oasis tucked in the forest of Beaver County. Visit butterflies at the butterfly nursery. Kick your feet toward the sky on the swings, and hike through the forest where you'll encounter local wildlife and vibrant flowers.
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park: Feed a giraffe or goats. Stroll next to a tortoise. Or, ride a pony when you visit Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, with locations in Jones Mills and New Castle. The animal park offers an interactive experience and hosts the annual Night at the Zoo each October. Living Treasures Wild Animal Park welcomes visitors April through mid-November each year.
Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa: Pamper yourself with a luxurious massage or book a long weekend getaway at the breathtaking Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa. The castle, built in 1896, boasts charming suites and guestrooms, a luxury spa, and meandering paths around the property.
Raccoon Creek State Park: Wile away the day splashing in the water or lying in the sun at Raccoon Creek State Park's beach. The 500-foot sandy beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset during the summer. Bring a picnic or buy goodies from the concession stand. Raccoon Creek State Park also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and fishing.
Riverview Park: Escape the busyness of downtown without leaving the city when you visit Riverview Park. The park promises spectacular views of the city skyline, hiking trails, the opportunity to view wildlife, and benches on which to relax. Riverview Park is also home to the Allegheny Observatory.
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve: Explore Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, a sprawling natural oasis that features local wildlife, a tranquil pond, and plenty of vibrant flowers and plants. Hike the numerous trails or visit during one of the reserve's regular events.
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Pennsylvania Places (Travel dictionary)
Non-FictionThis book will have a lot of places in PA people should visit, I will add the hidden gems of each place in the chapter as I find them myself. Towns, Cities, Countrysides will be listed.
