Wednesday, August 6, 2014

What to Do in Pittsburgh: Volume 2

Pittsburgh, What to Do in Pittsburgh, things to do in Pittsburgh, travel, travel guide, Pittsburgh skyline
Welcome to another week of What to Do in Pittsburgh! (If you missed my first column, be sure to check it out here.) I decided to start this column as a way for you to share in all the wonderful experiences I've had -- and as a guide for you to experience my fair city for yourself! I'll be doing this column at least bi-weekly (if not weekly) and will include places to eat, things to do, sights to see ... everything you could possibly want to learn about such a fascinating city.

Pittsburgh, What to Do in Pittsburgh, things to do in Pittsburgh, travel, travel guide, Union Pig & Chicken, Harvard & Highland
WHERE TO EAT: UNION PIG & CHICKEN
Brisket. Fried chicken. Pork shoulder. Cornbread. Cole slaw. Whiskey. Bourbon. Whoopie pies. Have I sold you yet? Union Pig & Chicken is, hands down, one of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh (or anywhere, for that matter). I take everyone from out of town here (and I frequent it regardless). I'm extremely particular about my brisket -- in my opinion, no one makes it as good as my Bubby -- but WOW. UP&C knows what they're doing. It's tender, it's smoky, it falls off your fork and melts in your mouth. The fried chicken is also to die for. Not to mention the menu is VERY reasonably priced -- you can eat and drink to your heart's content for under $30. The space breeds interaction with your neighbors, as the seating is at communal wooden picnic tables. (If you would rather only talk to your dinner companions, head upstairs to the bar area, otherwise known as Harvard & Highland). There's no way you'll only be able to come here once, so prepare your palate now.
For more information about Union Pig & Chicken, visit unionpgh.com.

Pittsburgh, What to Do in Pittsburgh, things to do in Pittsburgh, travel, travel guide, Phipps Conservatory, botanical garden, nature, flowers
With my favorite little man, my best friend's son Walt, during my first trip to Phipps Conservatory.
WHAT TO DO: PHIPPS CONSERVATORY
If you need a bit of beauty in your life, Phipps Conservatory will provide that in spades. 17 distinct botanical experiences await you, from the Butterfly Forest to the Tropical Forest Conservatory. My favorite room is the one where you can play music and turn on lights and the plants respond. It's incredibly easy to become lost for hours, wandering amongst the many different flowers and plants inside. I really can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
For more information about Phipps Conservatory, visit phipps.conservatory.org.

Pittsburgh, What to Do in Pittsburgh, things to do in Pittsburgh, travel, travel guide, Fairmont Hotel Pittsburgh, The Health Club & Spa at Fairmont Pittsburgh, massage, spa, spa review
WHERE TO GO: THE HEALTH CLUB & SPA AT FAIRMONT PITTSBURGH
There's really no other way to say it ... the Fairmont Pittsburgh is LUXURIOUS. I've had the great fortune to stay there while in Pittsburgh for work, and it's truly a five-star experience in every sense of the word. Attentive service, fabulous amenities (ahem: Le Labo products in the rooms), exquisite dining options. But my very favorite part of any trip to the Fairmont is, of course, the spa. You don't need to be a hotel guest to experience this Pittsburgh gem, which I actually wasn't the time I had a massage there. The locker rooms are well-stocked and crisply and pristinely white, the spa services are impeccable and the staff couldn't be friendlier and more accommodating if they tried. I had a 90 minute Swedish massage (a very reasonable $149) during my visit, and every minute was pure, unadulterated bliss. In addition to a bevy of massage options, the spa offers facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Definitely worth a visit (or ten).
For more information about The Health Club & Spa at Fairmont Pittsburgh and to book an appointment, visit fairmont.com.

13 comments:

  1. All of these sound fun! I've only ever been for a little while - wish I could have visited a few of these places! <3

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wish I could travel more, maybe later in life haha. I love hearing about great places to visit in new cities, especially places to eat ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've never been to Pittsburgh :) We rarely travel.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds like so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've only been to Pittsburgh once, I want to go back though for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've never been to Pittsburgh but my husband and I talk about visiting all the time. This post makes me want to go even more!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really like this post, it's fun to see things about other places I've never been!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful place. I have never been there

    ReplyDelete
  9. it sound alike a fun place to visit!

    ReplyDelete