Church Brew Works – one of Pittsburgh’s many interesting sights
I admit it. I had a preconceived notion about Pittsburgh. My only experience, however, was driving through it during a 3-month round-the-country trip 20 years ago. I remember pollution and a not-so-pretty skyline.
I received an invitation earlier this year to participate in a panel as part of the Public Relations Society of America and the Society of American Travel Writers conference. Not one to turn down an opportunity to speak, network and travel to a new destination, I jumped on the opportunity. Oh, and I have a grade-school friend who lives there, Stacey. I hadn’t met her girls, fast approaching their teens, and hadn’t seen her husband in ages.
I giggled, however, each time I told someone where I was going. Pittsburgh!
I was in for a really pleasant surprise.
The conference was held at the downtown Westin. Though it was a good location, I did notice that in the evening, not unlike Seattle, all the shops and restaurants closed around 7 p.m., making it difficult to find dinner. Luckily, I happened to be there during an arts and music festival, so just blocks from the hotel there were live bands and food vendors serving up, among other things, funnel cakes, pizza and perogies (my absolute favorite and non-existent on the west coast).
Though the conference itself was awesome, my fun began when Stacey picked me up on Friday morning. We then spent the next 24 hours touring Pittsburgh, walking her neighborhood, attending her daughter’s softball game and reconnecting.
India room at Cathedral of Learning
After enjoying views from a lookout point, we started our tour at the Cathedral of Learning. This former house of worship is part of the University of Pittsburgh and is second tallest place of learning in the world (second only to a building at Moscow State University in Russia). On two of its floors, there is a series of rooms decorated with period furnishings from around the world. There are 26 rooms in all that include: Italy, Scotland, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, China, Greece and India.
Germany room at the Cathedral of Learning
We then headed over to the Church Brew Works for lunch. Another former-place-of-worship, this brewery is a must-see destination in P-burgh. As a vegetarian, I found the food options to be limited, but it was well worth the visit.
I was fortunate to get an insider’s perspective on the city because the thing that impressed me most about my visit was the close-knit community people in Stacey’s ‘hood. Though it isn’t a planned community, it definitely has a private neighborhood feel because there are so many dead-ends around the area. Both Stacey and hubby Hal gave me a rundown on the types of events the neighbors do to get together regularly. Though I know all my neighbors and we do get together for a yearly party, I’d love to incorporate some of these great ideas into my own life:
* Progressive dinners in which one home hosts appetizers, another dessert and coffee and (because there are so many people who participate) about 4-6 homes host dinner.
* Pink flamingo parties on Friday nights. I LOVE this and was disappointed that there wasn’t one when I was there. On Friday morning, someone spontaneously puts out a pink flamingo (lawn ornament) at the entrance to the neighborhood which announces that someone is hosting an informal pot luck that night. When everyone comes home from work that evening, they have to search the neighborhood to figure out who is actually having the party (by that time, the flamingo has been moved to the host’s home).
* A yearly dinner out at a nice restaurant.
(Side note – Jon and I were recently in Victoria, B.C. On our way to go hiking, we discovered a little farmer’s market at a woman’s home who was hosting her neighbors for coffee/tea/muffins. It’s a weekly event for her and I’m determined to do this for my neighbors – not weekly, but at least semi-regularly.)
I left Pittsburgh with a warm feeling for the city. I will no longer snicker when someone brings it up and will defend this funky place as a destination that deserves respect. If you find yourself there, watch out for the pink flamingos!
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Meg Eisenbraun says
Years ago some Navy friends of mine were stationed in Pittsburgh. They were antiques collectors and went to some of the estate sales in the beautiful old homes there and were blown away by the collections of furniture and artwork. Remember, it was the home of the Carnegies and Mellons and many a ship captain in their later years. They also have an excellent symphony. So no snickering from here!
Paul Kovach says
Glad you enjoyed Pittsburgh! Just wanted to point out, however, that the Cathedral of Learning was not a former place of worship. It was built in 1937 to inspire all Pittsburghers to get an education – hence the height. You can read more at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_575155.html
Beth says
Thanks for the correction, Paul! I hope at least the Church Brew Works was a church 🙂
Noelle says
Glad you enjoyed the Burgh! Unfortunately it still can get a bad rap, so it’s great to see posts like yours! Family and friends who come to visit are always surprised to see what a nice city it is:)
Ken from Pittsburgh says
I’m glad you enjoyed Pittsburgh and the arts festival (Did you try the deep fried Oreos?) But it’s too bad you got some bad information about open restaurants. The Original Fish Market in the Westin itself (open until 1 a.m.), Tonic across the street (midnight), Eleven and Lidia’s (both around the corner, open until 11 p.m.) are some of the more interesting spots in the city.
Beth says
No doubt there are some great restaurants that are open later (including The Original Fish Market at the Westin) but I was looking for something a little more low key, like a good slice of pizza (which I can’t get in Seattle). As I walked around I noticed that those restaurants were definitely open to the business folks working downtown and closed early.
Alas, I missed out on the deep fried Oreo and am now bummed – I’ll have to go back!
Factchecker says
Just curious about where you got the information that the Cathedral of Learning was a former place of worship. Did you just assume that from the name, or did you read it or did someone tell you that?