D2 has asked if I’d like to do a weekend in Pittsburgh for a quick get away that we can reach easily by car probably for 2 nights. We originally thought we’d do an AIRBNB out of habit, but after looking the prices really increase on the weekends and I don’t know that we need that type of accommodation since there is just two of us.
We have been pretty COVID secluded but are both vaccinated. I was thinking maybe a boutique hotel. Our agenda will include if possible, outside time hiking at a park, riverfront walk if there is a safe spot, take out from local bakeries/non-fancy dinner spots (we like many ethnic foods or would want local notable foods) and maybe strolling in and out of some local shops.
Looking for recommendations for:
Boutique hotels or just good location reliable hotels - clean and not $$$$
Hiking/river walk locations
Bakeries/Dining
Double points if you can recommend a hotel AND great dining or local shopping nearby.
She also mentioned stopping at an Anthropology Outlet at the end of the weekend. This would probably be an early May weekend.
I was at CMU for grad school 25 years ago and fell in love with the Burnt Almond Torte from Prantl’s bakery in the Shadyside neighborhood. It’s worth seeking out. You will not be disappointed.
It is so good that my in laws still send it to me in California every few years as a special treat!
ETA - La Feria is a wonderful Peruvian restaurant right near Prantl’s in Shadyshide.
Our recent visit to Pittsburgh, we stayed near the David Lawrence Convention Center, at the Marriott Courtyard, a 10-minute walk to Downtown. I would recommend this hotel, remodeled from an old building, clean and convenient; however, there is no on-site self-parking, valet parking is available or self-park at lots near the hotel.
Food: tried only non-chain restaurants of different types, and the food is great, but don’t remember specific names.
Some points of interest that we walked to: Downtown (Market Square, very impressive buildings covered with glass, great food and people-watching); Roberto Clemente Bridge to see the ball park; all along the river front (Point State Park); Duquesne Incline on the South Shore. We drove to U Pitt and CMU campuses, beautiful and most impressed with the Carnegie museums and the nearby Phipps Conservatory.
Pittsburgh has done a great job in re-purposing old buildings while preserving its rich history. We are very impressed with how clean its downtown is. We did not feel unsafe while walking extensively (even at night). We did not do much shopping. Wishing you and your daughter a good visit.
I want to hear what you think. I know they have a long bike path, and we’ve thought of going there for a long weekend. I want a trip report, including how crowded things are
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a newer boutique hotel downtown. And the Omni William Penn, a classic grand hotel, has reopened.
Outside of downtown, The Priory on the north side or the Mansions on Fifth in Shadyside are rather unique.
From Point State Park you can walk up and down the river. Cross over the Clemente Bridge and do the same on the north side (The North Shore Riverwalk Is Best Riverwalk In Pittsburgh). Then a free ride on the T over to Station Square for shopping and more river front.
The incline up Mt. Washington, across the street from Station Square, and a stroll up and back Grandview Ave. is a must-do.
If they’re open, rent a kayak for an hour from Venture Outdoors under the Clemente Bridge. They’re “closed for the season” right now so I don’t know when they’ll open.
If you’re going to Primanti’s, do it right - original location in The Strip and a Pittsburgher sandwich.
The Strip is also the place to shop Saturday morning.
My husband and son hiked part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail at Christmas time. I had my wedding night at the William Penn many moons ago! The Priory is in an old monastery and has been around for a long time. It is near the Andy Warhol Museum(great) and Max’s Allegheny Tavern. There is a new boutique hotel that just opened up downtown in an historic building, The Industrialist.
The Strip District has the original Primanti’s. Church Brew Works is interesting if you like beer (been around for a long time in an old church).
As mentioned, Prantl’s and Oakmont Bakery are popular, Pamela’s for breakfast. Phipps Conservatory, Heinz History Museum, Carnegie Museums all very nice.
Have fun! I’ll probably be there in June myself.
What a fun thread! It brings back memories of a 2010 visit to CMU with our son. He stayed the in dorms (or maybe a frat?) and toured campus etc with other applicant. My husband and I stayed in a hotel nearby. A non-college highlight was the trolly-bus tour of Pittsburgh arranged for visiting parents. In the middle of the tour we rode the incline railway.
Visiting Pitt in May sounds more appealing weather-wise than our cold and drizzly February trip.
And if you are a foodie, stop at Penn Mac in the Strip! It’d be a great last stop, especially with a cooler, but a fun stop just the same.
I love Fallingwater but it’s a bit of a haul from the city. Hartwood Acres is closer and is a nice spot for a hike/walk. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown.
Oh, I love Pittsburgh! We stayed at the Renaissance Pittsburgh for a wedding. There are plenty of hotels across the bridge, too. We felt very safe, and we walked all over the place.
We loved the Warhol Museum, and it was free on Friday night (I have no idea if it still is, though).
I will
Mention in the midst of all these great recommendations that we would not eat inside a restaurant- we would consider outdoor eating but we are not going to be ready for indoor eating anytime soon.
So appreciate the varied suggestions and seeing the enthusiasm!
The Inn on Negley is a very nice B&B in Shadyside, and from their website it looks like they’re being very COVID-conscious. It’s walkable to Walnut Street, which, as noted above, has Prantl’s Bakery (and its Burnt Almond Torte) and La Feria, as well some very fun shops. Salem’s (on the outskirts of the Strip) has amazing homemade middle eastern food – we’ve gotten takeout from them over the past year.
Re: the Anthropologie Outlet: my 21 yo daughter and I visited it a few months ago. We were disappointed. I just asked her to summarize it, and she said: super weird stuff (and she usually likes Anthropologie); many items so damaged they should have been thrown away; and absurdly expensive for the quality of the goods. But maybe they have a lot of turnover and we saw it on a bad day. It’s also a bit of a trek out of town.
I had afternoon tea at the Inn a few years ago. Very nice.
Agree that Fallingwater is a little far out of town but is very interesting. Kentuck Knob, another Wright house nearby, is also great. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Ohiopyle also in the general area. Ligonier is cool too, and the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown is great. The raisin pie is delicious! You’ll have to go back for another visit!I
I finally made it to Pamela’s a few years ago but it was the one in Squirrel Hill, not the Strip District one. It was good, but funny thing was , I kind of couldn’t see what all the fuss was about! But it has history and atmosphere and that is always cool.
Enjoy your visit and don’t skip the incline and view from Mount Washington.
We had a great time visiting Pittsburgh when our son was in college. It’s been over 10 years now so I’m no expert but do have good memories! My favorite was Phipps Conservatory - we were lucky enough to hit a Chihuly installation on one visit.
Other than Pamela’s hotcakes, a good dining memory was Girasole in Shadyside: http://girasolepgh.com/ They do have take out with curbside pickup.
But maybe they have a lot of turnover and we saw it on a bad day. It’s also a bit of a trek out of town.
