A City On The Brink

There are a lot of folks from Pittsburgh that have transplanted themselves permanently to Nashville. Perhaps the backdrop of the skyline with all the bridges and the proximity to waterways makes them feel at home when they are in Nashville. What makes Pittsburgh so unique is its jagged skyline predominately marked by the tallest building the UPMC Steel Tower which will always be special to me since my dad worked for the company as a civil engineer when I was a kid. Pittsburgh locals identify their location in the city in reference to the rivers. The rivers unify the landscape.

Any preconceived notions upon your arrival into the city known for making steel, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will soon be gone once you see what all the city has to offer. Its charm will leave a lasting impression on you even after you go home. The “Steel and Iron City” is more than just the teams the locals take pride in, it’s a city on the verge of a comeback. From the days when they closed the steel mills, it is now becoming a place where you can find revitalized neighborhoods that are pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, thriving art venues, and a booming restaurants scene. They have steadily made the transition over the decades from being known as the steel city to a tech town.

Outside the city, old steel towns sit idle but when you go into the city limits you see the forward movement of revitalization. Driving through the neighborhood streets past the steel mill towns you can still feel the grit and grime of times gone by.

I found that one’s perspective of the city depends on which age group you ask. From my vantage point, the place had of course changed significantly since my last visit. There is the city I grew up in, the city I visited through the years, and then there is one I am experiencing now. Since my parents passed, I have gone from childhood to adulthood. “What brings you to town?” they ask.“Nostalgia,” I respond. I have been hearing a lot of “why did you come here for vacation? Why not the beach?”

Even though Pittsburgh, like so many other cities across the country, is currently focused on modernization, it has managed to hold onto its history and stay true to its values while keeping that hometown feel. In fact, the city has more to offer than one might assume. Though, on a humorous note, it’s a place considered to have the worst accents. In Pittsburghese, it’s pronounced “Pixburgh,” which is the dialect called Pittsburgh English or Western Pennsylvania English. Examples “Yinz going dahntahn?” translation “Are you going downtown?” It is the equivalent of southerners saying “y’all!”

Famous celebrities who hail from here include artist Andy Warhol and actor Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers Neighborhood television show. A Pittsburgh staple, “Primanti Bros sandwich shop,” features sandwiches loaded down with fries and slaw. Or maybe you want to try “dippy eggs” and fries with gravy, local culinary favorites. One of the best ways to see the city as a tourist is aboard the “Gateway Clipper” where for over 50 years they have been offering dining and sightseeing tours, private parties, and weddings on the Three Rivers.

One of the biggest events each year is the Three Rivers Regatta held in August of each year at Pointe State Park downtown. It is the largest inland regatta in the nation featuring USF1 powerboat races, jet ski stunt shows. A weekend of music, food, fireworks, and fun on the water. “You Gotta Regatta!” Other must-see recommendations are Mt. Washington/Duquesne Incline, Point State Park, Heinz, Carnegie, and Andy Warhol Museums. Take a break from shopping in the Strip District downtown to try the “#7 Roethlis” burger” at Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shop named after Steeler’s quarterback rookie of the year. Or you can get your next hamburger at Wahlburgers Restaurant in North hills restaurant founded by celebrity brothers Paul, Mark, and Donnie Wahlberg.

You are sure to find local dive bars on just about any corner all over town. One establishment I frequented was Rich’s Parkside Den at 1907 Donner Street in Boston, PA is owned by native Rich Algeri. Picture the bar from Cheers; that’s what you’ll encounter when you step into this place where locals meet. Everyone knows your name and it is like spending time with family. In fact, patrons have come from all over the country and places as far away as Australia and Canada to come to Rich’s. Most recently the establishment celebrated its 12th anniversary and I was lucky enough to take part in the festivities. You can stop by for regular weekly events including game nights, pool leagues, horseshoes/corn hole, and karaoke.

Either way, I’m sure you’ll agree with the quote on the wall which reads “Everyone brings happiness here. Some by coming, some by leaving.”

I have enjoyed my time visiting Pittsburgh and will be sure to come back soon.