Pittsburgh - The Renaissance of "Steel City"

During the summer of 2017, I had the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; after my friend invited me to attend his wedding near the city. I never had the opportunity to visit this city but thought it would be a great opportunity to attend the wedding and spend a few extra days venturing through Pittsburgh. I am aware of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, as a leader in steel and coal production and contributing to America’s economic expansion and growth. As a leader in steel production, the city became known as “Steel City” and used to be such an industrial powerhouse filled with numerous factories and plants; which also made the streets of its downtown core pitch black of smog from its fumes. The city’s industrial reputation also made it a center for immigrants to gravitate towards; in search of employment and opportunities and contributing to its ethnic diversity.

However, over the years, Pittsburgh’s steel mills started to close down as steel was imported more cheaply from from foreign markets and led to the city experiencing economic downturns. Despite its setbacks, Pittsburgh recently went through its own “Renaissance” period. The city developed new sectors and clusters relating to IT and biotechnology, revitalized its infrastructure and beautified the city for its locals and tourists to explore. Overall, the city set an example for other rust belt cities to follow; who also experienced similar circumstances and economic downturns. After watching a recent episode of Globe Trekker; where a backpacker ventured through Pittsburgh and presented how the city revitalized itself, I thought it would be a great opportunity to follow suit and share with you my experiences exploring “Steel City” and its rebirth.

Day 1 - Downtown Pittsburgh

**The Duquesne Incline on Mt. Washington - Pittsburgh, PA**

My first spot I visited in Pittsburgh was Mount Washington. These mountains were once mined for its prosperous coal deposits; which powered the many industries throughout the city. To travel up and down along these mountains, many European engineers, who immigrated to the city, designed and constructed cable carts to transport labourers and minerals along the mountain range. Today, many of these cable carts are decommissioned but the residences of Mount Washing petitioned to preserve the Duquesne Incline. This was the cable car I took to travel up Mount Washington and for $2.50 USD one-way and $5.00 USD return, one can ride the Duquesne Incline. At the mountain top, there is an observation deck where you can witness a beautiful view of the Pittsburgh skyline. The view includes the three rivers that merge at the heart of the city, The Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. You can also see the newly developed riverfronts, Point State Park, other greenspaces and refurbished infrastructure throughout the city. You can also walk along the street at the top and visit the many restaurants and bars that have a patio with a view of the city. I was told there were other observation decks and cable cars along the mountain but the Duquesne Incline is the most popular one and a great spot to take a selfie or your postcard style picture.

A popular spot to visit within the Pittsburgh downtown core, is Market Square. This site in the heart of the city includes several restaurants; where one can stop to have a bite and bars; where one can have a cold pint on a patio. The photo above was taken right before noon; however, I was told that in the afternoon, various vendors and stalls are set up to sell souvenirs, clothes, arts and crafts and other items. This spot also hosts several festivals throughout the summer so it is worth checking out the schedule to see what is planned in this area during the day.

Next to Market Square, one can visit PPG Place; which comprises of several tall glass buildings and occupied by Pittsburgh Paint Glass Company (PPG). The architecture and design of its glass buildings is a reminder of the prominent glass industry that is part of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage. During the winter months, a tall Christmas tree is installed; as part of the city’s holiday festivities and a skating rink is maintained in the center of the above image. During non-winter seasons, one can observe the many jet fueled fountains, splashing around the center of this spot. This is a fun site for children and bystanders to run through the fountains and splash themselves to cool off from the summer heat. This is also a great spot to stop and take a break, since visiting Pittsburgh’s downtown core involves plenty of walking.

Since you are in the Market Square area, locals will suggest you to stop by one of the Primanti Bros. locations and try their famous sandwiches. These popular sandwiches consist of two slices of toasted bread and filled with smoked meat, french fries and coleslaw. They also have different versions of their sandwiches with ingredients including eggs, special sauces, cheese, various veggies and etc.

Locals will also suggest stopping by a popular desert spot called the Milkshake Factory; which is located on Fifth Avenue and not too far from Market Square. This is a good spot to visit after a meal and to cool down during the hot summer months. Milkshake factory has a wide selection of its famous milkshakes but also a variety of ice cream sundaes. The “Chocalatier Sundae” (shown above) consists of chocolate chunks, chocolate ice cream and chocolate syrup and satisfied my sweet tooth after my filling lunch.

Thereafter, I visited Point State Park; which is a fantastic spot, located at the middle of the peninsula where the three rivers meet. Here you can take in the majestic iconic water fountain and visit some historic sites such as Fort Pitts and Fort Duquesne; which were key battlegrounds during the French-Indian Wars/Seven Years War (1754 – 1763). Fort Pitts Museum is also a good spot to check out for all the history buffs out there.

From the tip of Point State Park, one can see Mount Washington and the Duquesne Incline from across the river. In the past, this mountain range was filled with coal mines that have been covered up by the splendid trees and scenic greenery.

One can also walk along the riverside of the Aleghany River and see other locals walking and jogging and tourists taking pics and or just sitting and relaxing on a hot sunny day. Along the riverside, one can also see across the river, Heinz Stadium, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

There is also a yellow bridge called the Roberto Clemente Bridge, where one can climb up the stairs to the street level and on game day, witness Pirates fans congregating and shouting cheers, as they march towards the stadium to watch their Pirates play.

Now as a Canadian, I am an ice hockey fan and you have to show love to home grown players like Sidney Crosby; who scored the winning overtime goal for Team Canada at the 2010 Gold Medal Olympic game. I never forget watching that game in London, UK; while Team Canada won the gold medal by defeating Team USA on home soil in Vancouver, BC. My visit to Pittsburgh was also the year when Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup Championship, so I made the long walk in the torturous heat from Roberto Clemente Bridge to Fifth Avenue and walked it up all the way to PNG Paints Arena, the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After my long exhausting walk to PPG Paints Arena, I decided to head back to my hotel for a late afternoon nap. Now if you still have the energy you can continue by visiting the Heinz Museum and the Strip District; which I did but instead I visited these sites the next day.

Day 2 - Heinz Museum and Strip District

Not too far from PPG Paints Arena is the Senator John Heinz History Center a.k.a. the Heinz Museum. At first I thought this whole building would be dedicated to the Heinz Company and its tomato ketchup. Well I was partly right, since there is an exhibit dedicated to the H.J Heinz Company. The company got started in Pittsburgh by the son of German immigrants; who created all their famous condiments and products. Pittsburgh had many immigrants from all across Europe and many started businesses selling products with European recipes and Heinz Ketchup is an example and part of the city’s legacy.

**H.J Heinz Company Exhibit - Heinz Museum - Pittsburgh, PA**

Furthermore, the Heinz History Center comprises of many exhibits that showcase the accomplishments by inventors, entrepreneurs, scientists and athletes of the city of Pittsburgh. There is a very interesting exhibit showcasing how the oil, gas and coal industries got started in the city. This power source and access to the rivers led to many industries relating to glass, concrete and most importantly steel, flourishing in the city. As we all know, Pittsburgh was at one point the largest steel manufacturer in the U.S and employed thousands of proud Pittsburgh residents. As the industrial might took a downturn, the steel industry collapsed but the history center has other exhibits of how its universities and educational institutes sprung out medical centers, start-up companies, R&D centers and IT companies that paved the way for new sectors to emerge throughout Pittsburgh.

The Heinz Museum also has a sports exhibit showcasing all the accomplishments of its successful sports team franchises. There is a saying in Pittsburgh that locals wears 5 rings; which honour the five time World Series champs the Pittsburgh Pirates, the five time Stanley Cup champs the Pittsburgh Penguins and at that time the five but now six time Super Bowl champs the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of the rings on display is a Super Bowl ring won by a player of the Steelers. One will also see a lot of memorabilia and paraphernalia from its greatest players like Mario Lemieux, Terry Bradshaw and Sidney Crosby. There is also a special exhibit to honour the great professional wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino and Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle’ who both today still live in the Pittsburgh area.

After completing the Heinz History Center, you can exit and walk your way towards the popular Strip District. This area was historically home to many mills and factories due to its convenient transport location along the Alleghany River. It also housed many wholesalers that dealt with produce, meat and other commodities. It was once a thriving economic district of Pittsburgh but in the second half the twentieth century, the Strip District experienced a downturn as many products ceased from being manufactured in the area. As part of Pittsburgh’s revitalization efforts, the Strip District today has flourished into an area with specialty stores, ethnic shops, arts and crafts dealers, restaurants, bars and clubs. During the weekend, one can walk through open air markets that are set up and find street vendors along the sidewalks selling anything from ice cream, street food, knock off sports merchandise, souvenirs and etc. Pittsburgh is also home to many immigrant communities, historically from Europe, so you will find shops specializing in schnitzel, perogies, pickles, sausages and etc. Recent immigrants from Mexico and China will also have their special delicacies found throughout the Strip District.

**Pamela’s Diner, Strip District - Pittsburgh, PA**

As mouth-watering all the restaurants and street food vendors looked as I walked through the Strip District, I was suggested to check out Pamela’s Diner and try Pittsburgh’s famous hotcakes. This retro themed diner is a great spot for breakfast and lunch and the menu consists of their hot cakes, crepes and burgers. It only takes cash and there is a long line up to get a seat, so go early and do not hesitate to sit at the counter. Pamela’s retro looking ambiance includes a collage of different coloured posters from the 50’s and 60’s and shelves filled with old school dial up telephones and Heinz ketchup bottles. Now the hot cakes are sweet and greasy but worth it for a filling brunch to start your day.

**Pamela’s Diner’s famous hotcakes - Pittsburgh, PA**

After I finished my hotcakes, I strolled through what was left of the Strip District until the street vendors were unseen and what remained were warehouses and redeveloped condo lofts. That is when I knew my excursion through Pittsburgh has come to an end. I then got in my car and headed to my hotel reserved at a suburb close to the venues of my friend’s wedding.

I have to admit, I was impressed with the beautification and revitalization efforts of Pittsburgh. This definitely is an example for other cities within America’s rust belt to follow and there are many things to see and do while visiting the city. The best thing about this city for Torontonians like myself is that it is only a 4 to 5 hour drive and a perfect weekend getaway for a short trip. Overall, I highly recommend anyone out there to check out this great city and take the time to walk around the different areas that this city has to offer.

Odyssey Extra: Thirupathi Hindu Temple

**Thirupathi Hindu Temple - Pittsburgh, PA**

For those Hindu devotees or curious explorers planning to travel to Pittsburgh, I highly recommend checking out the Thirupati Hindu Temple on the outskirts of the city. Hidden in the green mountains in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, lies this beautiful white South Indian style designed temple. There is plenty of parking surrounding the temple and there many prayer services provided at the reception desk. This place is believed to be auspicious and many devotees will visit this temple, even making day trips from Canada, to pay their respect and devotion. There is also a popular simple South Indian restaurant called Uddupi around the area; where many devotees will stop for a delicious meal, after visiting the temple.

Pittsburgh - The Rennaissance of “Steel City”

Day 1 - Downtown Pittsburgh

Day 2 - Heinz Museum and Strip District

Odyssey Extra: Thirupathi Hindu Temple

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