Eight Things To Do in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city rich in history and culture, built on shoulders of American Manufacturing. Here's a bit of Pittsburgh history 101. During the industrial revolution, the city had over 900 factories. It was also where industrialists such as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, Andrew W. Mellon, and Charles M. Schwab built their fortunes. Bankers, and lawyers, played a key role in Pittsburgh's development as these industrialists sought massive loans to upgrade plants, integrate industries and fund technological advances.

When you drive into the Pittsburgh area,  you immediately notice the grandeur of all the lovely homes. No two are the same. One lawyer in particular, William McCook, commissioned and designed the McCook Mansion which is now home to the hotel, Mansions on Fifth, in Pittsburgh's Shady Side neighborhood. The property boosts an Elizabethan revivalist style home and a Tudor style mansion that McCook built for his daughter.

You're immediately greeted by luxury and legacy when you walk in the mansion.

Here are a few things I really loved about Mansions on Fifth.

1. There are multiple common areas making it a natural setting to meet fellow travelers and strike up conversation.
2. Your get a sense of the city and its history because you feel like you're staying in someone's home.
3. There's a sense of community because you're staying in a quaint neighborhood.
4. It's walking distance to restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars.

8 Things to Do in Pittsburgh

There's a lot to see in Pittsburgh, so manage your time wisely. Here are my recommendations for things to do in Pittsburgh:

1. See where the Alleghany, Ohio, and Monongahela rivers come together at the Mt. Washington look out point.
2. Stroll thru downtown to see architecture ranging from Gothic-style and Italian Romanesque churches to modern skyscrapers incorporating steel beams from the city's once booming steel industry.
3. Drive thru the city's Fort Pitt Tunnel, the official “entrance to the city”.
4. Head to The Cultural District for a performance at one of its numerous theaters, galleries, and concert halls.
5. Check out the Church Brew Works, a church turned brewpub.
6. Sample the city's first micro brew sprits at Wigle Whiskey.
7. Devour a pepperoni roll from Sunseri, sample popcorn from Pittsburgh Popcorn Co., and grab some famous crepe hot cakes from Pamela's, all located in the Strip District.
8. Stop at Contemporary Craft to view rotating art exhibitions and the shops. There lots of local and American made artists featured there too!

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Image credit: Mansions on Fifth

Disclosure: USA Love List was hosted at Mansions on Fifth unconditionally for review purposes. Our opinions are always our own, and we aim to write fair and balanced reviews to promote only the very best of American-made products, and experiences.

Don't miss Ten Things We Love, Made in Pittsburgh!