Pittsburgh: Afternoon

The rain in Pittsburgh's forecast took pity on us. After recharging in our hotel room, we walked around Pittsburgh. As we passed Fort Pitt Museum I remembered what the woman at the Heinz Historic Center told us that morning  our ticket was good here, too. Even though we had less than 20 minutes to enjoy the space, we went inside. A docent was giving a tour. I wished I had brought my notebook so I could write down what he was saying.

Much of the fort's history dates back to the French and Indian War, a war that I do not know much about because it did not take place in New Jersey. Though as I write this, I realize the Old Barracks in Trenton was built to house soldiers during the French and Indian War before it was used a decade later in the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War dominates all grade school history classes in the State of New Jersey. They would not have built it if there was no need for the building.

Next time we are in Pittsburgh we should allow more time to visit.

In addition to the Heinz Museum, I was told to see the Mr. Rogers and Roberto Clemente statues. Having seen them, I wish I had looked for a walking tour of Pittsburgh so I could have learned more about them.

Next time I'll schedule a walking tour of the North Shore.

Pittsburgh has a lot to offer: history, street art, food, and sports. In my opinion, one of the best parts of urban planning Pittsburgh did was to build their sports arenas with the city. In addition to walking to the PPG (hockey) we walked past Acrisure Stadium (football) and PNC Park (baseball). Also within walking distance are places to stay, eat, and mass transit. It is well designed. Trenton does have baseball and hockey, but neither is located in an area conducive to doing more than driving to the game then driving home. We need more reasons and abilities to stay in Trenton.

I was surprised to learn Lewis and Clark's expedition started here. Another claim to fame for Pittsburgh.

We crisscrossed the three rivers using a variety of bridges. The night before I learned one of the bridges was built using Roebling steel, giving it a Trenton connection. until we ended up in The Strip to see Corinne's show: Stories in Pink at City Winery. Last summer we saw Corinne perform at MusikFest. I joined her email list. When she sent a message saying she would be performing in Pittsburgh the night after Springsteen (not the way she phrased it, of course), it seemed like fate. We enjoyed it just as much this time.

Unlike Tuesday night when we walked to the Monongahela Incline for nighttime views of Pittsburgh, this time we simply walked back to our room.

Tuesday night we had the funicular to ourselves. As the last ride was at 12:30 am, we nearly closed it down for the night.

Only one more day to enjoy Pittsburgh before returning to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.