What are some "most do"s for people that have never been to Pittsburgh? (O'Hara Township: house, zoning)

[joekalasky]

This is not a city that offers obvious 'things to do'. It's broken up into distinctive neighborhoods, which has its advantages, but I'd wager you'll be bored on a short visit. The museums are worth one visit a piece, but you'll quickly find out when you move here that they're poorly curated and way behind the curatorial times. If you're moving for an academic job, good luck: there is no university culture here to speak of. Isolated universities, yes, but the broader city is strikingly philistine. Sports are good, of course, and I love the Pirates, but if you're looking for much more than that, this isn't the place.

[sskink]

Originally Posted by joekalasky

This is not a city that offers obvious 'things to do'. It's broken up into distinctive neighborhoods, which has its advantages, but I'd wager you'll be bored on a short visit. The museums are worth one visit a piece, but you'll quickly find out when you move here that they're poorly curated and way behind the curatorial times. If you're moving for an academic job, good luck: there is no university culture here to speak of. Isolated universities, yes, but the broader city is strikingly philistine. Sports are good, of course, and I love the Pirates, but if you're looking for much more than that, this isn't the place.

Somebody has never been to Banjo Night.

[gortonator]

Originally Posted by joekalasky

This is not a city that offers obvious 'things to do'. It's broken up into distinctive neighborhoods, which has its advantages, but I'd wager you'll be bored on a short visit. The museums are worth one visit a piece, but you'll quickly find out when you move here that they're poorly curated and way behind the curatorial times. If you're moving for an academic job, good luck: there is no university culture here to speak of. Isolated universities, yes, but the broader city is strikingly philistine. Sports are good, of course, and I love the Pirates, but if you're looking for much more than that, this isn't the place.

Curation is terrible at the Carnegie Museums. I was looking at these huge dinosaur skeletons and there was all this information there to read about the species and origins. It was terrible. I mean, readings ... really ... this is the 21st century.

And yep, the academics here are all dumb as cr$p thug-types. And the students are even worse. No academic culture here at all. All that stuff about there being some of the smartest people on the planet in Pittsburgh at the universities is all simply lies. Joe knows ... Sealtite told him

[_Buster]

If you'd rather not hang around people who use words like philistine in everyday conversation, you'll probably be fine.

[charisb]

Originally Posted by joekalasky

This is not a city that offers obvious 'things to do'. It's broken up into distinctive neighborhoods, which has its advantages, but I'd wager you'll be bored on a short visit. The museums are worth one visit a piece, but you'll quickly find out when you move here that they're poorly curated and way behind the curatorial times. If you're moving for an academic job, good luck: there is no university culture here to speak of. Isolated universities, yes, but the broader city is strikingly philistine. Sports are good, of course, and I love the Pirates, but if you're looking for much more than that, this isn't the place.

Have you met bluecarebear? You guys would have a blast!
Seriously, there is plenty to do in Pittsburgh, and more than enough to do in a short visit. As my grandmother always said when we were kids: "Only boring people get bored". Drove me crazy then but there is definitely a lot of truth to it.
Has anyone mentioned the Gateway Clipper? Lots of fun on a nice day.
Pittsburgh River Cruises | Gateway Clipper Fleet

[joekalasky]

Again - if a river cruise is the height of culture for you, you'll love it here. Same goes for dinosaurs in museums.

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by joekalasky

Again - if a river cruise is the height of culture for you, you'll love it here. Same goes for dinosaurs in museums.

You need to get down to the cultural district.

stage plays, symphony orchestra music, opera, all that cultural stuff is available if you are looking for a place to wear your tuxedo to here in Pittsburgh.

[Aussiehoff]

My family and I visited for just a couple of days last winter. First up we took a 4 hour private driving tour (toursbylocals.com) which was a fantastic way to get our bearings. Highlights for us were the incline and Mt Washington, Strip district including Primanti Bros, Cathedral of Learning and a magnificent brunch at this fantastic place Grand Concourse, Pittsburgh - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor

Loved walking the Mexican War Street area, skating at PPG, Phipps Conservatory and of course a Penguins game.

We will be back this Sep/Oct we loved Pittsburgh so much.

[charisb]

Originally Posted by joekalasky

Again - if a river cruise is the height of culture for you, you'll love it here. Same goes for dinosaurs in museums.

I was proposing something to do, not specifically referring to cultural events.
You are obsessed with the idea of Pittsburgh having 'no culture'. The museums, plays, symphony, concerts, recitals, dance troupes, and speaker events just aren't enough for you. How, pray tell, do you define 'culture' since you are clearly highly sophisticated.

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by joekalasky

...the broader city is strikingly philistine.

Yeah, almost as philistine as the backwoods of Armstrong County.