What are some "most do"s for people that have never been to Pittsburgh? (design, subway)

[gortonator]

Originally Posted by Gnutella

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

There's an amazing, ancient troll-based culture there, I hear. mostly under bridges ....

[Catia]

Originally Posted by _Buster

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

In more than 40 years in the burgh--I've never heard that word used to descibe ANYTHING here EVER-
Matter-o-fact-never heard a Pittsburgher use it in a sentence EVER.

It gave me pause, so much so, that I had to look it up just to be sure I still knew what it meant!!!

So rest assured, the home of Andy Warhol has PLENTY of culture--from whacky to refined.
Just less of the refined, but that's here too, though not as 'stuffy' as larger cities.

Culture is definitely something Pittsburgh is not lacking --arts & academia are not the only forms of culture.

Pittsburghers love to eat/drink/socialize, & when the weather is nice there's lots to do/see outdoors.

I thought this thread gave some really good suggestions, actually reminded me of things I forget are right here in my own back yard.

[steelers1523]

Originally Posted by steindle

Warning: Beto's is highly controversial.

Yeah I agree...I love Beto's, but you need to know going in that its pizza with cold cheese and chunky tomatoes...I find it delicious tho..

I would try out Fioris by the tube or Mineos in Lebo if your looking for a good cut

[szug-bot]

Recently I heard of two weird things to check out:

1) Randyland
2) Bayernhof Museum

The first is in the lower North Side, I believe in the Mexican War Streets district.
Randyland - Pittsburgh's Most Colorful Landmark

The second is in weirdly shaped O'Hara Township. It has secret passageways.
Bayernhof Museum


Philistine - I heard that in an alternative rock song that escapes me now. I've seen it in print a few times, too, and I'm pretty sure there was an ancient nation that got a letter from Paul.

[sskink]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

1) Randyland

Randyland - Pittsburgh's Most Colorful Landmark

Everyone should spend a few minutes with Randy. He is the world's happiest person. And you will be happier having met him.

[Merge]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

Recently I heard of two weird things to check out:

1) Randyland
2) Bayernhof Museum

The first is in the lower North Side, I believe in the Mexican War Streets district.
Randyland - Pittsburgh's Most Colorful Landmark

The second is in weirdly shaped O'Hara Township. It has secret passageways.
Bayernhof Museum


Philistine - I heard that in an alternative rock song that escapes me now. I've seen it in print a few times, too, and I'm pretty sure there was an ancient nation that got a letter from Paul.

The Bayernhof Museum is really great, and unlike anything you've seen. It's a 70's-era mansion built by the eccentric owner of Gas-Lite Manufacturing Co, Charles Boyd Brown III. He was a strange bird who collected automated music machines. He also built some extremely strange features into his house that you will have to see to believe (I'm not going to spoil the surprise, because this is best seen with no hint of what is there)! You have to make an appointment ahead of time though, and you might have to do so several weeks before your intended visit, as zoning ordinances have severely restricted the amount of vehicles that can be parked on the property... and it really isn't accessible otherwise. The guided tour is awesome and lasts about two hours (don't worry... you won't be bored).

[Merge]

Also, I don't know if anyone in this thread has mentioned this, but we have (here on the outskirts of PGH) some of the strangest and most impressive murals on the walls inside of a church that you've ever seen. Artist Maxo Vanka was invited by St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Millvale during the 30's to commemorate the church walls with his own internationally famous visions. If you've been in (or near) Pittsburgh for any substantial length of time, and you haven't yet seen these murals, then you are doing a substantial disservice to yourself. You can visit on Saturdays between 11-3PM or make an appointment for another time.

The Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka Home Page

[theta_sigma]

Can confirm that the Maxo Vanka murals are very cool. Go for a guided tour, it takes about an hour. Lots of regional and international history.

Also, I've wanted to go on the tour of the Carrie Furnace for quite some time now. That's another really unique Pittsburgh experience.

[szug-bot]

i hadnt done ANY of these, but sill, soon - Randyland, Bayernhof, Carrie Furnace, or the murals at the church.
All different, interesting stuff. Don't ya love this little town of ours?

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by Merge

Also, I don't know if anyone in this thread has mentioned this, but we have (here on the outskirts of PGH) some of the strangest and most impressive murals on the walls inside of a church that you've ever seen. Artist Maxo Vanka was invited by St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Millvale during the 30's to commemorate the church walls with his own internationally famous visions. If you've been in (or near) Pittsburgh for any substantial length of time, and you haven't yet seen these murals, then you are doing a substantial disservice to yourself. You can visit on Saturdays between 11-3PM or make an appointment for another time.

The Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka Home Page

When my uncle got hitched to a Croat woman, it was at St. Nicholas, and I was very impressed as a young kid. The murals aren't what one expects to see in a church.