Pittsburgh vs. DC (pool, cottages, golf)

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Actually the two are next to each other. We like to go to Chinatown (but we usually end up eating in PQ).

Aha. I've never actually been to Penn Quarter, at least not since it was named Penn Quarter. My friend who talks about going there all the time says it's basically Chinatown.

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Sounds like Oakland to me.

Although that may seem strange, there is in fact a ravine in the way, which is all it takes.

Hence the bridges over the ravine, on Forbes and near Phipps.

It's hard to believe someone who lives in Oakland never went to Squirrel Hill. Where did they go shopping?

[BigCityDreamer]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

Also, I always hear people say there is so much to do that is free in DC, but I've never known in what way, as it seems any city, if you look for it, you can find things to do that are free. Can you expand on that one?

When people mention the free things in D.C., they're referring to most of the Smithsonian museums (the largest museum complex in the world), the memorials and monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, the zoo among other things.

It is unusual and a blessing for a city to have so many quality things for free. You don't even get that in cities like New York, Paris or London.

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

When people mention the free things in D.C., they're referring to most of the Smithsonian museums (the largest museum complex in the world), the memorials and monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, the zoo among other things.

It is unusual and a blessing for a city to have so many quality things for free. You don't even get that in cities like New York, Paris or London.

Most of the museums & monuments in london are free as well.... but I agree about DC, add in the fact that there is usually something other (or multiples of) random things going on be it a concert by a major group, or one of the armed forces bands, a famous speaker, an art show, a unique traveling exhibit, a demonstration, or just some cool street performers; there is always something going on somewhere which is also happens to be free. Of course this goes to the fact that DC is of course the nation's capital & has a huge influx of tourists at all times which we cannot compete with.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by UKyank

Most of the museums & monuments in london are free as well.... but I agree about DC, add in the fact that there is usually something other (or multiples of) random things going on be it a concert by a major group, or one of the armed forces bands, a famous speaker, an art show, a unique traveling exhibit, a demonstration, or just some cool street performers; there is always something going on somewhere which is also happens to be free. Of course this goes to the fact that DC is of course the nation's capital & has a huge influx of tourists at all times which we cannot compete with.

All of that stuff is free thanks to everyone's tax dollars I believe.

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by bradjl2009

All of that stuff is free thanks to everyone's tax dollars I believe.

Indeed, that too...though at least its a worthwhile expenditure of tax dollars at least compared to a litany of other crap that its spent on.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

But I am not sure how unique that is to Pittsburgh--in fact I saw the other day an article about people using cell phone tracking data to study this issue, and it turns out many people rarely get outside of a triangle defined by their home, their workplace, and their preferred commercial area.

That is so true!

Interesting study, I'm definitely going to remember that one.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

When people mention the free things in D.C., they're referring to most of the Smithsonian museums (the largest museum complex in the world), the memorials and monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, the zoo among other things.

It is unusual and a blessing for a city to have so many quality things for free. You don't even get that in cities like New York, Paris or London.

Also, on the Nova side, most of the parks don't charge admission (except for two of the national parks). That may change as the recession goes on, but so far they have resisted the idea. Technically there is a fee for using things like the boat launches, but right now the rangers look the other way as long as you bring all your own gear. They even let you play on the mini golf for free if you come after 6 (and bring your own gear).

[pman]

in all fairness, the number of free things in DC is shrinking. aside from the museums (also "free" in baltimore), I'm not sure the quality of parks is any better than most places, and I don't think there are more free shows or anything else than NY. In fact, most big cities have a fair amount of free stuff going on, even if it isn't the big institutions like the museums.
if anything, places like DC may even have a dearth of interesting things like they do in ny. I suspect that Pittsburgh is ripe for the picking since it can often be much easier to set things up without all the security hassles.
hopefully this still happens
Pyrotopia: Home

for all its pomp, DC is, in a lot of ways, a follower city.
sure you can see the smithsonian for free, but the spy museum will set you back $22 a head..and last time we were there we ate at pizza paradiso, paid $9 for a beer I'd had in Philly for $5 and a pizza that isn't as good as picolo al forno OR il pizzaiolo

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by pman

paid $9 for a beer I'd had in Philly for $5

LOL you may be right about that--if you want inexpensive beer & pizza you're more likely to find it in the burbs. Alcohol's a much better deal in Nova than in DC.

[BigCityDreamer]

Originally Posted by UKyank

Most of the museums & monuments in london are free as well....

Actually, you're probably right. It's several years now since I last visited London. Time for another trip. I want to do a tour of the Parliament.