Sunday, December 1, 2013

Top 10 Things to do in Pittsburgh

Here are the top 10 things as recommended by Panther students and families that I surveyed.

  1. Campus walking tour. The Cathedral of Higher Learning is a must. You'll feel like you are on set  in a Harry Potter Movie. The Cathedral of Learning, a Pittsburgh landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is the centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's main campus in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Standing at 535 feet (>163 m), the 42-story Late Gothic Revival Cathedral is the tallest educational building in the Western hemisphere and the second tallest university building (fourth tallest educationally-purposed building) in the world. It is also the second tallest gothic-styled building in the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Learning
  2. Phipps Conservatory. Close to campus. http://phipps.conservatory.org/
  3. Incline: http://www.stationsquare.com/info/inclines  One of Pittsburgh's distinctive features is its cable-powered inclines designed for transportation between the river valleys and the communities on top of the overlooking bluffs. At one time Pittsburgh had about fifteen inclines. Two of them remain, on the south bank of the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, across from downtown Pittsburgh. They provide service to the Mount Washington for residents and a historic voyage for tourists wishing to sightsee some of the most breathtaking views of our panoramic skylines.
  4. Red Bus Tour: There are several bus companies. Here is one with fun drivers. http://www.pghtours.com/Double_Decker_Bus.php
  5. Drive around the 446 bridges. Pittsburgh has more bridges than any city in the world. The Bridges of Pittsburgh play an important role in the city's transportation system. Without bridges, the Pittsburgh region would be a series of fragmented valleys, hillsides, river plains, and isolated communities. A 2006 study determined that Pittsburgh has 446 bridges, and with its proximity to three major rivers and countless hills and ravines, Pittsburgh is known as "The City of Bridges".
  6. Eat. Great restaurants everywhere from Pizza to Primanti's to the strip meat district.  Old historic Shantytown is a great stroll and lots of restaurants. Here is a link to map and list of merchants and history. link to Strip Meat District Pittsburgh
  7. Shop. Malls in several suburban areas. Here is a great link to all from Downtown to SouthSide Works to Outlets.shopping in pittsburgh
  8. Pitt Basketball Game. A must to see the Zoo.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petersen_Events_Center
  9. Pitt Football Game. Heinz field is a spectacular view of the city.   http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/facilities/pitt-facilities-heinz.html
  10. Warm Weather: Kennywood amusement park: One of only two amusement parks in the country to be designated on the national historic register. Known for it's roller coaster. kennywood amusement park                               

  • Other based on research online:
  1. The Andy Warhol Museum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andy_Warhol_Museum
  2. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium: http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/
  3. Carnegie Science Center: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/
  4. Pittsburgh Penguins National Hockey League at the Consol Energy Center: http://onlineticketsusa.com/venue/consol-energy-center-tickets-for-sale.aspx
  5. Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Duquesne  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Pitt_(Pennsylvania)  was a fort established by the French in 1754, at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in what is now downtown Pittsburgh in the U.S. state of PennsylvaniaIt was destroyed and replaced by Fort Pitt in 1758; over two centuries later, the site formerly occupied by Fort Duquesne is now Point State Park.
  6. Wander Through Allegheny Cemetery   One of the most picturesque places in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Cemetery is also unexpectedly romantic with 300 acres of rolling hills and monuments encompassing a wide variety of architectural styles. The cemetery houses generations of Pittsburghers back to the French & Indian war. Stop and get a map to the graves of composer Stephen Collins Foster and America's first glamour girl, Lillian Russell.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Guide to Tickets

Here are some helpful links from the University for Parents:
If you have not signed up, you can link here to do so.

1. General Parent info on Student Life

Sent by: University of Pittsburgh Student Affairs


This is a place holder

Hello, Pitt Parents and Families!
Click here to read the November/December, 2013 Panther Connections Parent Newsletter.
Send us your remarks by completing the survey on page 3. If you have specific comments, please direct them to parents@pitt.edu or call 412-624-8548.
Hail to Pitt!


Click here to join the Panther Parents Association open Facebook Group!

2.Pitt Athletics - guide to Tickets

http://pacmail.em.marketinghq.net/functions/message_view.html?mid=577362&mlid=1468&siteid=2008000196&uid=3109e8ae9d&hq_e=el&hq_m=577362&hq_l=1&hq_v=3109e8ae9d

http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3APITT%3AF13%3AF07%3A&linkID=pitt&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=FBS&cgc=&hq_e=el&hq_m=577362&hq_l=7&hq_v=3109e8ae9d

3. Ticket Liquidator - guide to Tickets
http://www.ticketliquidator.com/tix/pittsburgh-panthers-cbk-tickets.aspx

Interesting History and Famous People





Football Photo Gallery






basketball photo gallery








Pittsburgh Photo Gallery







Campus Photo Gallery















photo gallery restaurants







Pittsburgh Map

Map of Pittsburgh


Hotel Resources to University of Pittsburgh


Planning the trip: Lodging
If attending Family Weekend or other sports oriented weekend, Pittsburgh lodging options become difficult and expensive. It is wise to book well in advance. If on a budget, staying near the airport or other suburban areas, you can find cheaper hotels with availability. If staying close to campus or nearby downtown, options are limited and can run upwards of $200-$300 a night with a two-night minimum.  Some considerations include walking from campus if student is in a dorm vs. students living off campus. Parking is difficult around campus so plan your trip accordingly. Some of the hotels offer shuttles to Heinz Field which is where the University of Pittsburgh football team share a stadium with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here are some helpful links to finding numerous hotels near the University. 

1. Hotels.com - with map and photos of each hotel and includes booking tool.

http://www.hotels.com/search/searchmap.html?lids=1037&rl=CITY%3A1474927%3APROVIDED%3APROVIDED&vt=LIST&datesFlexible=true&numberOfRooms=1&roomInfoList%5B0%5D.numberOfAdults=2&children%5B0%5D=0#lids=1037&rl=CITY%3A1474927%3APROVIDED%3APROVIDED&vt=LIST&datesFlexible=true&numberOfRooms=1&roomInfoList%5B0%5D.numberOfAdults=2&children%5B%5D=0&hn=&hnid=&pfcc=USD&ming=0&maxg=5&pn=1

2. Expedia.com - with map - and booking tool. Caution: some hotels are non-refundable; others require several week cancelation fee.

http://www.expedia.com/Pittsburgh-Hotels.d601717.Travel-Guide-Hotels

3. TripAdvisor.com includes map, scheduler and reviews.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g53449-d527273-University_of_Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh_Pennsylvania.html


Here are links to individual hotels near the University.

1. Holiday Inn Express
http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/reservation/hotelsearchresult?qDest=PITTSBURGH%2CPA%2CUnited+States&qAdlt=1&qChld=0&qRms=1&qIta=99504344&qPSt=0&qSmP=3&qWch=0&qSHp=1&qBrs=6c.hi.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv&qSrt=BRAND_SORT&qRad=20&qRdU=1&qRpp=25&qRRSrt=rt&qFRA=1&srb_u=1&icdv=99504344&siclientid=1962&dp=true

2. Marriott Residence Inn
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pitro-residence-inn-pittsburgh-university-medical-center/

3. Cambria Suites - free shuttle to campus less than 3 miles
http://www.cambriasuitespittsburgh.com/

4. Courtyard by Marriott
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pitok-courtyard-pittsburgh-shadyside/

5. Shadyside Inn
http://www.shadysideinn.com/



other resources site
http://www.universityparent.com/pitt/guide/hotels





Restaurant Guide

restaurant guide with links



Where to Eat?
Local restaurants cater to families and students.
Pittsburgh has a large international influence and you can find cuisines from Thai to Mexican all within walking distance of campus.

Pamela’s for breakfast is a must. There is a second location in Squirrel Hill if the University line is too long. Primanti Brothers is a historic Pittsburgh hangout and a ‘must’ for one of your trips.
Spice Island Tea House has incredible Thai noodles and a limited beer and wine selection.
The Porch is a bit more upscale but the flat bread open fire baked pizza is a must.


Restaurants


The Porch
221 Schenley Dr
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone number (412) 687-6724

Spice Island Tea House
253 Atwood St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 687-8821

Mad Mex
370 Atwood St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 681-5656

Red Oak Cafe
3610 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 621-2221

Lucca
3600/3602 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 381-9464

Union Grill
413 S Craig St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 681-8620

Fuel & Fuddle
214 Oakland Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 682-3473

Hello Bistro
3605 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 687-8787

Joe Mama's Italian Deluxe
3716 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Phone number (412) 621-7282

Campus Map

University Map


Lodging Map



Map of Hotels near campus