Around Pittsburgh

There’s so much to see and do in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas!  Art lovers can visit The Andy Warhol Museum and The Mattress Factory while sports enthusiasts can visit The Roberto Clemente Museum or The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Wigle Whiskey Distillery, Pittsburgh’s first distillery since prohibition, offers tours and tastings while craft beer lovers can visit one of the many nearby breweries. After you’ve worked up an appetite choose from one of Pittsburgh’s many restaurants, from a high-end steakhouse to a local hangout. Explore the surrounding areas and visit The Meadowcroft Shelter and Historic Village, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Laurel Highlands, and Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Restaurants

You may find this surprising but Pittsburgh has a diverse and exciting culinary scene.  Don’t miss out on the myriad of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and distilleries that downtown Pittsburgh (hotel and convention center location) and nearby neighborhoods have to offer!

Within walking distance from the hotel are various restaurants and shops in which to explore. Stroll through Market Square for restaurants and shopping options. Explore The Strip District, a half-mile square shopping district, bordering downtown with an abundance of restaurants, carts, international markets, boutique stores, wineries, breweries, and coffee shops. Get a signature sandwich at Primanti Brothers at its original location (open 24 hours) or stop by The Pennsylvania Market, a two-story market with vendors, a food hall, restaurants, bars, and an outdoor courtyard that often has live music.

AAFP Picks

• Coop De Ville serves favorites such as southern fried chicken, has an extensive bar menu, and activities include arcades, pinball machines, and duckpin bowling. There is also a coffee and pastry bar. (Note - Coop De Ville is walk-in only)
• Visit The Forge for Mediterranean small plates and craft cocktails, beer, and a unique wine selection. 
• Treat yourself to a little something sweet and visit Peace, Love, and Little Donuts for fresh and warm donuts in far-out flavors, Klavon’s for a homemade ice cream sundae in an old-fashioned ice cream shoppe, or Mon Aimee Chocolat for craft chocolates.
• Across the Allegheny River, visit the North Side (home to the sports fields, Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, and more) for more tantalizing options. Sample traditional German fare and choose from a variety of Bavarian beers on tap at Max’s Allegheny Tavern, Huszar for traditional Hungarian cuisine, or Siempre Algo for a modern take on American fare with a focus on seasonal ingredients. 

AAFP Tip

Enjoy the crisp fall air with outdoor dining options with outdoor heaters. (Note – call ahead to make sure the restaurants continue to offer this option)

Breweries/Vineyards/Distilleries

Pittsburgh offers a vast array of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries that are sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. 

AAFP Picks

• Take a tour at Wigle Whiskey, a craft whiskey distillery that also makes gin, rum, and other spirits. Wigle Whiskey is also a full-service restaurant for brunch, lunch, or dinner. 
• 1700 Penn, is home to Pennsylvania Libations Wine Shop and Helltown Brewing Taproom and Beer Garden, an outdoor space with live music and food trucks.

AAFP Tip

Take advantage of autumn with local wineries with outdoor space. (Note – call ahead to make sure the wineries continue to offer this option)

Things to Do

Tour a variety of museums including the Andy Warhol Museum, Senator John Heinz History Center, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum (part of the John Heinz History Center), Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Carnegie Science Center (but don't explore this venue too much if you plan to attend the offsite event!).

Outdoors enthusiasts can visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden, or take a bike tour of Pittsburgh with Golden Triangle Bike  (hourly rentals, guided tours, self-guided tours) or Bike the Burgh Tours.

Late October is prime time for fall foliage in Western Pennsylvania. Take a scenic drive, hike, boat, or train tour to experience autumnal views that only Mother Nature can provide. Take a ride on a fall foliage scenic road trip, a hike with great foliage views, or a train ride on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad Fall Foliage Tour. 

AAFP Pick

• Sit back and relax on the Getaway Clipper Fall Foliage Cruise. The cruise includes a brunch buffet, music, and a Riverboat Revue Show. 

Need more help in planning your trip? Visit Pittsburgh can help build out itineraries as well as receive discounts from local restaurants, retailers, and attractions. 

• Pittsburgh a la cARTe (Arts & Culture)
• Pittsburgh All Star Pass (Sports)
• KidsBURGH (Family)
• Out & About (Outdoor Rec/Tours)

Outside of Pittsburgh

Have some free time to take a short day trip? There’s plenty to do and see in Pittsburgh’s surrounding areas.

 Just over an hour away, visit Laurel Highlands, the westernmost ridges of the Appalachian mountains, visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park. Nearby Beaver County offers an array of hikes and trails, outdoor adventures, and wineries and microbreweries. There are plenty of overnight accommodations should you decide to make it a relaxing getaway.

AAFP Pick

• Save your appetite for Beaver County’s Soul Food Trail where you can sample BBQ, brisket, fried chicken, and more!

 Pittsburgh is also within driving distance of many great places that are worth a visit.

• Niagara Falls is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Pittsburgh.
• Erie, PA just a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh.
• Monongahela National Forest, WV is just over a 2-hour ride
• A bit over 4 hours is Shenandoah Valley, VA.
• Visit our nation’s capital!, Washington, DC is just a four-hour ride away, but if you have time there are some great stops along the way such as Gettysburgh and Harper’s Ferry.