Most people think Western Pennsylvania and immediately think Pittsburgh. And it’s a good thing that comes to mind. Pittsburgh is one of the country’s Most Livable Cities, and with good reason. It has so much to offer.
Casinos offer not just gaming, but entertainment and great food, as well. Or grab a bite at any of the fabulous eateries from sandwich shops to gourmet restaurants.
The Three Rivers boasts the most bridges in the US, and the city appeals to all water recreationists, from boaters and Jet Skiers to those who prefer fine dining and dancing on the Gateway Clipper Fleet.
There are three different professional sports teams, so there’s something to do and someone to cheer for all year long. If the arts are more your thing, attend one of the performances by symphonies, ballet troupes, or play actors. Looking for something more casual? The ’Burgh offers amusement parks and zoos, museums and science centers, conservatories and observatories. Education to recreation, playing hard or taking it easy… Pittsburgh offers something for everyone.
My new novel, Bleeding Heart, takes place in Pittsburgh, as well as in my hometown of Vandergrift. While Pittsburgh’s claim to fame is all it has to offer, Vandergrift offers all the quiet and camaraderie of small town living.
Vandergrift is the first worker-owned, industrially-planned town in the US. Planned by famed designer Frederick Law Olmsted, it has curved tree-lined streets, ball parks and tennis courts, a swimming pool and downtown thoroughfare. I can’t think of a better place to have grown up—it had all the charm and friendliness of an intimate neighborhood with easy access to the busy city.
I hope you have a chance to visit Western Pennsylvania and see everything it has to offer. Or you can visit my Pinterest page to see many more Pittsburgh and Vandergrift photos. And I hope you pick up a copy of Bleeding Heart, and check out a new piece of fiction set in a gorgeous part of the country.
What’s your hometown? Or where do you live now? What makes it so special? Let’s talk about it.
Staci, as sisters, Vandergrift holds a special place for me as well. It has that small hometown ambiance people crave. I am a huge Pittsburgh fan, and appreciate all the city has to offer. Along with the three major sports teams you mention, Pittsburgh has a USL professional soccer team (Pittsburgh Riverhounds) and a profession woman’s football team (Pittsburgh Passion).
I tend to use both Pittsburgh and Vandergrift in my writing as well. You just cant beat the skyline Pittsburgh has to offer and the small town feel of Vandergrift.
That is an unforgettable skyline… especially at night coming through the tunnels or standing on Mt. Washington. I dearly miss it.
Sounds like a cool place Staci, in all my travels to the US I never made there. Look forward to getting the book soon, I still am way behind in my reading.
It is a WONDERFUL place, Kath. If you ever plan a trip there, let me know. (And no worries; I’m way behind on my reading, too.)
It looks like we’ll be visiting your home state this summer, unfortunately not in the Pittsburgh area. We’re planning a trip to Virginia and Washington DC, so we hope to make Gettysburg and the Amish country of Lancaster County.
I’d like to see Pittsburgh and the western part of the state sometime.
You’ll still have a great time, Joan. That’s a nice part of the state. And if you ever do plan a trip to my neck of the woods, let me know. I’ll be happy to give you a few “can’t miss” destinations. (If I can hold myself to just a few!)
Can’t wait to hear all about your trip.