OOO #95: Out of Office - Pittsburgh
A weekend in the Steel City
A couple of months ago, my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Honestly, all I ever really want is to travel. We decided on a jaunt to Pittsburgh, so I could watch a baseball game on my birthday. Pittsburgh is a wonderful city, and the view of the skyline emerging from the Fort Pitt Tunnel was worth the drive alone.
We had a few hours before our Airbnb was available, so we drove straight to the Andy Warhol Museum.
Andy Warhol Museum
I’ve come to the realization that no matter what trip I go on, I always will find a way to go to a museum. I didn’t know a lot about Andy Warhol before visiting the Andy Warhol museum, and I wanted to learn something new (and local!), so it seemed like a good fit.
The Andy Warhol Museum is fantastic. The curators have laid out his life and artistic progression clearly and intuitively; there are plenty of opportunities to interact with his media, art, and life; and the galleries were overall engaging and interesting. My son’s favorite part was Silver Clouds; I have never heard him laugh so hard at something that wasn’t my husband or me.
I found it interesting as to how pervasive Andy Warhol was in culture during his life; I don’t think there are too many visual artists who occupy the same space that Warhol did in today’s culture. And that’s unfortunate! I think our culture could use more varied sources of celebrity, particularly people who are indeed making art. I’m glad Angelina Jolie has decided to do something about it.
The museum should be proud of itself for preserving Warhol’s work (which is no small feat, he was prolific) and providing a beautiful space to learn and think that is inclusive for all, including children.
PNC Park
I love baseball. I won’t wax poetic again, but I really do enjoy going to a baseball game more than almost any other summer activity (except for maybe kayaking). It also makes me feel closer to my dad, who probably loved baseball more than anyone else who ever lived.
We decided to go to Pittsburgh over Cincinnati and Cleveland because the Pirates were playing the New York Yankees on my birthday for a 4pm game, which is the perfect time for a little baby to enjoy a game (it’s not too sunny like a 1pm game or too late like a 7pm game). Tragically, I did not need to worry about the sun as it was quite rainy BUT the game didn’t get rained out, which is all that mattered.
Guys, I had the best time. Pirates fans did not, as the final score was 10-4, but I had a great time drinking a beer, eating cheesy waffle fries, cheering, singing, and just goofing with my husband. The baby loved that you can shout as much as you want at a baseball game and spent most of the game doing just that. I don’t think I’m happier anywhere else than at a baseball park.
Also, PNC Park might just have the most beautiful ball park (and view) in all of the MLB.
Family Time
One of my favorite things about Pittsburgh is my father’s family. My paternal grandmother, of my swing coat fame, was raised in Lilly, Pennsylvania (with her nine siblings), and consequently a lot of my extended family still lives in the Pittsburgh area. When I last visited in 2022, I got to see where a lot of my family members are buried and learn about their lives. This time, I had brunch with three of my father’s cousins and had the best time getting to know them better as well as learn more about that side of my family in general. And I felt quite spoiled to get to talk to people who knew my dad when he was younger. I had no idea he loved chess! I had such a beautiful, memorable time with my cousins (once-removed).
Pamela’s
As I mentioned above, I last visited Pittsburgh was 2022. We spent a long weekend there (with family), and I have a few more recommendations from that trip. The first is Pamela’s Diner. I believe we went to the Shadyside location, but I remember how good the food was. I had a big stack of banana walnut hotcakes, and I’m sad I didn’t get to go back on this trip, because those were really great. Pamela’s is a rite of passage for a Pittsburgh visit.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh is also a special city for me because it is where my parents met! They collaborated on the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Walton Hall of Egyptian Art in the mid-80s, and I am so glad I was able to see it before it was closed for conservation. I was particularly proud to see my mom’s name EVERYWHERE in the galleries, especially as a photographer. She’s a very cool woman.
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has so many amazing collections (so many gems! so many dinosaurs!) that if you go to Pittsburgh and skip this museum, you have done yourself a disservice.
Duolingo
Duolingo owns my soul at this point, so I was very happy that our 2022 hotel (the Maverick by Kasa; thumbs up) was right around the quarter from Duolingo HQ. I got some sort of treat from their taco stand (at a different time than the photo below). It’s worth the picture (and the taco) if you’re a Duolingo fan and in Pittsburgh.
Apteka
Apteka is still one of the most memorable dining experiences I have ever had. The menu is entirely vegan Central and Eastern European cuisine. Everything felt fresh and ingenious, as if someone had taken great care while trying to put a vegan twist on what is very much not a vegan cuisine. Apteka was named one of the top 50 restaurants in 2022 by The New York Times.
Apteka means “pharmacy” in Polish, for the record.
Pittsburgh is a WONDERFUL city. I’m so glad I live close enough to visit whenever I want, and I encourage you to do the same! I also had a great birthday weekend because I’m married to the best person on the planet!!!!!!
That’s it! Have a great rest of your week!