Ah, Pittsburgh! The Steel City! Home to the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.

A city that has undergone a renaissance in recent years rising from the ashes of its industrial past to become a hotbed of creativity, innovation and progress. And yet, through it all, there remains an undeniable grittiness about this town that speaks to its resiliency and toughness.

If you want to explore the real Pittsburgh the authentic Pittsburgh then venture beyond the tourist traps and into some of the citys lesserknown neighborhoods. Perhaps start your journey in Lawrenceville (4600 Butler St), a community that was once home to steelworkers but now boasts a thriving arts scene.

Take time to wander down Butler Street with its hip boutiques (Commonwealth Press) , trendy cafes (Espresso A Mano), cozy bars (Belvederes Ultra Dive) at night raucous dance clubs like Spirit Lounge or brimming art studios(Grindhouse). No trip is complete without sampling pierogis Polish dumplingsstuffed with cabbage or potatopeirogifilled pizza slices from Piccolo Forno

Or head over to Bloomfield area known affectionately as Little Italy. Here youll find familyowned shops selling fresh pasta and cannolis(DiAnnoias Eatery 2549 Penn Ave ), Italian delis serving up prosciutto sandwiches(Graziano Bros.), street art murals channeling Warhol.Polish sausage can easily be found at S&D Polish Deli.

But if its history that speaks to you, then take a stroll through Homestead (601 E 8th Ave). Once home of Andrew Carnegies vast steel mills on Monongahela River .The heartbreakingly hopeful exhibits at Rivers Of Steel National Heritage Area immortalize those who worked tirelessly in dangerous conditions alongside mighty machinery that forged our country.

For something truly unique head outside downtown across Smithfield St bridge to Station Square(125 W Station Square Dr). Its is a repurposed 19thcentury rail station with a fountain and shops which is now home to the only remaining incline in Pittsburgh. The Monongahela Incline (101 W Carson St) offers an incredible ride up to Mount Washington, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the city sparkling on three rivers.

Finally, end your day exploring one of the hidden gems of Pittsburgh: Randyland (1501 Arch Street), creator Randy Gilson has transformed his humble row house into wild public art landmark featuring eclectic colorful garden spaces filled by found objects like balls from Heinz Field or expired fortune cookies that range from playful and whimsical .

Pittsburgh cannot be described as just one thing its gritty yet vibrant, historic yet modern; its quirky grownup town. You have to experience its rugged charm for yourself.

Websites:

https://www.lvpgh.com/

https://bloomfieldpgh.org/

http://riversofsteel.com

The Incline

Randyland

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