Thursday's Child: Destination Pittsburgh

Destination: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

When we visited: February 2011 and August 2013

Why to go:  Pittsburgh is a great destination for anyone who loves sports and culture.

What to see:

We've been to Pittsburgh twice in the last couple of years: two years ago to see a hockey game, and this summer for baseball.  Both venues were terrific, but PNC Park gets high grades for a retro-style stadium, great city views, statues honouring team heroes (Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski) and post-game fireworks.

Roberto Clemente, great ballplayer and humanitarian

Pittsburgh is much more than sports, though.  The Carnegie Science Center was fun, and its SportsWorks exhibit brought out the competitor in my daughter and husband.  The Andy Warhol museum pays tribute to the father of pop art, who spent much of his youth in Pittsburgh.  Phipps Conservatory was full of stunning plants and flowers, with one room dedicated to butterflies.  And one of my favourite stops was at the Mr. Rogers' statue, dedicated to another famous Pittsburgh native, Fred Rogers.

Where to stay:

On each visit, we chose a hotel as close as possible to the sporting venue we were visiting. Cambria Suites are located next to the Consol Energy Center (where the Penguins play), and the Pittsburgh Renaissance is directly over the bridge from PNC Park.  They were both excellent choices.

Breakfast at De Luca's

Where to eat:

Cherries Diner in Market Square and De Luca's in the Strip were awesome choices for a diner breakfast.  Il Pizzaiolo, also in Market Square, served great Italian food for dinner.  And whether you enjoy it at the ballpark or one of their restaurants, don't miss a sandwich from Primanti Brothers.

Our final stop, the lovely Phipps Conservatory