Visiting Pittsburgh, PA

We were excited when travel expert Kendra Thorton contacted to do a blog post about our hometown Pittsburgh!

Four Great Places to see in Pittsburgh 

Having traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad, although be it not “seasoned” travelers, we would not want to live anywhere other than Pittsburgh, PA.  Being born and raised in Pittsburgh has allowed us to experience a melting pot of activities.  The happenings never stop due to the fact that living in Pittsburgh also provides the opportunity to experience all four seasons of the year.  We hope that everyone is able to visit Pittsburgh sometime in their life, no matter what time of the year! 

If you are looking for a place to go for indulgence the SouthSide Works is perfect.  This sidewalk shopping is full of restaurants, designer clothing stores, various shopping outlets, and a movie theater.  With so much to do it’s impossible to enjoy it all in one day!

After spending all day walking the sidewalk shops take a load off by riding one of two inclines up to Mt. Washington.  When you reach the top stop to soak in the views on one of the scenic overlooks.  Be sure to bring your camera as this skyline view is rated the 2^nd most beautiful in America by USA Weekend! 

If you’re looking for a place to spend the day with your family, there’s no better place than Station Square.  This historical landmark features nearly 60 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.  While there be sure to hop aboard a “Ducky Tour” to learn all about the city.  A great adventure that the kids will remember for a lifetime!

Pittsburgh is known as the Steel City, however, we may be more known to the rest of the country as the Steel Curtain!  Pittsburgh is home to the one and only 6-time super bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  If football is not to your liking Pittsburgh also offers the Penguins and Pirates.  Even if you’re not into the game these three sports stadiums offer an experience in and of themselves.  The Steeler and Pirates stadiums are both located along the 3 rivers, and the Pens arena is state-of-the-art that was built last year.  You will quickly learn that all Pittsburgh residents are die hard Pittsburgh sports fans!

These four places to see are only the tip of the ice berg when it comes to experiencing Pittsburgh.  Plan to spend longer than a weekend in this historic city, make it a family vacation!

Here is Kendra's take on Chicago!

Four Great Places to See in Chicago

As a wife, mother and traveler, something that gives me great pleasure is to travel with my family or by myself. The world is full of terrific places to visit. One favorite destination of mine is Chicago. In fact, I decided to move here after I visited the city with my husband. Here are four great places to visit while in the city.

1. Shopping Southport Avenue Style

When people think of shopping, they usually think of Chicago’s “ HYPERLINK "http://chicago.cbslocal.com/top-lists/chicago%E2%80%99s-best-shopping-neighborhoods/" Magnificent Mile.” However, this is not the only place in which to visit. In North Chicago, in a location that is quite close to Wrigley Field is South Port Avenue. This location has plenty of shops and boutiques in which to visit. Stores like the Cerato Boutique and Krista and Tula provide shoppers with chic style and fashion.

2. A Wonderful Place to Park

After spending time in Southport Avenue, take time to mix things up and visit Grant Park. This special park is one of the best places to visit in Chicago. It has Millennium Park and proudly displays Buckingham Fountain. It is known to a number of visitors and residents as “Chicago’s Front Door” and that is a nickname that rings true. When visiting Grant Park, be sure to stop by the Museum Camp and the Art Institute of Chicago. 

3. Pampering and Pleasure at the Peninsula

When I need some time to unwind, either with my husband or by myself, I like to visit the Peninsula, which is a  HYPERLINK "http://www.gogobot.com/chicago--hotels" fantastic hotel in the city. There are times that I take more than a day to recharge my batteries. I look forward to visiting the spa and receiving the pampering that I truly need. I can leave all my distractions and enjoy the applications and treatments that are available for me. Besides this, there is a terrific place in which to dine. The menu follows a European-theme and I like the variety of dishes from which to choose.

4. Dining in a Diner

I love good diners. If you do too, you will discover that Chicago has an abundance of great breakfast establishments throughout the city. One of my favorites, is also historic, is  HYPERLINK "http://www.loumitchellrestaurant.com/about_us.html" Uncle Lou. It serves some of the best dishes in the Windy City and the prices are definitely reasonable. In addition to this, my children are delighted to come to this restaurant. Uncle Lou is affordable and unlike some other eateries in the area. A fun fact about Uncle Lou is that children and women receive milk duds when they enter the establishment. After all, milk duds were created in this city and the creator was a friend of Uncle Lou.

Chicago has numerous places in which to visit. Spending just a day there is certainly not long enough. Stay awhile and enjoy this truly amazing city. 

Thanks Kendra for contacting us!!  We would love to hear from you and other places that are great to visit, so leave your comments below! :)