Pittsburgh - the City

Throw away any preconceptions you may have of Pittsburgh! My trip here is allowing me to experience the metamorphosis of Steel Town into a world class city destination for travellers. Called "The San Fransisco of the East" for its hill studded location, its other name is "City of Bridges" as it features over 400 (top) - more than Venice! It's a city that takes its sports to heart from past heroes such as base ball star Roberto Clemente (middle) to current teams: Pirates, Penguins and Steelers. Downtown features beautifully restored 19th century buildings as well as soaring modern skyscrapers such as PPG Place (bottom).

Pittsburgh Attractions

I have been enjoying a whirlwind tour of Pittsburgh's huge number of attractions - and I have barely scraped the surface. Believe me; there's something for everyone in this city! I have walked across the bridge from my hotel to enjoy a Pirates game at PNC Park (top) and experienced the iconic images of the Prince of Pop Artists at the Andy Warhol Museum (middle). I visited the Cathedral where the new Bishop of Pittsburgh was being invested (bottom). I also met some wonderfully interesting people - I went behind the scenes at the National Aviary (thank you Erin!), interviewed Andy Masich, CEO at the impressive Heinz History Centre and Sean Brady, Executive Director of Venture Outdoors whose organization takes people out on the rivers and the hills of Pittsburgh.

Chihuly at Phipps - Gardens & Glass

Lush, steamy and exotic, the Tropical Forest Thailand exhibit at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is just one of the many reasons to visit. The star attraction currently, and for a few more weeks, is the glittering display ; "Chihuly at Phipps - Gardens and Glass". Artist Dale Chihuly has used the setting of the gardens to place a dazzling array of his glass sculptures that have to be seen to be believed.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The jewel (quite literally) for me of the many Pittsburgh museums is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This is a world class overview of five billion years of Earth history. The latest blockbusters are the "Dinosaurs in Their World" exhibit opening in November (top) and the sparkling Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems (middle), which has just opened this year and includes treasures such as these calcite crystals (bottom).

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

I am staying at one of the city's landmark hotels: the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. This striking 1906 Fulton Building has been meticulously restored as Pittsburgh's only Four Diamond hotel. From the imposing exterior (top) to the sumptuous lobby (middle) and Opus the place-to-be-seen restaurant (bottom), I heartily recommend the Renaissance for your stay in Pittsburgh.

Top Class Restaurants

Pittsburgh is noted for its high quality and individualistic cuisine. I am sampling some of its notable restaurants on this trip. From the trendy Cafe Zoo on Penn Avenue to the filling Primanti sandwich at the Primanti Brothers (bottom) and from the renowned Lidia's Pittsburgh to the stunning views over the city at Bella Vista on Mt Washington (top) - dining here is a constant and delicious pleasure.

Pittsburgh - Thank You's

My trip to Pittsburgh has been faultlessly constructed by the first class team at Visit Pittsburgh - headed by the warm and wonderful Bev Morrow-Jones (top). I have been guided by the indefatigable Kristen Mitchell (middle) and our radio show broadcast was hosted by the good folks at KDKA Pittsburgh - the world's first commercial radio station (bottom).