The ten-block district known as the Golden Triangle, lies at the heart of downtown Pittsburgh at the confluence of the picturesque Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers.   Once bitterly fought over as the gateway to the West, Pittsburgh today is one of America's most attractive and most livable cities.

Each of Pittsburgh's close-knit neighborhoods:  the South Side and Mount Washington  (across the Monongahela River from the Golden Triangle); the North Side, across the Allegheny River; and Oakland, the university area in the east, attests in its own way to the city's history and its resurgence. Easily accessible to each other, they retain individual identities, and each adds a unique element to the whole.

Industry in Pittsburgh began with the development of iron foundries in the early 1800s, and by the time of the Civil War, Pittsburgh was producing half of the iron and one third of the glass in the US. Soon after, the city became the world's leading producer of steel, thanks to the vigorous expansion programs of Andrew Carnegie, who, by 1870, was the richest man in the world. Present-day Pittsburgh is dotted with his cultural bequests, along with those of other wealthy benefactors who were Carnegie’s contemporaries.  These include the Mellon bankers, the Frick coal merchants, and the Heinz food producers.

A face-lift in recent years has involved large-scale demolition of abandoned steel mills and freed up much of the downtown waterfront for development and the surrounding areas for gentrification and preservation of historical treasures.  For shopping, fine dining and just enjoying the scenery, plan a visit to the Waterfront.  Located along the Monongahela River, the Waterfront is now a 360-acre landmark retail development that offers 1.8 million square feet of entertainment, retail shops and much more, making it a must see during any stay.

The popular Andy Warhol Museum, which opened in 1994, bolstered Pittsburgh's image as a destination city, and an enormous new Convention Center brings in major conferences.  The city is easily accessible via numerous interstate highways. 

During football season, Pittsburghers lovingly cheer on the hometown football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After the game, if someone offers to buy you an “iron”, it doesn't mean your clothes are rumpled. The local brand of beer in Pittsburgh is Iron City, popularly known as Iron. There are many other interesting local expressions that have become part of Pittsburgh’s culture and history.  For example, “city chicken” is not poultry but breaded pork and veal skewered and grilled. “Jumbo” does not refer to size but to bologna, and soft drinks are simply “pop.”

For a spectacular view of the city, take a ride on the Duquesne Incline.  Visitors can admire the view from a century-old cable car traveling between West Carson Street and the many fine restaurants of Grandview Avenue.  For a historical day trip, visit the Bushy Run Battlefield. It is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield.

A day at the Zoo and Aquarium is always fun for a change of pace.  As home to more than 2,000 animals, including a variety of endangered species, it’s a perfect all day outing. Summer is a perfect time to visit nearby Kennywood Park for a fun filled day with the entire family.  Kennywood is one of America’s finest traditional amusement parks.

History, attractions, fine dining, weather for all seasons; whatever the interest, the folks from the “burg” will warmly welcome you.