Pittsburgh, the Steel City, was the first stop on our Adventure Mobile excursion to Virginia. Upon entering the city, I quickly noticed how tight downtown is for modern-day vehicles, let alone our oversized van. The roads were originally designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians, and the occasional cart. As the city evolved, modern-day vehicles began facing the challenge of navigating tight streets and limited parking spaces. Although the streets are tight, the city has a distinct charm that preserves the sense of history and heritage that sets it apart from other urban cities.
The adventure of finding parking for our oversized van sparked a deeper interest in the city's heritage. Founded in 1758 as a strategic outpost during the French and Indian War, Pittsburgh flourished in the 19th century as a center of industry, earning its title as the “Steel City” due to its prominent role in steel production. I found the iconic yellow bridges that connect the city to be beautiful. With our football background, the yellow bridges clarified why the Steelers have their terrible towel and team colors.
Although our stop was brief, we made the most of our time to explore. We were fortunate to stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel, a building with a rich history. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, it served as the home of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Pittsburgh Branch. The lower level of the hotel still showcases the preserved bank vault doors, a testament to the city's financial past. The main vault door weighs 34 tons and, when balanced, can be closed with the touch of one finger.
No exploration of Pittsburgh would be complete without experiencing the unique dining at Primanti Brothers. This institution, serving up hearty sandwiches since 1933, offers a dining experience like no other. Each sandwich, piled high with French Fries and coleslaw, eliminates the need for utensils. The innovative approach has become a local hit.
Before returning to the road, we walked down by the river to explore Point State Park. This park is a picturesque landmark where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers converge to form the Ohio River. The point of confluence served as the focal point of early settlement and trade in the region. Along the riverwalk, we passed the Pirates and the Steelers stadiums and walked under many yellow bridges. While the kids were running around on the park's lush greenery, we stumbled on the outline of Fort Duquesne. One walk by the river was a virtual history lesson for us all.
The walk was exactly what we needed before getting back in the car for the final leg of our drive to Virginia. Our rich history surrounded us, and I was grateful for our “Pitt” stop.
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