The best unexpected pit stops in Pittsburgh

My entire life has been consumed with Pittsburgh and I couldn’t be happier. Unlike the typical stops – including Heinz Field, Point Park, and the Duquesne Incline – here are six unusual stops to make in Pittsburgh.

Hofbräuhaus

Although Pittsburgh is known for its homegrown coleslaw and French fry sandwiches at Primanti Brothers, the city has numerous restaurants dedicated to the many heritages that make up the city. The South Side’s Hofbräuhaus is a German-inspired restaurant that takes its culture up a notch besides serving German foods such as schnitzel and having female servers dress in lederhosen. While enjoying meals and peering out the windows at the Monongahela river, guests enjoy German music either played from a stereo or live from a performer.

Panther Hollow Trail

Starting behind the visitor’s center in Schenley Park is the Panther Hollow Trail. Although the pathway is unleveled with cobbled paths and sneakers are a must, the Panther Hollow Trail offers walkers a unique view of this nationally named historic park and its numerous hills and peaks tucked right between the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

One viewing spot in particular to take in is right after the first tunnel past the visitor’s center. From this spot during the winter, visitors can see the next potential Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux playing ice hockey on the frozen Panther Hollow Lake.

Steel Plaza Station

Even though many people think of Pittsburgh as the areas surrounding the city’s Point State Park and the locations of universities and sports stadiums, Pittsburgh actually accounts for over fifty different townships and boroughs in the outlying area of the city. Although downtown holds the heart of the excitement with the skyscrapers and city life, these outlying areas offer something to visitors as well. Catching on at the Steel Plaza station, visitors can catch the Blue Line Train and watch as the skyscrapers disappear into suburbia.

 The Church Brew Works

One of Pittsburgh’s most notable drinking locations is Carson Street in the South Side where bars and clubs take up several blocks. Although Carson Street is popular with the city young bloods, located in Lawrenceville, The Church Brew Works offers a place for those who are interested in more of a fine-dining setting. Unlike most churches which are shut down and boarded up, former St. John’s Baptist Church was sold, renovated, and turned into this popular brewpub. Besides being a national historic landmark, The Church Brew Works was also named one of the city’s best breweries in 2012.

National Aviary

Pittsburgh’s National Aviary, located in the North Side features over 600 animal species and 200 bird species. Besides having more species than its fellow area zoo, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Pittsburgh’s National Aviary is also the largest aviary in the country. Although animals are the focus of the zoo, for visitors, animals may not be the only beings they may see while here. Built on the grounds of the demolished Western State Penitentiary and a previous Civil War battle zone, the National Aviary is claimed to be haunted by former prisoners and army confederates.

Cathedral of Learning

Unlike most university buildings, the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning is open to everybody to use and explore. Besides the acclaimed main floor cultural rooms and Hogwarts-esque architecture of the building, the Cathedral of Learning also offers killer views for those lucky enough to visit its highest floors.

Although the 36th floor to the highest floor, the 42nd, has been closed to the public, the 35th floor offers views no other building around campus can give. Take elevator E up the thirty-five flights, and take a peek out the windows for views of North and South Oakland.

These six places represent a little of what big things Pittsburgh has to offer.

Go out and find it!