Find Fresh Produce in Pittsburgh This Spring

Imagine sitting by the river on a cloudless Pittsburgh day. The sun is shining, the warm breeze is blowing through the trees along the Allegheny. What could be better in that moment than a fresh juicy peach? Frankly, that sounds like the perfect afternoon. 

Image: Pixabay

Fresh produce is truly a blessing. In Pittsburgh, many of us are lucky enough to live within walking, biking, and driving distance to a grocery store of some kind. During the cold winter months, these stores are all we really have to choose from, but during the spring and summer, you may want to consider trying some of the many local produce outlets the city has to offer.

It’s pretty easy to see why everyone seems to be hopping on the buy-local-bandwagon. Local and organic fruits and vegetables stay fresh for longer, help keep money in the community by supporting small businesses, and simply just taste better most of the time. There are also plenty of ways to get in on this delicious trend right here in Pittsburgh.

Try a Farmers Market

Farmers markets cut out the middleman in the food-buying equation. These markets are typically held outdoors and feature foods sold directly to consumers by the farmers themselves. During the spring and summer, Pittsburgh actually has farmers markets every single day of the week! One of them even moved to a new location downtown at Mellon Park. Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership also sponsors a farmers market in Market Square which begins next month.


Join a CSA

CSA is an acronym for “Community Supported Agriculture.” This is how it works: farmers offer a certain number of “shares” of their crops to the public. Shares typically consist of vegetables and fruits, but sometimes even include dairy, egg, and meat products. Consumers can then purchase shares and receive a weekly box of fresh seasonal produce each week in return. So, it’s basically a magazine subscription, except for food!

The Pittsburgh area offers plenty of CSAs, usually with pick-up locations located all around the city. This is a great way to support the community, keep your home stocked with fresh veggies, and even save money on organic food.

No matter where you get your fruits and vegetables, be sure to enjoy all of the delicious seasonal treats that nature has to offer. Which classic spring and summer dishes are you looking forward to this year?

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Burning Bridges Comedy Festival

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This weekend, 50 extraordinarily funny people will rise from the depths of Pittsburgh’s smoky bars and greasy pubs. Rants, jokes, and straight up ridiculousness will be on display for all to see on stages across the neighborhoods of Allentown and South Side. In other words, it is time for our city’s very first stand-up comedy festival.

Burning Bridges Comedy Festival begins this weekend, and no matter what happens, it is sure to be a truly unique experience. This two-day event will feature dozens of below-the-radar comics alongside some better-known jokers from New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and Boston.

Pittsburgh’s Standup Comedy Scene
In terms of stand-up comedy in the city, Pittsburgh’s Improv and Pittsburgh Comedy Festival feature mostly mainstream comedians. And while venues like Arcade Comedy Theater and various bars around the city often play host to shows, the local comics in the city don’t have a specific place to call home.

This is one of the reasons that John Dick Winters, the festival’s founder, decided to put together this ambitious project. He is confident that these events will allow local comedians to shine and continue to move Pittsburgh’s stand-up scene forward. “I find that audiences are often pleasantly surprised at the overall quality of the Pittsburgh comedy scene. There's a ton of funny people here, and they deserve more credit than they get.”

Getting In On the Laughs This Weekend
Burning Bridges is a great way to get out and support the small businesses that will serve as venues during the festival, like Black Forge Coffee and Drip Lounge. Their website describes the event as a "Do-It-Yourself" festival with very little influence or contributions. Instead of corporate sponsors, this weekend’s events are presented by Race to the Coffin Comedy and The Epicast Network.

Over the next two days, you’ll be able to find local comedy shows scattered all across Allentown and South Side. These 13 shows include local showcases, those with headliners like Geoff Tate, and also a few more uniquely themed shows, like the Worst Tattoo Competition and even some Comedy Debates.

Getting in on the laughs is also fairly cheap! Most shows are individually priced at around $5 and a pass for the entire festival is only $20. The first show begins Friday, at 8pm! See the entire schedule of shows by clicking here.

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100 Things To Do In Pittsburgh

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A new book has come out that shows all the great things Pittsburgh has to offer. From the incline to the Buccos, you could live here your entire life without seeing everything. Pittsburgh native Beth Geisler wrote the book "100 Things To do In Pittsburgh Before You Die". Keep reading and check out the Pittsburgh Post Gazette for more information about this book.

Pittsburgh native Beth Geisler knows how very much there is to do and see here. That’s why she had a hard time narrowing it down for her new book, “100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die” (Reedy Press, $16).

If your time is running out so fast that you can visit only one local attraction, the book advises you to make it the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland — 30 rooms devoted to different cultures in the hemisphere’s tallest educational building.

“I can’t imagine that there’s anything else like it in the world,” says Ms. Geisler, 50, a freelance writer and editor who still lives in the house her father built in Kennedy.

She loves Pittsburgh through and through and has worked for several local institutions, but it was her time as associate communications director at VisitPittsburgh that led to this gig.

The “100 Things to Do” series includes books on several U.S. cities (39, with another 10 in the works) published by St. Louis’ Reedy Press, which knows to look for authors through local tourism bureaus. Ms. Geisler’s resume included hosting scores of travel journalists here from 2000 to 2004.

“I remember clearly what they reacted to,” she says. “In large part that experience framed what I wanted to share.”

Reedy had a template for her to follow, with chapters titled “Food and Drink,” “Recreation and Sports,” “Music and Entertainment,” “Culture and History” and “Shopping.” But what she filled those with were up to her, and so the picks are subjective, as she notes in the preface. Outside of having the big “usual subjects” like the Nationality Rooms and the inclines, “No other Pittsburgher would list the exact same 100 activities.”

She knows some Pittsburghers will wonder why their favorites aren’t included, but she says 100 was not a big enough number to cover everything. That’s why she’s launched a “100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die” Facebook page where people can weigh in with their picks. She wishes she could have written more about hotels and bed & breakfasts (but she did work in a couple of references to her beloved Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown, which is celebrating its centennial this year).

The Facebook page will keep the contents current, too, which is one of the challenges of writing such a book. She did last-minute updates, such as adding the phone number for Apteka, the hot new Eastern European vegan restaurant that just opened in Bloomfield, under the chapter heading “Line Up for Pierogies Almost Anywhere.” Otherwise, she tried to pick food and drink choices that weren’t likely to change, and she advises readers to seek the latest foodie updates through online sources such as Zagat, which, she proudly notes, honored Pittsburgh as best restaurant city in 2015.

“I love to see the coverage that Pittsburgh gets,” she says. “I love to see the word ‘hip’ in particular.”

She does provide some old-school context. “I did try in this book to combine history with what is happening now. I think it’s important to give a nod to how industrialists shaped a lot of what we have today. That is a legacy that we can all appreciate. ... They’ve certainly left us with some fine institutions, some arts and culture opportunities, that other cities just don’t have.”

She tried to weave in as much local flavor as possible, from using (and translating) Pittsburghese to introducing heroes such as Mister Rogers and Rachel Carson and recommending reading Thomas Bell’s “Out of This Furnace.” Dave Demarest introduced her to the book at Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a master’s degree in professional writing.

In her upcoming book signings and other appearances, she wants to stress that it’s not just for out-of-town relatives and other visitors. “I’m encouraging people who live here to do some more exploring.”

That’s how she came to love some of the charms she included in the book, such as Conflict Kitchen as well as Bicycle Heaven and disc golf, two of many free things she spotlights. So that’s why she’ll keep exploring, too.

“It’s fun. I am still getting to promote my hometown. And that’s a privilege.”

The book will be available next week at Barnes & Noble stores and online, and the Facebook page will tell you how to order a signed copy. Her upcoming appearances include:

• April 17, 2 to 4 p.m., Classic Lines Book Store, 5825 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill.

• April 23, 1 to 3 p.m., Half Price Books, 4932 McKnight Road, Ross.

• May 7, noon to 7 p.m., Pittsburgh Vegan Festival, Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills, 2359 W. Ingomar Road, Franklin Park.

• May 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Half Price Books, 3757 William Penn Highway, Monroeville.

• June 11, 1 to 3 p.m., Half Price Books, 4000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park.

• Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Beaver County BookFest, Irvine Park, Beaver.

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The North Shore’s Art Scene Gives a Little Bit of Everything

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Pittsburgh’s greatness was built on the steel industry through the 20th century, but since its collapse the Steel City has forged new greatness. Pittsburgh is now a major tech city, thanks to incredible innovations from Carnegie Mellon University and big names like Google and Uber. It’s an ever-growing healthcare epicenter, thanks to UPMC and Highmark. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins crowned it the City of Champions after their 2009 championship victories and perennial playoff drives.

But did you know Pittsburgh is also home to incredible art? Pittsburgh has a wide variety of museums and galleries spread throughout the city, representing an impressive range of mediums from diverse artists and backgrounds. Getting to see everything can be incredibly difficult, but you can get a good taste of Pittsburgh’s artistic possibilities just across the Allegheny River. Here are a few of the best artistic offerings near the North Shore:

The Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol is perhaps Pittsburgh’s most famous artist, and the Warhol Museum does an excellent job of preserving his legacy. It features works from every stage of Warhol’s life, including paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, videos, and wallpaper. There are also extensive archives of Warhol’s papers, source materials, collectibles, time capsules, audio tapes, scripts, Interview magazine, and more available to study by appointment.

The museum also features works inspired by Warhol’s art, including paintings, sculptures, and even performances from around the world. For example, the West African band Songhoy Blues will be playing a standing-room only show in the museum on April 12.

The Mattress Factory

While the Warhol is home to some fantastic displays and performances, the Mattress Factory takes it to another level. Since 1977, the artist-founded museum has supported installations and performances by over 650 artists from a variety of backgrounds. They are renowned for the way they change our perceptions of space and push the boundaries between artist and viewer.

The Mattress Factory also aims to empower its visitors to engage with art and get creative. They offer classes and workshops for children, teens, and communities to encourage artistic expression inside and outside of the museum.

City of Asylum

While the Mattress Factory takes a playful and creative approach to space, City of Asylum takes a socially- and economically-conscious approach. They revitalize blighted properties and turn them into artistic spectacles and residences for writers in exile. City of Asylums efforts have been featured in the Atlantic and have helped energize the Mexican War Streets as center of literary vibrance and creative placemaking.

This is an impressive amount of creative brilliance -- and it’s all in one part of the city! To keep up with all of the artistic wonders taking place around Pittsburgh, check out the Artsburgh calendar and get inspired. 

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Celebrating Pittsburgh’s 200th Birthday All Year Long

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Robpinion

Pittsburgh has been gaining a lot of attention over the past year. We’re the second hottest housing market for Millennials. We’re one of the most livable cities in the United States. We’re one of the best cities to retire to. We’re the number one food city in the entire country, according to Zagat. And we’re one of the best travel destinations for 2016.

That last accolade is particularly interesting, considering the historical significance of this year. You may have noticed banners on certain city buildings. You may have seen the dates pop up on Port Authority buses. You may have even seen it shared on social media. 2016 is the 200th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s incorporation as a city.

Festivities 200 Years in the Making

Pittsburgh has existed since well before 1816 as a township and a borough, but this March marks the official bicentennial of the Steel City. Pittsburgh has come a long way since its start as a city with less than 6,000 residents. Now a booming tech center with over 300,000 residents, Pittsburgh has a bright future ahead as it enters its third century.

The bicentennial celebration will be punctuated with events throughout the year. Mayor Bill Peduto will celebrate Incorporation Day this Friday, March 18, with fun family festivities, the opening of the City’s time capsule, and a gigantic birthday cake. The Heinz History Center will hold a Bicentennial Bash on July 8, which will be followed by a parade and fireworks display in honor of the swearing in of Pittsburgh’s first Mayor, Ebenezer Denny, on July 9.

A Humble and Unifying Celebration

When Pittsburgh celebrated its centennial in 1916, Mayor Joe “The Builder” Armstrong celebrated in a big way -- with the construction of the City-County Building on Grant Street. Mayor Peduto’s plans for the bicentennial are not this large in scale, but are no less grand in importance. As he states, “It will be a year celebrating the greatness that is this city through its people.”

In addition to the events noted above, some of Pittsburgh’s biggest and smallest annual events will be included in the celebrations. This includes high-profile events like the Pittsburgh Marathon and Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days and smaller ones like back-to-school picnics, film festivals, and the summer’s Open Streets.

To keep up with the year’s bicentennial events, check Visit Pittsburgh’s official calendar of PGH 200 events. Enjoy the celebrations with your fellow Pittsburghers, even those new to the Steel City or those just visiting.

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Celebrities Past and Present Featured at 2016 Home and Garden Show

Image courtesy of Wikipedia user TheZackMorrisExperience with a Creative Commons license.

The Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show has become one of the biggest events of the year. This year’s show packs 10 acres worth of home furnishings, appliances, remodeling necessities, and gardening supplies into the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Vendors and presenters come from all over, but this year’s show also features some great hometown celebrities.

While there is plenty of innovation and fun for everyone at the Home and Garden Show, this year there is also a special emphasis on people who have left their mark on the Steel City. Only a short walk down Penn Avenue from the Encore on 7th, it’s well worth your time to take a trip down to explore the great home innovations and celebrations of place and history. Here are some of the biggest features, imported and domestic, at this year’s show.

Rooted In Pittsburgh

This year’s show features a series of garden displays to honor famous Pittsburghers of years past, in celebration of the city’s bicentennial . The displays have been made by students from the Bidwell Training Center on the North Shore. The gardens honor a diverse group of Pittsburgh icons, including Andy Warhol, Gene Kelly, H. J. Heinz, Rachel Carson, Native American Queen Aliquippa, Arnold Palmer, and many more.

Dr. Lori

Famed Ph.D. Antiques Appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame joins the Home and Garden Show festivities to help you learn the worth of your precious collectibles. She earned her Ph.D. from Penn State, where she also taught as a professor and held a museum position. She has made numerous television appearances, but is best known for Auction Kings on the Discovery Channel. She typically appears at over 150 events each year, and the Home and Garden Show is one of those lucky locations.

The Renegade Gardener

Don Engebretson, better known as the Renegade Gardener, came to gardening in a roundabout and altogether unorthodox way (if you believe the story on his website). He is a field editor, writer, and garden scout for Better Homes and Gardens and is a 6-time winner of the Garden Writers Association’s national Garden Globe Award for excellence in garden writing. Billing himself as “the lone voice of horticultural reason,” Engebretson is bound to offer impressive and entertaining gardening insight.

Pittsburgh Dad

Renowned local YouTube sensation Pittsburgh Dad is attending the Home and Garden Show this year! What started as an attempt for star Curt Wooton and director Chris Preksta to make their parents laugh became an accidental hit practically overnight. Pittsburgh Dad continues to delight fans of ‘80s sitcoms and Pittsburghese humor, and celebrates its six-year anniversary this October.

The Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show runs until this Sunday, March 13. Don’t miss out on the celebrations and home innovations! If you can’t make it, don’t worry: Pittsburgh Dad has you covered.

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City Of Champions

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Pittsburgh is unofficially knows as the "City of Champions". We have three amazing teams sporting the cities black and gold colors throughout the year. More importantly, everyday you can see someone supporting our team with their clothing and colors. If you were born and raised in Pittsburgh, there is a decent chance that this "City of Champions" motto was told to you many times growing up. At The Encore on 7th, we are lucky enough to have a great view of our city, PNC Park and Heinz Field. Here are some facts about our teams that you may have not known.

The Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 and are the oldest franchise in the AFC. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won more SuperBowls and Conference Champions than any other NFL team. These championships were all under the same ownership. The Rooney Family has owned the Steelers since their founding. Through the team's rich history, they have always sported the "black and gold", except for the one year they were merged with the Eagles due to a player shortage. No matter the team name or the colors, Steeler Nation has stood beside the team. We are one of the biggest fan bases in the NFL spanning every city in the country... even Cleveland.

The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates were founded in 1881. They were successful from the beginning and won the World Series in 1903. However, throughout their history they have had many ups and downs.  They have won five championships, but they have also had one of the worst records in baseball. The "Bucs" as they are called, play at PNC Park. They went through a rough streak in the 90s, but in the past few years they have come back to make the playoffs for the past few years.

The Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins were founded in 1967 as one of the NHL's first expansion teams. They did play at the "Igloo" for many years, but now they play at Consol Energy Center. They have won the Stanley Cup three times, and have been a pretty successful team since their founding. They also sport the black and gold, but there colors and uniforms have gone through many changes. The Penguins originally were blue and white, but at halftime during the 1980 Superbowl they announced they were changing to black and gold to unite all of Pittsburgh's team colors.

These three teams have 14 championships between them, which is why "The City of Champions" name has stuck throughout the years. We love rooting on our teams and are so excited to see the next round of championships that come to our city!

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