A. Art All Night
The art culture in Pittsburgh is HUGE. From museums to festivals, there are so many ways we show appreciation to our local artists. But "Art All Night," an annual festival with locally-made art, live bands, and more is a personal favorite of mine. Hence the name, the festival continues all night and into the next day, so everyone has a chance to stop by. This year, Art All Night will be online from May 16-17.
B. Bridges
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
Pittsburgh is called the "City of Bridges" for a reason. With 446 bridges in total, we have more bridges than any other city in the world, even beating Venice, Italy by three.
C. Cookie tables
Attend a wedding in Pittsburgh, and you're bound to find a huge assortment of cookies and baked goods spread out for guests to munch on throughout the evening. Some couples may also have a cake, but others choose to replace the cake completely with this arguably more delicious alternative.
D. Downtown
Photo by Igor Oliyarnik on Unsplash
More commonly referred to as "dahntahn," this refers to the metropolitan area where Pittsburghers spend a good portion of their time dining, socializing, and shopping.
E. Eat 'N Park
Eat 'N Park not only serves good, affordable food, but it also serves as a gathering place for local teens after football games, plays, and dances. They employ some of the most patient people who tolerate huge groups of kids showing up unannounced. (Thank you, Eat 'N Park).
F. Fort Pitt Tunnel
This well-known tunnel provides us with one of the most beautiful views in the whole city. As you exit the tunnel, you can see the famous Pittsburgh skyline in its entirely. Pull out your phones!
G. Gateway Clipper
This famous boat serves as a field trip for elementary school kids, a fun family day trip, and a venue for after-prom celebrations. Though not everyone has taken a ride, everyone knows the familiar sight of the Clipper cruising up and down the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio rivers.
H. Heinz
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Heinz is a food processing company founded over 150 years ago in this very city. Many locals have a love and major preference for Heinz brand ketchup. We even have an 11-foot tall ketchup bottle monument in the Heinz History Center.
I. The Incline
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
Many locals use it simply to get a lift up to Mount Washington for work or for easier access to parking. But no visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a ride in the precarious, 140-year-old metal box. With a round trip being only $5, its a tourist attraction you can't beat.
J. Just Ducky Tours
After multiple tragic accidents involving amphibious boats pushed their insurance through the roof, Just Ducky Tours in Pittsburgh closed. But many Pittsburghers have childhood memories of seeing the tour boats cruising the three rivers, and some might have even gone on one for some afternoon family fun.
K. Kennywood
Going to Kennywood Park included a daylong trip full of roller coasters, carnival games, and Potato Patch fries. This is one of my favorite childhood memories, long lines and sweaty roller coaster seats included. In fact, I will most definitely be returning as an adult. No shame.
L. Lawn chairs in parking spots
The unwritten "Parking Chair" rule of Pittsburgh states that if you shovel the snow from a parking space and mark it by putting a chair in that spot, no one can move that chair and steal your spot. Alternative items may include trash cans, traffic cones, or any other similarly sized object. Some people hate this tradition and will remind you that local police say that you cannot reserve public parking spots. But, most find it to be an endearing tradition of the area and wouldn't dare move the chair.
M. Mac Miller
Mac Miller on Instagram
Given that he was born and raised in Point Breeze, you will find some of the biggest Mac fans in Pittsburgh. He referenced Pittsburgh many times in his music, even writing whole songs about Blue Slide Park, Fifth Ave, and Frick Park Market. The city felt a collective heart break when he passed away in 2018, and we celebrate his life each year at Blue Slide Park.
N. N'at
Anyone else would say "and that," but Pittsburghers don't have time for that. Can we go dahntahn and get something to eat n'at?
O. The O
The city wept when "The O," officially known as The Original Hot Dog Shop closed this year after 60 years of serving dogs and heaping portions of french fries. There are rumors that Mark Cuban will be buying and reviving the restaurant, but we still fear that it will never be the same.
P. Pamela's
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Most locals have visited the cozy breakfast chain restaurant at least once. They are known for their crepe-style pancakes and omelettes. The friendly staff make you feel like you're at home when you eat at Pamela's.
Q. Quakers
Quakers had a huge role in Pennsylvania history, and that includes Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Friends Meeting House is currently at home on Ellsworth avenue. Pittsburgh is a diverse city, home to religious institutions of all varieties.
R. Random staircases
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Walking down the city streets or along hiking trails, you will encounter countless stone staircases that seem to lead to nowhere. Some locals jog up and down them to get in some cardio, but the rest of us just appreciate the mysterious energy that they hold.
S. Sheetz
I won't get too much into the Wawa vs. Sheetz debate here, but it seems that Pittsburghers strongly lean towards Sheetz. Visitors may be confused about why we elect to get meals from a gas station, but they'll understand once they try some Sheetz MTO food.
T. Terrible Towel
At any Steelers game, you'll see the famous yellow rally towel being held proudly in the air. This tradition started when fans would bring yellow dish towels to wave around, but it has evolved drastically. This is just one small testament to Pittsburgh's passion for professional sports.
U. Universities
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During the school year, Pittsburgh is dense with college students. You will see thousands of them bustling around on the sidewalks on their way to class. We proudly host Pitt, CMU, Carlow, Point Park University, Chatham, and many more.
V. Versailles
Although the Allegheny County borough got its name from the Palace of Versailles in France, any Pittsburgher will tell you that its pronounced "ver-sales" here.
W. Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa on Instagram
Pittsburgh is proud to be the home to yet another famous musical talent. Wiz Khalifa grew up in Hazelwood, and frequently gives Pittsburgh shout outs in his music, to the delight of local fans. He wrote a popular song about the Steelers' team colors called "Black and Yellow." Pittsburgh city council even went as far as to declare December 12, 2012 Wiz Khalifa Day.
X. Superbowl X
In 1976, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Superbowl X. And if there's one thing that Pittsburgh is most proud of, it's its Super Bowl victories. The Steelers currently boast 6 rings.
Y. Yinz
Pittsburgh came up with the word Yinz to represent the plural "you" pronoun. It is used how many Southerners use "y'all." Pittsburghese is a whole other language.
Z. Zambelli Fireworks
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It wouldn't be a perfect Pittsburgh evening without an extravagant firework display over the rivers. Zambelli is one of the most famous companies that provides this to the city.
With all these things in mind, I'm proud to have hailed from Pittsburgh: a beautiful city with wacky, unique traditions. Black and yellow forever.
