Pittsburgh Surprises Visitors

Last month, Pittsburgh was center stage in the sports world as host for Major League baseball’s All-Star Game. It was the second time in only twelve years that Pittsburgh was the host city, but the first for PNC Park.

What a wonderful time it was. The FanFest which preceded the game for five days at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center was an event almost unto itself.

Together with my son Bryan, I was fortunate enough to attend and to see many of the exhibits. I enjoyed everything, but particularly displays on the history of the Negro Leagues, another separate Hall of Fame exhibit, and especially a large exhibit on hometown favorite and legend, The Great One, Roberto Clemente.

With the attention of the sports world on Pittsburgh, many visitors and television viewers were seeing Pittsbugh in a new light. Where was the grimy, grim looking city many thought of when conjuring up thoughts of “The Steel City?”

The grime, the soot, the dirt and air pollution which caused Pittsburgh to be known formerly as “The Smoky City” has been gone for many, many years now. But stereotypes do die a hard death.

Over the years, several renaissances have resulted in a modern, contemporary city that has clean skies, rivers, and streams, together with a skyline that blends modern skyscrapers together with traditional and historical buildings that are of architectural significance.

At one time, Pittsburgh at The Point was the final frontier and the jumping off point for the westward explorations of Lewis and Clark.

It was also about two miles upstream from the confluence of the three rivers where a young George Washington almost drowned in the Allegheny River. Yes, this is an area rich in tradition and history.

This month, just as last month, a mustsee list would include the Duquesne Incline. Catch it at the foot of Mt. Washington on Carson Street or ride it down from up above on Grandview Avenue. The view from Grandview Avenue is one of the most spectacular anywhere in the world. In fact, USA Today named the view the second best single view in the United States.

This issue features a focus on the South Side. Cross the Smithfield Street Bridge, visit Station Square, then take in East Carson Street for almost thirty blocks to the Hot Metal Bridge. That trip will take you back to the fifties and back again to the present.

One stop to make, for lunch or dinner, would be at Fat Head’s, featured on this month’s cover. For more than a decade now, it’s been a happening place.

A special welcome to each and every one of you. And to another old friend of Pittsburgh’s who returns this month to Heinz Hall for a special one-night appearance together with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony—the incomparable Tony Bennett.

A. Robert Scott
Publisher/Owner

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