PITTSBURGH --
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Going to Pittsburgh
Getting there: Most major and budget airlines fly there from South Florida, although only AirTran (from Fort Lauderdale) and American (from Miami) fly there nonstop, a flight of about 2 hours, 45 minutes. Roundtrip airfare starts around $240 from Fort Lauderdale, $250 from Miami.
Information: Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.visitpittsburgh.com, 412-281-7711 or 800-359-0758. www.neighborsinthestrip.com
WHERE TO STAY
Fairmont Hotel, 510 Market St.; 412-773-8800; www.fairmont.com/pittsburgh. Gleaming glass-and-steel luxury hotel featuring spectacular city views. Rooms start at $249.
Sheraton Station Square, 300 West Station Square Dr.; 412-261-2000; www.sheratonstationsquare.com. Recently renovated property across the bridge from downtown, in the heart of an entertainment complex that offers shops, dining and easy access to core attractions. Rooms start at $233.
The Priory, 614 Pressley St.; 412-231-3338; www.thepriory.com. 42-room boutique hotel with charm; $150-$185 with continental breakfast.
WHERE TO EAT
The Enrico Biscotti Cafe, 2022 Penn Ave.; 412-281-2602; www.enricobiscotti.com. Specializing in wood-fired pizzas ($10-$15) and, of course, biscotti.
Colangelo’s Bakery, 207 21st St.; 412-281-7080; www.colangelosbakery.com. Pasta and panini ($5.75-$6.95) are the order of the day, but save room for the turnover-like mele ($1.80), available with a variety of fillings.
Nine on Nine, 900 Penn Ave.; 412-338-6463; www.nineonninepgh.com. A short distance from The Strip, serving elegant New American cuisine; entrees $26-$45.
Lidia’s Italy-Pittsburgh, 1400 Smallman St., (15th St.), The Strip; 412-552-0150; www.lidias-pittsburgh.com. Noted chef Lidia Bastianich oversees Italian classics in David Rockwell-designed spaces. Entrees $16-$38.
WHAT TO DO
‘Burgh Bits & Bites, 800-979-3370; www.burghfoodtour.com. Sylvia McCoy and her tour leaders offer several food-oriented tours of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, including the Strip District, Lawrenceville and Little Italy. Public tours start at $35 and meet on various days; reserve ahead.
Pittsburgh Public Market, Produce Terminal Building, Smallman Street Entrance, opposite 17th Street; 412-281-4505; pittsburghpublicmarket.org. About 30 vendors offering books, wine, espresso and organic produce. Weekends only.
PITTSBURGH --
I received the message from the revolutionary agent who, despite her 18th century dress and speech, had no time for period delivery services. When America’s freedom is at stake, and the park is closing in a few hours, we patriots cannot idle the hourglass waiting for a carrier pigeon or a horseback-riding courier.
I stood on the deck of the houseboat with a boa constrictor draped around my neck. Her tongue rapaciously darting in and out, the snake slithered down my arm. Then, unexpectedly, she turned to look at me, and her head began maneuvering back towards my face.
Anyone who has ever hugged a teddy bear has sampled some of the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the United States’ “conservation president.”
