bennnie

Just a quick report to thank those that helped with trip planning.

The trip was 3 friends whose main goal was to see FallingWater. Every thing else would be gravy. We had to put up with a lot of questions from family and co-workers about why would we possibly want to go to Pittsburg for a weekend trip. We had our doubts ourselves.

We flew into Pittsburg with no problem and drove directly to Fallingwater. Driving was easy with the exception of a crazy detour through some Pittsburg neighborhoods because of the closing of Rt386E.

Fallingwater did not disappoint despite having very high expectations. We had a beautiful day and a delightful and very young tour guide. She was only a senior in high school but had wonderful presence and confidence. The tour lasted just over an hour and gave us access to all rooms, terraces and the guest house. There is a lovely giftshop and cafe on site as well.

Kentuck Knob - another Frank Lloyd Wright home in the area of Fallingwater, privately owned by Lord Palumbo - godfather to Fergie's kids. A small home with many many personal items on display that also has a sculpture garden. Very interesting as well - much smaller than the rather grand Fallingwater.


FLW is quite an ineresting character but I have to say that I would not want to live in a home built by him. He had some strange ideas about the width of hallways and ceiling heights. While what he did with the placement of Fallingwater over the waterfall and his use of materials that was very uncommon at the time may have been genius, there were some rather practical needs that were left unmet.
Ohiopyle State Park - on the drive between Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob is the little village of Ohiopyle with the Youghigeny (sp?) running right by it. Very funky little place loaded with river kayakers. We took a short break to stick our feet in the river and enjoy the waterfall. Would have loved to have explored more.

Phipps Conservatory - the following day we toured the Phipps indoor gardens with the Chihuly exhibit. We spent hours there and it was wonderful. One of my friends is a horticultrist and she was quite impressed with the conservatory and we all loved the Chihuly sculptures that were placed amoung the plantings.

The Station - not so much to see here - just chain restaurants and a few gimicky stores. We didn't spend much time.

Monahegan Incline - rode it up and down, didn't explore the neighborhood. Offered a nice view but it was raining so we didn't stay long.

Carnegie Art Museum - another display of glass art works by Chihuly and others. Very nicely done. Plus the permanent exhibit of European and American paintings was very well done for lay people. Every major artist is exhibited - very broad collection if not the deepest. I mean that there were numerous artists on display with one maybe two paintings - usually not multiples. I loved it.

Overall impressions - the city exceeded our expectations by far. The quality of the exhibits we saw was very high and thoroughly enjoyable.

Everyone we spoke to was very friendly and helpful.

We didn't go there for the food so we ate very basic meals not worth reporting about.

I found the city to be very difficult to drive in because of the many road closures and detours.

Overall, I found the city to be very pleasant and the area around Falllingwater to be quite beautiful. So glad we went and saw an icon of American architecture and much much more.

starrsville

Thanks for the trip report! I can't wait to go and see Fallingwater!

cd

Enjoyed your report bennie. Did you make it to the Andy Warhol Museum?

bennnie

cd - we didn't go to the Warhol museum because it was closed on the day we thought we might go. I wasn't keen on seeing it anyway.

starrsville - You should go if you have any interest in architecture. I am sure you won't be disappointed. There is a lot about the house that you don't see in brochures or books. We took a one hour tour but there are 2 hour tours and a sunset tour with cocktails available also. The one hour tour was pretty detailed, so I am not sure how much more the 2 hour tour would have included. There is a significant cost differential ($18 vs $60 approximately).

I forgot to mention that we also went to the so called National Aviary. Complete and total waste of time and money. Very small - your average zoo has a more extensive display of birds.

zabes

Being a Pittsburgh native, I'm glad that you had a pleasant experience and wrote a positive trip report. However, since it is my hometown, I just have to correct some of the mistakes in your report. First of all, Pittsburgh is spelled with an "h" at the end. Having spent a weekend there, you might have noticed this.

Also, the name of the incline is the Monongahela (not the Monahegan), named for the Monongahela River. And "The Station" you refer to is actually called Station Square.

Sorry to be picky, but it's a pet peeve and I'm having a bad day! I am glad you enjoyed the area though!

longhorn55

I enjoyed reading about your trip to Pittsburgh and Fallingwater. We made a similar trip a couple of years ago and were so impressed by what Pittsburgh has to offer. Lo and behold, my daughter decided to go to the University of Pittsburgh last year and she loves both the school and the city.
Since my daughter is now at Pitt, I've had the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of Learning on the Pitt campus. It and the Nationality Rooms located there are fascinating, especially to anyone interested in architecture.
And now if people will stop asking, "Why in the world would you want to go to Pittsburgh?" It's a hidden gem!

dwooddon

As a side note, my paternal family farm at Bear Run became part of the Fallingwater grounds when the Kauffmanns bought it from my grandfather while they were putting the land together for the estate. We have a photo of my great-grandfather standing in front of the falls over which it was built but before it was built. 6 degrees of separation, anyone?

yk

glad to see you had a great trip, bennnie. Thanks for reporting back.

bennnie

dwooden - that is very very cool.