yk,

Not sure about the humidity, but a quick search shows the average July temperature to be 84. Being that it's the beginning of July, I'd guess the heat and humidity wouldn't be awful. I live about 2 hours west of Philly and the humidity doesn't usually hit hard until the end of July and August. (With the exception of today of course...95 and nasty! But tomorrow's supposed to be beautiful!) Plus there are a lot of mountains around that area which I would think would keep the heat/humidity a little lower. Maybe?

I should add that you'd definitely want to rent a car as it's a pretty widespread city. But such a great city! I just can't tell you how much I love it! Far and away my favorite US city! Sorry I couldn't be of more help...maybe there's a Pittsburgian here who can tell you more about their weather.

Portland.

Thanks for everyone's responses. I have made up my mind, and the winner is...










Pittsburgh!

OK - before you all yell at me for not taking the other suggestions, let me explain my decision.

1) It's the 2nd cheapest destination after Chicago. R/T $219 DFW-PIT nonstop.
2) When I asked DH which one of the places he has absolutely no desire to visit, he said Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. So, even though I'd love to visit Portland or Orlando (or Seattle or Montreal) etc, I want to save those destinations for future travel with him.
3) The more I look up Pittsburgh, the more I find it interesting.

For those of you who live in Pittsburgh, I'm sure I'll have some follow up Qs to ask soon.

Portland, Columbia River Gorge, and Oregon Coast would make a delightful get-away.

Portland has a very good art museum and great restaurants.

You can enjoy the coast without sitting on the beach.

My vote would go to Seattle, but I'm bias as I live here and love it. Haven't been to the Olympic Sculpture Park or SAM since it reopened (just got back from 3 weeks in France and Spain, so am still a bit jet-lagged), but have heard good things about both, plus there are some good restaurants here.

Have you thought about Ottawa? a great museum city. You could combine it with Montreal.

artlover--We were up in Seattle about a month ago visiting family and really wanted to see the new park but ran out of time. I can't wait to get back and check it out. Hope you get over jet lag soon. We are headed to Paris in less than 2 weeks, so I am envious that you were just there!

mms,
Well, I'm envious that you're going in 2 weeks! Hope you don't have jetlag and have a GREAT time. I'm sure you will.

Be sure to write a trip report. I don't think I've read a trip report for Pittsburgh before

YK - native Pittsburgher, here, but more of a suburban type of gal than a city dweller; anyway, there is a special event that is being held at the Phipps Conservatory Botanical Gardens this summer -- a Chihuly glass exhibit that looks too good to pass up: http://www.phipps.conservatory.org/

You will find the Phipps in close proximity to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History: http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/

I can't imagine getting around Pittsburgh without a car.

There have been numerous postings here about Falling Water and Kentuck Knob - which are probably 1 1/2 hours outside of Pittsburgh, but an easy drive thru the countryside.

As you live in Dallas, you will consider the weather here to be moderate.

If you have any specific questions, I'll try to help.

swaymock - Thanks for your post. Yes, the Carnegie Museum of Art and Fallingwater/Kentuck Knob are all on my list (along with Warhol and perhaps Mattress Factory). Will skip Phipps most likely as I saw the Chihuly Glass Exhibit last summer when it was on view at the NY Botanical Garden.

For those who're still reading, I bought my plane ticket to Pittsburgh already, and my parents will join me there also. I was successful in getting 2 rooms at the Renaissance Hotel for $60/night per room. Thought it is an excellent deal.

Glad to see you chose Pitt. I really hope you have a great time...I'm sure you will! That is a great deal at the Renaissance, especially during a holiday week! I've never stayed there, but I've heard great things!

I'm sure that swaymock will be of great help, but also ask some questions on tripadvisor. The PA forum there is much more active than the one here. Have a great time and let us all know how it was! I'm very excited for you!!

The Duncan house is open!
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07164/793492-51.stm

I was going to vote for Portland (I was just there 2 weeks ago), though I see I'm too late!

Shari - thanks for the interesting link. Looks like it's mainly open for overnight stays for now and selected w/e for tours. Don't think it'll work out for our trip this time.