Visit Pittsburgh and Harrisburg (without a car)
 

Hi! <BR> <BR>I live in Baltimore and was planning on taking a weekend trip and some point within the next year. I'd never been to Pittsburgh or Harrisburg (I like to see different urban centers) and had a few questions about the two. <BR> <BR>First of all, is Harrisburg worth a stop? I would come in by train, so would there be anywhere I could cab/bus to from there that would be interesting. (historical sites, State Capitol, for example) I hadn't seen any prior posts on Harrisburg... <BR> <BR>From previous posts, it seems that Pittsburgh has a decent transit system and is relatively safe. Does the subway run on weekends (may sound like a strange question, but I know it doesn't in some cities, including Baltimore on Sundays)? What are the historical sites of interest there? <BR> <BR>Thanks. Dan. <BR> <BR>

Hi Dan: <BR> <BR>You live in Baltimore, and you want to go to Pittsburgh and Harrisburg? Hm. <BR> <BR>OK, I'll take you seriously... <BR> <BR>Can't say anything about Pittsburgh, except Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes fame) thinks it's hell. Might be a nice place, but hey, never had a desire to go. <BR> <BR>As for Harrisburg, I've been there twice, and will be there again in a few weeks. Seems OK, but worth a stop? Well...the people there swear that it's a cool place. I haven't seen anything compelling. My friend told me when he lived there, he couldn't get a pizza after 11 pm on a weekend! However, when I go this time, I will take a better look, and let you know. <BR> <BR>BTW, I will be going to Baltimore the same week. My third time there, and this will be my first time having crabcakes, so that shows you how much I get out when I travel!

Dear Kristian, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your response! <BR> <BR>I'm really completely serious about this trip! A lot of people seem to like Pittsburgh and I want to see why they think so (see other postings). Plus, it's close enough to make for a good weekend trip. <BR> <BR>Harrisburg is close enough to make it a day trip, even. I gather that you would NOT recommend visiting, that you don't think it has any appeal. <BR> <BR>I gather that these destinations seem surprising to you... I do also enjoy more traditional weekend getaways, such as Boston, NYC or Washington. And I love visiting other countries and immersing myself in other cultures. But I also do enjoy seeing non-traditional destinations...for example, I enjoyed a recent trip to Richmond, Va., reading about its past at museums (didn't realize there were so many Union supporters there in the Civil War) and getting a feel for its neighborhoods, some of which had delightful architechture. Sometimes there's more to see than one would think off the beaten path! <BR> <BR>Thanks again for your thoughts. <BR> <BR>Dan

Daniel: <BR> <BR>Grew up near Pittsburgh and still love it. Because of the configuration--the hills and the confluence of the rivers--the downtown is very compact. From the main subway station, one can pretty much walk to the points of interest. The last time I was there, the trolley/subway system was indeed running on a Saturday--don't know about Sunday. Point Sate Park is a relaxing place to start. Check a local schedule of events. There are often art shows or small, free concerts going on during the weekend. There are also riverboat tours. And don't miss a trip up the incline (funicular) to Mt. Washington. Pittsburgh has, of course, an incredible number of bridges, and many of those downtown are of great engineering/architectural significance. There's lots to do--research via the net for highlights. <BR> <BR>Harrisburg--isn't that where the Hershey plant is?

Daniel, like I said, I have not been to PB so I can't say. It's not that I don't recommend Harrisburg...it's just that I don't think it's worth going out of your way for. As Ozzie said, Hershey is nearby, and I hear lots of people go there and enjoy it. <BR> <BR>Certainly, I agree with you that there are plenty of great places off the beaten path. I enjoyed myself greatly in Omaha, NE once, of all places (I can imagine I'd get reamed for such a statement). I even liked some parts of Detroit! =P <BR> <BR>So have a good time, you sound like a person who makes the best of any place, which is a sure way to have fun!