Pittsburgh is grey all year round, even in the sticky days of summer. The Steel City's cloudiness is up there with Seattle; seriously, look it up. But inside the Phipps Conservatory, even on the coldest, drabbest day, it feels like a tropical vacation. With more than a dozen indoor botanic gardens, and some outside for warm days, visitors are easily transported to the landscapes of the jungle or desert. Phipps is the perfect escape right in the middle of the bustle of Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood.
Parking and public transportation to the Phipps Conservatory
The best spot to park is the median in between Schenley Drive, right in front of the conservatory. Spots here are free to Phipps visitors, but fill up fast. Street parking is available across the bridge in Oakland, but rates are fairly high. To reach Phipps without a car, take one of the many buses to Oakland, exit near the Carnegie Public Library, walk over the Schenley Drive bridge and you're there.
Best and worst time to go to the Phipps Conservatory
Avoid the summer weekends and holidays, if possible. Tourists and suburban dwellers flock to Schenley Park and the conservatory and clog up the gardens, making it hard to enjoy the natural beauty. Weekends in the winter are not nearly as bad, and provide a warm, organic feel, even though you are indoors. Mondays and Tuesdays are generally the slowest times of the week to visit.
Admission to the Phipps Conservatory
Tickets are between $15-$20, with a small discount for students and seniors. Children 18 and under are $10-$15. On special Sundays throughout the year, the conservatory offers free and discounted days, so check their website before visiting.
Must see/do at the Phipps Conservatory
The tropical forest room in the back of the conservatory is the most is impressive. With its two stories, high clear glass ceiling, and water falls, it is a must see. Also, through the gardens out back, sits the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which is billed as one of the greenest buildings in the world and is a great example of how modern architecture can balance with nature.
Other places to visit near the Phipps Conservatory
The conservatory is part of Schenley Park, one of the cities best parks, so explore some of its trails. On Atwood Drive in Oakland, is Pittsburgh's best ice cream, Dave and Andy's. If you are feeling collegiate, walk the campus of the renowned Carnegie Mellon University, named for Pittsburgh's most famous son, steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.
Insider tip for visitors to the Phipps Conservatory
Remember to check the Phipps website for Sunday free and discounted days, and before leaving the conservatory, don't miss a chance to eat at the cafe inside. It is consistently voted for some of the best museum food in the country, which is pretty stiff competition. Plates are beautifully presented and prices are affordable.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
The Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township, located at 4100 Green Pond Road, offers a variety of recreational opportunities for the entire family. The center plays host to adult programs including, Zumba, Tabata and Yoga. The facility also has an exercise room which includes weights and exercise equipment. The center also has programs for toddlers and group-oriented youth programs.
The facility includes a multi-purpose room, a gymnamsium, community room and dining area. The building also plays host to parent's night, after-school programs and a variety of community programs.
There is ample parking, a pavillion, which is available for party rentals, a playground area and baseball field.
North Park provides the perfect escape from the post-industrial landscape of Pittsburgh. The 3,075 acre park is the largest in the county and is the go-to spot for outdoor recreation. Basketball courts, cycling lanes, tennis courts, hilly hiking trails, picnic sites, a skating rink, a golf course, a 5-mile jogging path, and a zip-line course all surround a picturesque North Park Lake.
Parking and public transportation to North Park
Unfortunately, driving is really the only way to get to North Park, it is too far and treacherous of a walk from the nearest bus stop. Parking is free, and the best place to park to access the most amenities is next to the boathouse. However, there are many parking lots throughout the park, so follow the signs to find a specific place.
Best and worst time to get to North Park
The park offers recreation for every season, but summer offers the most activities in terms of quantity. Kayak and fish the lake in the summer; biking, jogging, and hiking are also best done when the rain is away. That said, winter offers cross-country skiing trails, ice fishing, and skating on the large ice rink. Spring and Fall provide beautiful scenery of blooms and foliage, respectively.
Admission to North Park
There is no admission fee to access the park and many of its amenities, like tennis courts, hiking trials, etc. are also free. The skating rink is less than $10 for admission, including skate rental, and admission to the swimming pool is also less than $10.
Must see/do at North Park
The grey stone boathouse that rests on the edge of the lake was built in 1936 and has remained wonderfully preserved. It is the perfect starting and finishing point for a jog or ride along the paved 5-mile loop; a great bar/restaurant now occupies the boathouse and offers great views of the lake from its outdoor patio. To paddle the lake, kayaks can be rented at the boathouse in the summer.
Other places to visit near North Park
South of North Park, Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant off McKnight Road is consistently rated the best Indian food in the region by local media. Just a bit further down the road, sits the Ross Park Mall on top of a hill. The mall is one of the larger malls in the Steel City and is popular among locals.
Insider tip for visitors to North Park
Hiking the park is rewarding, but can be confusing the navigate. Make sure to get a map at the Administrative Office building on Peace Mill Road. Then when out hiking, pay attention to the colored spots painted on the trees, these will keep you on the trail.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
The Garrett-Williamson Foundation provides educational and recreational programs for children. The foundation owns and operates Garrett’s Way Child Care & Learning Center, serving infants 8 weeks of age through kindergarten. It runs Camp Garrett summer day camp, available to youths ages 5 through 15. Registration and curriculum information are available on its website.
The foundation rests on a 240-acre colonial farm in Newtown Square. Its facilities are available for special events and picnics. The land and foundation are named after philanthropist Elizabeth Garrett, who in 1910 bequeathed the land to local children and women in need.
