We left early Saturday morning and wound our way through the backroads of Ohio, WV and PA to reach Pittsburgh. There are some seriously small towns out there. I decided that what determined exactly how middle of nowhere someplace is, is how far away Wal-Mart is. If Wal-Mart decided it was too small to build you knew it was too small to live in. Forget about measuring with Target, that place is to shi-shi-la-la for the backwoods. The drive was beautiful though, but I was happy to get to the city.

Our first stop was the Duquesne Incline. I have no idea how to pronounce it but its an amazing view of the city. You see the sweeping views of the river, the stadium, the bridges and the skyline. It reminded me of Angels Flight in LA. I got to ride it in 2000, a year before someone died on it and it closed indefinitely. Honestly though, in PA, you can drive to the top of the ride (1220 Grandview St) and you don't really need to ride it unless you really feel the need.

Then we drove to the University of Pittsburgh to tour the Cathedral of Learning. 24 classrooms were created representing the different nationalities that make up Pittsburgh: Lithuian, Irish, Polish, Indian, Hungarian, Scottish, English, Chinese, Yugoslavian, Swedish, Romanian, German, Italian, Czech, Syria-Lebanon, Russian, Norwegian, French, Austrian, African, Armenian, Ukranian, Israeli and Japanese. Each room is decorated to represent the countries' highest periods of creativity. Many of the countries sent over their own artisans, architects and planners to decorate their rooms.

What's funny is that to tour the rooms you're given a tape-recorder and cassette with the narration. I kid you not. My favorite rooms were the English room because of the history. It was decorated with actual materials from the house of commons that was bombed during WWII. My other favorite was the Romanian. It was just spectacularly simple and beautiful with deep rich reds, black wrought iron and an incredible mural with encrusted gold leaf designs of the kings of a march of somesort.

It took us about two hours to tour, and that was rushing through the second floor. We needed at least 30 minutes more. Across the quad we went to see the Heinz Memorial Chapel, spectacular stained glass, so beautiful. The University of Pittsburgh is great. However some event was happening and we got locked on campus. All exit roads were closed. The GPS was freaking out practically screaming to turn left and we could not. Finally a policeman sensing our dismay opened a barricade and let us out.

Exhausted we headed towards the hotel. Upon arrival we discovered that they have an afternoon tea in the terrace room. Oh yea. I love tea. So we made reservations immediately. They had about 8 different teas - I opted for the Orange Pekoe and mom got the black currant. I liked her better. We got the Victorian Tea (for $17). It was fun, a good way to relax and absorb everything. The lobby of the hotel was beautiful. We wanted to get a manicure at the in-hotel spa but they were booked, so we went shopping at an 11-story Macy's instead.

For dinner we went Church Brew Works. A restaurant in former Catholic Church built in 1902. As a former Catholic we felt slightly blasphemous eating. Deciding it was no worse than a coffeeshop/restuarant most mega churchs have. Besides, we got over it when we tasted the pierogies, so good. The food was great, I highly recommend it.

On Sunday, we had brunch across the river at Grand Concourse in Station Square. It is a converted railway station. It is gorgeous, full of stained glass and amazing views of the city across the river. Food was good too.

Then we headed home. As we drove down the freeway we passed the closest Ikea to us and my mom casually informed me that she'd never been. So we had to stop there too. I missed Ikea. But I quickly realized its no fun to shop there when you don't have a space of your own to decorate. I got a little sad walking through there.

But now it was time to head back over the river, through the woods to mom and dad's house in OH. There is a lot more in Pittsburgh I want to explore. It will have to be another weekend. I also can't wait to see the drive when all of the trees are full of leaves and life. It will be beautiful.

10/30/2007 - Pittsburgh rocked! Wow, what a fun two days I had up in the Iron City and parts thereabouts. I flew up early on Saturday morning and Andy picked me up at the airport.

We checked in to the hotel and made a beeline for the Duquesne Incline on the top of Mount Washington. We rode the cable cars and took in the breathtaking view of the city from the top. It was chilly, but sunny and wonderful. We grabbed some lunch at the Georgetown Inn and then headed down into the city.

We went to the Carson Street South Side neighborhood and checked out the great shops, cool record stores, and Pittsburgh Guitars. What a great neighborhood, cool architecture, and hip vibe the area exuded.

From there we headed north over the river, through downtown (some cool old buildings) and over the river again to the Andy Warhol Museum. This was an unexpected treat, there were so many great pieces from Warhol and others on display. I wish we had more time to study every piece.

After a quick break we headed off for the main course of the trip, The Weakerthans at Mr. Smalls in Millvale. We arrived a little early and grabbed some pizza around the corner from the club and talked hockey with the guys that were working the counter. Great pizza and conversation.

With a slight drizzle in the air we made our way back to Mr. Smalls just in time to see the opening act, Jim Bryson. Jim was great, he was affable and warm on stage, and the songs we're heartfelt and sweet. He stopped to grab his harmonic for a solo (I can relate), he played piano with the headstock of his guitar, and he invited people up to play percussion. I loved it.

Next up was Last Town Chorus. Megan, the singer/guitar player played a mean lap steal guitar "with an aquatic feel," and she really made an impression on the crowd! I'd love to check them out again if they come down to Atlanta. She's blogging the tour too, check it out HERE.

OK, it was time, the opening bands had rocked and I was ready for the Weakerthans to play. They were nothing short of fantastic. They played every song that I hoped they would and more. They we're humble and fun, and they pulled off the rock moves (synchronized guitars in the air!) with delight. I don't think I've seen a band have that much fun in ages.

The crowd sang along with every word, a difficult task, and requests were shouted as soon as each song ended. I cannot thank Stacey enough for turning me on to this band, but I did attempt it by getting her a t-shirt. Shhh... don't tell her, I haven't surprised with it yet.

Too soon the show was over. I talked briefly with Jim Bryson after the show, and we decided that food was in order. We headed back down to Carson Street, where the Halloween costumes were out in full force and ordered up some big french fry sandwiches from Primanti Brothers. Wow, what a great day.

Sunday we got up and out pretty early. I was going to catch an early flight home since Andy was heading back to Cleveland, but I saw the Hertz rental counter on my way into the airport and I couldn't resist. One of the things that I wanted to do when I was up in this part of the country was to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. It was about 60 miles south of town, and it was such an amazing fall day, I had to go.

90 minutes later I'm pulling up to the ticket gate, "Sorry sir, tickets are sold out today, but you can still buy a grounds pass." Done. I registered at the information center in case anyone didn't show up for a tour, and I was told that I'd probably get to go, "People always cancel." She handed me one of those buzzie-light things you get at restaurants when you're on the waiting list. Sweet.

For the next hour I walked around the house, explored the area and took pictures. BUZZZZZZZ! Hurray!

I scampered back to the info booth and joined a tour just as they we're leaving. For the next hour we explored every nook and cranny of the residence, and words cannot describe what an amazing building it is. If you are ever in the area, you have to go.

With the time before my flight dwindling I jumped back in the rental and high-tailed it back to the airport. I made it with 5 minutes to spare before the flight started boarding. Damn, I could have spent 5 more minutes at Fallingwater.

The flight home was quick and uneventful and I nearly finished David Sedaris' Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by the time we touched down.

Good times indeed.

TONS MORE PHOTOS!