Review of Point State Park and Mount Washington, Pittsburgh, PA (Pennsylvania)

 

Point State Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Andrew Carnegie:  “Pittsburgh entered the core of my heart when I was a boy and cannot be torn out.”

My wife and I had visited Pittsburgh during our cross country trek in 2003, going from New York City to Colorado, then back to New York City.  Pittsburgh was our last stop on your circuitous 3 week cross country trip.

We stayed over for one night at a downtown hotel, then walked over the Smithfield St. Bridge to Station Square area for sightseeing (Duck Tours) and for some dinner.  

We had some fond memories of that short but fun filled day in Pittsburgh and were super excited to be heading back there during the month of July.

In July, we had stayed a month in the town of Indiana, PA, which is located about an hour and 20 minutes away from Pittsburgh.  We couldn’t pass up the chance to visit Pittsburgh area again, this time with our little fur ball, Toby.

We prepared our lunches, snacks, drinks and food/water for Toby as usual, and we headed out to Pittsburgh at around 9 a.m.  

We arrived at Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh little after 10:20 a.m.  We decided to pay the parking fee of $10 to park near the park.  

Point State Park is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and it commemorates and preserves the historic/strategic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War (1754-1763).

We walked over to the park which was a short walk from the parking lot.  Right away, we noticed the beautiful streets lined with blossoming flowers near the entrance to the park.  

We walked towards the confluence of the three rivers of Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela River, also known as Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle.”  We couldn’t help but stop and stare at the magnificent scenery surrounding us.

View of the Ft. Pitt Bridge and Monongahela River
View of Fort Pitt Museum
Looking up towards Mount Washington 
The beautiful fountain 

We indeed saw the three rivers at the tip of the park, Mount Washington area high up in the hills overlooking the city, and all the famous landmarks, like the Heinz Field where Steelers play and PNC Park where Pirates make their home.

We were so happy to be back in Pittsburgh!

We were drawn naturally to the focal point of the park, the water fountain at the tip of the park.  We already saw, by that time of the day, number of visitors taking photos and others just enjoying the fountains.  We marveled at how high the water was spouting up to the sky.

We slowly walked around the fountain plaza taking our time taking in the scenery.  It brought back memories of our last trip and we felt nostalgic.  We had this imagery of the downtown area etched in our minds as seen from two vantage points:  one from Station Square area looking across the River to downtown and other from the Duck Tours looking up downtown from the the river below.

Now, our vantage point was from the tip of the downtown looking up towards the buildings.  It was a terrific view of downtown and all the surrounding areas.

Toby was enjoying his visit to the park.  As soon as we entered the park, he saw the immense lawn in front of the Fort Pitt Museum and he had to check it out.

We walked around the lawn, noticing how some spots were still wet from previous days’ rain.  It was bit muddy, but of course Toby didn’t care.  He just loved being outside with all the wide open spaces, and with magnificent views.

We took in a bit of history around Fort Pitt Museum and checked out a plaque dedicated to George Washington.  

At the entrance to the park
Toby at the lawn, having a great time!
Fort Pitt Museum 
Plaque dedicated to George Washington 

We took the long way around the park to enjoy the beauty surrounding us for just a little longer.  We loved the beautifully manicured lawns, plants, and walkways at the park.  While heading out, we couldn’t help but take some additional photos!



Allegheny River 
View of the park through the tunnel

As we were heading towards the parking lot, we saw bunch of elementary school kids heading to the park.  They were held together by short leashes just like pets!  It was so cute…

We made it back to our car shortly thereafter, then we set out for Mount Washington area.

Mount Washington is one of the most popular local and visitor hangouts in all of Pittsburgh.  Running the length of the mount, Grandview Avenue provides awesome vantage points of Pittsburgh downtown and beautiful skyline.  

The famous “Restaurant Row” boasts stunning views coupled with many dining options.  The place is dog friendly, so we had to check it out.

We found a parking spot across from one of many beautiful overlooks atop Mount Washington.  We decided to have our lunch enjoying the great views.  It tasted better thanks to the views!

After lunch, we started to walk along the Grandview Avenue, stunned by the views of the famous Pittsburgh skyline and its many beautiful bridges.  We stopped at the Pittsburgh Skyline Overlook to take some photos and to take in the marvelous scenery.

Grandview Avenue 
Just beautiful!
View from the overlook
Famous Pittsburgh skyline 
Where we parked and had lunch

By that time of the day, there were already plenty of locals and visitors enjoying the views.  Visitors were taking photos/selfies, while locals were jogging and walking for exercise.  I don’t blame them!  I would do the same if I lived there.

We walked the length of the Grandview Avenue to another overlook for a different vantage point.  The views simply didn’t let up!

Had to take a photo of this signage…
View of the Point State Park below
Toby enjoying the views of downtown Pittsburgh 
Welcome sign to Mount Washington 

We took several breaks for Toby as he was getting hot.  As the day dragged on, he started to feel bit sluggish due to the heat.  This was his signal to us to start heading home.  He’s seen enough!

We listened to our little demanding fur ball/spoiled rotten Pomeranian.  We started heading back to our parked car for our trip back to Indiana, PA.  Toby slept soundly for the entire duration of the ride back to our Airbnb rental home.  Our job to tire him out was successfully done!

In conclusion:

We always had fond memories of Pittsburgh ever since we visited all those years ago.  We were so happy to see it again.  

Although the restaurant we had eaten back then is no longer in business, we still felt nostalgic about seeing the city after all these years.  I guess that’s one of the reasons why we travel:  To discover a new place, then feel nostalgic about it when we get to revisit it…

Pittsburgh will always be one of our favorite cities.  It has so many things to do and places to see…

Thank you all for reading and we hope you get to enjoy your visit there someday!


Jake

Wandering Money Pig 


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