August 2010 - Sandy Fenton on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, one of Pittsburgh's 446 bridges and one of the first self-anchored suspension bridges built in the US. PNC Park (Pirates) is in the background and on game days the bridge is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians only.


We all know and love Pittsburgh as the "City of Champions" - a sports obsessed Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Panthers mecca for fans of all ages. And many of us are familiar with Pittsburgh's economic and environmental transformation from the "City of Steel" to a thriving center for high-tech innovation.

But did you also know Pittsburgh is a city filled with famous art museums, cultural exhibitions, educational programs and less than a year ago welcomed the world as the host city (chosen by the White House) for the G-20 Summit in the world's first "green" convention center.

It's been over 20-years since I last visited Pittsburgh and I don't know what I've been waiting for.

Luxury hotels, great food (yeah-you gotta have a Primanti Brothers sandwich), world-class entertainment...and celebrities. And I'm not talking about the 15-minute internet celebrities. I'm talking about Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck, Debbie Renyolds and Alfred Molina. The city was all abuzz between the McCartney all-star concert and two Hollywood movies being filmed on location.

I brought a girlfriend and we headed out on a road trip to the "City of Bridges" for a very fun girlfriends getaway.

Where to stay -
FAIRMONT PITTSBURGH is the city's newest and "greenest" luxury hotel. Loved the floor to ceiling windows, dining at Habitat with the open chefs kitchen and the outstanding service and attention to detail. Be sure to check out the mid-1800's artifacts (26,000+) recovered from the hotel site beneath Three PNC Plaza that are on permanent display throughout the lobby and public spaces. www.fairmont.com

OMNI WILLIAM PENN is Pittsburgh's "Grande Dame" and a 1916 National Historic Landmark ozzing with old world charm. The beautiful Palm Court Lobby serves a traditional afternoon tea that shouldn't be missed and if you're hoping to spot some celebrities, you're at the right place. Have dinner in the Terrace Room and take a few minutes viewing the "Recapture of Fort Pitt" Terrace Room Mural before you leave. www.omniwilliampenn.com

***Before making reservations, ask about the special packages offered by both hotels.***

Best way to see the city -
* "Hop on/Hop off" the Pittsburgh Tour Company's double-decker historic red Routemaster bus from London - complete with a very informative (and fun) British tour guide. Tours run about 1 1/4 hours all day long with 10-stops beginning at Southside Works and ending at Grant Street.
* Grab a seat on the top level open-air deck onboard a one-hour Gateway Clipper Riverboat Cruise for a 3-River narrated tour, roundtrip from Station Square.

Must do's -
*Have breakfast at Pamela's Diner(pancakes are a must) and then walk it off browsing the Strip District.
*Ride the Duquesne Incline to Mt. Washington for panoramic city views.
*Have lunch at the Frick Café (complete with champagne cocktail) before or after touring the Frick Art and Historical Center.
*Visit the Andy Warhol Museum.

For more to see and do in Pittsburgh, go to www.visitpittsburgh.com