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This weekend, the Phillies – and many fans – will take a road trip to Pittsburgh, with games scheduled for July 28-30. Just under five hours from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh has plenty to offer Phillies fans who are spending the weekend.
Plus, despite the interstate rivalry between the Pirates and Phillies, Pittsburgh is a particularly welcoming city, built on community and values that have held strong over hundreds of years since immigrants settled in the city’s 90 unique neighborhoods. Its approachability can be seen on the faces of its energetic, hard-working and proud people – even if they are dressed in head-to-toe black and gold.
Many are familiar with Roberto Clemente, who is known not only for being Pittsburgh’s biggest baseball legend but also as a humanitarian that made a lasting impact on the city and beyond. In the city’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, The Clemente Museum houses the largest collection of Clemente’s memorabilia all within Engine House 25. The 19th century firehouse is also the home to an urban wine cellar—both developed by Executive Director and Wine Maker Duane Rieder through a passion for making good wine and preserving the memory of his childhood hero—offering a unique experience to blend the best of both worlds with tour and tasting.
While the museum requires timed tickets to be purchased in advance, it’s a must-see that is often frequented by celebrities and professional athletes passing through, like Steve Carrell, Vanessa Hudgens, Eddie Vedder, Michael Keaton, RZA, Smokey Robinson and many more – in fact, each of them have signed baseballs prominently displayed on the second floor of the museum.
The Heinz History Center in The Strip District offers a detailed look into Pittsburgh’s vast heritage, including popular exhibits Heinz and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – but sports fans will especially enjoy the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, which brings the city’s top sports moments to life with a stunning collection of artifacts and interactive displays throughout two floors of the History Center.
While there are plenty of delicious options within PNC Park, Pittsburgh also has a fair share of sports bars. Check out Cupka’s Café II or Ruggers Pub on the Southside, William Penn Tavern in Lawrenceville or Duke’s Upper Deck Café in Homestead. There are also several bars and restaurants within walking distance to the park, such as Shorty’s Pins x Pints, where you can enjoy local craft beer and duckpin bowling, or Mike’s Beer Bar, which offers more than 300 local beers and 80 rotating taps.
Finally, be sure to try Pittsburgh’s counter to Philly’s cheesesteak: Primanti Bros. Almost Famous Sandwich, piled high with meat, house-made coleslaw, tomatoes, cheese and french fries between two slices of fresh Italian bread. The original restaurant is in The Strip District, but the Pittsburgh delicacy can be found at locations in PNC Park, Downtown and more.
