The collection of photographs made with technologies ranging back to the birth of photography is…read moretruly impressive, and the same can be said for the collection of cameras. Bruce, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, relatable and as enthusiastic as a kid in a candy shop! This is a great to learn about our past. Add to that, the neighborhood is a burgeoning destination spot, with a mix of old school delis and fresh cafes. Catch it before it before its charm has left.

This museum is one of my favorite hidden gems in Pittsburgh. In fact, it's one of the places I…read morealways bring visitors to check out when they come into town. It's packed with history of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas through photographs. The museum had been around since the early 90s (1992-1993 I believe) and it's a must-see. I started taking my daughter (who is now 23) on visits one a year or so starting around age 5. It's so important to learn about history and on each visit we would often experience something we'd not notice on previous trips. I journal my life with photographs, always have and knowing we have a museum dedicated to that speaks volumes. It's fairly reasonably priced for entry at around $10.

There are lots of house tours in the region, but this is consistently one of the best. There are…read moregreat houses in Observatory Hill which are hidden treasures. There's lots of history here, especially with the neighborhood's connection to the former City of Allegheny. The neighborhood stretches out along beautiful Riverview Park, so that makes the tours a bit of a trek, but well worth the trouble.

We love doing house tours all over Pittsburgh and we have a special affection for the Observatory…read moreHill Tour because our daughter lives in the neighborhood. Homeowners open all or part of their homes for the afternoon to people interested in touring their homes by purchasing a ticket. Booklets of information are provided on all the open homes and neighborhood highlights. Typically the owners are present, along with several others stationed strategically throughout the home to provide information & also security for the homeowners. This year's tour was particularly easy because Molly's Trolleys provided transportation to all the streets on the tour complete with a guide that pointed out interesting tidbits on the neighborhoods. Typically we have to move the car a few times, park, and walk and the trolley was definitely easier. Most of the homes in this neighborhood were built anywhere from 1900-1930's in a variety of styles from those periods - Victorian, Tudor, craftsman, California bungalow, Gothic revival, Pittsburgh four square, etc. Many have been lovingly restored to their former glory or updated to more of today's style with walls removed to provide an open concept during the renovations and many of the homes are quite large and grand. Some homeowners even decide to show the raw almost ramshackle house they are in the process of renovating. Most homeowners proudly display their before and after photos of what they've accomplished and are anxious to share their personal stories. Once you get on Observatory Hill's mailing list, you receive a postcard and/or email notifying you of the next tour so you never have to miss out. It's a great way to get a true feel of what it's like to live in the neighborhood and discover which sections appeal to you the most.

If you love history and want to see where things all started here. This is the museum for you…read more It's especially great on the 4th of July. They have special events going on that day. They shoot from the canon, people are dressed in costumes and tell stories from the period. Kids have interactive things they can try with toy guns talking to the soldiers. The museum itself is nice too. They have all kinds of artifacts that you can see. You can see a map and recreations of what things looked like back then. You can see how people lived, what they wore and the struggles they went through to fight for freedom and establish this area. There's a lot of talk about George Washington and how he worked with local Seneca chief guide, Guyasata. You get a general overview in school about Washington and the war but they give you more finite details and how it pertained to this area's growth. If you love history definitely check it out.

I think Pittsburgh is undervalued as a historic American city, and this small, two-floor museum…read moreattests to the city's critical role in the American Revolution and the French & Indian War. At least that's what I learned when I inadvertently visited during my wintry stroll around Point State Park. Yes, to be truthful, I was looking for a break from the obstinate weather, and the $8 admission was a small price to pay. I'm glad I did visit because the curators have taken an immersive approach in providing living history programs which included demonstrations from 18th-century "characters" in recreations of structures like a trader's cabin and soldiers' barracks. Housed in a recreated bastion of the original 1758 fort, the museum carries unique artifacts like a copper whiskey and a cannon. Definitely worth a stop-by. RELATED - Exploring Pittsburgh? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/VlkxJtR3sY

We stumbled across this hidden gem while doing some antique hunting in Butler. Wow!! What an…read moreamazing collection of Asian artifacts. Breathtaking jadeite and rose quartz sculptures. You have to see them in person. The Meissen gallery features unique, VERY antique, porcelain figures that were part of Mrs. Phillips' collection. We were immediately greeted upon entering (Saturday afternoon) and told how to navigate the museum. There are four different galleries to view. You gotta see these pieces in person and read the information. A very cool place to visit before grabbing some lunch! And for only $4 for adults you can't beat that price! It wasn't overly crowded when we visited either.

A great little museum just off old-timey Main Street in Butler. The Maridon features an eccentric…read morecollection of Asian art and the largest US collection of Messen (that alone makes it worth the trip). Come in the late morning and then take a stroll through downtown, stop in for a coffee and chocolate at Cummings and have some lunch at Natili north before popping into some of the main street antique shops.

A wonderful place to live. We are quite close to scenic Riverview Park. The park had great trails…read moreand free Jazz concerts in the summer. The Observatory itself is an amazing historical landmark and I highly recommend the free tours (which require advance registration). We have excellent neighbors here who look out for each other. The annual House Tour highlights some of the great architecture in the community. There are some beautiful older homes in the neighborhood. We have quick access to the parkway and only 5 minutes from Downtown.

Something that a lot of people don't realize is how many free art galleries the Pittsburgh area…read morehas. Many are located right downtown in the Cultural Trust. This is one of those galleries. While there is a lot of signage, I still feel it is well hidden because it is above the T station and people think the only thing there is the T. You need to take an elevator up to the exhibit from an entrance on the side. The exhibits vary greatly and change regularly, so if you don't enjoy what is currently there, the next one might be of interest. Still, it is worth visiting because it is free and you might end up discovering your new favorite artist or art medium. They do take donations, but they are not required.

Always worth a visit. The entrance is a little tricky to figure out, and you need to take the…read moreelevator, but once you are there, it's a creative space that hosts imaginative and provocative art. Technology usually plays a factor in most of the exhibits I've seen here, and illuminated displays are the most common. It's all free, too. On the outside, make sure you notice Flow, a light installation by Erwin Redl, and 168 Lightbulbs, by Jim Cambell. Take the escalator down a floor to see Sol Lewitt's Thirteen Geometric Figures (1984).

My mom and I were lucky enough to tour the space with a woman who is on their board. She was such…read morean amazing tour guide. She knew all about the space and not only shared great insights into August, his family and what they're doing currently to honor his contributions and memory. It was also more interesting because she grew up in the Hill and had some of her own relatable stories to share. We were also lucky enough to meet Tammy who was the first Art for August winner and hear her insights. What a treat! The people who were exhibiting their art there were so talented. I especially loved the instruments down stairs and work upstairs related to his work. It was also great to hear the stories of all the different immigrants who previously lived together in the Hill. I also loved some of the Teeny Harris photos because he's my favorite photographer. There were also people who grew up in the Hill on the tour who shared some of their stories too which made it even better. Would love to come back for a workshop or special event to meet with other creatives. What a wonderful space donated by such a talented man who loved and still cares for his community.

The wonderfully talented playwright, August Wilson hailed from Pittsburgh, PA. The Hill District…read moreneighbohood of the city to be exact. His childhood home still stands today and is considered an historic landmark. Since 2016, there have been community block parties held at his home and on the street (Bedford Avenue) surrounding it to celebrate his birthday. I have had the pleasure of attending for several years and it's always something to look forward to. The block parties have live music, dancers, DJs, play, craft/art areas for kids, food trucks, and lots more. August Wilson was just 60 years old when he died in 2005 from liver cancer. In addtion to his childhood home, downtown Pittsburgh boasts a state-of-the-art building for the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The center is a multi-use space with art galleries and more for promotion of Black artists.

CoNectar is a really remarkable non-profit. They have a gallery space, educational materials on…read morebeekeeping, honey tasting, and more. It's a beautiful space, and a fine restoration of an historical building. They have Yoga and meditation classes, and there are plans for a small cafe. Most importantly, it's an amazing resource for beekeepers and people interested in learning about honey. I tasted some wonderful honey, some infused with chilies, some with Rosemary. And yes, they have local honey for sale.

Wow, CoNectar Flora to Table is a such a unique and amazing space! There is a gallery that is open…read moreon Saturdays, and there are a lot of other events happening there too. So far, I've attended a beeswax candle making class with my daughter, a honey tasting, and a solstice hike in nearby Girty's Woods. Through these programs, I've learned a lot about not just honey bees, but the importance of native bees and local flora, too. The locally produced and sustainable honey I purchased there is so delicious! Highly recommend a visit, another gem to be found in Millvale!