You honestly don't have to be a big space nerd to appreciate the Allegheny Observatory at the top…read moreof Riverview Park. It's this beautiful, historic building that looks like a castle hidden in the trees, but the coolest part is that you can actually go inside for their free night tours. You get to walk through the old building and look at the stars through these massive, antique telescopes that still work perfectly. It's completely free, but you definitely have to call weeks in advance to lock down a spot because it's a small group and fills up fast. It's just one of those unique, low-key Pittsburgh experiences that a lot of people don't even realize is sitting right on the North Side.

We came to the observatory for an event with the University of Pittsburgh and it was so fun! This…read morewas the first time I've ever been inside and WOW. Whqt history was made within those walls. We got to see the two telescopes and to learn a little bit about them and the building. We got to also conduct a few experiments and to learn some fun science facts The staff was super accommodating and really were great with the kids. My favorite part was learning that there was a real crypt in the basement! I thought it was just something they were saying for the event, like a spooky activity! But no a real crypt in the basement! That part to me was fascinating! I look forward to coming to an even here again!

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.