Pittsburgh Travel OverviewPittsburgh is a major city in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. It was formed in the 1750s at the confluence of 3 rivers (Allegheny and Monongahela which flow into the Ohio). A strategic fort was built there; Fort Pitt; that formed the foundation for the creation of a city around it. This 'Golden Triangle' is now the downtown area; marked with skyscrapers; banks; large corporations and hotels. There are many suburbs and smaller towns formerly outside Pittsburgh that have been absorbed into city regions like the North and South Side; Mt. Lebanon; Oakland; Squirrel Hill; and Shadyside. Oakland is particularly interesting; because it contains 8 large hospitals and 5 universities; including the University of Pittsburgh; and Carnegie Mellon University; in addition to the Carnegie Library; the Carnegie Museum of Art; and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The coal industry which used to poison the skies is gone; though at least 25-30 different nationalities who toiled there are still present in Pittsburgh; each one more proud of its heritage than the next. They all hold their own festivals; special holidays; etc. Some of them are somewhat localized; but most are scattered and gather mainly for these special occasions. However; it makes the city very colorful and diverse; especially in the summer! Should you visit Pittsburgh; be sure to stop by Primanti Brothers' for their famous Pittsburgh style sandwich (fries; coleslaw and meat on freshly cut bread); or have a basket of fries in the O in Oakland (both on Forbes Avenue). A little further East is Shadyside; marked by nice roomy houses and big lawns; where Walnut Street is a great place to shop; have a coffee and some snacks or to go bar hopping. Should you stay downtown; visit the Strip District with its fresh produce shops and great restaurants. For the freshest seafood; and a huge fish sandwich; don't miss Wholey's Fish Market in the Strip. | 