Pittsburgh is very much a “working man’s town.” One day on a trip to Philadelphia, we made a one-hour tour through some Pittsburgh’s legendary neighborhoods that haven’t changed much in the last 100 years.

The picture here is what my mind’s eye sees when I think of Pittsburgh. A crude steel bridge in need of paint, and the houses 3 feet apart with the almost obligatory front porch.

It’s been almost 50 years since the last steel mill left Pittsburgh, but it is still known as “Steel City”. The smog and grit are long gone, but the attitude still remains. 

One of the most memorable sites to see in this gritty town is the Heinz Museum, which is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute. I’m sure “Three Rivers Stadium” is higher on the list for all you sports fans, For you, try to visit both.

And then there is the PRIMANTI BROS. Sports Bar with their “must have” hamburger piled high with coleslaw and french fries on two slices of Italian bread. I was there in an off-time, meaning no Pittsburgh sporting event on any of the dozens of TVs that line the place.

Here’s to you Pittsburgh for maintaining your “steel mill” culture long after the steel mills have left town.