Travel, Culture, Travel Insurance and Vacations

Probably the first thing you will notice about Pittsburgh is its beautiful urban skyline framed by stunning blue skies, gently rolling hills, and clean rivers teeming with fish. But beyond these landmarks exists a region that has undergone dramatic changes. Where steel mills once stood are thriving residential, retail, and commercial developments. Where laborers once toiled are students learning robotics, computer science, and medicine.

Seven Fortune 500 companies call this region home, but so do 33 colleges and universities. This is clearly a region focused on the future. How else can one explain how Pittsburgh has become the world leader in environmentally “green” buildings? It speaks to our history of innovation. And it bodes well for the coming generations of Pittsburghers.

Attractions

But enjoying the here and now is a worthwhile cause. And the Pittsburgh region has plenty of fun attractions for any taste.

Within downtown, consider the Cultural District, home to seven performing arts theaters, Pittsburgh’s world-class symphony orchestra, and the professional sports franchises of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. A short walk brings you to the South Side or the Strip District, both are neighborhoods filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife that will make any night memorable.

If museums are your style, then consider the world’s only Andy Warhol Museum, or one of the world’s top dinosaur collections at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. For history buffs, Pittsburgh is a gold mine of information and tourist attractions, including many historical sites commemorating our region’s role in the French and Indian War, which began here 250 years ago.

Outside the city, Frank Lloyd Wright left his beautiful mark on two signature homes, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

Outdoors

Once you visit Mr. Wright’s famous creations, it will become clear what served as his canvas – the region’s beautiful outdoor amenities. Rivers and streams, green landscapes, and miles of trails are more than picturesque; they are also part of a unique playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This summer, in fact, Pittsburgh will host the world’s premier professional fishing tournament – the CITGO Bassmaster Classic.

Throughout the region, one can spend days exploring on bike, boat or foot. Former rail lines have been transformed into trails that stretch almost continuously to Washington D.C.

But, if structure is important to your outdoor experience, then consider the region’s 184 golf courses. Or its half-day proximity to 18 downhill ski resorts.

Book a date!

At this point, you should be checking your calendar to see how soon you can visit the Pittsburgh region.

But before you book a flight (and by the way, Pittsburgh International Airport is consistently rated by flyers as the No. 1 airport in the U.S.) you may want to consider these upcoming events and attractions.

• Summer 2006 – Major League Baseball All-Star Game
  www.mlb.com
• Thru 2008 – French and Indian War Sites
  www.frenchandindianwar250.org

We look forward to seeing you here soon!

Please visit www.visitpittsburgh.com for more information about any of these attractions, events, and hotel packages.

Please visit www.alleghenyconference.org for more information about the Pittsburgh region.