Clearly, I am passionate about the 'Burgh. I say so right there - off to the right, see? What keeps the flames growing however, is that I am not the only one. In writing this blog, I sometimes find myself overwhelmed at the things that are missed - the cool events, people and places that slip through the cracks because there is just so darn much stuff going on here that one could write all day, every day, and only scratch the surface.
Here some of the most personally inspiring people, places and things in the 'Burgh.
1. Pittsburgh Tweeps. They are the best in the twitterverse, hands down. If you haven't already, rev up your account and dive in, because the best way to get connected and involved in the 'Burgh is twitter. New to the action? Wanna know who to follow? Here are some suggestions:
- @janepitt: irreverent, informed and dangerous. Her tweets pale in comparison to her laugh-out-loud hilarious blog http://www.thatschurch.com/
- @bobf_vstpgh, @vstpgh and the whole gang: some of the first I ever followed, Bob and the crew at Visit Pittsburgh are so knowledgeable about our city, your head will be spinning with things to do and places to go.
- @burghilicious: You will gain 20 pounds just following her tweets and reading her blog
- @penschat: GO PENS!!! Need I say more? I do? OK, the only distraction I allow into a Pens game is twitter, and a friend recently told me that I tweet during Pens games like it is my job. Along with @penschat, I also follow other Pens fans including @jagrmeister, @ivallana, @ozman_51, @pensexperience, @boberrey (not who you think....), and oh so many more I am forgetting!!! And, of course, @pghpenguins!
- @printpropgh and @steelcityartist: because they are some of the first friends I made in the twitterverse, and because they love to interact with followers! In fact, an upcoming blog post will soon feature the Steel City Artist himself, his website, and some of the nice things he is doing for the 'Burgh
- @gaitlady: fellow blogger and 'Burgh lover extraordinaire.
- @burghseyeview: Kind enough to give me a shout out on his hilarious (but for grownup ears only) radio show, and @burghseyewife: who is the best tv-watching partner on twitter
....and so many, many more that I could make a list a mile long.
2. The 'Burgh Blogroll: Aside from those mentioned above, there are so many 'Burgh-centric Blogs that you could follow a new one every day for a year, and each blogger delivers an unparalleled level of passion for Pittsburgh. Here are some essentials:- Boring Pittsburgh - Definitively NOT boring - a great source of happenings, goings-on, and must-know's in the 'Burgh.
- Pittsburgh Beautiful - the 'Burgh in photos, hands-down the prettiest of all.
- Market Square Pittsburgh - keep up to date on Market Square events and the exciting renovations occurring in the Square.
- Yinz Pitt - Everything you need to know, packaged with Pittsburgh Flair.
- Steelebrities - Like the man says, if it's cool in Pittsburgh, they cover it!
- 10,000 Things I Love About Pittsburgh - the new kid on the block. Delightful little snippets of life in the 'Burgh. Do you think he will make it to 10,000? I think he will need to start another called 10,000 More Things I Love About Pittsburgh.
Yinz want more? Take a look at my recommended links to the right!
3. Pittsburgh Sports - City Of Champions? You betcha. Actually it is the sports fans that are the champions in the 'Burgh. A rabid mass of screaming insanity whether you are at a regular season hockey game or a victory parade. We bring it.4. The Cultural District - Once a deserted and sad place to be after 5pm on a weekday, Downtown Pittsburgh now bustles with activity thanks to the Cultural District and the pioneering residents who have hunkered down and called it home. Because of the recent demand, on any given night there is art to see, music to hear, and drinks to imbibe at one of the multiple bars and restaurants that have made Downtown Pittsburgh. Personally, I am waiting with breathless anticipation for the grand opening of Sharp Edge, beer mecca of the 'Burgh, to open its newest location on the corner of Ninth and Penn. That nose print on the window of the site currently under construction? Yep, it's mine.
5. Local business - A walk down Butler Street in Lawrenceville will give you a small taste of the entrepreneurial spirit in the 'Burgh. Dozen, Artemis, Sugar, Pavement.....all locally grown and successful. Any 'Burgh neighborhood is host to a load of success stories. One of my favorites, is Specialty Luggage, known for carrying a huge (and by huge, I mean mind boggling) selection of a certain designer's bags that I have a little personal obsession with. With three locations in the area, the Downtown shop is my favorite. In fact, I can walk from there, down Liberty Avenue, to Dozen's Downtown location and satisfy two of my addictions in one short trip. Fatter in the stomach and a little lighter in my new and very fashionable wallet.
6. 'Burgh Generousity - I recently learned that, per capita, Pittsburgh is the most generous city in the country. It's easy to give in the 'Burgh, and often fun. Really, really fun. Take for example the yearly Vintage Grand Prix, one if the coolest events in the 'Burgh. The race, held this year on July 24th and 25th, turns Schenley Park into a world class vintage car show and race. More importantly, the proceeds from the event go to two charities; The Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. To date, the Vintage Grand Prix has contributed $2.5 million to these organizations. Another event of note is the Mutt Strut, the proceeds of which go to benefit Animal Friends. This years event, on Sunday May 18th from 9am-1pm, will be held at Riverfront Park in the North Side. Get your doggies in on the charitable action and take them on the 1.5 mile promenade. The benefits? A pooped pooch and a warm heart.
Passion for Pittsburgh is contagious, and the 'Burgh Living Blog loves not washing its hands and spreading it around. Help the cause and share with us what fans your flames.
