🇺🇸 Long Weekend Getaway 🔜 Quick Trip to Pittsburgh

A last-minute decision to explore Pittsburgh—a compact city with modest attractions. Doing some quick research on the way was enough! 🍜 Food Highlights: Ramen King 2 | Google 4.7 ⭐ The service was efficient and turnover lightning-fast 🏃💨, but the pre-made dishes fell short. In Toronto, this place wouldn’t last two days. Yotea & Yoka | Google 4.5 ⭐ The rendang beef was decent, but the pork trotter rice was just okay 🐖🍚. Might barely survive in Toronto. Fujiya Ramen | Google 4.5 ⭐ Standard ramen—nothing special 🍜. Probably would struggle to stand out in a competitive food scene. Cafe SAMARKAND | Google 4.4 ⭐ Uzbek cuisine in a homely setting. The lamb soup was alright 🐑, but compared to Toronto’s options, it’s average. Roma’s Italian Kitchen | Google 4.0 ⭐ Stopped here in Erie on the way back. Massive portions of pasta with giant meatballs 🍝🍗! Tasty, but not enough experience with Italian food in Toronto to compare. 🏞️ Attractions: Duquesne Incline 🚠 A century-old cable car with a war memorial and observation deck at the top. Night views are nice, but sunset is truly magical—though crowds gather around that time! Nationality Rooms 🏫 Part of the University of Pittsburgh, these themed classrooms offer guided tours. We explored on our own and still enjoyed the architectural details. The 36th-floor windows provide a great city view! Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 🌿 A small, pleasant botanical garden, but nothing particularly unique or exciting. Point State Park ⛲ A fountain (currently under maintenance) marks where three rivers meet. Best visited at sunset for gorgeous views! National Aviary 🦜 A compact bird sanctuary. Catch the penguin and bird feeding sessions—just enough to fill your visit. Carnegie Museum 🖼️ Two sections: Art (with a real Monet!) and Natural History (with mineral exhibits and dinosaur fossils). Worth spending a few hours here! 🏨 Hotel: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh 🏛️ Booked via Hotwire for a better deal. This historic building turned hotel hosted multiple weddings and photoshoots during our stay—vibes were elegant and bustling! 📌 Final Thoughts: A relaxing short trip perfect for unwinding and casual exploration. #TravelDiary #Pittsburgh #WeekendGetaway #FoodReview #HiddenGems #CityExploration