Labor Day in Pittsburgh

Labor Day, also known as the unofficial end of summer, is this weekend. It is also the holiday dedicated to all those in the workforce and is best celebrated by just taking the day off. We know, if you're an entrepreneur, days off can sometimes be hard to come by. However, this is one weekend that you really should rest, relax and have fun. In Pittsburgh, there are tons of fun activities that you can do this weekend too. Here are a few: 

Take a hike

We have an amazing and beautiful park system in the city. Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley Parks all have a developed trail system with easily walkable trails (and bike trails) covered with lush canopies of trees. Grab a friend, your friend’s dog or your mom and take a stroll. When you are done, you can walk to have a bite near any one of the many eateries within walking distance. Your tax dollars at work for good! www.pittsburghparks.org

Ride a bike

For those less inclined to hike, you can ride — even if your bike is out of commission. Head down to Golden Triangle Bike rental and grab some wheels. Hit the Three Rivers Heritage trails along the Allegheny and the Mon rivers. Complete info at www.bikepittsburgh.com (and you can reserve a bike in advance.)

Slip into a kayak

“Yep, we got dem kayaks n’at dahn on the river.” And they are very cool— in more ways than one. With temperatures rising you can head to the North Shore under the Clemente Bridge to rent your gear and paddle along for a tour of the city you will never forget. Reasonable rates and instruction included. www.kayakpittsburgh.com.

Visit the county parks before Labor Day

Allegheny County’s free Summer Concert Season ends this weekend. Head to South Park to see the River City Brass Band on Friday night, set up your chair early and then drive to the other side of the park to see the bison at the game reserve. Totally Cool. Over at Hartwood Acres, the Allegheny County Music Festival will feature Rusted Rood, Derek Woods Band and so much more. Hartwood has a $20 per car donation to benefit children and youth served by the Department of Human Services. Food trucks (yum) at both. http://​www.alleghenycounty.us/

Get wet, kinda.

Well, we do that a lot around here, but here is a new twist. Park the car before dusk and take a walking tour of all of the neat fountains in the Golden Triangle. We all know about the grand dame, the Point State Park fountain, But you should also visit the water feature at PPG Place, fountains at Gateway Center, large water walls at Point Park University and Heinz Hall, or the large water structure at Katz Plaza. The latest romantic spot is Mellon Square, where a three-year, multi-million-dollar restoration reminds you why the American Planning Association listed it as one of the 10 great public spaces in America. There are more, just walk around.

Let’s go to the Fair!

Lot of county fairs this weekend in the outskirts and they are a blast. Take in 4H competitions, food, music and more. On deck are the Indiana County Fair, The Great Stoneboro Fair, The Cambria County Fair and the Big Knob Grange Fair. A complete list can be found at www.pafairs.org.

Read more