Pittsburgh, a city nestled in the heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania where three rivers converge, continues to astonish newcomers with its charm and warmth. Once known as the "Steel City" with its industrial haze, Pittsburgh has shed its old image, and locals take pride in debunking the outdated stereotypes. The city, with its 163 parks and stunning Gilded Age architecture, remains somewhat under the radar but is a hidden gem for those who know its true value. Politicians from both sides of the aisle have recently visited, recognizing Pennsylvania's pivotal role in upcoming elections, and visitors are encouraged to engage in open conversations with the locals. Pittsburghers, with their blend of East Coast frankness and Midwestern friendliness, are eager to share their favorite spots and may even introduce you to the unique "Pittsburghese" dialect, which has its roots in the region's Scots-Irish immigrants. The Heinz History Center in the Strip District offers insights into this dialect, as well as exhibitions on Mister Rogers and Western Pennsylvania sports legends.

Pittsburgh's allure is further enhanced by its impressive statistics, often highlighted during narrated sightseeing cruises on the Gateway Clipper. The city boasts an incredible number of bridges, including the iconic Sister Bridges, and is home to 90 diverse neighborhoods, each reflecting the cultural heritage of the groups that reside there. In Hazelwood, once a Scottish settlement, The Woods House offers a taste of elevated pub food in one of Pittsburgh's oldest buildings, dating back to 1792. Bloomfield's Little Italy Days is a summer celebration of the neighborhood's Italian roots. The city's two inclines, or funiculars, dating back to the 1870s, provide a nostalgic journey to the top of Mount Washington, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the city and its rivers.

While proud of its past, Pittsburgh has transformed from an industrial giant into a vibrant destination with a burgeoning tech, art, and food scene. It is a global leader in robotics and AI, home to Duolingo's headquarters, and has ambitious plans for cultural development. The Andy Warhol Museum's 10-year plan aims to revitalize six blocks of the North Shore into The Pop District, and the Pittsburgh International Airport is set to unveil a $1.4 billion terminal modernization in 2025, making it the first airport powered by an independent microgrid. In 2026, Pittsburgh will host the NFL draft, further cementing its status as a city on the rise.

Sometimes referred to as "The Paris of Appalachia," Pittsburgh has retained some of its industrial character, thanks to its resilient and working-class roots. The steel industry has left a lasting mark on the city, including in the arts. The Carnegie Institute, founded by Scottish philanthropist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie in 1895, is now home to the prestigious Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Today, the city's modern spirit is evident in its theaters, dining rooms, and other cultural spaces.

Restaurants like Scratch & Co. in Troy Hill embody Pittsburgh's commitment to collaboration and local sourcing. Owned by Pittsburgh native Don Mahaney, Scratch is a neighborhood restaurant that sources over 90% of its ingredients from local farms and suppliers. Mahaney's focus on the local food footprint is shared by many, including Jackworth Ginger Beer's Jackworth Smith, who returned to Pittsburgh to open the state's first ginger beer brewery. The industrial-hip space in Larimer showcases ginger beer offerings among reclaimed treasures, reflecting the city's unique blend of old and new.

Other culinary standouts include Apteka, a vegan restaurant inspired by Central and Eastern European cuisine, and Fet-Fisk, a Nordic seafood restaurant that also supports Appalachian agriculture. Morcilla and The Vandal are part of the dynamic food scene in Lawrenceville, which has expanded beyond traditional sports bar fare. Chef Roger Li, who opened several Asian restaurants in the neighborhood, saw the city's potential for growth and now offers a range of Asian cuisines, from Japanese pub food to Cantonese BBQ.

Post-meal activities in Lawrenceville include cocktails at Bar Botanico and live music at Thunderbird Café & Music Hall. Pittsburgh's accommodations range from the university-area Oaklander Hotel to the historic Omni William Penn Hotel downtown. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh offers a touch of whimsy in a Beaux Arts-style building, while the Union Trust Building is worth a visit for its Tiffany-inspired stained glass dome and dining options like The Speckled Egg and Ritual House.

Just outside the city, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is a must-see architectural masterpiece in the Laurel Highlands, known for their natural beauty. Within Pittsburgh, Frick Park is a 644-acre haven for urban explorers, and 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. (3ROC) in Regent Square offers adventure gear and community events, reflecting the welcoming spirit of Pittsburghers. After a 3ROC gathering, visitors can enjoy casual fare at D's brews and hot dogs or a more upscale dining experience at Lilith in Shadyside, where chefs Dianne DeStefano and Jamilka Borges create dishes inspired by their Sicilian and Puerto Rican heritages.

Pittsburgh's enduring appeal lies in its juxtaposition of casual and trendy, old-school and cutting-edge, all served with a generous portion of warmth. For Corinne Whiting, a freelancer who didn't expect to end up in Pittsburgh, the city has become a delightful adventure of discovery, with its ever-unfolding layers of culture and history.