The City of Pittsburgh goes by many names. Some call it the Steel City, the City of Three Rivers, or even the City of Champions. All these names have been appropriately given by the people who call Pittsburgh home.

One other name that we think should be added to that list is “Park City.” A lesser-known facet of Pittsburgh is its many historic, forested parks. Once rooted in the steel industry, our city has strived to restore its other roots, its many gorgeous natural estates, and vast woodlands.

Whether you want to enjoy a Friday night at an outdoor concert, meet up with friends for a pick-up frisbee match, or a morning walk with your pup, there’s always a park close by. Mellon Park, Frick Park, Highland Park, and Schenley Park are all wonderful opportunities to be outdoors this summer and they’re all around 10-minutes from Franklin West apartments. Let’s take a sneak peek into Pittsburgh’s best-kept secret.

Mellon Park

When you need a little green and gorgeous gardens, Mellon Park has you covered. This park is rich in history. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy reports the original estate belonged to Richard Beatty Mellon and was once known as the largest house in Pittsburgh with 60-rooms. 

Unfortunately, that home is gone now, but the biggest park attraction, the Walled Garden, is still standing. It’s been the center of countless photo opportunities and a perfect place to watch the stars like Ann Katharine Seamans, who now has a famous memorial at the Walled Garden. 

Read more about Ann’s Memorial and more Mellon Park experience here. 

Mellon Park has plenty of features like vast fields, playgrounds for the kiddos, a spray park, tennis, and basketball courts as well as a pavilion with several picnic tables perfect for a family outing. It’s also known to hold several events during the summer months like Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch.

Photo credit to Jeremy Marshall from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Mellon Park page

Frick Park

Much like Mellon Park, the Frick Park is an estate that once belonged to wealthy Pittsburgh native, Henry Clay Frick. Stretching from northern parts of Point Breeze all the way down to the Monongahela River, the Frick Park has around 106 acres of land. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy reports the Frick Park opening as a park in 1927 after it required more land. 

The Frick has a wonderful spread of outdoor and indoor activities, truly having something for everyone. If you want to go on a long hike, this park is the perfect getaway with extensive woodland trails. The park also features the famous Blue Slide Playground, red clay tennis courts, baseball fields, and much more. 

We can’t forget to mention the Clayton Mansion and Museum. Take a tour through the very home the Clayton family once lived in and become mesmerized by the architectural and designs from the 20th century. You can also visit the art museum! 

Today, the art museum is hosting a fabulous exhibition called A Sporting Vision. Click here for The Frick’s $5 off A Sporting Vision special offer ticket 

Photo from The Frick Pittsburgh Facebook page

Schenley Park & Plaza

Schenley Park is one of Pittsburgh’s most extensive and beautiful parks. The park’s 456 acres was donated land from Mary Schenley and now contain trails, woods, and many attractions. 

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Eat’n Park Hospitality Group teamed up in 2001 to restore the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center and in 2005 the City of Pittsburgh rehabilitated Phipps Run Stream. If you love a good hike, Phipps Run Stream doesn’t disappoint.

You could spend a few hours every day at Schenley Park experiencing something new. There’s the Bob O’Conner Golf course for any golf enthusiast. The Schenley Oval Sportsplex where you will find ice skating in the winter, summer sports during warm months, and take a dip in the pool when the summer sun gets too hot. 

Plus, Schenley Park hosts big annual events like the famous Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure! The amazing Phipps Conservatory is also near Schenley Park, which we don’t believe we have to sell you on. The gorgeous garden at Phipps is one all Pittsburghers know about!

Photo credit to Joe Serkoch from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Schenley Park page

Highland Park

A sanctuary reminiscent of the Victorian era, Highland Park is the quintessential an urban oasis. This reservoir has provided drinking water to Pittsburgh since 1879 according to Pittsburgh Park Conservancy. It’s open space and beauty makes it a popular location for picnics and joggers for the iconic Reservoir Loop or Entry Garden. 

Highland Park features Victorian-style gardens with fountains and benches, a bike track, swimming pool, and sand volleyball courts. If you are looking for a fun-filled Saturday with the kids, consider fishing in Carnegie Lake and exploring The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, one of only six zoo and aquarium combinations in the country as reported by Next Pittsburgh. 

If you’re up for an awesome Friday night out after a long work week, don’t miss out on the Pittsburgh Zoo’s “Summer Safari” special fundraising party. Learn more about the event here.

Photo credit to Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Highland Park page

Whatever your plans are this summer, be sure to get out to one of these spectacular woodland areas! Go out on an impromptu hike with nature or visit the park’s website if you’re looking to plan out your visit! Summer is almost over, don’t spend it indoors.

Strolling through the streets of Shadyside next week will be far from ordinary. Once a year, local businesses throw up signs and take their products to the streets to offer their best sales! Business owners get the chance to meet and engage with the community, while visitors get to enjoy a day full of discount shopping.

When, Where, and Everything in Between.

You get five days to explore Shadyside’s finest treasures from 10 am on Wednesday, July 24th to 7 pm on Sunday, July 28th. The Shadyside Chamber of Commerce will open up the streets for discount shopping during this year’s Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale! 

You’ll be able to spend a day or two walking along Walnut street, many of the side streets, and the Shadyside shopping district during regular business hours in search for deals. 

If you’re driving into Shadyside to join in on the shopping spree, look for the free 2-hour parking on residential streets off of Walnut, Ellsworth, and South Highland. If you’re still unsure, green permit signs will give you the information you need when parking. 

Keep an Eye Out for These Local Shops

The Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale is known for local shops to put up their best deals. We’re talking up to 80% off! 

It’s not a bad time to do some early holiday shopping if you ask us since over 40 local businesses are participating this year. You’ll find deals on the latest fashion, a pair of shoes, gorgeous jewelry, and everything in between. You’re bound to find a few gifts for the people you care about. Maybe even one or two for yourself too.

Here are a few local shops on Walnut Street that you should keep an eye out for. 

Dina Ellen

Awesome women’s clothing boutique! Kicking off the party, last year, Dina Ellen started the sales a day early with up to 70%, deal baskets, and more surprises. Fingers crossed she does it again this year.

Image credit: Dina Ellen via Instagram

Glassworks and Cheeks

This gift shop specializes in amazing tabletop items and sleepwear. Last year, Glassworks made sure new items were out and about every day during the Sidewalk Sale and boasted plenty of once-a-year deals!

Image Credit: Glassworks Pgh via Instagram

Picket Fence

Last year, this wonderful women and children’s clothing boutique went with 50% off clothing, and up to 75% off on past season items. Not too bad if you ask us. Hopefully, we’ll see some of those same deals this year.

Image credit: Picket Fence via Instagram

ToadFlax

What can we say about this gorgeous flower shop? You’ll absolutely find summer treasures in here! Rain or shine, ToadFlax was very active in offering the best for Sidewalk Sale shoppers.

Image Credit: ToadFlax via Instagram

FourWinds Gallery

This local gallery features stunning Native American jewelry and art. FourWinds took “bargain” to a new level. Your eyes will be drawn toward the gorgeous items here.

Image Credit: ToadFlax via Instagram

Happy Shopping!?️

Nothing says Happy Birthday America more than a weekend full of Yinzer-worthy Fourth of July celebration events like the annual Flashes of Freedom firework display! But who says the celebration stops after the grand finale?

We rounded up a few events that are taking place right here in our backyard in Shadyside this weekend. 

Whether you’re looking for a night out meeting new people and exploring Pittsburgh’s art scene or wanting to just enjoy spending time with loved ones for a Sunday brunch picnic in the park, here are three events you’ll want to go to this Fourth of July weekend. 

Red, White, and Blue Grass

Summer Fridays at The Frick are a community staple. It’s a relaxing scene of music, good food, and family. What better way can you enjoy the Fourth of July weekend? 

The Casual Hobos will take the stage on Friday, July 5th. Between 6:30 and 9 pm on the North Lawn, this group of Pittsburgh native musicians will play traditional bluegrass. The Casual Hobos thrill audiences and transcend you into simpler times with their sound performing lesser-known songs to new covers of old Bluegrass standards.

Food trucks like Cousins Maine Lobster, La Palapa, Lone Wolf Grill, BRGR, Sinkers & Suds, and Sticklers are expected to make an appearance during this week’s Summer Friday event as well. 

July Unblurred – Penn Ave Art Crawl

If you’re more into the art scene, join friends, neighbors, new visitors, and long-time residents for the July Unblurred Penn Ave Art Crawl. 

This Friday night between the 4800 and 5500 blocks on Penn Ave, artists, and local business owners will be out and about spreading creative energy into the streets of Shadyside. At July Unblurred you’ll experience art in every form from photography and dance to painting and performances. 

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch

After a few nights of spectacular firework displays and hours of celebration, you may want to finish the weekend with a calm brunch. 

WQED’s Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch in Mellon Park is the perfect, relaxing way to end an event-filled weekend. Pack a picnic basket for Sunday morning and bring the family out from 10:30 and noon to enjoy the wonderful sound of Quinta Voce Wind Quartet.  

Looking for more events happening during the summer months? Fill up your calendar with more local events going into August and September.

While this is a weekend to celebrate. It’s important our Pittsburgh friends and neighbors stay safe this weekend. There are a ton of activities and events happening across the city, so be sure to prepare a reliable way home before going out. 

Happy Independence Day!