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.

One thing Shadyside does well is catering to its neighborhood with plenty of things to do during summer. From cozy outdoor concerts to big art festivals, Shadyside doesn’t disappoint. While those living in other parts of the City have to travel to experience Shadyside… for Franklin West residents, all of these exciting events are virtually at your doorstep!

Here are the biggest summer events happening in Shadyside!

Shadyside Farmers Market | June through September

It’s Farmers Market season! As one of Pittsburgh’s favorite walkable suburban areas, Shadyside hosts a summer market with an assortment of vendors at the Liberty School parking lot every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. The Liberty School, located at the corner of Ellsworth Avenue and Filbert Street in Shadyside, is only a short walk from many Franklin West properties. Nothing sounds better than a Sunday morning stroll to get fresh fruits, veggies, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and even bread vendors from local farmers.

Visit Think Shadyside for information on how to get involved this summer!

Photo from Think Shadyside Facebook page.

Summer Fridays at The Frick | Now – August 23

Summer Fridays at The Frick is a variety of free, outdoor performances. This 10-week event series is sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, and yes, it’s absolutely free! Spend the day at the Frick touring the beautiful Clayton home or the latest exhibit. You can also grab something to eat before the Summer Friday performance begins at The Frick Cafe.

This Friday, The Frick welcomes The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. Some lucky audience members will even get to play “Name That Tune!” Don’t forget your blanket and picnic basket!

For the full schedule of Summer Fridays performances, visit The Frick website here.  

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch | Now – August 11

This Sunday is a double whammy at Mellon Park! Join WQED-FM in hosting the world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a free event.

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch will be held every Sunday morning from now until August at Mellon Park featuring a variety of wonderful musicians. Get your picnic basket, mix up some mimosas and, between music and the arts, experience all that makes Shadyside so special.

If you are so inclined, consider joining WQED, the home of Fred Rogers, as a member. We are so lucky to have these incredible opportunities!

Learn more about this event through WQED.

11th Annual yART Sale | June 30

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts presents the 11th annual yArt Sale on Sunday, June 30th. Open from 10 am to 4 pm, spend the day outdoors at PCA’s gorgeous tree-lined campus in Mellon Park, at the corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues exploring the work of local artists. Plus, it’s free!

What’s a yART sale? PCA describes it as “a creative spin on the traditional yard sale!” This yART Sale features about 70 local artists with a variety of specialties like ceramic, photographs, jewelry, art books, fabric, prints, glass, and even art supplies. 

See the full vendor list through Pittsburgh Center for the Arts’ website. 

Weather Permitting | July 14

Outdoor concerts, food trucks, and fantastic brews…now that’s a pretty good Sunday night. Weather Permitting is hosting a concert for everyone on Sunday, July, 14th at the Shadyside Nursery on 510 Maryland Ave. The night starts at 5 pm and you don’t have to go home at 9 pm but you do have to leave the Weather Permitting concert.

Your ears will be delighted with the featured bands: Joe Keyes & The Late Bloomer Band, and Zach Schmidt. To read more about the musical artists, visit the Weather Permitting Facebook event page here. 

Photo from Weather Permitting Facebook event page.

Potterfest After Dark | July 19

Any Potterheads roaming the streets of Pittsburgh? If so, PotterFest After Dark at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is absolutely for you!

On Friday, July 19th from 6 pm to 10 pm dress up in your favorite house robes for a night of Harry Potter worthy adventure. Learn about the science that inspires the potions, show off at Potter trivia, and meet awesome animals in the Care of Magical Creatures.

Visit the PotterFest After Dark Facebook event page for admission tickets and other details.

Save the Date!

This year the Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale will be held from Wednesday, July 24th through Sunday, July 28th. More details to come! 

Courtyard Cinema | August 1

Courtyard Cinema is putting a little spin on movie night. The Carnegie Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor movie event in their courtyard on Thursday, August, 1st from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Here’s the twist, CMOA wants you to choose the movie. Vote for one of these three movies for the Thursday night showing: Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window,” John Waters’ “Hairspray,” and Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.”

Put your vote in for your favorite movie pick here.  

Back to School Block Party | August 11

It’s a block party! Pittsburgh Trap Yoga will host a Back to School Block Party on Sunday, August 11th from 1 pm to 5 pm. Join your neighbors near the shopping and business district of Ellsworth Ave for a final summer celebration before the kiddos get ready to get back to school. 

Visit Pittsburgh Trap Yoga Facebook event page for details.

Shadyside Art Festival on Walnut Street | August 24 – 25

To close out the summer, Shadyside will put on one of the best fine art festivals and neighborhood street fairs in Pittsburgh. During one weekend in August, come out to Bellefonte Street between 10 am to 5 pm for the 23rd Annual Shadyside Art Festival. Yes, it’s a free admission event.

With over 140 artists, you’ll experience a variety of original, handmade work from vendors like painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, and so much more. 

Get all the information you need from city details to hotel rates and how to become a contributor on the official event website.

 

Get these dates marked on your calendar! Whether you’re having a movie night out with the whole family, planning a date to explore Pittsburgh’s latest art scene, or enjoying an outdoor concert with a group of friends, summer in Shadyside has an event with your name on it.  

Taking part in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you remain your healthiest self. Not only does exercise help control your weight and strengthen your muscles, it also improves your overall mood and mental health.

Shadyside offers a wide range of fitness options such as CrossFit, barre, pilates and so much more. No matter your current experience level, or fitness goals, there is something for you.

X Shadyside

Tight schedule? No problem. X Shadyside is a 24-hour health and fitness facility conveniently located on Walnut Street. This family-owned gym features 400 pieces of equipment, a variety of group fitness classes, personal trainers, massage therapy and other additional services. X Shadyside is sure to have something for everyone.

Renegade Training

Renegade’s the name, CrossFit’s the game. Renegade Training is located right on South Graham Street and delivers a variety of CrossFit and fitness classes that are broad, general, and inclusive. Their programs are shorter in length but high in intensity. They also offer prep courses for those new to the CrossFit world.

Pure Barre

Pure Barre is a total body workout that uses a ballet barre to perform small, isometric movements, which burn fat, sculpt muscles and create long, lean physiques. The Centre Avenue studio prides itself in upholding a sense of community that is inspired and empowered by each others’ fitness and lifestyle goals.

Club One

Rows of fitness machines, weight training equipment, an indoor track, two fabulous pools both indoor and outdoor, sauna and group fitness studios allow you to personalize your fitness journey at Club One Fitness. This full-service fitness club is located on Penn Avenue and offers a convenient location for anyone working or living on the east side of Pittsburgh.

These are only a handful of Shadyside’s quality fitness options. There is truly a place for everybody. Many gyms also offer discounted, or even free trials to new and prospective clients. So what are you still waiting for?

Get going!

At Franklin West, apartment living is our bread and butter. We value making sure residents are able to comfortably call our apartments home.

Though occasionally, the sunny season throws a few curve balls in apartment life. Today, we’re arming you with convenient, easy, and life-changing tips so you can get back to enjoying Pittsburgh’s summer activities.

Curtain and Fan Tricks

Summertime in city apartments can get a little too roasty toasty for comfort. Your home should bring cool relief after working all day. We rounded up nifty little tricks to help you stay cool without having the AC on high.

• Keep curtains closed during the day. Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows, simply closing and covering the windows can dramatically impact indoor temperatures.

• Spray ice water on your curtains! When a breeze comes, your curtains become a homemade air conditioner.

• Toss a water bottle or two in the freezer during the day so by bedtime, you have an ice pack to keep your bed chilled.  

• Consider replacing your flannel sheets with lighter, cooler alternatives. Pillows, too, like natural buckwheat hull, are actually designed to keep heat away from your head while you sleep.

• Place fans strategically around your apartment to circulate the air and create the perfect cross breeze. Go old school by placing a shallow bowl filled with ice in front of a fan for a nice cool mist.

• If you have ceiling fans in your apartment, set them to rotate counter-clockwise during the summer. If you do not know how to do this or if they are out of your reach, please call our office and one of our maintenance technicians would be glad to do it for you.

Appliances that Generate Heat

• Save on your electric bill by keeping lights turned off when not in use.

• Your stove, oven, and dishwasher create more heat when in use. So, avoid using these during the day.

• Do laundry in the evening. Generating a lot of heat and humidity, whether you have your own washer or dryer or shared laundry in the building, remember that heat rises. Your upper floors neighbors will thank you!

• Exhaust fans aren’t just for smells. When cooking, use the exhaust fan to draw out excess steam and humidity. The same goes for the bathroom. Without it, all of the humidity that builds up will leak out making your apartment feel a lot warmer.  

• Have an overabundance of electronics? Even when not in use, computers and televisions generate heat. When these items are not in use, consider unplugging them. Doing this will help your electric bill, too!

• Close off the rooms/areas you are not using so that the cold air stays where you want it to be and doesn’t go where you don’t want it.

Air Conditioning Tips and Maintenance

• If your apartment has central air conditioning, set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. The more cooling you do with your central or room air conditioner, the higher your electric bill will be.

• Setting the thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner won’t cool things down any faster, and if you forget, you’ll end up paying for it when the bill comes.  

• Also, don’t place large appliances near your thermostat. These emit heat and can cause your central AC to run longer than necessary.

• If your apartment has wall-unit air conditioning, only turn it on in the room(s) you want to have cooled and turn it off if you are no longer using that room.

• Whether you have central air-conditioning, wall-unit or window air conditioning, make sure that your registers and filters are clean and that they are not being blocked by furniture or other items.

We want to make sure our properties are a haven from the summer heat. Residents are encouraged to call right away if you find that your air conditioning unit is not functioning properly.

For best service, report air conditioning problems early in the workday. This way our maintenance technicians will have sufficient time to diagnose the problem, can purchase any parts that may be needed, and then fix the system for you.

 

There you have it. All the do it yourself tips and old school tricks to keep you and your family cooler than cucumbers. Besides, if all else fails, we hear homemade popsicles become a wonderful family activity and a perfect remedy for any summer heat!

Summer in Pittsburgh is in full swing bringing gorgeous sunny days. Here at Franklin West, we pride ourselves on providing a superior living. The best thing about apartment living is its cost-efficiency! We want to help you spruce things up in apartment living and maybe help take care of a few pesky issues.

Get Help From Nature

The movement of wall gardens and leafy centerpieces isn’t just a decor statement. Plants are extremely useful for repelling pests, cleaning the air, and everyday uses you didn’t even realize could help. Here’s our list of must-have plants.

1. Lavender – repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitos
2. Peppermint – repels spiders, mosquitos, and ants
3. Peace Lily – can improve your home’s air quality.
4. Snake plants – extremely effective at removing toxins in the air.
5. Aloe – helps you out during sunny days at the pool

BONUS: Herbs – for cooking, of course.

As an added bonus, certain sun-seeking indoor plants help keep the air around them cool. Plants rely on photosynthesis in order to survive, a process in which they consume water and sunlight to create their own food. This process also causes plants to take in energy, in this case, heat.

Ease the Noisy Fanfare

From sounds of the streets to hearing your roommate’s sandals flopping on the hardwood floors in the other room, apartments are a little noisy. We rounded up a few ways to soundproof your apartment.

• Easy to install yourself, use a draft blocker (DIY or store-bought) to keep out dust, bugs, drafts, moisture and most importantly, noise.
• Stuck hearing outdoor racket when trying to sleep? Look into getting a white noise machine or shop around for different mobile apps.
• Canvas art (home created or store-bought) can actually help soundproof your home, just don’t forget to attach acoustic tile to the back.  
• Noise bounces off of glassware and ceramics, so tuck away these items.
• Rugs are your friend. Use multiple, crazy patterned rugs or just one large one to absorb echoes and other loud noises. A thick carpet pad works well if you love the pattern of a fairly thin rug.

These tips are alternatives to minimal issues. If you’re experiencing major problems concerning the mentioned topics, reach out to our main office for assistance. Enjoy apartment living during any season!   

After enduring second and third winter, plus the endless bounds of rain for the first couple months of the year, Pittsburghers welcome the sunny season with open arms. We have the details of Shadyside’s summer events. As the most friendly, and very walkable place in Pittsburgh, Shadyside erupts with exciting and affordable experiences! 

This isn’t the time to just work on a tan. The warmest season of the year means enjoying all of the unique activities the area has to offer. From weekly outdoor movies to the musical block parties that benefit our city’s pups.

There are so many places to see and things to do in Pittsburgh this season, many of them are even free! Here are the plans you need to mark in your calendar.

• Cinema in Schenley Park

Thanks to Dollar Bank, Pittsburghers are able to bask in the warm weather and enjoy the latest movies for free! Make it quality time with family, a friends night out, or even a date to remember. Any local will say movies in the park are one of the most enjoyable events that happen in the Burgh.

Playing every Sunday in Schenley Plaza and Wednesdays at Schenley Park on Flagstaff Hill. Movies begin at dusk so grab the popcorn and we’ll see you there!

• Summer Fridays at the Frick

Each Friday from June 15 to August 31, The Frick will be featuring a variety of outdoor performances, family-friendly activities, and dining options. The north lawn will have games fit for every member of the family.

Also, the first floor of the Clayton mansion will be open to tour at your own pace, free of charge. You won’t want to miss a chance to see the rooms of this historic home in the summer evening light.

Feel free to bring your own blanket and picnic basket, choose to stop in The Café, to grab a bite to eat, a glass of wine, or a beer, or explore a variety of local food trucks. Performances begin every Friday at 6:30 p.m.

To see a complete schedule click here.

• Jam on Walnut

The annual Jam on Walnut outdoor concerts is a Shadyside favorite. Explore the multitude of Shadyside’s local bars and restaurants or come early and do some shopping.

Not only are these performances full of fun and great music, they’re also the perfect way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. The five outdoor concerts all benefit Humane Animal Rescue and will be held on June 23, July 21, August 18, September 22, and October 20.

Want to know who’s performing? Go to Jam on Walnut 2018 Facebook page.

• Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

It may be open 365 days a year, but summer is simply more special. From bringing dinosaurs back to the Festival of color, The Pittsburgh Zoo is an awesome place for families.

There are new adventures every weekend. For a half hour, the wild animal encounters gives you the opportunity to play zookeeper with animals like the rare and endangered red panda. Plus, have you heard about the new Zipline? At the highest point of the Zoo, coast through diverse ecosystems and a lush jungle just below your feet!

• Mellon Park

Situated right in Shadyside, Mellon Park is the ideal location to relax, read a book, catch up on some work or enjoy a picnic.

The hidden sanctuary is rich in history and known for its Walled Garden located right behind the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts building and the Phipps Garden Center.

Mellon Park is home to many wonderful, family friendly events like Bach, Beethoven and Brunch! Also, stop by the park to find the freshest local produce and baked goods at the weekly farmers market, held every Friday afternoon.

 

As you can see, summer activities don’t have to break the bank, many things are even free for the public. Before we know it Pittsburgh will be back to snow and ice so don’t pass up the chance to enjoy the sun and warm weather at all of the outdoor Pittsburgh events this summer.

We hope this list inspires you to get outside and try new things, venture to a new place and meet someone you otherwise wouldn’t have, or commit to taking yourself out of your everyday routine to mix things up. Make this summer one to remember.

Now, what are you still waiting for… go celebrate!