March 25, 2025 • 25 mins
I’ve mentioned before that I live in Baltimore. I’m not a Baltimore native, but I’ve lived here for about 18 years now. One thing I’ve learned in my nearly two decades in Charm City is that people here have no love for Pittsburgh. Really it all stems from the NFL rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers. But I haven’t quite been able to put my finger on why there seems to be so much tension between the two cities. I’ve visited Pittsburgh before and, from what I remember of my short time there, I thought it was a funky city that was a lot like Baltimore.
There’s the industrial history. Both cities have dozens of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality. And of course there’s the pride from being a mid-sized city and having to compete with some of the big dogs for attention. As they always say, we are more alike than we are different.
So today I wanted to head out to the Steel City and learn more about why we should all give it a chance. It’s a close spot to try to run away to for a weekend, and they seem to always have something special going on. Whether it’s a big concert or event at one of their number of stadiums, or a food or beverage festival, Pittsburgh has plenty to do. Oh, and they have the NFL draft coming in 2026, which I know football fans will want to take advantage of.
Joining me today is Alex Kenzakoski. She’s a senior manager for public relations for Visit Pittsburgh. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
There’s the industrial history. Both cities have dozens of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality. And of course there’s the pride from being a mid-sized city and having to compete with some of the big dogs for attention. As they always say, we are more alike than we are different.
So today I wanted to head out to the Steel City and learn more about why we should all give it a chance. It’s a close spot to try to run away to for a weekend, and they seem to always have something special going on. Whether it’s a big concert or event at one of their number of stadiums, or a food or beverage festival, Pittsburgh has plenty to do. Oh, and they have the NFL draft coming in 2026, which I know football fans will want to take advantage of.
Joining me today is Alex Kenzakoski. She’s a senior manager for public relations for Visit Pittsburgh. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey, what's up everyone. Welcome to Delightful Destinations. My name
is Jeff Saint Pierre, and welcome to episode twenty six.
If this is your first time checking out the program,
I just appreciate your time. Delightful Destinations is a show
that I created so I can talk to representatives from
different locations around the country and learn more about these
beautiful places that are all around us. I'm always looking
(00:21):
for an excuse to get away from home, and I
hope that this show will help inspire you for your
next excursion. I've mentioned before they live in Baltimore. I'm
not a Baltimore native, but I've lived here for about
eighteen years now, and one thing I've learned in my
nearly two decades in charm City is that people here
have no love for Pittsburgh. Really, it all stems around
the NFL rivalry between the Ravens and the Steelers, but
(00:41):
I haven't quite been able to put my finger on
why there seems to be so much tension between the
two cities in general. I've visited Pittsburgh before, and from
what I remember of my short time there, I thought
it was a funky city that honestly reminded me a
lot of Baltimore. There's the industrial history. Both cities have
dozens of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality,
And of course there is the pride from being a
(01:02):
mid size city and having to compete with some of
the big dogs for attention. You know, as they always say,
we are more alike than we are different. So today
I want to head out to the Steel City and
learn more about why we should all give it a chance.
It's a close spot to try to run away to
for a weekend, and they seem to always have something
special going on, whether it's a big concert or event
at one of their number of stadiums or a food
(01:22):
and beverage festival. Pittsburgh has plenty to do. Oh and
they do have the NFL Draft coming in twenty twenty six,
which I know football fans are going to be excited
to take advantage of. Joining me today is Alex Kensikowski.
She's a senior manager for public relations for Visit Pittsburgh.
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
I have to tell you a slightly embarrassing story about myself.
I don't have a lot of experience with Pittsburgh, but
we do have in my group of friends now, we
have distinction levels of drunkenness in our lives, and if
you are Pittsburgh drunk, you are at the top level
where you really can't get any further. Because I know
that people like to party in Pittsburgh and I've personally
(02:03):
experienced it.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Yeah, we do. We have a great craft beverage scene,
so you can't blame them.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
We went my wife and I or my wife had
some friends that were living there, and when we were
still dating, we went to go see a Pittsburgh Pirates game.
Because I've always heard such wonderful things about that baseball stadium.
I was like, I want to go check that out.
So we got up there, didn't realize what the tailgate
scene was like, and I actually went to the game,
but have absolutely no memory of ever being inside PNC Park.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Oh that's such a shame. You'll have to come back.
PNC Park is my favorite stadium of them all. I mean,
they all have great views, but PNC Park is just
a vibe yes.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Oh my gosh. I mean, the people, the stadium, all
of it, just being right there on the water like
we saw I do remember the fireworks. There were fireworks
that night we were there. I mean, it was such
It really was a beautiful experience. I just wish that
I had not gotten a little too wild with the
pittsburgh Ians before the game.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
It's you're officially a insert.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Ay, insert thank you, thank you. I'm so I had
parochis and I dragged too much. I'm again there all right,
so Alex, we can get off of my escapades here.
But give me, give me like your elevator pitch for Pittsburgh. Like,
if you were going to meet somebody really quick, how
would you give them a description of Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
It isn't what you expect. I did not grow up
in Pittsburgh. I during college would visit sometimes on the weekends.
Even then, it versus now is so different. It's it's
not the Steel city that most people think of, the
industrial hub. There's no there's no smoke in the air
(03:34):
like the pictures you see historically. It really is such
a cool city. And it's also just very approachable. So
it's not like going to New York City and being
in a crowd all the time. You could stop people
and ask them for directions. People are genuinely kind here,
especially if they grew up here. I mean, there's just
(03:55):
so much to see. I think that that's also a
common misconception is that it's like a weekend city. You
really can spend a whole week here. Between the arts
and culture scene, the food and beverage scenes, all of
the outdoor recreation opportunities that become available in the spring, summer,
and fall. There's so much to do, and there's ninety
(04:16):
neighborhoods to explore, so really and like pretty much every
single one of them has some something to do. And
they also all tend to have their own way to
eat French fries, so like whether it be a Primanny
sandwich or a Pittsburgh salad, there's there's just so much
to see.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
I always think of Pittsburgh and Baltimore as being very
similar in a lot of the ways that you were
just describing their old industrial cities that have changed. They've
got such pride in their neighborhoods and what they do.
And I know Baltimore and Pittsburgh have their issues because
of sports fandoms, but I just, you know, I just
had this vision of Pittsburgh being so similar, Like you
just I remember walking around in Pittsburgh and you could
(04:54):
just tell even when you left one neighborhood and got
into another, like there was just a different sense of like, Okay,
this is our home. And I love that aspect in
a city of people that really own their community and
want people to know all about it.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Definitely, I definitely agree. And like I said, coming to
Pittsburgh and moving as an outsider, like I've never felt
like an outsider here, you find your space.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Where are you from?
Speaker 2 (05:17):
Originally I'm from Northeastern PA, from the Wolfsbury scrant area.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Oh okay, I've driven through that area many times. My
wife is from Binghamton, New York. So driving right up
eighty one, I think it is eighty one goes right
through there. So yes, very familiar with that drive anyway.
But yeah, I mean I think that's similar to Baltimore.
Let me ask you this because in Baltimore, the first
question a lot of people ask is where'd you go
to high school? Do you get that in Pittsburgh too?
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Yeah, yeah, you get that a lot. And I am
not very familiar with the high schools throughout Pittsburgh, but
even I know my co workers, like when we get
a new coworker. They're always like, Oh, what high school
did you go to? It's always the first thing that
they ask.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
That's so funny. I also remember in Pittswack. I was
there for about twenty four hours. It was a quick
in and out trip, but I remember the hills and
driving up the hills and seeing like, even I know,
this is like a really minor thing, but just even
the stairways that would go up the hills, like through
the homes and everything. I even thought that was such
a cool aspect to this city that you don't see
or at least I've never seen anywhere else outside of
(06:15):
these like old European cities where they had these stairways
going through the alleys. There was just something so special
about that where it's like that seems very uniquely Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Yeah, definitely, And honestly, people are always shocked when we
tell them that we actually have the steepest hill in
the United States. So most people think it would be
San Francisco, but Rialto Road in Pittsburgh is actually the
steepest in all of the United States. And we have
over seven hundred public stairwells that you can just climb,
(06:47):
so a lot of people will come to train on
the road where the hills or the stairwells, and then
of course there's the four hundred and forty six bridges.
Have to throw them up that number out there too.
That's also a record breaking numbers. We loved tout our
numbers here.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
You've got lots of records over there in Pittsburgh. Yep,
You've got a lot of stuff coming up here in
twenty twenty five. Pittsburgh is definitely it's not a city
where things don't happen like people come to Pittsburgh, like
events happen in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
I know.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
One of the big things you have coming up this
year is US Open Golf Championship, right, yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Yeah, So we love our events. I would say that
that's probably the biggest driver of travel because really especially
once summer hits, so once Memorial Day happens, every weekend
there's a new event or festival happening. You mentioned the
US Open. That's a big one for us this year.
That's happening in June, and that's in the Oakmont Country Club.
(07:40):
It's actually the one hundred and twenty fifth Open, and
it's the tenth that the Oakmont Country Club is hosting,
so that's another record breaking number.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Something else that I saw too that I didn't know
anything about the Pittsburgh Riveters. Let's tell me more about that.
I'm assuming it's a sports team that I'm not privy to,
so please tell me more about this.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
It is so if you're not familiar, we do have
some really great soccer teams that play at Highmark Stadium.
So we have the River Hounds. It's one of our
most loyal fan bases, like you'll see them out tailgating
before the games all the time, and so they have
always played at the Highmark Stadium. And this year we
(08:21):
are so excited to welcome our first Women's League team,
the Pittsburgh Riveters. So that's very exciting. The schedule has
not been released yet, but we're all waiting for it.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
And you said, this is soccer soccer, Yes, I love that. Now.
I know in other cities, and you may not know
this answer, but in other cities, if they were trying
to get say an MLS franchise, or for the women
it's the NWSL, they would have to establish a team,
have them play and build a fan base first, and
then they sort of graduate to the major level. Do
you think this is kind of the process that Pittsburgh
(08:55):
is going right now? Do you think these teams are like, hey,
let's see what's going on here in Pittsburgh and maybe
we'll graduate to the big team big time.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
I don't know that off the top of my head.
I don't I'm not aware of any conversations that are
happening about that, but I honestly wouldn't be shocked. I know,
it's a huge fan base. It's a really exciting thing.
Like it's it's not as it doesn't bring in as
much of a like external crowd.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
As some of our other major teams.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Of of course, I mean, like those are the staples
of Pittsburgh, but their fan section is incredible.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Yeah, fans. I mean, we don't have a you know,
professional soccer team in Baltimore, but DC's right down the
road and I have a partial ticket plan to the
Washington Spirit that's the women's team. I mean, the fans
are nuts, and I love it. I love going to
soccer events.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
The first game that I went to, I was like
shocked when they're like they all had like chants that
they all knew it was. It was really exciting and
really fun.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
I always say my hat's off to the drummer. There's
always one person just drumming the entire game, all right.
So something else Pittsburgh is definitely known for is festivals.
I feel like there's always big events happening in Pittsburgh.
You know, once the weather starts to get warmer, people
are flocking to Western Pa to hang out and be
a part of things. What are a couple of big
ones that people love to check out?
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Yeah, so big ones are definitely our food festivals, Picklesburg
being our number one festival of the entire summer. So
that one is also celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
The dates have not been released. It usually happens mid July.
I mean that one. We're super excited for. You everything
from actual pickles to pickle beer, pickle Perogy's, pickle cotton candy,
(10:35):
so like literally anything you can think of that just
flavored in pickle flavoring. And then they also do like
a pickle games where they chug pickle juice. It's really
fun and it's usually about three to four days. Again,
they haven't announced the dates yet, but we're excited for that.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
I love that. What about the you mentioned perogi's, there
has to be a perogi festival.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Yeah, Perogi Festival happens in May. It's May seventeenth this year,
and that one is also celebrating a tenth anniversary. There's
lots of tenth anniversaries this year. So the Parogi Festival,
I mean, it's just jam packed with a bunch of
different types of parogeese, which is just happens to be
a staple for our area.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
And they're so good there. My wife and I had
plenty of parogi's again in our short time we were
in Pittsburgh, and now anytime we go to a restaurant
that offers parogis, my wife will take like one bite
and be like, that's not the same, not the same.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Yeah, I definitely agree. Not at the Parogi Festival, But
if you're looking for a great place that will surprise
you for parogis, there's a restaurant. It's a James Beard
semi finalist at Teca, and it's actually a fully vegan restaurant,
and you will be shocked at how buttery those parogis are.
They're so good.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
I'll have to make sure I check that out. We
have been talking about trying to get up there, even
if it's just for like a you know, a quick
day trip kind of thing, because it's not I mean,
it's far enough where we might want to spend the night,
but it's not that far from the Baltimore area, Like it's.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
No, Yeah, it's definitely doable. It's it's not a bad
drive at all. And then, like like you said, I
mean you could stay for a few days or even
a week if you want to make a whole exploration
of it.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Are there any other big events or festivals that are
on your radar, something that you're looking forward to this year?
I know those are the big ones we wanted to
highlight here today, But is there anything that you get
excited for every year? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (12:24):
In the In the Fall Barrel and Flow Festival is
always just a huge Yeah, it's it's a it's an
exciting festival. It's a beer festival that is focused on
black culture. So the participants, like within the festival have
to be either a black brewer or they have to
be a brewery that has partnered with a black business
(12:45):
owner or artist. So a lot of the local breweries
that don't have a black owner will partner with black
artists to create their labels just for the festival or
like for an ongoing project. So it's it's grown tremendously over.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
The last few years, but.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
The prices have remained the same. So right now early
bird tickets I think are about fifty dollars and they
don't go up much further than that.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
I love that. I also know that Pittsburgh is home
to a lot of big musical events as well. Artists
love to play in Pittsburgh. They've got some great venues
out that way too, So I mean, once again, once
the weather starts to get nice, I mean all those
outdoor venues in wonderful spaces. Pittsburgh definitely has the hearts
of a lot of musicians.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Yeah, definitely. We have a lot of different music festivals.
Millvale Music Festival is one that comes to mind. It's
right on the outskirts of the city limits, but it's
a really great festival. A lot of like the breweries
or local businesses will have like concert going on and
you could just walk around the whole neighborhood and just
(13:50):
see different bands. And then also, yes, well just recently
Pittsburgh brewing companies, Iron City distillery and create in which
is a little bit of a drive outside of the city,
but not very far. It's about like twenty minutes. They
recently started announcing their concert.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Series for the summer, and just.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
A few days ago announced that they will be hosting
Alabama the weekend of the US Open. Okay, so that's
going to be a huge concert. I think that they're
expecting anywhere upward of ten thousand people. And that's also
a newer brewery venue. It's huge. I mean, it's really great.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
I love that for you guys. So as we're kind
of talking about outdoors and stuff, let's talk more about
the recreational things people can do in Pittsburgh. We mentioned
climbing the stairs, but there are a lot of other
options at Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
Yeah, there are so many options. We consider ourselves an
urban oasis where you can get your city elements. But
then there's also a ton of outdoor recreation opportunities in
the spring, summer, and fall months. This season, we're really
excited for Venture Outdoors to open up their downtown dock.
(15:06):
So Venture Outdoors has been a long standing business in
the Pittsburgh community, but for the most part, you would
have to schedule your kayak or paddle board drop off
ahead of time, and like they would work with you
if you wanted to be downtown. But now there will
be a permanent dock downtown right outside of our convention center,
the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and that will be
(15:30):
a great opportunity not only for travelers, but any business
events attendees that are coming to the region for different
conventions as well, since it's right outside of the set
the convention Center.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
I have my notes here too. The Sister Bridges experience
tell you more about that.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Yeah, so if you would prefer to stay on the
ground instead of get on the water, you could still
experience the views through this new Sister Bridges experience. They
basically river Life has been working to just enhance the
river experience. So it in December or November of twenty
(16:08):
twenty four they lit the three Sister Bridges, which are
iconic yellow bridges. So that was the first phase of
the project. So that happened. That is a new development
that people can experience right now, and then this year
they're going to be completing Phase two, which will just
enhance the park spaces along the rivers on both sides.
Speaker 3 (16:31):
So and that also is going.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
To be creating a arts and culture experience unlike any
other in Pittsburgh as well, just because of the river
being situated between our cultural district downtown and the pop
district on the north shore, which is a new development
by the Warhol the the Andy Warhol Museum.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
There's also and forgive me for not knowing the name
of it, but there's that like trolley car that goes
just like right up and down the hill there. Tell
me more about that.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Yeah, So we have two inclines. They are you'll see
them in a lot of famous Pittsburgh photos. One of
them is painted bright red. That's the one that's probably
featured in the most photos. But they both are operating.
They it is the Duqune Encline in the Monoga Hala Incline,
(17:23):
and both of those operate on a regular basis. They
are about two fifty one way, so like very affordable,
a five dollars round trip, and you could basically get
on at the bottom ride it to the top. That's
an experience in itself, but then it gives you some
of the best views of the city from on top
of Mount Washington. And then also on top of them,
(17:44):
there's tons of businesses to explore. So on top of
the Monoga Hala incline, there is a whole row of
businesses and restaurants, shops like Love Pittsburgh, which is like
a Pittsburgh based like co op shop, and then also
restaurants like a variety of like bars and restaurants. And
(18:05):
then on top of the Douqune incline there is Monterey
Bay Fish Grotto, which is one of our best views
in the city from a restaurant. It's it's it's a
little bit more upscale food wise, but they have a
delicious real cheese dessert that is to die for. So
(18:28):
definitely it's like an angel food cake grilled cheese. It's
really it's really to die for. I have to try that. Yeah,
And then there's there's also Altius, which is a farm
to table upscale dining experience.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
I did the incline when we were there, and that
was so much fun. At first, like looking at I
was like, really, we're going to do that, but then
I was like, Wow, this is actually really cool. This
is a cool experience.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
It's really cool. It's great for families who are traveling
because like I said, it's very affordable and kids love it.
The thrill of just like slowly climbing up the mountain
is it's It's really great.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
Now. I'm based in Baltimore, so people that listen that
are Baltimore based will probably drive to Pittsburgh, but anybody
listening outside of that, you might want to fly in.
I know you've got some updates to the Pittsburgh International
Airport as well.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Yes, we do, so we're very excited for the new
terminal to open in in.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
The Pittsburgh International Airport this year.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
We don't have a firm date on that, but it
should by the By the end of the year, it
will be opened. It's basically just creating a whole new
terminal that will better suit travelers and the Pittsburgh community.
So basically they're veiling unveiling the brand new terminal which
it'll offer modern amenities, innovative design, and a smoother travel experience,
(19:46):
redefining passenger comfort with local dining, are outdoor terraces, and
enhance sustainability features.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
That sounds great. That'll be really awesome for travelers coming
in through the airport. I know a big event that
you have coming up twenty six is Pittsburgh will have
the NFL Draft. Are you ready for this madness?
Speaker 2 (20:06):
We are ready. We are still in the very early stages.
We are really excited to see what green Bay does
this year and kind of go from there. So we
nothing will really start moving until after green Bay has hosted,
but we do. The three day event is going to
bring in a ton of people from representatives of all
(20:29):
thirty two NFL teams, top player prospects, and then hundreds
of thousands of fans will come from all over the
place with all different jerseys. And additionally, it just puts
a spotlight on Pittsburgh internationally too, because the draft has
grown its broadcast viewership as well, so they expect upwards
(20:51):
of fifty million viewers worldwide.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
It's a it's a big thing. Let me ask you,
as have you ever been to Nashville?
Speaker 2 (20:58):
I haven't.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
Okay, So Nashville, like the main drag of Nashville is
called Broadway. It's a party area. It's always filled with people,
you know, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, whatever you want. I
happened to be in Nashville the weekend they had the
NFL Draft. I think it was the first year they
had taken the draft out of New York City and
tried like, hey, let's just see if we can move
it into a city and just do like an outdoor party.
There were masses of people that I have never seen
(21:21):
in my life, Like it was so insane. And then
watching I think was Detroit last year. I don't know,
watching the Detroit one was just mind blowing. So A,
I think it's really exciting it's in Pittsburgh because even
though Baltimore and Pittsburgh have a rivalry in football, Pittsburgh
loves their football. And I think it's really exciting for
a city like Pittsburgh to had this opportunity because they're
(21:41):
really going to own it. But you have no idea
the kind of people that are going to cut, Like,
the number of people that are going to arrive in
Pittsburgh is going to blow your mind.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
We are expecting that, we are hoping that we will
compare to the numbers that Detroit had well for the draft.
We anticipate that many people. It should be really exciting
and honestly, like, we love our football and while we
do bleed black and golds, we are welcoming to all teams,
(22:12):
and there are so many opportunities beyond like the draft
events for football lovers or sports lovers to experience in
Pittsburgh that aren't just dedicated to our core teams. So,
for example, at the Heinz History Center, they have two
floors that are dedicated to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum,
(22:34):
so that you could learn about how the history of
sports across the region and like sports from skiing and
like sports that you wouldn't even imagine that happened here.
So that's definitely something worth checking out. The Robto Clemente Museum.
(22:55):
I am not like a huge sports fan, Roberto Clemente
is my favorite museum in the city. It's just so surprising.
It dives into like not only his sports legacy, but
also his legacy is a humanitarian in the region and
then also internationally. So there's just so much to learn
(23:16):
from the sports lover or the average like average arts
and culture lovers perspective.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
I'll say this too, you know, I don't wish it
will on anyone, but if the Steelers have a bad
season the next season, say they've got one of the
top you know, two or three draft picks, that draft
is going to be insanity because all of the Steelers
fans will be there waiting to see their top player
get drafted. You're in, You're in for a party. Let
me just tell you are in for a party in
(23:42):
twenty twenty three.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
We are in for a party. And you know what,
I hope no matter what that all of the Steelers
fans and all of the football fans come out because
we're ready for it.
Speaker 1 (23:51):
Well good, I'm excited for you. There's just so many
options in Pittsburgh and it's just a place that I
think is on a lot of people's radar, but maybe
not necessarily as a get And hopefully this conversation has
opened their eyes to all the different options of things
they can see there and go experience. Alex, where can
people go up they want to find out more details
or start planning their trip.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
Definitely go to visit Pittsburgh dot com. Also keep a
pulse on our Instagram. Our instagram is always updating with
the next new thing?
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Is that also like at visit Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
At Visit Pittsburgh, Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
Perfect well. Alex Ketzikowski, Senior manager of Public Relations for
Visit Pittsburgh. Thank you so much for your time, thank
you for sharing all these wonderful stories about your city,
and I hope our past will cross in the near future.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
Thank you so so much for having me, and yeah,
definitely plan your visit.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Big thank you to Alex Konsikowski for her time again.
If you want to find more information or start planning
your trip to Pittsburgh, you can head to visit Pittsburgh
dot com. And thank you to all of you for
listening to delightful destinations. Until next time, be well.
Hey, what's up everyone. Welcome to Delightful Destinations. My name
is Jeff Saint Pierre, and welcome to episode twenty six.
If this is your first time checking out the program,
I just appreciate your time. Delightful Destinations is a show
that I created so I can talk to representatives from
different locations around the country and learn more about these
beautiful places that are all around us. I'm always looking
(00:21):
for an excuse to get away from home, and I
hope that this show will help inspire you for your
next excursion. I've mentioned before they live in Baltimore. I'm
not a Baltimore native, but I've lived here for about
eighteen years now, and one thing I've learned in my
nearly two decades in charm City is that people here
have no love for Pittsburgh. Really, it all stems around
the NFL rivalry between the Ravens and the Steelers, but
(00:41):
I haven't quite been able to put my finger on
why there seems to be so much tension between the
two cities in general. I've visited Pittsburgh before, and from
what I remember of my short time there, I thought
it was a funky city that honestly reminded me a
lot of Baltimore. There's the industrial history. Both cities have
dozens of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality,
And of course there is the pride from being a
(01:02):
mid size city and having to compete with some of
the big dogs for attention. You know, as they always say,
we are more alike than we are different. So today
I want to head out to the Steel City and
learn more about why we should all give it a chance.
It's a close spot to try to run away to
for a weekend, and they seem to always have something
special going on, whether it's a big concert or event
at one of their number of stadiums or a food
(01:22):
and beverage festival. Pittsburgh has plenty to do. Oh and
they do have the NFL Draft coming in twenty twenty six,
which I know football fans are going to be excited
to take advantage of. Joining me today is Alex Kensikowski.
She's a senior manager for public relations for Visit Pittsburgh.
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
I have to tell you a slightly embarrassing story about myself.
I don't have a lot of experience with Pittsburgh, but
we do have in my group of friends now, we
have distinction levels of drunkenness in our lives, and if
you are Pittsburgh drunk, you are at the top level
where you really can't get any further. Because I know
that people like to party in Pittsburgh and I've personally
(02:03):
experienced it.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Yeah, we do. We have a great craft beverage scene,
so you can't blame them.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
We went my wife and I or my wife had
some friends that were living there, and when we were
still dating, we went to go see a Pittsburgh Pirates game.
Because I've always heard such wonderful things about that baseball stadium.
I was like, I want to go check that out.
So we got up there, didn't realize what the tailgate
scene was like, and I actually went to the game,
but have absolutely no memory of ever being inside PNC Park.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Oh that's such a shame. You'll have to come back.
PNC Park is my favorite stadium of them all. I mean,
they all have great views, but PNC Park is just
a vibe yes.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Oh my gosh. I mean, the people, the stadium, all
of it, just being right there on the water like
we saw I do remember the fireworks. There were fireworks
that night we were there. I mean, it was such
It really was a beautiful experience. I just wish that
I had not gotten a little too wild with the
pittsburgh Ians before the game.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
It's you're officially a insert.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Ay, insert thank you, thank you. I'm so I had
parochis and I dragged too much. I'm again there all right,
so Alex, we can get off of my escapades here.
But give me, give me like your elevator pitch for Pittsburgh. Like,
if you were going to meet somebody really quick, how
would you give them a description of Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
It isn't what you expect. I did not grow up
in Pittsburgh. I during college would visit sometimes on the weekends.
Even then, it versus now is so different. It's it's
not the Steel city that most people think of, the
industrial hub. There's no there's no smoke in the air
(03:34):
like the pictures you see historically. It really is such
a cool city. And it's also just very approachable. So
it's not like going to New York City and being
in a crowd all the time. You could stop people
and ask them for directions. People are genuinely kind here,
especially if they grew up here. I mean, there's just
(03:55):
so much to see. I think that that's also a
common misconception is that it's like a weekend city. You
really can spend a whole week here. Between the arts
and culture scene, the food and beverage scenes, all of
the outdoor recreation opportunities that become available in the spring, summer,
and fall. There's so much to do, and there's ninety
(04:16):
neighborhoods to explore, so really and like pretty much every
single one of them has some something to do. And
they also all tend to have their own way to
eat French fries, so like whether it be a Primanny
sandwich or a Pittsburgh salad, there's there's just so much
to see.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
I always think of Pittsburgh and Baltimore as being very
similar in a lot of the ways that you were
just describing their old industrial cities that have changed. They've
got such pride in their neighborhoods and what they do.
And I know Baltimore and Pittsburgh have their issues because
of sports fandoms, but I just, you know, I just
had this vision of Pittsburgh being so similar, Like you
just I remember walking around in Pittsburgh and you could
(04:54):
just tell even when you left one neighborhood and got
into another, like there was just a different sense of like, Okay,
this is our home. And I love that aspect in
a city of people that really own their community and
want people to know all about it.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Definitely, I definitely agree. And like I said, coming to
Pittsburgh and moving as an outsider, like I've never felt
like an outsider here, you find your space.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Where are you from?
Speaker 2 (05:17):
Originally I'm from Northeastern PA, from the Wolfsbury scrant area.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Oh okay, I've driven through that area many times. My
wife is from Binghamton, New York. So driving right up
eighty one, I think it is eighty one goes right
through there. So yes, very familiar with that drive anyway.
But yeah, I mean I think that's similar to Baltimore.
Let me ask you this because in Baltimore, the first
question a lot of people ask is where'd you go
to high school? Do you get that in Pittsburgh too?
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Yeah, yeah, you get that a lot. And I am
not very familiar with the high schools throughout Pittsburgh, but
even I know my co workers, like when we get
a new coworker. They're always like, Oh, what high school
did you go to? It's always the first thing that
they ask.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
That's so funny. I also remember in Pittswack. I was
there for about twenty four hours. It was a quick
in and out trip, but I remember the hills and
driving up the hills and seeing like, even I know,
this is like a really minor thing, but just even
the stairways that would go up the hills, like through
the homes and everything. I even thought that was such
a cool aspect to this city that you don't see
or at least I've never seen anywhere else outside of
(06:15):
these like old European cities where they had these stairways
going through the alleys. There was just something so special
about that where it's like that seems very uniquely Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Yeah, definitely, And honestly, people are always shocked when we
tell them that we actually have the steepest hill in
the United States. So most people think it would be
San Francisco, but Rialto Road in Pittsburgh is actually the
steepest in all of the United States. And we have
over seven hundred public stairwells that you can just climb,
(06:47):
so a lot of people will come to train on
the road where the hills or the stairwells, and then
of course there's the four hundred and forty six bridges.
Have to throw them up that number out there too.
That's also a record breaking numbers. We loved tout our
numbers here.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
You've got lots of records over there in Pittsburgh. Yep,
You've got a lot of stuff coming up here in
twenty twenty five. Pittsburgh is definitely it's not a city
where things don't happen like people come to Pittsburgh, like
events happen in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
I know.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
One of the big things you have coming up this
year is US Open Golf Championship, right, yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Yeah, So we love our events. I would say that
that's probably the biggest driver of travel because really especially
once summer hits, so once Memorial Day happens, every weekend
there's a new event or festival happening. You mentioned the
US Open. That's a big one for us this year.
That's happening in June, and that's in the Oakmont Country Club.
(07:40):
It's actually the one hundred and twenty fifth Open, and
it's the tenth that the Oakmont Country Club is hosting,
so that's another record breaking number.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Something else that I saw too that I didn't know
anything about the Pittsburgh Riveters. Let's tell me more about that.
I'm assuming it's a sports team that I'm not privy to,
so please tell me more about this.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
It is so if you're not familiar, we do have
some really great soccer teams that play at Highmark Stadium.
So we have the River Hounds. It's one of our
most loyal fan bases, like you'll see them out tailgating
before the games all the time, and so they have
always played at the Highmark Stadium. And this year we
(08:21):
are so excited to welcome our first Women's League team,
the Pittsburgh Riveters. So that's very exciting. The schedule has
not been released yet, but we're all waiting for it.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
And you said, this is soccer soccer, Yes, I love that. Now.
I know in other cities, and you may not know
this answer, but in other cities, if they were trying
to get say an MLS franchise, or for the women
it's the NWSL, they would have to establish a team,
have them play and build a fan base first, and
then they sort of graduate to the major level. Do
you think this is kind of the process that Pittsburgh
(08:55):
is going right now? Do you think these teams are like, hey,
let's see what's going on here in Pittsburgh and maybe
we'll graduate to the big team big time.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
I don't know that off the top of my head.
I don't I'm not aware of any conversations that are
happening about that, but I honestly wouldn't be shocked. I know,
it's a huge fan base. It's a really exciting thing.
Like it's it's not as it doesn't bring in as
much of a like external crowd.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
As some of our other major teams.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Of of course, I mean, like those are the staples
of Pittsburgh, but their fan section is incredible.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Yeah, fans. I mean, we don't have a you know,
professional soccer team in Baltimore, but DC's right down the
road and I have a partial ticket plan to the
Washington Spirit that's the women's team. I mean, the fans
are nuts, and I love it. I love going to
soccer events.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
The first game that I went to, I was like
shocked when they're like they all had like chants that
they all knew it was. It was really exciting and
really fun.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
I always say my hat's off to the drummer. There's
always one person just drumming the entire game, all right.
So something else Pittsburgh is definitely known for is festivals.
I feel like there's always big events happening in Pittsburgh.
You know, once the weather starts to get warmer, people
are flocking to Western Pa to hang out and be
a part of things. What are a couple of big
ones that people love to check out?
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Yeah, so big ones are definitely our food festivals, Picklesburg
being our number one festival of the entire summer. So
that one is also celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
The dates have not been released. It usually happens mid July.
I mean that one. We're super excited for. You everything
from actual pickles to pickle beer, pickle Perogy's, pickle cotton candy,
(10:35):
so like literally anything you can think of that just
flavored in pickle flavoring. And then they also do like
a pickle games where they chug pickle juice. It's really
fun and it's usually about three to four days. Again,
they haven't announced the dates yet, but we're excited for that.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
I love that. What about the you mentioned perogi's, there
has to be a perogi festival.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Yeah, Perogi Festival happens in May. It's May seventeenth this year,
and that one is also celebrating a tenth anniversary. There's
lots of tenth anniversaries this year. So the Parogi Festival,
I mean, it's just jam packed with a bunch of
different types of parogeese, which is just happens to be
a staple for our area.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
And they're so good there. My wife and I had
plenty of parogi's again in our short time we were
in Pittsburgh, and now anytime we go to a restaurant
that offers parogis, my wife will take like one bite
and be like, that's not the same, not the same.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Yeah, I definitely agree. Not at the Parogi Festival, But
if you're looking for a great place that will surprise
you for parogis, there's a restaurant. It's a James Beard
semi finalist at Teca, and it's actually a fully vegan restaurant,
and you will be shocked at how buttery those parogis are.
They're so good.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
I'll have to make sure I check that out. We
have been talking about trying to get up there, even
if it's just for like a you know, a quick
day trip kind of thing, because it's not I mean,
it's far enough where we might want to spend the night,
but it's not that far from the Baltimore area, Like it's.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
No, Yeah, it's definitely doable. It's it's not a bad
drive at all. And then, like like you said, I
mean you could stay for a few days or even
a week if you want to make a whole exploration
of it.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Are there any other big events or festivals that are
on your radar, something that you're looking forward to this year?
I know those are the big ones we wanted to
highlight here today, But is there anything that you get
excited for every year? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (12:24):
In the In the Fall Barrel and Flow Festival is
always just a huge Yeah, it's it's a it's an
exciting festival. It's a beer festival that is focused on
black culture. So the participants, like within the festival have
to be either a black brewer or they have to
be a brewery that has partnered with a black business
(12:45):
owner or artist. So a lot of the local breweries
that don't have a black owner will partner with black
artists to create their labels just for the festival or
like for an ongoing project. So it's it's grown tremendously over.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
The last few years, but.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
The prices have remained the same. So right now early
bird tickets I think are about fifty dollars and they
don't go up much further than that.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
I love that. I also know that Pittsburgh is home
to a lot of big musical events as well. Artists
love to play in Pittsburgh. They've got some great venues
out that way too, So I mean, once again, once
the weather starts to get nice, I mean all those
outdoor venues in wonderful spaces. Pittsburgh definitely has the hearts
of a lot of musicians.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Yeah, definitely. We have a lot of different music festivals.
Millvale Music Festival is one that comes to mind. It's
right on the outskirts of the city limits, but it's
a really great festival. A lot of like the breweries
or local businesses will have like concert going on and
you could just walk around the whole neighborhood and just
(13:50):
see different bands. And then also, yes, well just recently
Pittsburgh brewing companies, Iron City distillery and create in which
is a little bit of a drive outside of the city,
but not very far. It's about like twenty minutes. They
recently started announcing their concert.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Series for the summer, and just.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
A few days ago announced that they will be hosting
Alabama the weekend of the US Open. Okay, so that's
going to be a huge concert. I think that they're
expecting anywhere upward of ten thousand people. And that's also
a newer brewery venue. It's huge. I mean, it's really great.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
I love that for you guys. So as we're kind
of talking about outdoors and stuff, let's talk more about
the recreational things people can do in Pittsburgh. We mentioned
climbing the stairs, but there are a lot of other
options at Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
Yeah, there are so many options. We consider ourselves an
urban oasis where you can get your city elements. But
then there's also a ton of outdoor recreation opportunities in
the spring, summer, and fall months. This season, we're really
excited for Venture Outdoors to open up their downtown dock.
(15:06):
So Venture Outdoors has been a long standing business in
the Pittsburgh community, but for the most part, you would
have to schedule your kayak or paddle board drop off
ahead of time, and like they would work with you
if you wanted to be downtown. But now there will
be a permanent dock downtown right outside of our convention center,
the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and that will be
(15:30):
a great opportunity not only for travelers, but any business
events attendees that are coming to the region for different
conventions as well, since it's right outside of the set
the convention Center.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
I have my notes here too. The Sister Bridges experience
tell you more about that.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Yeah, so if you would prefer to stay on the
ground instead of get on the water, you could still
experience the views through this new Sister Bridges experience. They
basically river Life has been working to just enhance the
river experience. So it in December or November of twenty
(16:08):
twenty four they lit the three Sister Bridges, which are
iconic yellow bridges. So that was the first phase of
the project. So that happened. That is a new development
that people can experience right now, and then this year
they're going to be completing Phase two, which will just
enhance the park spaces along the rivers on both sides.
Speaker 3 (16:31):
So and that also is going.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
To be creating a arts and culture experience unlike any
other in Pittsburgh as well, just because of the river
being situated between our cultural district downtown and the pop
district on the north shore, which is a new development
by the Warhol the the Andy Warhol Museum.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
There's also and forgive me for not knowing the name
of it, but there's that like trolley car that goes
just like right up and down the hill there. Tell
me more about that.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Yeah, So we have two inclines. They are you'll see
them in a lot of famous Pittsburgh photos. One of
them is painted bright red. That's the one that's probably
featured in the most photos. But they both are operating.
They it is the Duqune Encline in the Monoga Hala Incline,
(17:23):
and both of those operate on a regular basis. They
are about two fifty one way, so like very affordable,
a five dollars round trip, and you could basically get
on at the bottom ride it to the top. That's
an experience in itself, but then it gives you some
of the best views of the city from on top
of Mount Washington. And then also on top of them,
(17:44):
there's tons of businesses to explore. So on top of
the Monoga Hala incline, there is a whole row of
businesses and restaurants, shops like Love Pittsburgh, which is like
a Pittsburgh based like co op shop, and then also
restaurants like a variety of like bars and restaurants. And
(18:05):
then on top of the Douqune incline there is Monterey
Bay Fish Grotto, which is one of our best views
in the city from a restaurant. It's it's it's a
little bit more upscale food wise, but they have a
delicious real cheese dessert that is to die for. So
(18:28):
definitely it's like an angel food cake grilled cheese. It's
really it's really to die for. I have to try that. Yeah,
And then there's there's also Altius, which is a farm
to table upscale dining experience.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
I did the incline when we were there, and that
was so much fun. At first, like looking at I
was like, really, we're going to do that, but then
I was like, Wow, this is actually really cool. This
is a cool experience.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
It's really cool. It's great for families who are traveling
because like I said, it's very affordable and kids love it.
The thrill of just like slowly climbing up the mountain
is it's It's really great.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
Now. I'm based in Baltimore, so people that listen that
are Baltimore based will probably drive to Pittsburgh, but anybody
listening outside of that, you might want to fly in.
I know you've got some updates to the Pittsburgh International
Airport as well.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Yes, we do, so we're very excited for the new
terminal to open in in.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
The Pittsburgh International Airport this year.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
We don't have a firm date on that, but it
should by the By the end of the year, it
will be opened. It's basically just creating a whole new
terminal that will better suit travelers and the Pittsburgh community.
So basically they're veiling unveiling the brand new terminal which
it'll offer modern amenities, innovative design, and a smoother travel experience,
(19:46):
redefining passenger comfort with local dining, are outdoor terraces, and
enhance sustainability features.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
That sounds great. That'll be really awesome for travelers coming
in through the airport. I know a big event that
you have coming up twenty six is Pittsburgh will have
the NFL Draft. Are you ready for this madness?
Speaker 2 (20:06):
We are ready. We are still in the very early stages.
We are really excited to see what green Bay does
this year and kind of go from there. So we
nothing will really start moving until after green Bay has hosted,
but we do. The three day event is going to
bring in a ton of people from representatives of all
(20:29):
thirty two NFL teams, top player prospects, and then hundreds
of thousands of fans will come from all over the
place with all different jerseys. And additionally, it just puts
a spotlight on Pittsburgh internationally too, because the draft has
grown its broadcast viewership as well, so they expect upwards
(20:51):
of fifty million viewers worldwide.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
It's a it's a big thing. Let me ask you,
as have you ever been to Nashville?
Speaker 2 (20:58):
I haven't.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
Okay, So Nashville, like the main drag of Nashville is
called Broadway. It's a party area. It's always filled with people,
you know, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, whatever you want. I
happened to be in Nashville the weekend they had the
NFL Draft. I think it was the first year they
had taken the draft out of New York City and
tried like, hey, let's just see if we can move
it into a city and just do like an outdoor party.
There were masses of people that I have never seen
(21:21):
in my life, Like it was so insane. And then
watching I think was Detroit last year. I don't know,
watching the Detroit one was just mind blowing. So A,
I think it's really exciting it's in Pittsburgh because even
though Baltimore and Pittsburgh have a rivalry in football, Pittsburgh
loves their football. And I think it's really exciting for
a city like Pittsburgh to had this opportunity because they're
(21:41):
really going to own it. But you have no idea
the kind of people that are going to cut, Like,
the number of people that are going to arrive in
Pittsburgh is going to blow your mind.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
We are expecting that, we are hoping that we will
compare to the numbers that Detroit had well for the draft.
We anticipate that many people. It should be really exciting
and honestly, like, we love our football and while we
do bleed black and golds, we are welcoming to all teams,
(22:12):
and there are so many opportunities beyond like the draft
events for football lovers or sports lovers to experience in
Pittsburgh that aren't just dedicated to our core teams. So,
for example, at the Heinz History Center, they have two
floors that are dedicated to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum,
(22:34):
so that you could learn about how the history of
sports across the region and like sports from skiing and
like sports that you wouldn't even imagine that happened here.
So that's definitely something worth checking out. The Robto Clemente Museum.
(22:55):
I am not like a huge sports fan, Roberto Clemente
is my favorite museum in the city. It's just so surprising.
It dives into like not only his sports legacy, but
also his legacy is a humanitarian in the region and
then also internationally. So there's just so much to learn
(23:16):
from the sports lover or the average like average arts
and culture lovers perspective.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
I'll say this too, you know, I don't wish it
will on anyone, but if the Steelers have a bad
season the next season, say they've got one of the
top you know, two or three draft picks, that draft
is going to be insanity because all of the Steelers
fans will be there waiting to see their top player
get drafted. You're in, You're in for a party. Let
me just tell you are in for a party in
(23:42):
twenty twenty three.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
We are in for a party. And you know what,
I hope no matter what that all of the Steelers
fans and all of the football fans come out because
we're ready for it.
Speaker 1 (23:51):
Well good, I'm excited for you. There's just so many
options in Pittsburgh and it's just a place that I
think is on a lot of people's radar, but maybe
not necessarily as a get And hopefully this conversation has
opened their eyes to all the different options of things
they can see there and go experience. Alex, where can
people go up they want to find out more details
or start planning their trip.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
Definitely go to visit Pittsburgh dot com. Also keep a
pulse on our Instagram. Our instagram is always updating with
the next new thing?
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Is that also like at visit Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
At Visit Pittsburgh, Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
Perfect well. Alex Ketzikowski, Senior manager of Public Relations for
Visit Pittsburgh. Thank you so much for your time, thank
you for sharing all these wonderful stories about your city,
and I hope our past will cross in the near future.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
Thank you so so much for having me, and yeah,
definitely plan your visit.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Big thank you to Alex Konsikowski for her time again.
If you want to find more information or start planning
your trip to Pittsburgh, you can head to visit Pittsburgh
dot com. And thank you to all of you for
listening to delightful destinations. Until next time, be well.
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!