Won't You Be My Neighbor?
A Mister Rogers-inspired itinerary of things to do in and around Pittsburgh.
Mister Rogers has left a lasting legacy around the world, and we are proud that he called Pittsburgh home. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the life of this cultural icon and positive influence, and we've rounded them up right here.
Day One
After you arrive and settle in, one of your first stops should be the Tribute to Children statue on the North Shore. The statue was built with the support of Rogers’ wife Joanne and serves as a public memorial and welcoming space, set right along Pittsburgh’s beautiful rivers.
Stop by Burgatory in the North Shore for lunch with the family. Create your own burger and be sure to try a specialty milkshake!
Next, the kids will absolutely love the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh! There is plenty of fun for the whole family, and the museum embraces the welcoming spirit of Fred Rogers throughout. Check out original puppets from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, as well as one of Rogers’ original iconic red sweaters.
Did you know Fred Rogers was a vegetarian? Why not try one of Pittsburgh’s veg-friendly restaurants for dinner, such as Apteka, Double Wide Grill or Nicky’s Thai Kitchen.
Related: Eat Out and Stay #Healthy in Pittsburgh
Day Two
Start today off with a visit to the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District for a look at the spectacular Mister Rogers Neighborhood exhibit, featuring artifacts from the television program. Afterwards, stroll The Strip of Penn Avenue to grab a bite at a locally owned market or café.
Next, head towards Squirrel Hill, where Fred Rogers lived for most of his adult life! On your way you will pass by WQED studios, where Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed.
Related: Pittsburgh Loves Mister Rogers
Once in Squirrel Hill, pretend you are in Fred Rogers’ blue sneakers and roam the busy avenues of Forbes and Murray. Stop for a well-earned bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that line the roads, like Everyday Noodles or Pamela's Diner. Settle the ongoing debate over who has the best pizza on Murray Ave. - Mineo's or Aiello's. Or, catch a show at the local Manor Theatre.
After the sun sets, be sure to take a ride up the Duquesne Incline, where the cars are modeled after trolleys in remembrance of Fred Rogers.
Day Three
If you have extra time, spend the day at the Fred Rogers Center, near Rogers’ childhood home in Latrobe, PA. Just an hour outside of Downtown Pittsburgh, you will find a treasure-trove of knowledge and an expansive archive of items from Rogers’ personal life and television show.
Or, take the kids to Idlewild Amusement Park in Ligonier, PA, and check out the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood themed section for a trolley ride and more.
Get inspired to be kind during your time in Pittsburgh by completing all or part of this itinerary. And, as Mister Rogers would say, "You've made this day a special day by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you. And I like you just the way you are."
