A Downtown Hotel, Permanent Exhibits, Seasonal Shows and Brewery Openings Top New Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh
Visitors Have Their Pick of Things to See, Do and Experience Only in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH – Just like the spring flowers that continue to bloom throughout the region, new things to see, do and experience Only in Pittsburgh are taking root, providing travelers with plenty of reasons to plan a visit to Pittsburgh.
From a soon-to-open Downtown hotel property to a recently launched permanent exhibit honoring famed playwright August Wilson – and everything in between – visitors have their pick of new Pittsburgh itinerary builders this season.
Pittsburgh’s Downtown neighborhood will soon have a new hotel property, as Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, will open its doors in June. Reinventing the space that currently houses the Distrikt Hotel Pittsburgh, Joinery Hotel, a 185-room boutique hotel, will feature an experiential lobby that will serve as a neighborhood hub. There, guests will find refreshments, a library, board games, records and bikes to rent. The property also boasts 800 square feet of meeting and event spaces, as well as a 10th-floor terrace and a brand-new dining concept, T&E Diner (opening June 28).
Get a glimpse inside the life and works of August Wilson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, at August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape. The 3,600-square-foot permanent exhibition, housed inside the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in the Cultural District of Downtown Pittsburgh, is the first-ever permanent exhibit dedicated to the extraordinary playwright. The exhibit takes a deep dive into Wilson’s life, from his early days in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to his home office and the influential people he interacted with, while also shining a spotlight on his award-winning work. August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape is open daily and free of charge but requires a timed ticket to enter.
Experience the brilliant work of impressionist painter Claude Monet at Monet in Bloom, the 2022 Summer Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Phipps reimagines Monet’s art through the flora that inspired it, including famous pieces like “Water Lilies,” “The Saint-Lazare Station” and “The Woman in Green.” The exhibit offers breathtaking views both day and night! Designed by Associate Director of Exhibits Jordyn Melino, Monet in Bloom runs through Sept. 25, and tickets must be reserved in advance.
Pittsburgh was named one of the Best Craft Beer Cities by Fodor’s Travel in 2021, and the list of excellent craft beer offerings continues to grow. COVEN Brewing opened in the Lawrenceville neighborhood in April. Housed in the space once home to Roundabout Brewing, COVEN offers many beer styles with a focus on hop-forward New England IPA and saison. And new this month, Verona-based Inner Groove Brewing opened a taproom in the Allentown neighborhood. Built in the minds of two husband and wife teams, Inner Groove perfectly pairs hand-crafted beers and iconic tunes on vinyl. The new taproom features a 1,100-square-foot, winterized beer garden, plus the same fun, music-filled atmosphere loyal customers have come to love.
Strum away with the world’s most popular musical instrument at GUITAR: The Instrument that Rocked the World at the Carnegie Science Center. This touring exhibition, free with general admission, showcases more than 100 acoustic, electric, historical and unusual guitars. GUITAR also will introduce visitors to the science of sound and music through 15 hands-on interactives packed with STEAM-based elements. The exhibition runs May 20 – Oct. 30.
Bombs Away promises free-falling thrills for visitors this summer at Sandcastle Waterpark. Riders will step into an enclosed launch capsule, where a disappearing floor will propel riders at 26-feet per second down 300 feet of soaking, splashing fun. Park improvements, including food & beverage enhancements and a refresh of Sandcastle’s Boardwalk, will greet visitors this season. Plus, an exciting lineup of special events are scheduled throughout the summer months. Opening Day 2022 is scheduled for May 21.
When hungry in East Liberty, visitors will want to check out Alta Via Pizzeria (AVP). Recently opened inside Bakery Square, AVP, a concept from big Burrito Restaurant Group, is a modern take on Italian cooking in a casual and friendly environment. Diners will have their pick of two styles of pizza topped with a unique variety of savory ingredients, along with salads, sandwiches and simple dishes with a focus on seasonal vegetables. Order from the walk-up window, pick up takeout or dine-in at the traditional dining room, AVP patio or full-service bar.
Learn more about these new Only in Pittsburgh experiences and attractions and discover what’s in store for the region at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
Follow VisitPITTSBURGH on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and track and spread messaging using #LovePGH.