Sense to Save

Frugal things to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This post is one in a series from The Money Life Network. If you’d like to contribute a “Frugal things to do in” your city post, visit this page to learn how to be included.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steel City. The City of Bridges. The ‘Burgh. No matter what you call it, this metro of about 2.5 million people is a bustling hub of activity in southwestern Pennsylvania. My husband and I have lived here for about 14 months, and we’re still finding new things to explore (and new ways to get lost). Whether you’re a resident or plan to make a visit some time in the future, here are a few things you can do for fun around “tahn” that are relatively affordable.

I’ll admit–my travels are limited–but I’ve never been in a city quite like Pittsburgh. Before coming here, I never realized how hilly and beautiful it was! You’ll be amazed at the sharp inclines, long hills, winding roads, and lush trees. Your gas mileage in the city will be terrible because of it, but at least things look nice, right?

The Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers come together and form the Ohio River. This confluence at “The Point” meets downtown, at the North Shore (has Heinz Field where da Stillers play and PNC Park where the Pirates play), and the scenic Mt. Washington area.

There are 90 distinct neighborhoods and plenty more municipalities in the area.

The combination of rivers, hills, and separate municipalities coming together to form one metro means the roads here are like a jumbled bowl of spaghetti. Twists and loops and tunnels, oh my!

You can’t always make a series of left or right turns to turn yourself around and go the right way. Sometimes, if you make a wrong turn or are in the wrong lane at the wrong time, you’ll have to completely alter your route and find a new way to get to your destination.

For this reason, if you’re coming to Pittsburgh without a life-long resident as a guide, I’d highly suggest renting, borrowing, or buying a GPS. You won’t always have satellite reception (hi, tunnels!) but it’s more helpful than a detailed map, in many cases. Maps are only useful if you can find yourself on it–and I’ve seen too many streets without signs around here to be able to rely on maps.

Public transportation

If you don’t want to mess with navigating this city or parking, you can take the bus or the light rail system called “the T.” Visit the Port Authority for schedules and routes.

Things to do

Mt. Washington–This iconic hill overlooks the shores of the Monongahela River, providing excellent views of Downtown, the North Shore, and more. For a unique experience, take the Monongahela or Duquesne Incline to the top. Once you’re there, stroll down the street and stop on one (or more) overlooks and take in the sights and sounds.

Cost: $2 one way or $2.50 round-trip. Children ages 6-11 are $1 one way or $1.25 round-trip. Free if you have a monthly bus pass.

Gateway Clipper Fleet–Docking at Station Square are the boats of the Gateway Clipper Fleet. You can choose from a variety of cruises for narrated tours, dinner and dancing, and the “Goodship Lollipop.” We haven’t done this yet, but probably will in a few weeks when family visits.

Cost: $7.50 for ages 3-12; $11 for adults; $10 for seniors 60+. Over Labor Day weekend, kids can ride for $0.50 but you need to call and make a reservation.

Money-saving tip: If you have an Entertainment Book for Pittsburgh, you can find a coupon for a buy one, get one free cruise (not all cruises can get this discount). Right now, you can get a 2008 Pittsburgh Entertainment Book for free but you have to pay $4.99 shipping.

Station Square–If you’re taking the Mon Incline, you might park in a garage near Station Square. Take a peek inside to find little shops and restaurants (most restaurants seem to be national chains). Back outside, you won’t want to miss the Fountain at Bessemer Court. Every 20 minutes, the fountains “dance” to perfectly timed music and lights.
Cost: Free to walk around and see the fountain. Not free to park.

Soergel Orchards–It’s blueberry season right now, and you can pick your own here at the orchard. Visit for a variety of fresh, locally grown produce and to wander about the grounds. Children will enjoy looking at the barn animals. Sample some area wines in their wine shop.

Cost: Free, unless you buy something. Heh.

North Park–Pack a picnic (maybe from food purchased at Soergel!) and head to North Park. With plenty of shelter houses and picnic tables, you’re sure to find a cozy spot to snack and enjoy the weather. You’ll see joggers, walkers, and cyclists exercising along the many trails here.

This park offers:

• – An 18-hole golf course ($12-18 all ages on weekends, cheaper on weekdays and during the fall and winter. BYO clubs),
• – Driving range $4 for small bucket of balls; $1 off coupon available on web site
• – Batting cages 10 pitches for $2, 60 pitches for $10, 120 pitches for $20.
• – Swimming pool ($4 adults, $3 youth, $1 children)
• – Playgrounds (Free)
• – Kayaking — Kayak, canoe, or use a hydrobike at North Park or downtown at the rivers. Prices range from $15-20 per hour.

Visit this site to learn of more county parks to visit.

Ice skating– If you’re here in the winter, you can go ice skating downtown at PPG and glide on the ice around a massive Christmas tree at this outdoor rink.

Cost: $7 adults, $6 children, $3 students with ID. Skate rental $3. Families can save money by attending on Tuesday evenings, where children have one free admission with one paid adult ticket.

If you prefer to skate indoors and save money, visit North Park or South Park.

Cost: $3.50 for juniors and adults; $2 for children and seniors. Skate rental is $2. Wednesday night family skates are $10 for two adults and up to four children.

Museums

• –Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is $8 on Thursdays, or $9 for ages 2-18 and 65+, and $10 for adults. Save money by using your Entertainment Book to get a free children’s admission with the purchase of an adult ticket (not valid on Thursdays). More info.
• –Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History– You get admission to two museums for the price of one. Cost: $11 for students/children, $12 seniors, $15 adults. Use a 2-for-1 coupon in your Entertainment Book to save even more.
• –Carnegie Science Center admission includes the Sportsworks facility. $10 for children, $14 for adults. For a little extra, you can also buy tickets to an Omnimax show.
• –Andy Warhol Museum–Admission is $8 for children 3-18 and students, $9 for seniors 55+, $15 for adults. Find a 2-for-1 coupon in your Entertainment Book.
• –Mattress Factory–Visit here to see modern art exhibits. Free for children under 6, $7 for students, $8 for seniors, $10 for adults. A 2-for-1 coupon is in the Entertainment Book.

Strategies for saving money on maternity wear

I’m not quite to the point of needing maternity clothes, but I know that the day will come soon when my regular clothes no longer fit.

I’ve never enjoyed shopping for clothes, and I certainly don’t want to spend much money on items I’ll get to wear for just a short time.

Here are some ideas for saving money:

- Go through your closet and take a quick inventory of what you already have. Don’t forget to look at your husband’s clothes, too. Shane has some track pants and sweatshirts I’ll be able to use. I’ve grouped together loose-fitting tops and skirts that I should still be able to wear for awhile.

- Before shopping for anything, make a list of what you need. That way, you won’t be tempted by clearance sales or eBay deals and go overboard. I want a few pair of jeans, black pants, long-sleeved shirts, a few t-shirts for layering or for warmer days, a sweater or two, some button-up shirts, pregnant lady undergarments, and a few dresses, for example. I have yet to decide how many of these items I want to buy. Read more »

Post roundup: Rainy day edition

It’s a rainy day here in Pittsburgh–perfect for me to finish cleaning out a closet and deciding what in the world to do with, well, a closet full of junk that I’ve been hauling from one apartment to another for the past few years.

Yesterday, I discovered that I still had my shower shoes from freshman year in college! Gross! Those things should have stayed in the dorms.

Getting rid of stuff is difficult for me, but it’s so freeing. My “Goodwill box” and “eBay box” are growing full, and it really does feel good to have more space to store things. Ah, nesting.

My blog is being included in a treasure hunt on Wildtreasure.com. Seems like a fun way to explore others’ blogs and win prizes!

Here’s some quick links I’ve enjoyed lately:

Mrs. Micah shares some ideas for getting out of that paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. It’s tough break, especially if you have limited income — but once you’re out, you’ll be amazed at the financial progress you make. Read more »