I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for 9 year’s now and always enjoy heading into the city. While I wish we lived closer or that our area provided a train (a la Chicago) into the city, I know I would be getting my urban fix way more often if both of those options were the reality.

Pittsburgh is a stunning city. I recall my first experience heading through the Ft. Pitt tunnel on a sunny October day almost 10 years ago when we were considering moving here.

I was completely shocked by the beauty. I don’t know what I expected, but naively, and honestly, I did not expect to be awestruck by the blue sky against the yellow bridge and fantastic architecture creating a spectacular skyline.

Thus, one of my goals for #50before50 was to see more than Heinz Field, the arts district, and the Strip – the areas I tend to visit most often. Instead, it was time to take a guided walking tour and see downtown on foot.

A friend’s 50th birthday celebration provided the perfect opportunity to do so with Walk the Burgh being our gracious hosts for the Hollywood East downtown movie tour! Um, hello, Silence of the Lamb’s anyone?????

It was a beautiful day. The tour was fun, informative, and a GREAT way to get in some walking mileage, for the tour was a solid 2 hours long.

I highly recommend Walk the Burgh and wouldn’t hesitate to explore another section of the city on foot with their guidance.

And, hmmmm . . . the tour provided a spontaneous opportunity to hit not one, but TWO of my #50before50 experiences out of the park.

You’ll have to check back to read about #3. It was completely refreshing. Though it’s quite possible I scared several children.

And their parents.

(And don’t miss ALL my #50before50 blog posts right HERE!)