Guide For Thanksgiving Weekend Visitors To Pittsburgh
The line, "I met a man who lives in Tennessee, he was headed for Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie," from the song "Home for the Holidays" sums up the Thanksgiving spirit rather well, not only in Pittsburgh but across the U.S. While the song is most commonly associated with the Christmas season, it still rings true for Thanksgiving, especially when delivered by Canonsburg native Perry Como. There are so many ways to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend after the turkey's been carved and the pumpkin pie is gone. From parades and Black Friday sales to watching football on the couch, the season has something for everyone. There's no shortage of things to do and see. Here's your guide for Thanksgiving weekend in Pittsburgh.
Pitaland Mediterranean Bakery and Cafe
620 Brookline Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
(412) 531-5040
www.pitaland.com
With a newly added café serving authentic Mediterranean-style dishes for breakfast and lunch, it's no wonder that Pitaland's popularity continues to grow. It is the perfect complement to the market, bakery and wholesale operations that have made Pitaland an established part of the Pittsburgh ethnic market scene for the past 30 years. Some of the favorites on the cafe menu are the lamb burger, fattoush salad and chicken shawarma. The breakfast menu includes a number of authentic Lebanese dishes that are sure to please. Located in Brookline, Pitaland is a great place for holiday food shoppers looking for a fresh and flavorful alternative to the same old sleep-inducing holiday foods.
The Rink at PPG Place
Market Square, Between 3rd and 4th Ave.
Pittsburgh PA 15222
(412) 394-3641
www.ppgplace.com
This 10,000-square-foot ice rink is located right in the heart of Market Square and has been a Pittsburgh holiday tradition since it first opened in 2001. Its opening coincides with Light-Up Night on November 22, and runs thru February 16. When the weather turns snowy and white, nothings adds a bit of magic to the holiday season like a visit to an outdoor ice rink. It is available for birthday parties, skating lessons, corporate events, holiday parties, private rentals and group outings. Advance reservations are required.
PPG Animal Thanksgiving
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
1 Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 665-3640
www.pittsburghzoo.org
Date: Nov. 23, 2013 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Add a touch of the wild and exotic to this year's Thanksgiving plans with a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. As long as the weather doesn't turn too nasty, the Pittsburgh Zoo is open year round. This year, why not bring the little ones to celebrate with the all of the birds and mammals that call Pittsburgh home? Some favorite Thanksgiving fare for the wildlife include pumpkins, gourds and sweet potatoes.
Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
