I recently ventured to Pittsburgh for the first time, not knowing what to expect, what with its reputation as an aging working-class steel town.
It quickly became clear that with its booming economy, diverse nightlife, vast array of queer art, and the go-getter ‘Steel Town, USA’ mentality, it had officially made my list of favorite cities.
Below are 11 things to do in no particular order while trekking around the city where the American version Queer As Folk was set…
11. Go to Blue Moon
This fabulous dive bar launched the careers of Ru Pauls Drag Race superstars Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderfuck.
10. Visit the Andy Warhol Museum.
Explore the legacy of Andy Warhol in this seven-story museum. You can act like a celebrity and get your very own screen test done.
9. Check out Randyland
The over the top backyard located in the Mexican War District is one of the most colorful public art landmarks in the US. This is the perfect spot to take epic selfies.
8. Get sexy at Trim
Get your sexy swim trunks or jockstrap at this boutique gay clothing store.
7. Visit the queer Big Idea Bookstore.
Get some rad fairtrade coffee at the anti-capitalist, nonbinary supporting, anti-oppressive Big Idea Bookstore
6. Eat breakfast at Pamela’s for the local vibe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BttWUVOHDI1/
There is always a wait and it is cash only, but Pamela’s gives the true essence of Pittsburgh food. Go to the strip district location for more of a local vibe.
5. Check out the Greer Lankton trans exhibit at the Mattress Factory.
In Pittsburgh check out the #GreerLankton exhibit at @mattressfactory She was one of the first people in the USA to have gender reassignment surgery and documented every day of her life throughout the transition until the day she committed suicide. #mypgh @visitpittsburgh pic.twitter.com/T9uK9RvlGJ
— Ravi Round The World (@RaviRndTheWorld) February 15, 2019
Greer Lankton was one of the first people in the US to have gender reassignment surgery and documented every day of her life. The Mattress Factory has it all on display!
4. Eat the best vegan eastern European food in town at APTEKA
Are you vegan and vegetarian and in the Pittsburgh area? You MUST go to @AptekaPgh They have the most INSANELY DELISH perogies & phenomenal cocktails! #mypgh pic.twitter.com/liKSk7vOS2
— Ravi Round The World (@RaviRndTheWorld) February 15, 2019
Apteka is a local organic restaurant with delicious perogies and handcrafted cocktails.
3. Watch the sunrise at the top of Mount Washington
The views in PITTSBURGH are incredible from the top of Mount Washington. #lovepgh #gaytravel #rainbowLGBTQ pic.twitter.com/eIPxyeIGGp
— Ravi Round The World (@RaviRndTheWorld) February 10, 2019
2. Dance the night away at IMAGES.
Lgbt night life in downtown PITTSBURGH is more alive than ever before! 💁🌈🌎 @visitpittsburgh #lovepgh #images #cruzebar pic.twitter.com/5dkfjiB4qd
— Ravi Round The World (@RaviRndTheWorld) October 23, 2017
The downtown gay nightlife has become super diverse and inclusive. Visit Images for super affordable drinks and a wild night of dancing.
1. Get out on the Monohangala River
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtqxEK7nVUM/
Bask in the sun as you cruise through the waters of the city with one of the most bridges in the world!
Check out Ravi Round The World’s Adventures in Pittsburg