Week 99er

One of the great things about working for yourself is when you're asked to go on a consulting job out of town - you can do it. You can check your schedule and even take your work with you. Just last week I was taken out of town with a law firm I do consulting work for. Where were we going? Pittsburgh! 

Since I had never been to Pittsburgh before this trip, I contacted the tourist board about what there is to do in town. While our trip was short, we packed a lot into a couple days and had a great time. 

One thing I learned on this trip was that Pittsburgh is split into two main sections - the downtown (business section) and the South Side. Our hotel was on the South Side and before we arrived, I didn't know if this was a good or bad thing. 

The downtown area of Pittsburgh was mostly businesses, and the regular 9-5 places you would find in any core of any major city. While the South Side was bustling with people, small niche stores, mom and pop businesses and the streets were packed. We later found out that it was the night before the college classes started so the streets were more full than usual. 

Our first night in town we drove around, and actually got lost on the top of Mount Washington. We found our way back down after a while, but it was definitely a different experience than driving around Detroit! 

One of the things that the tourist board (as well as a couple friends) said we must do if we're in Pittsburgh is the Duquesne Incline. It is one of two left (there were originally 17 in the area). The incline was originally used to carry coal from the mountain top and down into the city when it was built in 1877. 

So what do you do on the incline? You get to ride on a 130 year old trolley car up the side of the mountain. Trust me - this is the easiest way up!  The car takes you up a 30.5 degree angle straight up or down the mountain side. You just get to sit back and relax and enjoy the view of the city as you go. 

One of the things I enjoyed about the incline (other than the fantastic views) is the hours it is open. The incline is open 365 days a year from 5:30 am to 12:45 am (Sundays 7:00 am to 12:45 am). You can not only enjoy the view of the city during the day but also at night. 

We actually went back for a second trip in the evening and were able to get a beautiful view of the city lit up at night. 

Another great part about the incline? It's affordable! Adults are only $5 round trip, kids (6-11) are only $2.50 round trip and if your child is under 5 they're free! 

Once you reach the top of the incline and enter it's Upper Station you're greeted with history. Not just the history of the Duquesne Incline but of Pittsburgh as a whole. You can even go on a self guided tour of the older machine parts. 

There is also an observation deck where you can go out and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh. Trust me, you wont want to miss the views! 

We had a great time on the incline - and it's a great price for the experience. It is one of last remaining inclines in the nation, and an experience everyone should have at least once!