The Frick Art and Historical Center, known locally as the Frick, is a shining example of the legacy of steel money of the Steel City. The former estate of the Henry Clay Frick, a founder of US Steel, was converted into a museum and showcases how the wealthy Frick family lived as well as displaying many pieces of priceless art. Located at the edge of Pittsburgh's Frick Park, the museum is a perfect place to relax after a long stroll.
Parking and public transportation at the Frick Art and Historical Center
The Frick has a decent sized parking lot that is free to visitors. Visitors can also take the P1 bus from downtown, which travels along a car-free busway and gets to the museum in no time. Exit the Homewood station if taking the bus.
Best and worst time to go to the Frick
The warm months of June and July are the best time to visit the Frick. Since the museum is located on the grounds of a former estate, it is very pleasant to meander from building to building to enjoy the sun and then escape into the air conditioning. Also, Fridays in June and July are open until 9 p.m. February is the worst, as Pittsburgh is freezing and the Frick holds few events.
Admission to the Frick Art and Historical Center
Most exhibitions in the Frick are free. Tours into the magnificent Frick family home, Clayton, are $12-$15 for adults. Seniors, students, and active military are $10-$12, while kids under 16 years old are $6-$8. The grounds and exhibits are closed on Mondays and most major holidays.
Must see at the Frick
Though it costs extra, tours of the beautiful Clayton mansion are worth every penny. Not just for the glimpse into the life of a wealthy steel baron from the late 1800s, but also for the priceless art. Don't miss a chance to sneak into the old green house too; it has a bunch of retro charm.
Other places to visit near the Frick Art and Historical Center
East End Brewing in nearby Larimer, is arguably the city's best brewery. It is very hard to find since it is located in an old warehouse and you enter through barely advertised door, so keep your eyes peeled. Point Brugge Cafe has been serving up affordable Belgian fare for years, and is consistently voted best fries in the city. Also, don't miss a chance to wander through Pittsburgh's largest park, Frick Park, just south of the museum.
Insider tip to visitors to the Frick
If you are in Pittsburgh for the whole week, or live in the Steel City, visit the Frick on Tuesdays. It is buy one get one for tours of Clayton. Not to mention it is not very crowded on Tuesdays, you might have the whole estate to yourself.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
There is no better introduction to a new city than a great view. It is true of the Empire State Building in New York and the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles. In this aspect, Pittsburgh is no different and has a view to compete with those two iconic landmarks. One glimpse from Grandview Avenue in the Mount Washington neighborhood showcases how the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers converge to form the Ohio, and surround the impressive downtown skyline. To reach this spectacular sight, Pittsburghers ride the 140-year-old vertical railway, the Monongahela Incline, and so should you.
Parking and public transportation at the Monongahela Incline
Driving and public transport are equally attractive options to reach the incline. There is ample pay parking surrounding the Station Square shopping center, which is adjacent to the lower incline entrance. If coming from Downtown, the North Shore area near the sports stadiums, or anywhere in the hills south of the city, hop on the light rail, aka the T, and get off at the Station Square stop.
Best and worst time to go to the Monongahela Incline
The incline is open all year round, and prices do not vary, but it would be hard to deny autumn as the best season to visit, especially October to mid-November. Reds, yellows, and burnt oranges fill the landscape and reflect off the blue waters of the three rivers and the glass spires of PPG Place. In February, the trees are bare, the sky is grey, and the rivers may be frozen, so best to stay away.
Admission to the Monongahela Incline
The Monongahela Incline, and its sister incline a mile down river, the Duquense Incline, are operated as public transportation, so fares are very cheap. One-way rides is less than $3 for adults and less than $2 for youths (6-11). Children under five years old are free, as are senior citizens with proper ID.
Must see/do at the Monongahela Incline
The view. Soak it in. Enjoy it on the ride up, and enjoy it on the ride down. Pause for pictures at the many lookout points along Grandview Avenue and take in the beauty of the Paris of Appalachia.
Other places to visit near the Monongahela Incline
Highmark Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh River Hounds professional soccer club, is just half a mile away from the lower incline, and offers a rowdy environment with crazed fans on the cheap. On top of the hill, Shiloh street offers scores of restaurants, the most popular being the gastropub Shiloh Grill. The Station Square shopping center offers eating and entertainment at national chains.
Insider tip for visitors to the Monongahela Incline
The Monongahela Incline overs views of the cityscape and proximity to restaurants and public transportation, but the true postcard view is a mile down Grandview Avenue at the Duquense Incline. However, there is nothing around the lower Duquesne Incline, outside a parking lot. So, make it a priority to walk over to the Duquense Incline, but only after riding up the Monongahela. No need to ride down the Duquesne, just walk back to Monongahela and head down the mountain.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
