Category: Featured

  • The Fineman House in Stanton Heights

    The Fineman House in Stanton Heights

    This is possibly one of my favorite buildings in Pittsburgh and one of my favorite posts from 2016. Only in Pittsburgh, can you find a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentices almost hidden in plain sight in a neighborhood like Stanton Heights and listed for just $115,000. Charles Rosenblum, who often covers local architecture, wrote about the Fineman House for NextPittsburgh last year.  The Fineman House was built in 1952 by Peter Berndtson and Cornelia Brierly. Peter Berndtson was an Apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright.

    I just looked at the Zillow page for this house, and it looks like it sold for $152,000, $37,000 more than the listing price.

  • Guide to Pittsburgh’s Independent Movie Theaters

    Guide to Pittsburgh’s Independent Movie Theaters

    When the weather starts heating up, sometimes the only thing to do is go inside. This season many of us will take to the air-conditioned refuge of our local megaplexes. To switch things up, I offer you a list of local independently owned theaters. Many of the theaters screen the same new releases, but also provide character and unique programming.

    Hollywood Theater475193_275212485896001_1501098987_o

    1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont

    (412)563-0368

    The Hollywood plays a wide variety of movies as well as special film events. Known for its Rocky Horror Picture Show performances, as well as its “Breakfast and a Movie” series (just what it says, breakfast, and a movie) there’s something for everyone. The single-screened theater is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Potomac Avenue and Dormont by providing a theater and community center.

    The Strand

    119 North Main St., Zelienople

    (724)742-0400

    The Strand offers a variety of films as well as live performances. The Rocky Horror Picture Show screens regularly (17 & over only) and yes, you can throw things at this performance. The theater screens classics like Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, but you can also find live shows at The Strand. The nonprofit theater was restored in 2002, and wants to expand the project.

    The Manor

    1729 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh

    (412)422-9851

    The Manor theater screens both wide-release and independent movies, at often lower prices than the megaplexes. The Manor also boasts “The M Bar” in the lobby where patrons can bring alcoholic drinks into the theater. Check out the “Manor at Midnight” series, when the theater screens classic movies Saturdays at midnight.

    Harris Theater

    a little history?
    a little history? (Photo credit: macwagen)

    809 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh

    (412)682-4111

    Owned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programmed by Pittsburgh Filmmakers ,the Harris Theater is a classic movie house in the heart of the Cultural District. The theater screens foreign and contemporary independent films, and is also part of the Three Rivers Film Festival.

    Oaks Theater

    310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont

    (412)828-6322

    The single screen Oaks Theater screens both new releases and cult classics. Check out the summer series “Moonlit Matinees”, where Oaks screens a cult classic every Friday and Saturday night. Once a month, the theater hosts the “Cine Bruch”, where movie fans can watch and munch on a delicious Oakmont Bakery brunch.

    Regent Square

    Regent Sq Theater

    1035 South Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh

    (412)682-4111

    Owned and operated by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, this single screen theater plays limited release independent movies seven days a week. In addition, every Sunday night the Regent Square theater hosts “The Sunday Series”, a monthly series of film screenings based around a theme, era, or director.

    Melwood Screening Room

    477 Melwood Ave., Pittsburgh

    (412)681-5449

    Located within the Pittsburgh Filmmakers building, the Melwood Screening Room is the youngest of the independent theaters on this list. The screening room plays independent features, and hosts “Film Kitchen” on the second Tuesday of every month.“Film Kitchen” is a series featuring local short films. The filmmakers are present at the screening and available for discussion after the show.

     


    View Independent Theaters in Pittsburgh in a larger map

    What’s your favorite theater in Pittsburgh? Seen any good movies lately?

  • A Football Town With a Soccer Problem

    A Football Town With a Soccer Problem

    Despite three Stanley Cups championships and five World Series titles to its name, Pittsburgh is undeniably a football town. Every time Monday Night Football comes to town, Pittsburghers are treated to hearing ESPN’s crew praising our city’s blue-collar work ethic, as well as noting how that work ethic is reflected in our football team. They’re not wrong. The Steelers have a unique bond with their city that few other teams in the NFL, let alone in the whole of professional sports, can claim. For example, the Terrible Towel, originally a tool for supporting the Steelers, has become just as strongly associated with the city as a whole.

    Surprisingly enough, this won’t wind up being a post about football, so much as it’ll be about fútbol. Considering Pittsburgh’s passion for the sports world (maybe “passion” is the wrong word to describe our relationship with the Pirates in the last twenty years, but bear with me), it surprises me that our own Pittsburgh Riverhounds don’t get more in the way of love from the ‘Burgh’s historically spirited fanbase.

    Okay, fine. Maybe it’s not all that surprising. Most Americans—not just Pittsburghers—have had a tense relationship with the game of soccer since we gave up the game in grade school. (Admit it, you only played for the orange slices at halftime. I know I did). I get it. You want touchdowns and home runs. Even hockey goals are more exciting than soccer goals, partially because you know the names of the guys who are scoring them, and partially because the powers that be have made it impossible for hockey games to end in a tie. Ties are boring, and any game that offers the outcome of neither a win nor a loss must also be boring. Period. End of discussion.

    Hold on a second. The Steel Army would like a word with you. On Sunday, I headed down to Station Square to see the Riverhounds square off against Antigua Barracuda FC. The Hounds trounced Antigua, by a score of 4-1, but the highlight for me was the passionate supporters group who gathered on the bleachers behind the goal line, and spent nearly the entire game shouting, chanting, singing, beating drums, waving flags, and generally stirring up a ruckus, the likes of which I don’t think I’ve ever seen on a sustained level at a professional sporting event. Sure, every once in a while someone will get a good chant going, (“Let’s Go Bucs, “Let’s Go Pens,” “Here We Go Steelers,” etc.) and I won’t deny that 65,000 people waving Terrible Towels in unison is a pretty exciting sight to see, but it always seems that, eventually, stadiums are awash in a “Too Cool to Care” attitude, and the fan participation dies down after about a minute and a half. What I witnessed on Sunday in Highmark Stadium (the capacity of which is around 4,000 bodies) was almost a full 90 minutes of unabashed engagement, from truly passionate fans. The Steel Army takes its cues from traditional English supporters, (no hooligans though, as far as I could tell, so feel free to bring the kids) and even though their numbers are significantly smaller, they make up for it by being very loud and very invested in the outcome of the game. I get the feeling that if you spent some time with the Army, you’d become just as invested. Even if you don’t see the appeal of soccer as a game, or if you don’t understand it completely, I’ve said it before: there’s something exciting about a group of people bonding over city pride, and the Army has city pride in droves.

    One of the banners found in the Steel Army supporters section

    One of the banners found in the Steel Army supporters section

    If I still haven’t convinced you by way of my “passionate soccer hooligans” argument, (even though they really do seem like lovely people) at least do yourself a favor and go check out the stadium. Situated in Station Square, Highmark Stadium opens out onto the Monongahela River and offers a really awesome view of the Point that faces opposite Heinz Field and PNC Park on the Allegheny. The Hounds carry their ten game unbeaten streak (unfortunately, that does include ties) into a match against the Charlotte Eagles on the Fourth of July at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $9.50. What better way to celebrate your country’s independence than with cheap semi-professional soccer? Then, toward the end of July, (July 19th, to be exact) Wigan Athletic comes to town. For those who are unfamiliar, Wigan Athletic is a club from across the pond in Merrie Olde England. They’re also the reigning FA Cup champions, which is kind of a big deal. Think March Madness multiplied by eleven or so. Every football club in England (all 758 of them) automatically qualifies, then they duke it out for the oldest association football championship in the world. So now the victorious Latics are bringing the FA Cup to Pittsburgh, and would probably be missing out if they weren’t given the whole Pittsburgh sports experience that one might receive at a Steelers, Pirates or Penguins game.

    But if you really must avoid the association football, you can head down on July 3rd  at 6:30 PM for a free concert and a great view of the Three Rivers Regatta Fireworks show. At least you can be sure that the fireworks won’t end in a tie.

  • Guide to Pittsburgh public pools: hours, cost, locations, rules

    UPDATE 6/2019 – Please visit Very Local Pittsburgh for an updated pool guide for 2019.

    Image courtesy of Citiparks.
    Image courtesy of Citiparks.

    All 18 Pittsburgh city pools are officially open for the summer, until September 2! Check the Citiparks website to make sure your local pool is open for the day.

    While none of the locations provide refreshments, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no alcohol).

    Don’t forget to check out the water carnivals, hosted by a different pool every few days in July. Basically an open pool party for the neighborhood, the carnivals feature unique themes, fun games, raffle prizes, and free food and drinks (normal admission prices apply).

    Hours

    Mondays – Fridays, 1:00- 7:45 p.m
    Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays, 1:00- 5:45 p.m.

    Adult Lap Swim:
    For individuals 16 years old and older.

    Mondays – Fridays, 5-6 p.m.
    Every pool

    Mondays – Fridays, Noon – 1 p.m.
    Highland, Moore, Schenley and Sue Murray

    Saturdays – Sundays, Noon – 1 p.m.
    Bloomfield, Highland, Jack Stack, Magee, Moore, Ormsby, Phillips, Ream, Riverview, Schenley, Sue Murray, West Penn and Westwood

    Family swim:
    Any individual under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.

    Monday- Friday 5pm-close
    Every pool

    Cost
    Payable by cash, check, or money order only.

    Year-long pool passes
    Year-long (June-June) pool passes can be purchased at outdoor pools (except Ammon) during operating hours, or at the Citiparks Office on the fourth floor of the City-County building (414 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh).

    City of Pittsburgh residents (proof required)

    • Family of four: $60; each additional family member: $10
    • Adult (16 years old and older): $30
    • Youth (3-15 years old): $15
    • Kids (2 and under): free

    Free pool tags are available for City residents who are disabled veterans, plus families of active duty military and activated reservist/guard members. Proper ID is required.

    City of Pittsburgh residents who receive welfare benefits can buy tags at a 50% discount. A case print-out and proof of identity are required to receive the discount.

    Non-City of Pittsburgh residents

    • Adult or youth: $45

    Daily pool pass

    • Adult (16 years old and older): $4
    • Youth (3-15 years old): $3

    Locations

     [cetsEmbedGmap src=https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203916488985198549708.0004892c3ba6bd1ec9f3a&msa=0&ll=40.443289,-79.962959&spn=0.128813,0.308647 width=500 height=425 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 frameborder=0 scrolling=no]

    East/Central

    Ammon (Hill District)
    2217 Bedford Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    412-255-2627

    One of the biggest pools in Pittsburgh, they get a lot of camps during the day but quiet down after about 4pm.
    Water carnival: July 23

    Bloomfield
    408 Ella Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15224
    412-622-6956

    Water carnival: July 9

    Highland Park -good for families -one of biggest
    151 Lake Drive
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    412-665-3637

    With a kiddie pool and a mushroom spray fountain, plus handicap accesible features, this pool is great for families. It’s also one of the biggest and busiest in Pittsburgh and has sand volleyball courts
    Water carnival: July 13

    Homewood
    540 N. Lang Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    412-244-4186

    Another pool that gets a good amount of camps during the day but is very quiet in the evenings.
    Water carnival: July 2

    Magee (Greenfield)
    745 Greenfield Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    412-422-4265

    Known for having one of the best swim teams in the program, this pool next to the recreation center gets decent crowds.
    Water carnival: July 9

    Schenley Park
    1 Overlook Drive
    Pittsburgh, PA 15213
    412-422-4266

    One of busiest, this pool is favored by the college-aged and young adult crowd, with not a lot of kids swimming here. It is a walk-in pool though, which is great for kids and new/apprehensive swimmers.
    Water carnival: July 13

    West Penn (Polish Hill)
    450 30th Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    412-622-6908

    Water carnival: July 20

    North

    Jack Stack (Brighton Heights)
    600 Brighton Woods Road
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212
    412-766-4577

    This newer walk-in pool (great for kids and different swim levels) also has a smaller kiddie pool.
    Water carnival: July 4

    Riverview (Perry North)
    400 Riverview Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15214
    412-323-7223

    Water carnival: August 6

    Sue Murray (North Side)
    301 Cedar Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212
    412-323-7914

    Although it gets busy with camps during the day, this walk-in pool with slides is much more quiet in the evenings. It’s also handicap accessible with a lift chair.
    Water carnival: July 6

    South/West

    Banksville
    1461 Crane Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15220
    412-571-3231

    A great (yet quiet) pool for families, this facility has a kiddie pool and fountain, baseball fields, playgrounds, an attached pavilion available for rent, and a brand new deck hockey rink sponsored by the Penguins.
    Water carnival: July 11

    McBride (Lincoln Place) – good for families
    1785 McBride Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15207
    412-476-1311

    This pool is handicap accessible.
    Water carnival: July 23

    Moore (Brookline)
    1801 Pioneer Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15226
    412-571-3223

    A big, popular walk-in pool, there’s slides onsite and a large shallow area that’s good for kids.
    Water carnival: July 16

    Ormsby (South Side)
    79 S. 22nd Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15203
    412-488-8377

    This pool gets crowded with a wide variety of people, from teens to families to random passersby, and is right on the busline.
    Water carnival: July 27

    Phillips (Carrick) -good for families
    201 Parkfield Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15210
    412-885-7498

    This quiet, mostly neighborhood pool has a spray pad for kids not quite ready for the actual pools, making it great for families with young kids. There’s also an attached rec center.
    Water carnival: July 6

    Ream (Mt. Washington)
    321 Merrimac Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15211
    412-488-8312

    Right on the busline, this pool has a lot of programs and a playground.
    Water carnival: July 20

    Sheraden
    1071 Adon Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15204
    412-777-5011

    Water carnival: July 25

    Westwood
    100 Guyland Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15205
    412-937-3061

    Water carnival: July 16

    Rules

    The pool promotes a family-friendly environment at all times.

    • Pool tags must be worn at all times.
    • Swim suits are required for the pool and deck area.
    • Patrons must shower before entering the pool.
    • No running, dunking, horseplay or profanity.
    • No diving on the shallow side of safety line.
    • Smoking is prohibited inside the facility, including e-cigarettes.
    • Food and drink are permitted only in designated area.
    • Swimmers under six years of age must be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older.
    • The Head Lifeguard must approve all flotation devices. Inflatable flotation devices are prohibited.
    • Lounge chairs & strollers must be kept at a minimum distance of ten feet from poolside.
    • Patrons with medical conditions should inform the Lifeguards.
    • Citiparks is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property.
    • Complaints – see the Head Lifeguard for procedures.
    • Lifeguards are responsible for your safety, so please follow the rules.
    • Violations of above rules may result in disciplinary action up to and including loss of pool privileges.

    Click the links for more information about the four spray parks the city operates, swim lessons, and other swimming programs.

    Got information to add? Dying to know an answer to a question about the pools? Facebook us, send us a tweet, or leave a comment below. You can contact the city pools directly here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/city-info/swimming-pools.html

  • Guide to unique, interesting, and fun classes and workshops in Pittsburgh

    Guide to unique, interesting, and fun classes and workshops in Pittsburgh

    School may be out for the summer but there’s still plenty of opportunity to get your learn on. From day-long workshops to weekly evening classes, there’s tons of chances to try something new or pick up long-forgotten hobbies once again.

    Knitting/crocheting

    Whether you’re picking up a pair of needles for the first time, looking to perfect your purling skills, or ready to make the perfect pair of socks, a knitting or crochet class is a great opportunity to pull out the yarn and needles. The following locations offer a variety of classes for all skill levels.

    Dyed in the Wool
    3458 Babcock Boulevard
    Pittsburgh,  PA 15237
    (412) 364-0310

    Yarns Be Design
    622 Allegheny River Boulevard
    Oakmont, PA 15139
    (412) 794-8332

    Natural Stitches
    6401 Penn Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    (412) 441-4410

    Knit One
    2721 Murray Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA, 15217
    (412) 421-6666

    Wine and Whiskey

    Dreadnought Wines in the Strip District has a variety of classes for different levels of expertise, including both Wine and Spirit Education Trust Certifications and more casual tastings.
    2013 Penn Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222
    (800) 565 2816

    Wigle Whiskey, one of the Strip’s newest establishments, distills their own whiskey and gin onsite in traditional copper pots and using local ingredients. They offer tours on Saturdays, plus have events like labeling parties and the annual tar and feather celebration.
    2401 Smallman Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222
    (412) 224-2827

    Arts, Crafts, and Tech

    The Society for Contemporary Craft holds day-long and evening workshops using all kinds of crafts and materials: fiber, wood, book arts and paper, metal, and mixed media.
    2100 Smallman Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222
    (412) 261-7003

    Union Project is a neighborhood space for people to come together and connect, create, and celebrate. They currently offer ceramics classes, Zumba, salsa, yoga, and hula hoop lessons.
    801 N Negley Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    (412) 363-4550

    Cut and Sew Studio offers a social sewing environment, with all tools and materials available, for people looking to learn how to sew, wanting to get better at it, or working on specific or independent projects.
    5901 Bryant Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    (412) 865- 6565

    Saxifrage, described as a higher education nomadic campus, offers classes in woodworking, computer programming, organic agriculture, graphic and user-centered design, map and geographic information systems, and carpentry.

    TechShop is a community-based workshopping space for people who want access to industrial tools and equipment. Classes are offered in a wide range of industry, such as woodshop, metal work, silk screening, welding, embroidery, computer design, 3D printing, and much more.
    192 Bakery Square Boulevard
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    (412) 345-7182

    Improv/Comedy

    Steel City Improv has multi-level 8-week classes for both budding and more experienced comedians to hone their craft. Students have the opportunity to perform on stage, plus the chance to audition for the house teams and/or form independent groups.
    5950 Ellsworth Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15232
    404-2695

    Improv Academy also offers weekly classes, as well as private sessions for actors or writers, film, television, on-set work with production companies, and improv troupes.
    109 Market Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222
    (412) 407-3319

    Arcade Comedy Theater explores the many different forms and type of improvisational and standup comedy through various weekly classes, including some aimed towards kids and teens. They also host monthly workshops taught by visiting and local professionals.
    811 Liberty Avenue
    
Pittsburgh PA, 15222
    (412) 339-0608

    The University of Funny has a comedy 101 class to teach adults the basics of comedy. Mic technique, confidence in front of crowds, and the art of standup are all explored to find your inner funny.
    (412) 573-9444

    Miscellaneous

    Free Ride in Point Breeze isn’t so much a bike repair shop as it is a bike education facility. The idea is that you volunteer your time, paired with a willingness to learn, and the staff at Free Ride teaches you how to build, and repair, your own bike. They have a variety of earn-a bike programs for both adults and children, as well as individual classes throughout the week.
    Construction Junction
    214 N. Lexington Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    (412) 254-3774

    The Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park offers tours Thursday and Friday nights in the warmer months. Tours start with a short presentation, followed by a walking tour of the building, and then end at the 13-inch Fitz-Clark refractor telescope. Public lectures are also offered every month.
    159 Riverview Avenue
    
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
    (412) 321-2400

    While not necessarily a class or workshop, we’d be remiss to not mention Trundle Manor in a list of unique learning opportunities in Pittsburgh. Billed as “the most unusual tourist trap in the world meets the most bizarre private collection on public display,” you can tour (by appointment only) the manor’s antique taxidermy, old world charm, sadistic medical devices, coffins and coffin like items, Steampunk influenced creations, cryptozoology, and much more.
    7724 Juniata Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15218
    (412) 916-5544

    Of course, all locations of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have a plethora of classes, events, and workshops, from knitting book clubs and video game gatherings to language clubs and computer classes.

    What cool classes and workshops did we miss? Leave us a message on Facebook, send us a tweet, or email Catherine@iheartpgh.com. And keep a look out for our posts on cooking/dining classes in the ‘Burgh and free/pay-what-you-can yoga!