Weekend in Pittsburgh

My husband and I decided to head to the Steel City for a few days on our way to Cleveland.  Pittsburgh had a reputation for being a rough industrial city but a lot has changed.  The city was clean, the people were friendly, and it actually reminded me of Portland, Oregon.

Things to Do

Check out a game (Pirates/Steelers/Penguins)  

Pittsburgh is known for selling out most of their games even when their teams aren’t doing well so make sure to get your tickets ahead of time.  We checked out a Pirates baseball game.  The whole area in front of the stadium shuts down, including the bridge, for tailgating.  There was a live band, drinks and it was a great time.

Ride the Inclines/Mt. Washington

The inclines let you ride up Mt. Washington in a cable car for great views of the city.  We decided not to ride the inclines and drive up because we wanted to get some exercise and walk around Shiloh Street at the top of Mt. Washington for the great views.  (Only a 5-10 minute drive from downtown) I think the Inclines would be great if you are traveling with kids. 

Inclines

View from Shiloh Street

View from Shiloh Street

Point State Park

Point State Park is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the large fountain.  The park takes up 36 acres and sits right downtown.  Bikes are available to rent to take around the park or ride around downtown.

Andy Warhol Museum

While in the hometown of Andy Warhol it's worth a trip to the Andy Warhol Museum.  It is the largest museum in the country featuring one artist.  Admission is $20 for adults but if you go on a Friday night it's half price.

Yoga in the Square

Downtown Pittsburgh offers a free yoga class every Sunday morning at 10am in outside in the square downtown. (June-September) http://downtownpittsburgh.com/do/yoga-in-the-square

Places to Eat

Primanti Bros.

When in Pittsburgh you have to try one of Primanti's famous sandwiches.  Their sandwiches are large and are stuffed with french fries and coleslaw.  My husband and I shared a sandwich because they were so large.  www.primantibros.com

Pamela's Diner

Pamela's Diner has multiple locations and we tried the one located in "The Strip."  They are well known for their crepe like pancakes and have even been sent to the White House to make them for President Obama.  They offer a large breakfast/brunch menu but stick to any of their pancake options, you won't be disappointed.
pamelasdiner.com

Leaf & Bean (The Strip District)

This interesting coffee shop not only has a tropical laid back atmosphere but it doubles as a cigar shop.  Whether you are just a coffee drinker or enjoy cigars this place will make you feel like you are on vacation.

*The Strip District is a neighborhood in downtown Pittsburgh that features bars, restaurants and shops.  If you are looking for souvenirs or sports memorabilia there are a lot of vendors and some good deals.  In the Strip you can find anything from exotic meat to cigar shops.

Strip District Meats

Montreal, Quebec

We spent a weekend in Montreal and we tried to experience everything Montreal has to offer.  The french speaking capitol of Quebec was like stepping into a small Europe tucked inside Canada.  I was able to practice my french but everywhere we went people spoke English.

Places to Eat:

Schwartz Deli

Famous for their salted meat sandwich.  Schwartz's Deli is the oldest deli in Canada.  This place gets very crowded and there can be a line out the door so try to aim for between meal times, later at night, or take it to go.  The sandwiches are delicious and so large two people can share.  For less than $10 two people can split one.
3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard

http://schwartzsdeli.com/ca/en/

Dieu du Ciel

If you are looking for a place to relax and have a beer this is a great place.  This microbrewery has a large selection and quite a crowd.  We were able to get a seat on a Saturday night only after standing 5 minutes.
29 Avenue Laurier Ouest
http://www.dieuduciel.com/en/home.php

Juliette & Chocolate

This place is for chocolate lovers.  They have a large dessert selection (anything with white, dark or milk chocolate you can imagine) and great choice of crepes for breakfast/lunch.  

1615 Rue Saint-Denis (Multiple Locations)

Patisserie Au Kouigh Amann

Pastries that melt in your mouth.  This place was heaven and dirt cheap.  Breakfast of a chocolate croissant, regular croissant, and two coffees was less than $10.

322 Avenue du Mont-Royal E.

Boulangerie Mr. Pinchot

I had read reviews about this bakery claiming it was better than "Au Kouigh Amann" so we decided to try both.  The pastries were good but not as tasty as Au Kouigh.

4354 Rue de Brébeuf

Patati Patata

I had never tried poutine but always heard of it as the famous Canadian food so it was a mission to try it while in Montreal.  This place although small and limited seating was packed and had delicious and cheap sliders and poutine.  Poutine is french fries, cheese curds and a brown gravy/sauce.  I realized prefer plain french fries but it was worth a try.

4177 Boulevard Saint-Laurent

Best in Japan Bar

This hidden gem and "Secret Bar" is worth a stop for a great selection of drinks.  The place isn't cheap but the ambiance is worth the visit.  The bar is hidden and we stumbled on it after watching people go through a door that wasn't marked on the street.  The red door is located right next to Patati Patata and a store.  When you open the door from the street the end of the hallway is illuminated by the candlelight of the bar.  The bar does serve Absinthe.

3723 Boulevard Saint-Laurent

For Dog Lovers:Le Doggy Cafe

This is an indoor cafe that let you eat lunch or grab coffee with your dog.  If you are traveling with a dog like myself this place was a great place to stop by and enjoy coffee with my little guy.

avenue 1t9, 4493 Avenue Papineau

Places to Go:

Notre-Dame Basilica

The large Basilica is located in historic Old Montreal.  You can take a tour of the Basilica for around $10 and they do tours all day.  They do hold masses in the church if you are interested in attending.

110 Rue NotrDame O

Mont (Mount) Royal

Montreal's small mountain located right behind McGill University.  Drive or hike up for great views of Montreal.

Boulevard Saint-Laurent

Many of the best restaurants in Montreal are located along this block.  The block is full of restaurants, shops, and bars.  Walking along this block we came across some of the great restaurants and bars listed above.  If you are looking for some unique shopping there is great shopping.

Underground City

Montreal's Underground City is the largest underground complex in the world.  It it made up of interconnected complexes under downtown Montreal with shopping, restaurants and subway stops.  Before going I was told to make sure to get a map because the place is very confusing.  I didn't follow the advice because I'm good with directions and thought I'd be ok.  WRONG.  Get the map!  I spent around an hour lost and going in circles until I was able to find a map.  The Underground City lets you directly walk from Old Montreal to McGill University.

McGill University

McGill University is considered one of the 17 most beautiful university campuses in the world by Travel & Leisure.  The downtown campus is located at the base of Mont Royal.  The University offers guided tours and maps online if you want to take a self-guided tour.  The campus is beautiful and worth walking around.

845 Rue Sherbrooke O

Atwater Market

Before going I read many great reviews for this weekend market.  I was disappointed.  I don't know if it's because we went in the afternoon, but most of the booths were empty and there wasn't many food options.

138 Avenue Atwater

Where to Stay:

Hotel Omni Mont Royal

Using Hotwire we got a great deal for a couple of nights at the Omni Mont Royal. The rooms were spacious and clean with great bedding. The hotel is directly across the street from McGill University. The location allowed us to walk everywhere. Boulevard Saint-Laurent was a 15-20 minute walk, cutting through McGill. Additionally, walking through the Underground City took us to Old Montreal to visit the Notre Dame Basilica.

Weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina Capitol

After visiting the Outer Banks we wanted to have a weekend adventure in the capitol of North Carolina.

Things to Do:

Duke University  (Durham)

For our first stop we headed to Durham to see Duke.  The campus is beautiful.  We planned on walking everywhere but the campus was so large it required us to drive to different locations.  The Duke University Chapel and the Sara P. Duke Gardens are must see spots on campus.  The Gardens are free and open everyday of the year and close at dusk.  Unfortunately my photos didn't come out that great.
*Twenty minute drive from Raleigh

Duke University Chapel

Duke University Chapel

The North Carolina State Capitol

Admission is free to the Greek Revival Capitol building.  The building is surrounded by monuments and statues that you can see when walking on the large circular path.  There is also metered parking around the Capitol.
1 E. Edenton St.

The Carolina Basketball Museum (Chapel Hill)

If you are a sports fan or traveling with one make sure to check out the Carolina Basketball Museum.  The Museum focuses on the history of Carolina Basketball and admission is free.
450 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill

Places to Eat & Drink:

The Pit BBQ

A trip to North Carolina is not complete without Carolina BBQ.  This place is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We ordered fried green tomatoes which came topped with goat cheese.  We then split a whole order of ribs with mac and cheese, fried okra, and sweet potato fries.  Both of us were stuffed after sharing one entree and we are still talking about this meal. 
*There is also a Durham location.
328 W. Davie St.
The Pit

Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese

Whole Rack of Ribs, Okra, Sweet Potato Fries, and Mac 'n Cheese

Boxcar 

It's not everyday you see a bar that is also an arcade.   Boxcar is definitely unique.  They have a large selection of beers and games you don't see everyday. (Donkey Kong, Centipede...)  This place will make any child of the 80s/90s smile.
330 W. Davie St.

Videri Chocolate Factory

Two words: Stumptown Coffee.  Having lived in Portland, OR I have a love for Stumptown Coffee and I was shocked to discover it being served in a Raleigh Chocolate Factory.  Videri serves coffee as well as a variety of dark chocolates.  Dark chocolate lovers will love this place and they also offer tours of the chocolate factory.
327 W. Davie Street

 

Places to Stay:

Sheraton Raleigh

We stayed at the Sheraton downtown which was large and modern.  It was a 10 minute walk to the Capital, The Pit, Boxcar and Videri.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Now that summer is here we couldn't resist taking a road trip to visit the Outer Banks.  I have always heard about the beautiful beaches and all the fun things to do there it was time to take advantage.

Places to Eat

Kill Devil Grill
Great dinner spot for fresh seafood.  They are known for their daily specials and they sell out fast so get their early.  There may be a wait but if you have a small party look for seating in the bar.
2008 S Virginia Dare Trail, MP 9.75, Kill Devil Hills

Sam & Omie's
All the locals I spoke to recommended this restaurant for breakfast.  The place is very casual and the service was great.  Breakfast was very similar to a diner and maybe my expectations were too high after hearing the rave reviews.
Mile Post 16.5, Beach Rd, Nags Head

Duck Donuts
I was looking forward to checking out this made to order donut joint.  Don't let the strip mall location fool you.  You custom order your donut and they come piping hot and delicious.
710 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

Things to Do

The Beach
There are miles of beautiful beaches.  The beaches are free, dog friendly, and allow driving some some of the beaches.  Each beach has their dog/leash/season rules so be sure to check before you go.
Pets on the Beach Policy

Wright Brothers National Memorial
If you only have time to see one thing while you are here this is it!  The Visitor's Center has reproductions of the gliders the Wright Brothers used and you can visit the National Monument on the hill where they first took flight.  The Monument is a little hike from the Visitor's Center and you can walk up to it or drive.  This area is very windy and not the day to wear a sundress if you are coming from the beach.  Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and they can't go inside any of the buildings.   ($4/Age 16 and over)
Wright Brothers National Memorial
1000 North Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills 

Reproduction gliders at the Visitor's Center

Wright Brothers National Monument

Outdoor Activities
The Outer Banks offers fishing tours, hang gliding school, horseback riding, kayaking, and bicycle rentals. http://www.outerbanks.org/

Kid Friendly
If traveling with children there is a movie theater, mini golf, laser tag.

Places to Stay

Rentals
The majority of people visiting use vacation rentals and there are many websites where you can book.
Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

Hotels
The area is not overly developed and commercialized but you can still find some hotels.  We didn't travel with enough notice for a rental and ended up staying at The Outer Banks Inn.  It was a quick 5 minute walk to the beach.
*If wanting to stay money plan your trip with a vacation rental in advance.  The hotels are few so they tend to cost more than a rental on the beach.