Pittsburghers seem to enjoy that their hilly, welcoming city, which sits at the junction of three rivers in Southwestern Pennsylvania, surprises most who arrive. It seems like a badge of honor for those here to dispel long-gone stereotypes “the Steel City” held, its industrial prowess once evidenced by smoky, smoggy skies. Today, their town still glides just beneath the radar for some, but those in the know feel as if they’ve struck gold.

Many who visit are wowed to find so much green (163 parks, from sprawling regional spaces to neighborhood parklets) and wondrous Gilded Age architecture. Recently, the second most populous city in the state has been in the headlines for another reason. Because Pennsylvania proves a key prize in the upcoming election, politicians on both tickets have passed through while trying to drum up support. Our advice: Show up open and ready to chat. Most locals exude an East Coast directness melded with Midwestern warmth, and they’ll gladly share favorite finds with visitors willing to pull up a seat.

Read more at CNN / MSN.

Originally published: October 30, 2024