A Weekend Trip to Pittsburgh

We realized a few weeks ago that we needed a private getaway badly. Work has been extremely stressful and full of sick people. We have been dealing with personal illnesses within the family as well as the deaths of friends of friends as well as family of coworkers and the death of a very close friend of Will and I. We ended up deciding on a weekend trip to Pittsburgh, which is a 2 hour drive away and such a beautiful city. There is so much culture, color, and a cheery atmosphere despite it being January. 

We decided to stay at a historic hotel, and I am so glad we did. The Omni William Penn was built in 1914 and I honestly felt like I boarded the Titanic. The decor was preserved gorgeously, and our room was stunning...with two bathrooms! I did not feel for one second that anything needed updating or renovating as many classic hotels do. My favorite feature had to be the lobby. Each morning we went and got bagels and smoothies at Bruegger's in the basement of the hotel and came up to the lobby to people watch. I will never get tired of the crown molding, ceiling detail and chandeliers throughout the entire hotel. 

Here you can see The Terrace Room, one of the three restaurants to eat at in the hotel. I loved that there were so many options including this upscale restaurant which includes lighter fare and delicious appetizers with drinks, bloody Mary bars on Sundays. 

Breakfast in the lobby on a velveteen chair! (My blazer is from Tuckernuck but no longer available.) 

We ate snacks and had drinks at The Tap Room, the more casual bar at the hotel. I loved how cozy it felt. We unfortunately did not get a chance to try whiskey at the Speakesey in the basement but I hope to return someday and try it out! 

My leopard silk Devon Baer top was found used on Poshmark! 

I enjoyed a Cosmopolitan 25 while Will enjoyed a drink which I can't remember the name of in the lobby of the Omni William Penn just outside of The Terrace Room. We had a delicious brie grilled cheese spread as well. The hotel had so much to see, and our stay was absolutely wonderful. The service was fantastic as well. I loved how they offered fresh apples and hot apple cider at all times by the front desk. We grabbed a few mugs and enjoyed them with our fresh baked goods from Prantl's bakery downtown. 

We spent the day at the Carneige Museum of Natural History, and it was stellar. I would recommend it to anyone within driving distance. I felt like I was rushing because I could have spent hours reading everything. The $20 admission was worth every penny, because it also allowed entry to the art galleries as well which included classics from some of my most idolized artists including Monet, Van Gogh and Hopper. I would say we both agreed the Hall of Gems was our favorite exhibit. We have never seen anything like it and probably won't again for a long time. I love that under each gem there was a location of where it was found. Our second favorite exhibit was the dinosaurs. I cannot believe how much time and dedication has gone into reconstructing and imagining the dinosaurs. 

Getting married in the grand staircase would be magical! 

I would love to find jewelry in this "Rainbow" pyrite. Anyone know of any places that have sold this gemstone?

I'll take this blue and white ceramic vase for my home, please. 

I also loved all of the guilded antique furniture. It really inspired Will and I to go antiquing soon, especially since Amish country is so near to us. 

Additionally, we enjoyed dinner at Primanti's in the Strip District, shopping at the Ross Park Mall (where Will was so excited to find The Art of Shaving Store), a trip to Shadyside where we had authentic Mexican food at the Steel Cactus and shopped at a neat boutique L'Occotaine. Even Will bought shea soap. The trip up the cable car to the top of Mount Washington was also magical and memorable at night. We could see everything. The only thing we did not get to cross off our list was ice skating because it was just too cold. 

I truly love the convenience of being able to get away quickly. It is relaxing and refreshing without being overly expensive with the hassle of having to travel on an airline or stress of planning a week long vacation away from home. We had such a wonderful time. 

XOXO,