A Night at the Museum

Carnegie Museum of Art, pictured above, is one of Pittsburgh's greatest treasures. On the border between Shadyside and Oakland, the museum is only four minutes away from Walnut Street. A sophisticated, relaxing, and romantic evening is just what you deserve after a day of serious holiday shopping. For the holidays, the museum offers several events. If your relaxing weekend coincides, there is an opportunity to check out a much-needed Holiday Happy Hour on December 9 for under $20. You and your significant other will be able to check out the holiday-themed galleries, as well as the whole museum while enjoying cocktails and getting in the holiday spirit with a live DJ.

You could also stop by the Holiday Tree: Inspired by the Muses to see five 20-foot Colorado spruce trees in the Hall of Architecture. Each tree is decorated with ornaments that represent the muses that inspire art, culture, and science. The display will begin on December 3.















After a night at the museum, you can venture back to Shadyside for a fun and witty dinner at the Harris Grill--one of the best and funniest places in the city. With a beautiful artisan atmosphere, this privately-owned restaurant is simply the best place to dine in Shadyside. The scene is adorned with beautiful decorations around the holiday and the dinner and cocktail menu is hilarious all-year round. Don't believe me? Check the dinner menu out yourself! Often unannounced, jazz bands perform throughout the week with the exception of Tuesday night and the weekends. A night at the museum and Harris Grill will guarantee an entertaining evening, and a quick return back to The Inn on Negley.

Pamela's: A Newfound American and International Delicacy

 

Whether it is starting your day, or taking a break from the holiday shopping while on Walnut, you have to visit Pamela's Diner--a cornerstone on Walnut Street. With the holidays nearby, Pamela's just made a  Christmas-induced menu for the first time in history. Voted "The Best Breakfast in Pittsburgh" since 1980, Pamela's is by far the best stop for a quick and entertaining brunch, and will for the first time in its history, make typical breakfast foods with gingerbread and peppermint infusions.

With six diners across the Pittsburgh area, Shadyside is one of the most quaint stores. With a classic interior on the first floor, the second floor is a giant board game. The interior design is replicative of your own childhood with giant board game murals, and Monopoly pieces hanging from the ceiling. You can even play while you eat! As a resident Pittsburgher, I can honestly say, I have never had a better breakfast.

You might be thinking, "What is all the hype about over a diner?" If you are thinking that, you might as well call the President, who has visited the Shadyside, Strip District, and Millvale locations in Pittsburgh since he embarked on his presidential campaign. Whether a democrat or republican, you cannot dispute the goodness the President Barack Obama found in the thin, crepe style pancakes from Pamela's Diner. Pamela's in not only a diner, it is a definite Pittsburgh tradition. With a delicious breakfast and lunch menu, extremely friendly servers that remember you, the diner envelops the best way to start your day.

 
With several vistits to Pittsburgh on the campaign trail, President Obama became so fond of Pamela's pancakes and breakfast that he invited the owner, Pam Cohen and Gail Klingensmith to the White House to cook and serve Memorial Day breakfast for U.S. troops in 2009. To learn more about the honorary breakfast, click here.

President Obama also suggested that Pamela's cook breakfast for the 2009 G-20 International Summit held in Pittsburgh. To understand President Obama's fascination with the breakfast foods, watch this video.

Whether you want to engage in a new American and international delicacy or you want to rekindle your love for board games from your childhood, Pamela's is a necessary pit stop on Walnut Street.

Photo of the Day

The Inn on Negley is a moderately-priced Bed and Breakfast just one block away from Walnut Street, Shadyside's main street. The Inn encompasses Pittsburgh's history as it is a restored period home full of its original antiques. With many different suites available, the Inn on Negley is a romantic and beautiful place to stay while getting the Shadyside experience with your significant other. If you have an interest in old-fashioned homes, this is just the place for you to stay.

Below you will see the Granny Smith Suite, just one of the many available rooms at the Inn on Negley. Rates range from $180-190 depending on the day of the week, and is designed by one of the most renowned Pittsburgh Interior decorators, Richard Lawrence. This room comes equipped with a private sitting room, a beautiful bay window, a jacuzzi, and a beautiful fireplace. 
When staying at the The Inn, you will see that it truly represents the historic aspect of Shadyside's culture. I find the old-fashioned nature of The Inn to be most relaxing. At the Bed and Breakfast you can spend a night in enjoying hot cocoa and cookies, a wine and cheese platter, or some of Pittsburgh's best Church Works Microbrewed beer, or the innkeepers will assist you in customizing your own visit to Pittsburgh. Visit http://www.theinnsonnegley.com to book your two-night stay at The Inn on Negley for the beginning of this holiday season. The proximity to Walnut Street makes it a perfect place to relax while easing into the hustle and bustle as you visit the boutiques and shops along Walnut street.