After a day at Fallingwater and Ohiopyle, I had one day left in Pittsburgh left before heading back home. Actually, not even a full day since the flight was an evening flight (Saturday evening domestic flights are typically inexpensive).
The first stop was the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Coming from a city that doesn’t have anything of this level, I enjoy visiting Arboretums of other cities. Even the architecture was fascinating.
Inside the greenhouse was a circus-type theme. This indoor portion must be a respite during the brutal winters.
On the grounds, there is a view of Schenley Bridge, a steel bridge built in 1897. One thing I noted about Pittsburgh is several beautiful bridges, and also several tunnels. Actually, a missed turn into a tunnel on the way to Fallingwater led to a detour in a downtrodden part of town.
Schenley Bridge
The last stop for the day would be the Senator John Heinz History Center. On the way, I noticed a historic train station which is now an apartment called the Pennsylvanian. This actually was originally Pittsburgh’s Union Station.
The Heinz History Center is actually a multi-story museum. For me, the public transportation artifacts are fascinating. Streetcars were an essential part of American city life until the General Motors Streetcar Conspiracy, which involved automobile companies killing streetcar companies nationwide. The movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit actually delves into this.
The interior of the streetcar is open for visitors as well.
An old car was displayed as well, but this one was only for looking, not touching.
That about wrapped up the time I had before heading back to the airport. The three days in Western Pennsylvania were a whirlwind, but worth it as always. The next trip would be a place I had always dreamed of going: Big Bend National Park.