Unexpected Delights in Life (Oh Yeah!) – Part 2

I’ve been on a roll in the latter half of this week with incredibly unexpected and delightful days! (It’s gotten much better now that Tiger isn’t vomiting every day at random places in the home.)

Yesterday, my only plan was to see the countdown clock to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is less than one year away. The clock is emblematic of Pittsburgh and in the perfect spot across Acrisure Stadium.

All around downtown, preparations for the draft are visible, from street repairs to  the renovations of Market Square and the fountain at Point State Park.

On my walk to see the clock, I took a detour to the Fort Pitt Block House because I was walking through Point State Park on my way to the North Shore, and it was open. It’s the oldest building in Pittsburgh still in existence, built in 1764, and maintained by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Having previously visited the Fort Pitt Museum, I appreciate the historical significance of the fort and the block house to U.S. history (and reminded me of my U.S. history classes in high school!).

After seeing the draft clock and taking the obligatory snaps, I pondered on what else to do in the North Shore. As I looked around, I saw the Carnegie Science Center. It’s the only one of the Carnegie Museums that I had not visited, so my feet walked in that direction (it’s literally next door to Acrisure Stadium) so I can claim completion of visiting all four museums.

First and foremost – it is built for children. Lots of children. The museum does offer programs for adults after hours if you’re not in the mood to hear and see school age people running, screaming, yelling, and sometimes crying in an enclosed space. You’ve been warned.

My two favorite experiences were the explanations on the summer sky at the planetarium and the Miniature Railroad and Village. And thanks to this exhibit, I learned that there was an actual Chinatown in Pittsburgh. These are the only remaining testaments to this history:

Today, I wanted to hit the South Shore, which I hadn’t since I moved. I walked the Smithfield Street Bridge to take me directly to Station Square, where my brother and I went for dinner at Kiku during our first Pittsburgh trip together.

Be advised that the restaurant in inside the square with no visible signage on the exterior. Go into the entrance to the right of FA Climbing and Fitness.

For lunch, I ordered the sushi sashimi combo. Since I have a huge appetite, I also ordered the half bowl of the soba noodle soup. All delicious, and yes, I finished everything!

There’s so much more to explore in this city, and I am committed to doing it by foot. It’s important to me that I get my steps in every day, regardless of whether I’m doing strength training. Pittsburgh is so accessible that I get to explore, eat, and get my steps in!

What are your favorite cities to explore by foot? Where else do you want to explore?