How long have you lived in the Burgh? Just a few years? A few decades? Your whole life? No matter how long you’ve lived here, you’re in luck. Pittsburgh always has a few surprises up its sleeves. Like these hidden treasures that most people probably don’t know about. Check ’em out.
1. Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden – 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Take time for quiet reflection, and to appreciate nature, at the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden. The quaint garden, which opened in 1987, features a waterfall, a stream, a desert, and an abundance of plants. Each of the more than 100 plants is adorned with a Bible verse.
2. Saint Anthony Chapel – 1704 Harpster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Saint Anthony Chapel houses a large collection of Christian (relics) treasures - 5,000 to be exact. The collection of relics is second in size only to the Vatican. Guests who visit the chapel for services or a tour can view some of the artifacts, including a piece of the cross on which Christ was crucified.
3. Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary – 2506 Wexford Bayne Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
You never know what colorful personality you'll meet a Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary. The sanctuary - a safe haven for formerly neglected, abused, and unwanted farm animals - is run based on donations. Alpine goats, pigs, sheep, turkeys, and peacocks are among the animals that call Hope Haven home. Guests are welcome to visit , by appointment, for a tour from May through October.
4. Robot Hall of Fame – 1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Meet R2D2, C3PO, and the Terminator, among others, at the Robot Hall of Fame. Housed in the Carnegie Science Center, the Robot Hall of Fame first debuted online in 2003 with the induction of Hal 9000 and R2D2. It wasn't until 2009, however, that the exhibit appeared in brick and mortar form at the science center.
5. Pittsburgh Glass Center – 5472 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Watch artists at work. Learn how to create your own original artwork from glass. Or, simply check out the artists' displays of finished pieces when you visit the Pittsburgh Glass Center. A wide selection of classes and workshops - geared toward artists of all levels - on beadmaking, flameworking, and blown glass - are also available.
6. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve – 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Hidden in Fox Chapel, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve spans 134 acres of lush land, winding trails, and a picturesque pond. The reserve's nine trails span five miles. Embark on one of the trails that will give you the opportunity to view local wildlife, native plants, and flowers.
7. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071
Feel as though you've wandered onto the pages of a fairy tale at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Walk along charming stepping stones. Cross footbridges. And, visit Bookworm Glen, a fairy garden decorated with fairy houses. The tranquil garden is open all year around.
8. ToonSeum – 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Remember how much fun it was to wake up on Saturday mornings as a kid and plop down right in front of the TV for Saturday morning cartoons? Relive that magic all over again with a visit to ToonSeum. The tiny museum features, on average, 100 exhibits, changing "every few months." The newest exhibit, Wonder Woman Visions, will run through February 25, 2018.
9. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – 2124 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Keep that childhood magic alive and stop by Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop after a visit to the ToonSeum. The old-fashioned candy shop sells all of those childhood favorites. Satellite wafers. Wax lips. Glass bottles of pop. The cherry on top? A Neapolitan ice cream sandwich just like the astronauts eat while in space. Pretty cool, huh?
What other hidden treasures in Pittsburgh would you add to a part two of this list? Ready to uncover more hidden treasures in Pittsburgh? Click here.
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Featured Addresses
1704 Harpster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071
614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
2506 Wexford Bayne Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
5472 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
2124 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222