Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in pittsburgh, PA

Father's Day Gift Guide--Pittsburgh Style

by Jennifer Signore

June 16, 2009

This coming Sunday is Father's Day, so why not show Dad that he's not just a trash-toting, lawn-mowing, spider-killing machine?  Here is a collection of great Pittsburgh-based gift ideas for dad that you may not have considered (because I'm guessing by now that he already has his Stanley Cup Champions jersey). 

The Coffee Dad

Most Eat ‘n Park locations now house mini gift shops, or you can always shop online.   Here, you can find coffee mugs (both regular and travel-my favorite says, "I take mine black and gold"), Eat ‘n Park's famous coffee, t-shirts,  and, of course, smile cookies. 

If dad is more of a coffee gourmand, you can also get a plethora of fine coffee (and coffee-related gear) in the Strip District.  Get some perfectly roasted beans from Prestogeorge, La Prima Espresso, or Fortunes Coffee (where you can also get green [unroasted] beans and do the roasting yourself-now that's fresh!)

The Art-Lover Dad

Does the dad in your house love handmade items?  Then take a trip to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Gift Shop and pick out something lovely.  The shop's collection is quite diverse, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. 

The Sweet-Tooth Dad

Looking for a slam dunk in the baked goods area?  Here are two places with which you can't go wrong.   Get dad some cookies from Nancy B's Bakery in West Homestead.  Just over the tracks from the Homestead Waterfront shops, Nancy B's cookies are simply amazing (my fave are the chocolate chip) and are HUGE.  Call ahead if you want to be sure to get a certain variety as they sell out fast.   

Perhaps you want a cake for that special day?  Why not pick up a burnt almond torte from Prantl's Bakery in Shadyside?   The combination of moist cake, real whipped cream, and sugared/toasted almonds is divine. 

The Wine- or Beer-Loving Dad

Does the dad in your life look for just the right wine to go with dinner?  Is he always asking to stop at local vineyards on road trips?  Then introduce him to Palate Partners, a local group that provides everything wine for Pittsburghers.  You can sign up for a Wine of the Month Club (yes, really-even in PA) or perhaps attend one of the wine tastings or classes. 

Is dad more of a malt and hops kind of guy?  Expand his palate with tickets to the Craft Beer School offered by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.  The Craft Beer School is a periodic event that brings in an expert brewer to discuss beer, beer craft, and other things brew-related. 

Three Days in Pittsburgh: Day One--Soaking in the Skyline

by Jennifer Signore

February 02, 2009

Many people these days are choosing to spend their vacation time exploring their own city, rather than trekking off to a distant locale. This has been termed a "staycation" and is becoming more popular as the economy struggles. If you are planning a "trip" of this type or are trying to get some friends to visit and they keep asking, "But what can we do in Pittsburgh?" then I have a treat  Read more...

Three Days in Pittsburgh: Day Two--Children's Museum and the Strip

by Jennifer Signore

February 02, 2009

Start your day with a big breakfast at your local Eat n Park , where the breakfast buffet lets everyone eat exactly what they want (always a plus when kids are involved). Kids five and under will eat free with an adult buffet purchase and kids 10 and under eat for half price, so it's easy on the wallet. It's a family friendly place with a great cup of coffee to get a parent's day  Read more...

Surviving Holiday Preparations

by Jennifer Signore

December 01, 2008

We have no sooner recovered from Turkey Day and we find ourselves neck deep in preparations for the winter holidays. No matter the holiday you celebrate, you probably find yourselves completely worn out by the time the holiday actually arrives. Am I right? Or is it just me? What I would like to offer today is a list of things that help me minimize holiday stress. As a working mom, I am  Read more...