13 Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in February

Artifacts

Not all of us have $20,000 laying around for an antique painting from Europe, a 50′ x 50′ Turkish rug, or a stuffed lion, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go appreciate all of these wonders at Artifacts in the first place.

We’re big fans of this store as it takes high-end shopping to a whole new level, and while we may not be able to afford most of the decorations inside, it is a fun place to fantasize what we’d do if we became overnight millionaires.

Before leaving the West End be sure to take a trip up to the West End Lookout for the incredible Pittsburgh city views!

Covered Bridges in Washington County

Did you know that neighboring Washington County has the 2nd highest concentrations of covered bridges in Pennsylvania? Did you also know that covered bridges are incredibly gorgeous in the winter surrounded by snow?

We’re guessing not, which makes February the perfect time to make a trip around Washington County to check out these beautiful pieces of architecture! (Photo credit: UncoveringPA.com)

Skiing at Seven Springs

Located about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh, the ski resort of Seven Springs is one of our favorite trips outside of the city in the winter.

Although you could make a whole weekend (or week) out of enjoying this resort during the winter, it is an easy trip for those looking to make a long day of it in the middle of winter when the slopes are at their finest. (And, if you’re motivated for more, Seven Springs is home to some of the best snow tubing in PA!)

After a long day out skiing, be sure to stop at Christian Klay Winery for a glass of wine before the journey home.

Center for PostNatural History

Post-natural history is an unusual study, as it covers anything that has been genetically altered by man.

This can simply be man breeding two unique flowers together to produce a new flower altogether, or it can be as complex as splicing spider DNA into goats such that their milk produces spider’s silk (yes, that has really happened and one of those goats is stuffed and on display at the museum).

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the world of genetic engineering, this free museum in Garfield (only open on Sundays) is well worth the visit.

Looking for more in Garfield? Grab a pizza at Spak Brothers, Vietnamese food at Tram’s Kitchen in neighboring Bloomfield, or a cup of coffee at Constellation Coffee.

Hidden Harbor

Tiki drinks for everyone! Hidden Harbor is Squirrel Hill’s resident tiki bar- an incredible job modern take on this iconic bar style that’s making a comeback across the country.

Whether you go for the individual drinks or the boats for two (or more), Hidden Harbor has some of the most unique cocktail combinations in the city that would stand alone with or without the tiki theming.

Looking for another spot for dinner after drinks at this incredible bar? Check out our Squirrel Hill neighborhood guide for plenty of recommendations!

Children’s Museum

For families with young children, a visit to the Children’s Museum in Allegheny Center is a must for its numerous exhibits tailored for children of all ages.

For those without kids, the Children’s Museum offers a periodic 21+ night for those looking to unleash their inner child without actually having them come along!

There are lot of places to enjoy in the North Side after your visit to the Children’s Museum. Those looking to extend the day should visit the Aviary or Bicycle Heaven, and if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat grab some takeaway at Quik-It Chicken!

Poetry or Music at the City of Asylum

The City of Asylum organization in Pittsburgh’s North Side is perhaps one of the most unique in the city. One of the group’s main goals is to bring in writers who were exiled or persecuted abroad and give them a safe place to continue their writings or to publish a memoir.

There are many public outreach nights setup throughout the year, including jazz, poetry, and other live readings at their performing arts venue on North Avenue. In 2023, they have a Free Association Reading Series on the 5th, the Clarion Quartet on the 6th, ASL and Visual Vernacular performance on the 7th, Storytelling Through Puppetry on the 8th, and so much more!

If you’re looking for a bite to eat in the North Side after the performance, check out Nicky’s Thai, Monterey Pub, Penn Brewery, or even grab a meal on-site at 40 North!

Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is an impressive building for a number of reasons. It is one of the tallest educational buildings in the world, the lobby looks like something out of Harry Potter, and the first few floors are filled with themed “nationality rooms” which mimic classrooms from different countries and various historical periods from around the world.

Visit this one when school is not in session to take a self-guided tour of these gorgeous class rooms, and be sure to take the elevator to the 36th floor when you’re done for some pretty awesome views of Pittsburgh!

While in Oakland, pay K-Town Snack Bar, or Butterjoint a visit for a great meal!

Church Route on the South Side Slopes

The hills of the South Side Slopes may not be for the faint of heart, but if climbing staircase after staircase for incredible city views along the Church Route is a challenge you are up for, we can assure you that you will not be let down.

Our favorite walk is a slightly modified version of the popular path, which can be found at the link at the beginning of this section. Please note that in 2023 tours are available with advanced registration only.

While in the South Side, warm up with a coffee at Big Dog Coffee or grab a bite to eat at Double Wide Grill.

Pittsburgh Ballet

Pittsburgh’s ballet is one of the more recent success stories in the city, and the organization has seen rapid expansions over the past few years.

Shows are put on throughout the year at their locations in the Strip District and at the historic Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh. In February 2023, the ballet will be performing Dracula at the Benedum Center on Febuary 10th to 12th.

If you’re in the mood for something quick while downtown, consider Proper Brick Oven just steps away from the theater. If you have a few minutes to spare before or after the show, be sure to check out Cell Phone Disco behind the Benedum Center too!

Find a New Wine Bar

Pittsburgh’s wine bar scene has been exploding at a rapid pace in recent years, and there are a number of great options to check out in and around the city. From the old favorites of Allegheny Wine Mixer to First and Third Fridays at Palate Partners, to newer options like Spill or Mary’s Vine, there are a number of great choices for lovers of wine when exploring!

City Views in the Hill District

The Hill District has a somewhat bad stigma about it; however, this neighborhood is home to many incredible views of Pittsburgh, including at the Boy Scouts of America Building, the lookout at Reed Street, and the lookouts on Arcena Street and Memory Lane (where you can get a good view of the Strip District).

As some of these views are partially obstructed by trees in the summer (especially Robert E Williams Memorial Park), you can get some great views in the winter if you venture out in the cold!

After exploring the Hill District, we like to head down to Kaibur Coffee in Polish Hill for a quick pick up and a vegan sandwich. Or of that is not your thing, head down to the Strip District to try Penn Avenue Fish Company while you’re there!

Watch a Movie at Row House Cinema

For our last pick for the month, we are thinking of people who don’t want to do much at all when the weather is at its coldest. For you, we recommend checking out a classic film at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. This arthouse theater features many favorites throughout the month and allows guests to take in a beverage from the craft beer seller Bierport (next door) to enjoy during the film as well.

Movies here tend to fall within weekly themes, and February 3-9th has Number One Movie in America featuring the likes of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Get Out, and Speed. February 10th-16th has Political Thrillers like Transit, The War is Over, and Army of Shadows to name a few!

This makes for a perfect indoor activity in winter if we ever heard of one! After, find a restaurant to enjoy nearby in Lawrenceville to complete your relaxing day.

Are you up to anything fun in Pittsburgh this February? Comment below to share!