Have you saved the date yet? The beautiful city of Pittsburgh, PA, will host the next DrupaCon North America from 5th through 8th June 2023. I know it feels like just yesterday that DrupalCon North America 2022 zipped by, and we’re already talking about DrupalCon 2023!
Famously known as the “Steel City” (the largest steel-producing city in the world) and “City of Bridges” (a staggering 446 bridges!), Pittsburgh is one of the top most liveable cities in the United States. When you’re here, you will be surrounded by warm and kind Pittsburghers (as they like to call themselves), world-class breweries and distilleries, green spaces, and some gorgeous views. Need more reasons to visit Pittsburgh?
What's hot in The 'Burgh
1. Carnegie Museums
Explore the marvels of art, natural history, and science at the world-renowned Carnegie museums. Featuring four dynamic and diverse museums, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie museum has something to appeal to everyone. While you’re here, don’t miss checking out the first fossil of the Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur on display, the PaleoLab, where paleontologists prepare specimen for display, contemporary American and European artwork at the Hall of Sculptures and the Scaife gallery, and their constant changing art and science exhibitions. You can find more information about visiting the museum here.
2. Phipps Conservatory
If you enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature and the green outdoors, Phipps conservatory is the perfect place to visit. While it opened its doors to the public way back in 1890, its greenhouse production facility is a fantastic example of cutting-edge and sustainable innovation. It is the first to receive the Platinum LEED certification, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. When you’re here, you can stroll around the enchanting outdoor garden, check out the impressive glasshouses, explore the Tropical forest conservatory, and learn about their green innovation initiatives at the Center for sustainable landscapes. Before you plan your trip, visit their website to find out more about their immersive rotating exhibitions for that month.
3. Duquesne Incline
Take a ride back in time and explore one of Pittsburgh’s best panoramic views from a funicular railway (incline) experience. The Duquesne incline glides 400 feet above Pittsburgh’s rivers (the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny) and is the only other remaining funicular in the country. While on the ride, you will climb (or descend) the hillside of Mount Washington. At the top station of the incline, you can explore the Observation deck and also dig deeper into its history and operation. The great part about the experience is that there’s a ride every 5 minutes, which means no waiting! No pre-booking is needed, but make sure you have the exact change for the quick ride.
4. Heinz History Center
Want to ‘ketchup’ on the history of Pittsburgh? Then you must visit the Senator John Heinz History Center located in the Strip District. It has something for every history buff, be it about the first settlers of Pittsburgh, the revolutionary war, the industrial revolution, sports, pop culture, and much more. It highlights the contributions of Pittsburgh’s locals to mankind, like the first polio vaccine, the Ferris wheel, revolutionary public TV broadcasting, and also the Big Mac! One of the most interesting attractions (and obviously) is the Heinz exhibit that displays everything you wanted to know about how they started way back in the 1900s to where they are today. Go plan your visit!
5. Rivers of Steel - Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour
It would probably be a sin to miss a river cruise when you're in the city of rivers and bridges. Especially when it gives you a unique, historical experience of the rich heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania. The Uniquely Pittsburgh sightseeing tour by the Rivers of Steel offers an informative tour to enlighten tourists about the past and present of the beautiful city. You can also find various vantage points for the best views and to click amazing photographs with a backdrop of Pittsburgh. Find out more about this 90-minute river tour here.
And that’s not all! There’s so much more to explore in the ‘Burgh while you’re here for DrupalCon North 2023. As spring transitions into summer, June is one of the best months to visit Pittsburgh, with many interesting outdoor events taking place around the city.
But don’t take our word for it. Our Drupal Pittsburgh Local Ambassador, Bill Renk, “Pittsburgh is the perfect fit for DrupalCon because Pittsburgh not only embraces Drupal, as seen by Drupal's adoption by its two major universities (Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh), but Pittsburgh is a reflection of the Drupal community itself – friendly, welcoming and hard-working!”