The weather has grown cold, but that opens up lots of possibilities for indoor and outdoor fun in the fall and early winter at local Pittsburgh businesses.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Girasole Shadyside
Fall is the time when restaurants bring out their “heavier” menus, concentrating on meats, pastas, and winter vegetables. It’s also the season of pumpkin and autumn-inspired beers, so you should spend your free time taking some brewery tours that show off in the city’s burgeoning craft brew scene.
· Restaurants. Pittsburgh restaurants that feature seasonal menus should be at the top of your must-do list. Girasole in Shadyside offers updated peasant dishes that use the freshest quality products. Meats and fish are served with sides of fall veggies. Lidia’s in the Strip District is featuring a three-course prix fixe lunch with salad, pasta, and dessert.
· Bars. Hough’s Taproom & Brewpub in Greenfield has endless choices if you love craft beer with fall added in. Harvest and pumpkin drafts are on tap, plus a trivia night every Tuesday night for those who like to drink and think. East End Brewing with two locations near downtown offers brewery tours that include seasonal samplings.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
The holiday shopping season is here, so why not start early? These businesses make your holiday gift-giving easy, and you can pick up a present for yourself too.
· Lily and Val. This Shadyside store offers hand lettering and chalk art prints, plus home décor. Their just-introduced holiday collection is amazing, highlighting whimsical prints that can be framed and hung over the fireplace mantel.
· Contemporary Concepts. This gift shop is known throughout Pittsburgh for stocking upscale pieces from top brands. If you’re looking for a special present, make this your first stop.
· Von Walter & Funk. Located in the popular Lawrenceville shopping corridor, this shop sells unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. From barware, to jewelry, to lighting and wallpaper, you’ll enjoy the eclectic vibe.
Don’t miss the city’s annual Light-Up Night on November 17, 2017, featuring music, food, art, holiday decorations, and a fireworks display.
Take some time to visit Pittsburgh’s many eateries, bars, and shopping destinations this fall and winter.