Author: Virginia Montanez
Dahn Memory Lane: Why Pittsburgh Is Spelled with an H
Virginia Montanez explains how from the first days of her life, Pittsburg(h?) has had a complicated name.
Dahn Memory Lane: Why a Pittsburgh Heiress Jilted An Italian Count
Virginia Montanez uncovers the tale of Charlotte Elizabeth Howe who promised to marry an Italian Prince, but changed her mind just as he was arriving in America.
Dahn Memory Lane: We Took That Personally
Virginia Montanez runs down some of the fiercest insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over the years.
How a Round of Golf Turned Hazardous in Downtown Pittsburgh
Could a golfer make it from the North Side to Penn Avenue In 150 strokes or fewer?
Born On The Move: The 1911 Rotation of Magee Hospital
Virginia Montanez remembers when Magee Hospital rolled down the street.
Dahn Memory Lane: You Don’t Mess With Fred Rogers
Virginia Montanez looks back at the time Mister Rogers’ real neighborhood rallied around him.
Six More Things You Might Not Know about Pittsburgh
The thing that annoyed a young Andy Warhol. A typo broadcast over the city skyline. And how our first mayor outwitted hostile natives at age 13. All of this and much more in the latest edition of Things You Might Not Know About Pittsburgh!
See Yinz: PittGirl Says Goodbye
After writing for seven years about the city for Pittsburgh Magazine and pittsburghmagazine.com, Virginia Montanez is discontinuing her blog and column.
PittGirl to Wooers: ‘Not Today Satan, Not Today’
It only takes one person, one jagoff, one childish, attention-seeking, discourteous jerk to send a woo through PNC Park.
PittGirl: How You Should Grade A Squishy Tongue
Kennywood Park opens soon and new this season is the return of the famed whale at the entrance of Noah’s Ark. In the name of science, PittGirl paid an early visit to test the squishiness quotient of the whale's all-important tongue.
PittGirl, Perseverance, Penguins And a Dream Come True
Dreams evolve — fade, even. But in Pittsburgh, with time and nurturing, they don’t have to die.
The 'Burghy Mother's Day Gift Guide 2016
Don't start shopping without this list of 10 locally made must-haves for Mom.
PittGirl's Last Laugh: The New, Old-School, Noah's Ark
In 2016, our long nightmare is over. Kennywood is bringing back the whale and his squishy tongue.
Drink It In: The Best Place to Get Drunk on Pittsburgh's History
PittGirl shares the fascinating stories behind a chair, china, and a homemade toy.
God, Football, and The Wrong Seat on the Couch
Gatherings around the television for Steelers playoff games have made my family look like we’re filming the climactic scene of a Marx Brothers film. Change seats. Change socks. SOMEONE GO STAND ON THE LAWNMOWER AND LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
Unusual, Outrageous, LOL Wedding Stories in Pittsburgh
Wedding Day disasters are nothing new in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh's Third Renaissance and Complaints from 2007
This third Renaissance has allowed us to be spectators as Pittsburgh changed from a city suffering the damages wrought by the collapse of its steel industry to a vibrant, active place known for its academic, medical and technology sectors.
PittGirl: Yikes! Imagine This Instead of a Fountain at the Point
City leaders considered many options for Pittsburgh's confluence including something that looked like it was designed by the Jetsons, or an absolutely bonkers, batpoop insane idea by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright.
10 Ways Pittsburgh Ruled 2015
This was a year that Pittsburgh showed the rest of the country exactly why we’re worthy of the label “world-class.”
PittGirl: We Need a Word For That . . .
If Oxford can decide that “matchy-matchy” is now a real word then we Pittsburghers surely can come up with some words for some very specific Burghy circumstances, people and things.
The World-Famous Yinzer Gift Guide: 2015
Almost every one of these 16 gifts is made in Pittsburgh by Pittsburghers, and every single one is just the kind of unique and thoughtful gift any loved one would be lucky to receive.
PittGirl: Things You Might Not Know About Mister Rogers
Thanks, Fred, for all of the smiles you put on my lips — because I could read yours.
25 Ways to Raise a Good Little Yinzer
From Fred Rogers and Roberto Clemente, to Vic Cianca, parking chairs and church pierogies; PittGirl offers a syllabus every parent should follow when teaching their children about Pittsburgh.
A PittGirl Thanksgiving: Share, Feel, Thank
It's okay to let yourself be a rose-spectacled Pollyanna for just a minute this Thanksgiving.
Defense Attorneys: It's Time to 'Keep Your Mouth Shut'
PittGirl blasts what she sees as a dangerous trend by attorneys who seem to be wiling to say anything, no matter how atrocious, in defense of their clients.
Sign of the Times: How to Make Pittsburgh Welcoming for All
"Racism in Pittsburgh is real. Racial inequality is real. The playing field is not level."
PittGirl: Michael Vick Signing is More of the Same from Steelers
She says the past decade has been a rude awakening into what "The Steeler Way" now means.
A Sign That This Time, It's Good to Part with the Past
Pitt Girl explains her change of heart on what should be done with the large, decaying billboard on Mount Washington.
Join PittGirl on One of Her Revealing Researching Adventures
Discovering things you may not know about Pittsburgh is a whole lot of work and a whole lot of fun.
PittGirl's Reliable & Delightful Crash Course on Pittsburgh
She shares the truth about everything from driving technique to Terrible Towel etiquette for anyone new to the 'Burgh.
Why Pittsburgh's Sister Bridges 'Should Stay Yellow'
PittGirl's says, quite simply, no other color will do.
8 Things You Probably Didn't Know about Pittsburgh
Why in the world was Abraham Lincoln trying to hide his hands when he visited our city in 1861? PittGirl's history obsession provides the answer to that question and seven more.
PittGirl: A Feminist with Killer Shoes, Hear Her Rawr
PittGirl takes a history lesson in feminism, prompted by her daughter's love of dinosaurs.
Wooden, Wearable & Whiskey: 10 Gifts Your Dad Will Love
PittGirl proudly presents her 2015 'Burghy Father's Day Gift Guide.
PittGirl Believes She is Totally Right about the Pittsburgh Left
In this case, as in most others, it's better to give than take.
Why You Need to Know These 4 Bold Pittsburgh Women
PittGirl says these women "had Girl Power before the world knew what Girl Power meant."
Dare to be Different — PittGirl's Better Ways to Use Social Media
You can use social media to change your life and the lives of those around you in a positive way.
The 'Burghy Mother's Day Gift Guide 2015
Plan ahead with this list of 10 locally made must-haves for Mom.
PittGirl: Jury Still Out on Pittsburgh's Bike Lanes
For now, she suggests critics take the "Seinfeld" approach.
19 Ways Pittsburgh Earned the “Quirky” Label
Stand proud, Pittsburgh: Our brand of quirky is a good thing — positive, uplifting, fun, colorful, imaginative.
PittGirl: Preparing for a World Series Toast
Thanks to her husband believing in "happy wife, happy life," PittGirl has the perfect wine to celebrate the Pirates' ultimate victory.
Deer Debate: It's All about Priorities
PittGirl can't be convinced there is any solid math that proves an animal’s life is more important than a human one.
A Few Truth Bombs about Pittsburgh Dad
PittGirl says, no offense to this fictional character, but it's time to redefine the quintessential Pittsburgher.
Keeping up with the Mellons
PittGirl uncovers the extravagant details of another real Pittsburgh wedding, along millionaires’ row, 88 years ago.
PittGirl: Time to Let Go of the Past
She says we 'Burghers must recognize our resistance to change and realize that we need to give it a chance.
History Lesson: Amelia Earhart’s Crash-Landing in Pittsburgh
PittGirl discovers why the famous female aviator made an unplanned stop here.
10 Reasons Why Pittsburgh Owned 2014
From cutting-edge robots to medical breakthroughs to a Mayor who doubled as a 'Duck Dynasty' star, our city had the world buzzing (again) this year.
PittGirl's New Year's Resolutions for Pittsburghers
Four ways to make the city even better in 2015.
