Keep it Al Fresco: 5 Fun Activities to Enjoy in the Open Air
Sure, Pittsburgh has its share of rainy days, but when it’s clear, we get glorious conditions for dining — or walking, or exploring, or taking in a show — en plein air.
PHOTO BY CHUCK BEARD
The past year has been bad for roofs. Plenty of activities that previously would’ve taken place inside have been relocated to the great outdoors — or, at the very least, somewhere near the side door.
Funny thing, though — once we started doing more and more outside, many of us realized that it’s pretty nice out there. Sure, Pittsburgh has its share of rainy days, but when it’s clear, we get glorious conditions for dining — or walking, or exploring, or taking in a show — en plein air.
Here are five places in and around Pittsburgh where good stuff happens sans roof.
PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA
Eat at Pusadee’s Garden
A longtime Lawrenceville favorite, Pusadee’s Garden underwent an extensive remodel before once again welcoming guests beginning in early 2021. The lovely space (indoor and out, but eat outside if you can) complements the menu of Thai specialties, some cooked over slow-burning coals.
5319 Butler St., Upper Lawrenceville; pusadeesgarden.com
PHOTO BY SEAN COLLIER
Explore Homewood Cemetery
Architecture, history and nature in one stop — sure, it’s a cemetery, but so what? A lovely afternoon can be spent exploring the sprawling, winding grounds of this historic graveyard, where you can pay a visit to notable interred including Erroll Garner, Pie Traynor, Henry J. Heinz and Mac Miller.
1599 S. Dallas Ave., Point Breeze; thehomewoodcemetery.com
PHOTO BY SEAN COLLIER
See a Movie at Dependable Drive-In
Southwestern Pennsylvania keeps up the drive-in tradition in a big way. The closest outdoor cinema to Downtown is Dependable, a four-screen, all-digital drive-in that has been showing movies under the stars since 1950. Staying at the airport? Dependable is right next door (you’ll occasionally see a plane taking off behind the screen).
549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township; dependabledrivein.com
PHOTO BY RICHARD COOK
Move with Healthy Ride
Feel like a bicycle ride? One hundred bike-rental stations from Healthy Ride blanket the city; 30 minutes of riding costs $2, and you can return your bike at any station (so there’s no need to loop back). Use your temporary wheels to explore the waterfront trail on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, ducking under bridges and past the home fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.
PHOTO BY RENEE ROSENSTEEL, COURTESY THE PDP
Relax with Yoga in the Square
If you need a little rejuvenation during your visit, get it in this picturesque, striking corner of Downtown. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership hosts guided yoga sessions twice weekly in historic Market Square, right in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Classes are offered on Wednesday evenings (5:30-6:30 p.m.) and Sunday mornings (10-11 a.m.), and they’re free (but bring your own mat).
Market Square, Downtown; downtownpittsburgh.com/programs-activities/yoga-in-the-square
