further afield

What’s in a Name?

By Dale Irvin

I’ll be the first to admit it. When I think of Pittsburgh, I don’t think cultural Mecca. But once again, it seems, I have much to learn.

Did I know that among the four Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh is one devoted to Andy Warhol with an extensive collection of his work? Did I know that a short drive from the city, dramatically cantilevered over a waterfall is Fallingwater, considered by many to be Frank Lloyd Wright’s most sublime integration of man and nature? Did I know that there is an entire tour focused on the exquisite work of Louis Comfort Tiffany to be found all around Pittsburgh?

I do now, along with newfound knowledge of the Mattress Factory—a museum of contemporary art that presents art you can get into — room-sized environments, created by in-residence artists.

Oh, and there’s the driving tour of historic covered bridges, even skiing, snowfall permitting, nearby.

And best of all, I happen to know that you can fly roundtrip on selected dates this month and next, with fares starting at $118 from New Orleans and $124 from Jackson.

I can’t imagine that you’d need more incentive than that, but there’s much more to be found at www.visitpittsburgh.com.

More travel musings on my blog HERE.