Just In Time For Thanksgiving…

…(and the beginning of the travel-madness that marks the season, like so many footprints in the snow (?) outside a store with a fantastic Black Friday sale) … It’s my long-promised review of Pittsburgh International Airport!

What could be more exciting?!

I’ve made my way through a lot of airports over the years. Most of the time the quality of my experience has been directly proportional to the smoothness of the flooring and the clarity of the signage as I sprint from one gate to the next in the latest event of the making-my-connection-Olympics (FYI – I rarely medal).

But once in awhile I have the chance to just hang out. Take a leisurely stroll. And it’s times like these that I appreciate the little touches, like a food court that’s open when passengers are around, no matter how late it might be (Hey Anchorage International, I’m looking in your direction!).

Traveling this holiday? This could be you!

Over the years I’ve paid attention to tips about stopovers. I still remember the time I sat by a roof-top pool in Miami, the 5-hour layover between flights made much less painful by the base-tan creating Florida sunshine. Sleepinginairports.net has been bookmarked on every internet browser I’ve ever installed (and proved invaluable in my days as a nomadic college student).

Long before I set up shop in the Steel City, PIA was the stuff of legend. I heard tales of the AirMall, the mystical place where a piece of pizza could not only be had for less than $10, but it might actually be available for the same price as you’d pay at a regular mall!

As someone who once paid the equivalent of $20USD for a vegetable sandwich on a train, the idea of normal pricing for captive audiences sat very will with me indeed.

Of course, Pittsburgh’s airport has many of the same elements as most – parking shuttles and security lines are pretty much the same wherever you go. But there are some things that make the airport stand out.

You can almost feel the free Wi-fi in the air.

Free Wi-Fi. You’d think in this brave new world every port and terminal would offer weary travelers with three hours to kill the chance to plunk down wherever there’s space to check their e-mail at no charge. But with the captive audience comes the captive cash-grab (Chicago O’Hare, I’m looking in your direction). Seriously, I am not going to pay $7 just to entertain myself by updating my Facebook status. So kudos to you PIA, for offering Wi-Fi the way it was intended – Free!

The Aforementioned AirMall. Since I’m already used to schlepping a purse I could carry a small child in on my errands, lugging a suitcase while shopping isn’t much of a challenge. And since I can easily spend a day inside a shopping mall, whiling away the time between flights is no problem thanks to real stores with real prices in a realistic mall environment. The only downside is making sure my carry-on still meets dimension requirements after a visit to (insert store-of-your-choice-since-I’m-not-going-to-do-a-commercial plug-and/or-expose-my-shoe-addiction here).

It Has A Dinosaur. Shopping not your thing? Then gaze in wonder upon the terrible lizard cheerfully advertising the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s collection. While I have been in other airports that have dinos on display, ours is the best. Because I say so. Also, if I wanted to learn more about the creature of the late Cretaceous, I could simply open my laptop and log on. Using the free Wi-fi. Because knowledge should be free.

Still looking in your direction, Chicago.

Warehouse Scarehouse

So my next entry was supposed to be all about my recent road trip (as well as an Ode To The AirMall).

But the House of Mouse isn’t going anywhere and today’s subject will soon be packed away in a warehouse in Etna, so bear with me. Besides, I’m nothing if not topical and the 14 bags of tiny candy bars I’m pretending aren’t in the basement… calling to me with their sweet, siren song… are a clue that ghosties and ghoulies are getting ready to TP my house.

As an intrepid Web Producer, I have the delightful job of posting fun community events. (Haven’t seen Community Calendar? Fall Fun Fests and Spaghetti Dinners await! Follow the link to the magic).

But at this time of year, as an added extra bonus, I’ve also taken to updating our Halloween pages. From haunted hayrides on fright farms to mansions/castles/old mental hospitals occupied by zombies/axe murders/the undead, I’ve been given a cheerful sampling of all things horrifying available to paying customers.

As a child, haunted houses and I did not get along so well. I distinctly remember my mother dragging my screaming self to the chicken exit of the Toronto Fire Department’s Haunted Training Tower, with my sister wrapped around her head, doing a credible impression of the face-hugger from the Alien movie franchise. Good times.

I’ve always had an overactive imagination. As a kid even the fun-fur and duct tape creations of the BBC’s creature shop (thanks a lot, Dr. Who) gave me night terrors that lasted into my teens.

Now, as a supposed grown-up, I maintain an aversion to gore. You won’t catch me watching slasher flicks. However, I have developed a tolerance for atmospheric horror and even a taste for the spooky.

So I couldn’t very well let this holiday pass without a trip to at least one local haunt. And one of the larger and (if you believe their press coverage) best, is right next door to my own North Hills haunt.

Situated in the frightening fields of Etna, The Scarehouse haunts the former Etna Elks Lodge. The entrance to the Scarehouse sits atop a hill and the scares begin for some when they see the length of the line to get in.

Never fear (get it? Get it!?), there are ways to avoid being forced to stand four hours being accosted by costumed characters, or throngs of shrieking teenagers. The attraction opens at 7 p.m. and runs Tuesday through Halloween. Get there early, or during the less popular days and the wait should be shorter. You can also buy tickets online, which lets you in to a different line, moving (in theory) at a faster pace.

Once inside, you’re treated to creepy movie trailers (really? There was a movie called “Killer Fish?”) while you wait to enter the first of three attractions.

The admission isn’t terribly scary: $17 (save 65 cents by ordering online!) gets you into three different attractions. It also appears there are exits throughout, as well as at the end of each haunt. If you’ve had enough, escape is possible.

So what will you experience? This is the tough part… I wouldn’t want to spoil some of the surprises. I think it isn’t giving too much away to say that this is more of a jolt-type haunted house. The scares come from surprises, as opposed to houses where the scene is set and you witness horror – though some of the scenes in The Scarehouse feature quite a bit of gore. The sets are very cool and well constructed and limiting how many people wander through at a time keeps the atmosphere spooky. All sorts of special effects are used and the “Delirium” haunt makes use of 3-D glasses. I could have done without one of the “scent” effects, but otherwise The Scarehouse left me delightfully spooked.

A word of caution – which is also printed in big letters on signs as you walk inside – while the actors won’t touch you, some of this stuff is pretty intense. I’d have to agree with their suggestion that you don’t take kids under the age of 13.

It’s hard to walk safely with a child welded to your body. And therapy sessions are expensive.

This is not from The Scarehouse. But it IS me dressed like a Zombie.

Where Have YOU Been?

Well congrats to reader Cathy for figuring out that yes, I’ve been hiding at Disney World! Well, not for the entire time of my absence (though how awesome would that be?). Thank you to my tens of fans for their patience. I know you’ve been dying for an update.

As a matter of fact, I received a stern rebuke from a friend concerning the lack of updates. Well, as stern a rebuke as she can muster, seeing as how I’m pretty sure genetic counseling would reveal she’s missing the “mean” gene.

So never fear, my loyal readers. Soon I will reward your patience with fresh photos, dining details and a treatise on my love for the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The air mall is genius. Pure genius.

Also, there is a dinosaur to greet weary travelers. Let’s see O’Hare top that!

To be continued….

Road Trip Alert!

So, the Backyard Tourist is leaving her back yard for a bit of the vaycay. While Pittsburgh is, obviously, AWESOME… sometimes you’ve just got to get away.

Apologies to my tens of fans, but no updates for a week or so. It might be tough, but try to enjoy Pittsburgh without me.

But!

When I return I’ll have a road trip report, just in case you feel the need to leave this awesome city. Might I suggest a vacation, say over Sept. 23 to 25? Kidding! …Or am I? My boss says I’m kidding. Or does he? Actually, I have no idea where I’m going with this. Moving on…

So, are you curious about where the big trip is taking me?

Well check out the following picture of my adorable visage:

Where in the world is the Backyard Tourist? Guess correctly and win... um... respect!

Name the place and you know my destination!

Not only will a full report be delivered (probably in a multi-part series) when I return, but also a review of local kennels! Because my precious puppy can’t let herself out.

Keep Me Away From The Corsets

So I recently requested, nay, demanded, of esteemed Channel 4 Action News meteorologist Erin Kienzle that I be given a suitably enjoyable forecast for the weekend.

Why?

Because my knight in shining armor and I decided to go to the Renaissance Festival y’all!

Upon learning of my faire intent, I was immediately asked if I was going to dress up. I gave the questioner a bit of a blank look. “But I’m just going for the day,” I replied.

Little did I know.

I do have a nodding acquaintance with the Lords and Ladies and giant turkey leg set up of these kinds of fairs, thanks to their place in pop culture (and a feature story I seem to recall preparing back in the day for the first station I worked for). But I’d never actually gone to one just to see and be seen!

So, good gentles, one Saturday on the morrow (or is it “in” the morrow… whatever), we jumped into our strange metal chariot and headed for the Faire.

Located just off I-70, the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is a relatively short drive from most of Pittsburgh’s suburbs. Signage is pretty significant, thanks I’m sure to the fact that the festival is made up of a lot of permanent construction. The parking lot is not paved, but it pretty solid for a meadow and let me just take a moment to give a massive “huzzah!” to the parking attendants. I LOVE the fact that they guide cars right into the next logical spot – no wasted spaces or giant mini-vans parked diagonally across three lanes. Seriously, it’s these little things that make for a great experience. Wait until I start talking about the bathrooms.

Oh let’s talk about them right now!

If you read The Backyard Tourist enough, you will soon learn I have a thing about bathrooms. Maybe because I’m a girl and nice facilities really mean something to me. I always get quietly nervous when I see porta-pottys at an event… I’m sure I don’t need to go into detail as to why. But here’s the thing about the fair – these had to be just about the nicest portable toilets I’ve ever used. They flushed! And outside most of the bathroom bays, there was actual running water, soap and paper towels! And on another bonus note: port-a-johns are unisex. Meaning a line of women isn’t standing with quiet urgency, staring daggers at the empty men’s washroom (seriously, why don’t designers get it? The Dixie Chicks do – click this for what I’m talking about).

OK, to the festival!

The theme begins as soon as you enter the grounds, from the castle over the entrance, to the actors greeting you while you wait to pay your admission (which I think is a good price, given all the shows you get). And this is the point where I began to understand why I was asked about costuming. Along with the people who are actually part of the fair, lots of people waiting in line were in costume. Especially little kids (I think there was a costume contest that day). If you have a little girl – at long last! A place where her Disney Princess costume will be appreciated, unlike at the grocery store.

In fact, if you have kids that are into the Goth or the Emo or the whatever the dressing-in-black-with-dragons-and-crystals-and-stuff is called right now, this fair is actually a pretty good place to send them. I saw a number of young couples, who might otherwise stereotypically be seen writing poetry in a graveyard, enjoying the sunny day. I hope they were wearing sunscreen.

Even if you have no plans to slap on a pair of elf ears, or wind yourself into a steel-boned corset (more about that in a minute), the fair is really fun. According to the lady at the information desk, the owner of the fair requires the bulk of what merchants are selling be handmade. There are some pretty impressive artisans and craftspeople displaying their wares, so bring ye olde credit card.

And then there are the shows! Along with the expected jousting knights (which was good, but could use a bit of a tech overhaul – microphone problems), there are musicians, comedians, musical comedians and Cast In Bronze.

Backyard Tourist super-favorite alert!

So you know church bells, right? How in some of the larger churches they actually play songs? The instrument used to make really big, beautiful music is called a carillon. Looks kind of like an organ keyboard and you hit the keys with the sides of your hands. But seeing as how it’s attached to church bells, not very portable. Except for the one that is.

The musician who plays the only portable carillon in the United States has parked himself right in the middle of the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. And it’s four tons of awesome.  Each of his sets is a little different (and some of the tunes very recognizable) and he combines a backing track of voice and other instruments that makes for a compelling performance. We bought three of his CDs.

Of course there’s also the food, which I thought was pretty reasonable in price. And, as I’ve remarked before, this expat Canuck can not get enough of the fact  that one can enjoy a bottle of Michael’s Tough Citrus-Infused Beverage while wandering the grounds, instead of being confined to a tasty adult beverage “garden.”

But I did have to put my giant turkey leg down for a few minutes to try on a couple of things. Including one of the super-fancy elegant lady dresses available at the fest. I do love costumes, and I love pretty, sparkly things. So why not give one of the gorgeous dresses a try?

Which is how I came to be standing in front of a mirror, being winched into a steel-boned corset by a man dressed like Captain Jack, while my charming husband continued stuffing his face with a bread bowl. Along with the attraction of achieving a waist size I haven’t enjoyed since I was nine years old, the outfit was so pretty I now understand why some people love having a place to dress in garb that would never fly at the office.

Common sense (and concerns about the dry-cleaning bill) won out, and the dress stayed on the rack.

Also, my new tiny waist did require me to give up things like deep breaths of oxygen.

But at least I can keep eating the turkey legs. For the turkey legs have no carbs!

The River Wild

Alternate Title: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

As promised we return to Ohiopyle for Part II of the great river ride…

After a successful recon mission (both of park and post-park eateries), we decided that our out-of-town guests would just love the opportunity to spend four hours soaking wet and cheating death at every turn. So fueled by cheese-filled crescent rolls from a can (the rolls, not the cheese), we piled into the visiting minivan and headed for the park.

Back in the day, my charming husband and his charming sister rafted the Lower Yough in a charming manner – an old school raft that apparently would fold in half, dumping passengers in the middle, on particularly rough patches of the river. At the risk of dating my family (who all know where I live), we are talking about times of yore-enough ago that the permit system, touristy-ness and indeed, safety warnings that now surround rafting on the river weren’t quite what they are today, even though that part of the river is known for Class III and IV rapids – a challenge for even seasoned paddlers.

In fact, when you make your way to the launch point for the Lower Yough (conveniently located next to the permit kiosk) you can stop near a little information center. A video playing in a continuous loop describes in no uncertain terms the dangers of white water. According to the parks service Web site, since 1976, 21 people have died on the Lower Yough and 18 of those deaths were directly related to boating. Cheery. But I can’t argue with making the warnings clear – this isn’t the lazy river at Sand Castle.

Originally, we toyed with the idea of renting a raft and assorted equipment, grabbing a map and guiding ourselves down the river. But with my niece and nephew in tow, and no one in the boat having rafted in the last… mmrfmhty-something years, common sense prevailed and we decided to go with one of the rafting companies which run trips down the river.

A number of outfitters run both rafting and kayak trips. A cursory Web search revealed many offer similar outings and price structures. For a general white water rafting experience, you arrive at the outfit’s office, sign in, grab the provided gear and pile onto a bus which takes you to the launch point. After a few minutes of instruction on dry land (sit here in the raft, don’t sit here, what to do if you fall out, if you fall out DON’T STAND UP BECAUSE THAT’S HOW YOU DIE, etc.), you heft your raft down to the water and away you go. Lunch may be provided.

With the experience somewhat similar across the board, how to choose a company? Well it helps when one of your friends is a trainee with one. And it’s her birthday. And it would make her so happy if you would book with her. Which is how we ended up rafting with White Water Adventures.

This is not us. But we had this much fun, thanks to White Water Adventures!

Act I is pretty much as described above. All of the companies run trips all summer long and have the basic instructions and safety information for a large group of people down to a science. It appears that trip launch times are staggered, in an effort to keep groups from running into one another. We did end up catching up to at least one other trip. But most of the time it was just the 80 of us.

Since we had a raft-load of passengers, my family and I had a raft to ourselves. Those coming down with just a group of one or two people should be ready to make some new friends.

Act II begins once we hit the water. While there were a few nerves approaching that first rapid, the guides were very good at directing paddlers through them if – and this is key – if you paid attention. Simple hand signals told this side to paddle, that side to paddle, to stop, to start. If all eyes are on the guide, no worries.

The Class II and III rapids on the course sometimes tossed us around, but if you’re comfortable around the water the feeling is one of, “whee!” as opposed to, “Is my will up to date?”

There is one Class IV rapid and our guide made it very clear that there was real danger involved in navigating the run. In fact, if anyone in the boat didn’t want to go through the rapid, there was a portage point to walk downstream. But this is what we came for and our raft actually got a high-five from our guide, because we did what he told us to and stayed dry the whole way.

The day was most definitely a hit with the family. While our earlier visit to the park had us worried about the 59-degree water, the day was balmy and the water much warmer. In fact, if we’d had a smaller group, there may have been time to stop for a dunk in Swimmer’s Rapids.

Which leads in neatly to the few words of caution I have before you scream “take me to the river” to your BFFs (which, if you do, I hope you do in context.Or they’re going to be very confused).

Consider, if you will, the following:

1. How much do you like other people? If you’re not going in a large group, you’re likely going to be rafting with at least one or two people you don’t know. One of the first things you do is elect a raft captain, whose job it is to tell everyone what to do. Ever seen a reality TV show when they have a challenge that requires someone be team leader? I think you can see where this could go very, very wrong. Especially if you’re with your family.

2. How much do you like waiting? Especially in the high season, the groups are big. In order to keep everyone together, we stop. After every. Single. Rapid. While some might enjoy the leisurely pace, others might like to keep going, or not have to wait for stragglers to get fished from the eddies by rope-tossing river guides. Which speaks to….

3. You may get wet on this ride. Our boat didn’t flip. But then again we had four adults, and two almost-adults, who are in relatively decent shape with at least a nodding acquaintance with paddle power. Other rafters weren’t so lucky. While everyone on our trip seemed to have a good time (and yes EVERYONE made it safely to the end), there is the chance you might end up in the drink.

Even with the above caveats in mind, the trip was, how you say, AWESOME. We had a terrific time and it’s a great way to show off Pa.’s natural beauty to the out of town guests. For those who’ve never been rafting before, the trip was a great way to …wait for it… get your feet wet (insert lame laughter here). And if you feel like you want a bigger challenge… kayak lessons are available.

Guess what I’m doing next season!

A River Runs Through It

Alternate Title: Pyles of Ohio!

One of the main things that attracted my family to the Pittsburgh area is all the outdoorsy goodness the region has to offer. Along with the rivers and trails within the city limits, it’s just a hop, skip and a partial tank of gas before — bam! — you’re beholding nature’s majesty in a state park.

I made my first trip to Ohiopyle a few weeks ago as part of a fact-finding mission in advance of a family visit. With sunscreen generously applied to my valuable face, we headed to the Youghiogheny River Gorge.

If you haven’t been in years… or ever… the hour-and-a-half-ish drive to the park takes you through the picturesque Laurel Mountains. I hear tell Seven Springs is out this way (bookmark this page now for next season’s Backyard Tourist ski report!), along with many other fun day trip and even overnight stops. But that’s not what we’re talking about.

Take me to the river!

I do love a refreshing dip, and I was particularly excited to try the promised natural water slides. Carved into a small creek bed which drains into the Yough, the channels are smooth and the water runs fast. When we arrived, groups of families and friends were cheerfully hurling themselves down the rapids. Of course, this isn’t Sandcastle, so a sturdy pair of shorts is not a bad idea, especially if you want the bottom of your bathing suit to remain intact.

On the day we went, a wetsuit wouldn’t have been a bad idea either. True, I spent a good chunk of my childhood in a pair of water wings floating in the frigid waters of Lake Superior. But as I’ve aged, I’ve discovered that 59-degree water (yes, that was the actual temperature on the day we were there) is not, how you say, relaxing.

So my personal journey down the natural slip n’ slide was short-lived, but that didn’t stop hubby or the 30 other people gathered there from gleefully plunging into the bubbling water.

Once completely numb, we headed over to the middle Yough, just downriver from the launching point of the class III and IV rafting trips. Sunning myself on a nice flat rock, I had the perfect view of the rafters and kayakers running the first rapid on the river. Some with more finesse than others.

Yes, the guides, kayakers and some of the rafters cleared the rapids with little trouble. Others went flying out of the raft like little lifejacketed pieces of popcorn.

As I watched yet another screaming teenager plunge into the icy waters of the Yough, I couldn’t help but think with a happy heart: that could be me!

Indeed, our fact-finding mission was a success and with personal observation and about 50 brochures under our arms, we were ready to take the family on our own white water adventure.

How did that turn out?…. Stay tuned!

Back In The Paddle Again

Alternate Title: Whole Lotta Regatta!

I was, to put it mildly, an uncoordinated child. Heaven knows, my mother did her best to keep me active. But finding a sport which suited my limited skills and stamina was not an easy task.

However parents of less-than-athletically-inclined children take heart. True I never brought glory to the family on the soccer field as a kid, but once I got to high school I started to find my sports groove. I learned to look for spots on the team that required perseverance, rather than fine motor skills. I might not be able to catch the football, but I sure could run into the girl in front of me and knock her out of the way. I also finally started to get the whole “when the going gets tough, the tough get going and don’t stop for an orange slice break” mentality.

But I must credit my beloved aunt for introducing me to the only sport I ever competed in beyond my school years. As any young Canadian, I spent a good deal of my formative years in a canoe (it’s like a law up there). So when my aunt brought home what looked like a tiny canoe paddle, I was intrigued. When she explained that it was a dragon boat paddle, I was hooked.

Dragon boating originated in China some 2000 years ago. Originally part of a folk festival, it emerged in the late 70s as an international sport. The boat consists of 20 paddlers, a steersman at the back and a drummer at the front. The paddles are short, the strokes are strong and the races fast. And the sport has no shortage of fans outside of Asia. In fact, this year’s world championships will be held in Prague at the end of the summer. Nothing says celebrating ancient dragon river gods like the Czech Republic!

In a city with the river sport culture of Pittsburgh, it’s no wonder that dragon boating is finally starting to catch on. Two local clubs have the boats and, along with their own club teams, provide the chance for any remotely-related group of people to paddle (check out SteelCityDragons.org for more information). 2009 also marked the entree of the first Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Challenge in the Three Rivers Regatta.

Aside from the obvious thrill of participating in my very first race in Steel City waters, can I just say how ecstatic I am to be living in a place again with a) a body of water suitable for a regatta and b) a population who enjoys said body of water to the max?

It seems Pittsburgh knows how to throw a world-class festival. Between the speedboat races and Nik Wallenda’s high-wire walk, the spectacular fireworks on the Fourth and the ever-so-wacky hijinks of the “Anything That Floats” race, the regatta delivered all weekend long. Even as things slowed down on Sunday, there were still plenty of people enjoying the sunshine concerts in Point State Park and partaking of funnel cakes and chicken-on-a-stick.

And, call me crazy, but given the great weather, I don’t think the parking situation is all that bad. No wait! Go with me on this one….True, you have to plan ahead, especially if you’re looking for a sweet spot to watch the fireworks. And yes, the closest lots can be a wee bit pricey. But compare to some cities where you’ll pay $50 for a spot during a major event. And with a comfy pair of walking shoes (and a hat and sunscreen – protect those valuable faces people), you can even find a spot for free! Try doing that in New York City.

Plus I think our rivers are cleaner too.

Wild On Idle

The march of progress is as relentless as it is unstoppable. As much as we cherish the familiar, something new is always peeking its head around the corner.

Some folks embrace change with unbridled enthusiasm, turning their noses up at the “old” in perpetual favor of that which is shiny and new. Others resist any disruption to the “way things are.” They knows what they likes and they plan on keeping it that way. Nothing new is ever as good as the old.

Which brings us to today’s topic:

Amusement Parks.

Did you like the segue? I know. I did too. But I digress.

Few places engender the same emotional response as the House of Mouse. Disney is the yardstick by which every deep-fried, twinkie-encrusted county fair Tilt-a-Whirl is measured. But even the almighty Mickey must contend with the march of time. Characters come and go. Attractions which once were an ‘E’ ticket (the most valuable in the book, when Disney Parks still had ticket books), are now the slightly dated “Country Bear Jamboree” (and lets not even THINK about the Haley Joel Osment-fronted movie which tried to reboot that franchise).

But even if the lines aren’t around the block for the hot rides of yesteryear… It’s always sad to see them go. Amusements are a part of our shared cultural history. Even when the paint starts to flake, when the “wow” factor diminishes, the rides we loved as kids continue to hold a special place in our hearts.

So how happy was I to discover a treasure trove of classic amusements just down the street from my new hometown.

If you haven’t been to Idlewild in a while, don’t be fooled by the fact it’s been voted as one of the top kids’ parks in the world. The park is a fun day trip for anyone, especially if you love classic rides.

Established in the late 1800s as a picnic spot along the old Ligonier Valley Railroad, the park kept adding attractions through the golden age of amusement.

Family favorites include Storybook Forest, where nursery rhymes come to life (and on one recent Saturday a sleepy pirate girl was handing out lollypops on the Good Ship Lollypop). Also fun for the kids is Raccoon Lagoon, where you must be under a certain height to ride, and SoakZone, a water park which will no doubt be a lot more crowded once the Pennsylvania summer heats up.

Fans of Mr. Rogers can take a trolley through the neighborhood. While badly in need of a refurb, the ride still transports families to a place of childhood dreams.

But sprinkled between the funnel cake stands in Hootin’ Holler, the classic handcarts in Raccoon Lagoon (it’s a ride! It’s a workout!) and the PVC pipe organ in Jumpin’ Jungle (which I was not too tall to enjoy!) are a generous helping of grown-up amusements, some dating back to the early part of the last century.

If you’re going to ride a Merry-Go-Round, why not choose one originally built in the 1920s? Check out the classic wooden Rollo Coaster, still a thrill after more than 70 years in service (and built with lumber from the park).

My personal favorite was the Caterpillar. Similar to the travelling carnival Himalaya rides, the Caterpillar seats its riders in individual cars and then runs them around the track at high speeds. But wait! There’s more! After a few minutes whizzing past the trees, a canopy closes over you… now you can’t see where you’re going!

So it might not pack the same kind of thrill as the multi-story drops and loops of modern thrill rides, but the Caterpillar still has a little bite. And as one of only a handful of this type of ride still in operation (and one of only three in the world which still has an operating canopy), the thrill also comes from enjoying a piece of history you’ll never be able to ride in a museum.

Plus afterwards, you can go and get a funnel cake. Top that, Carnegie Museum of Natural History!

In Praise Of The Igloo

Alternate title: Workin’ On A Dream

It appears I made it to Pittsburgh just in time. A year or two later and I would never have been able to experience the joy of the oldest arena in the NHL.

When it was built in 1961, Mellon Arena was the ultimate in stadium technology. A testament to Pittsburgh’s steely industrial might, incorporating close to 3,000 tons of stainless steel in the design. The roof arch is free of view-obstructing supports, a real bonus for those in the nosebleeds. And the Igloo will forever hold a place in history as the world’s first major sports stadium with a retractable roof. So futuristic!

Alas, all good/shiny/new things must eventually come to an end/dull/get old. And Mellon’s time is drawing nigh. In the Igloo’s shadow currently sits the concrete footprint of the new home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Consol Energy Center won’t have a retractable roof, but, unlike the team’s current facility, may actually be able to keep the ice cold on hot days without the help of giant air conditioning units.

But don’t for a moment think I’m slamming the stadium. In its heyday it was awesome. Today it still holds the energy and history of legions of fans.

From the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, to the WWE, from the Rolling Stones to the Ice Capades, decades of sporting and entertainment events have left their imprint on the concrete walls (and under the seats. Mmm… fossilized gum). And I’m happy to have had a chance to be part of the good times.

As the Pens battle the Carolina Hurricanes in an effort to move one step closer to drinking Iron City out of Lord Stanley’s Cup, I remember my preview to the rivalry from three rows back from the boards (thanks to a generous friend from Carolina) earlier in the season.

If future conversations are held about how good the acoustics are in the new arena, I will think back to Tuesday’s Bruce Springsteen concert. The boss rocked the house as always, (Bruuuuuuuce!) and I enjoyed a great view from what in other venues would have been terrible seats. If the sound could have been better, I didn’t notice. I was too busy belting out “Thunder Road.”

I’m sure my cheerfully “glass half-full” ode to the Igloo won’t sit well with everyone. Mellon is the oldest, lowest capacity arena in the NHL and the space has been used for purposes the original designers never intended. It is a little shabby (I prefer the term “well-loved”) around the edges and doesn’t have the modern touches modern audiences expect.

So after close to 50 years, it’s time for the Igloo to melt (in a spectacular demolition that will no doubt be carried Live! On ThePittsburghChannel.com!). But I also don’t believe I’m alone in thinking I’m going to miss the old girl, even though we just became friends.

So celebrate while you can, Pittsburgh. Drag your lawn chair to the perfect spot in front of the JumboTron. Get tickets to the Barry Manilow or Jonas Brothers concert (take Grandma to both!). And make sure to make it to one last NHL game next year for the arena’s final season.

And if they decide to auction off the seats… D25 is mine.