PITTSBURGH RETREAT

Unlike photographs, the breadth & genius behind the design take new shape as you hike toward the entrance, surrounded by a perfect balance of hard rocks & soft flowers. Not only is the house built on a waterfall, it is also cantilevered over the stream, appearing as if it could float away.There is nowhere that the sounds of the waterfall cannot be heard. It is quiet; and I imagine the only intrusion in these small towns, is the passing of our cars on the way to Fallingwater.

If you are an antique collector, enjoy rummaging through slices of history, or would just like to meet the 2 very nice owners of a great antique store, be sure to stop at the shop on your right immediately before the Yogi Bear Campgrounds. Take a seat on their lemonade porch or SHOP, like I did!

The atmosphere is perfect for a celebration, business dinner or even dining alone. With lamps shaped like the tops of martini glasses, what could be bad??!!

Also, every meal concludes with a philosophical thought in the form of a fortune, so you can even take a piece of this place home.

(*I recommend reservations for the dining room, but there is plenty of seating in the bar, in case the restaurant is full. Feel free to order food from the dining room menu anywhere in the restaurant.*)

On the University of Pittsburgh campus & only 5 or 10 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, you will find the "Cathedral of Learning". This is the language building for the college & it is very interesting to walk through. The building is actually a tower. The first and third floors include approximately 20 "nationality" classrooms decorated in styles ranging from Romanesque to Tudor-- all under one roof!

(Note: Saturday & Sunday are the best times to visit. Also, the Cathedral is especially nice to see in mid-to late-December when the rooms are decorated in the holiday tradition of the nation being represented.)

This is an interesting (and common) stop on the way to the Carnegie Museum (about 3 blocks away @ 4400 Forbes Avenue).