Pittsburgh grew because of our many riches: wood from the forests, coal from the hills, limestone, sandstone, clay in the soil, flax and cotton from the fields. Timber from our land supplied the materials necessary for building rafts, boats and barges as a means of transportation on our rivers laying the foundation for the town's future industries.

The fertile soil of our rich farmland yielded more than those who tilled it could consume. This surplus was sold or exchanged for other necessities. It was mainly because of this farm wealth that Pittsburgh would become a manufacturing town. Inexhaustible beds of coal in the immediate vicinity gave the city all the fuel for the expansion of its iron and glass manufactories and at the beginning of the nineteenth century the iron industry started to take shape.

The men who built the enterprises on which Pittsburgh thrived and the big businesses they founded endowed Pittsburgh collections of art, libraries, parks and more. Some of these early businessmen were Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, Henry John Heinz, Thomas Mellon and George Westinghouse.

Our universities are a mecca drawing students from all over the world: The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne University, Chatham College, Carlow University and Point Park. Pittsburgh draws the finest young men and women to train here in all areas including robotics, engineering and medicine.

All of this makes the city a good place to live but does not explain what makes Pittsburgh a fun place to live. The " Burgh" as Pittsburghers call it, is rich in its history and the character of those who live here. The streets are windy and lots of the homes have not changed in many years, nor have the residents explaining the charm of the neighborhoods. The shops and restaurants, some of which are ethnic, are what make our city unique.

Each year there are several street fairs with local artists showing their work along with vendors offering food with local flavor. A Pittsburgh favorite is the Greek Food Festival held in the Oakland area of town. The Greek Orthodox Church sponsors it and its members lovingly prepare the food for months prior to the festival. The Three Rivers Arts Festival has been held for nearly fifty 50 years in the downtown area and lasts for seventeen days with art, music and food. The Pittsburgh Folk Festival is a multi-cultural celebration of more then 25 nationalities, celebrating its fifty-second year in Pittsburgh where one can enjoy food and art.

Pittsburgher's love our sports and are avid Steelers fans. A favorite past time is tailgating before games and grilling Kielbasa, a local favorite. Pierogies are another hometown favorite, and here in the " Burgh " we eat more of them than almost anyone else in the nation. Primantis Pittsburgh Style Hoagie is another tradition where they make a sandwich piled high with meat and top it with slaw and fries.

Anyone living in the Point Breeze area back in the 50's would remember the wonderful aroma coming from The National Biscuit Company. Though it is no longer there, many other memories of the past are still a part of Pittsburgh today such as Isaly's known for their chipped chopped ham, having made its debut in 1933. Isaly's is also known for their ice cream bar dipped in pure chocolate called the Klondike, now a national favorite. Another food originating in Pittsburgh and reaching national notoriety is the Clark Bar.

The Strip District is a popular area in Pittsburgh located next to downtown and along the Allegheny River and the train station. This was once the hub of the wholesale trade industry and is now a lively shopping area filled with restaurants and nightclubs.

If one really wants to get a taste of Pittsburgh a stop in the "Strip" is a must. When looking for a taste of Pittsburgh to share with others, there are local companies that specialize in items from Pittsburgh. A gift shop called Basket Affair has been in business since 1986 and ships baskets all over the country.