In our visit to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Conference, we tested Pittsburgh’s promise of access to the limit. Where we couldn't take full advantage of famous sites like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house, we stuck to the city center itself, and found great access, friendly faces, and more in the Steel City’s Cultural District.
Accessible Downtown Attractions
Downtown Pittsburgh is within rolling distance of many attractions. The Westin Hotel at the Convention Center is very accessible and wonderfully accommodating. Its tasty in-house Original Fish Market seafood restaurant adds to its desirability. The central location and overall access puts the Westin on the map for over-achieving. The nearby Courtyard by Marriott, Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel and Hilton Pittsburgh open their doors to wheelers as well, offering plenty of options in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
A short roll from the Westin led us to the three closest bridges along the Allegheny River’s Strip District Trail. It connects to the North Shore Trail as well as the Eliza Furnace Trail, all paralleling the three famous rivers of Pittsburgh and all very accessible.
A Tourist via Water
For better views of the three rivers (the above-mentioned Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela), hop on one of the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s riverboats. A very wide wheelchair rampway allows access for all types of wheelchairs and scooters, and the large and accommodating restrooms are on the ground level, along with one of the bars. For manual wheelchairs, the crew is more than willing to bump you up a flight or two. It wasn’t necessary, though, as the views from all decks are spectacular.
From the Cultural District you can take a short stroll across the 6th, 7th, or 9th Street bridges to make a stop into the Andy Warhol Museum (yes, he’s from Pittsburgh) or the beautiful PNC Park for a Pirates ballgame, both barrier-free.
Enjoy the Culture in Pittsburgh
Back in the Cultural District, stop into one of the Pittsburgh theaters for a show; the world-renowned theater strip offers opera, orchestra, ballet, cabaret, and more. The Pittsburgh CLO Musical Theater has wheelchair seating on the main floor and offers both infrared hearing devices and cassette tapes for the visually impaired.
But don’t stop there; there are six more options for shows in a five-block radius of CLO. Accessible options include the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the gorgeous O’Reilly, or Pittsburgh Public Theater, which has the most seating options for wheelchairs of all the downtown theaters.
Where to Grab Some Good Eats
As for dining, let your nose guide you along the streets of downtown Pittsburgh. If you’ve got only one night and a thin budget, stop into Six Penn for an American bistro menu of mouth-watering fare. Morton’s Steakhouse got our ticket for fancy, but it was nearby Parma Pizza that filled our late-night snack urge the best. In the morning, we meandered over a block to Steel City Diner for the staple goodbye breakfast and were surprised to find the most pleasant staff of the trip.
There’s no question that Pittsburgh’s charm lies in its inhabitants. Look no farther for Midwest-friendly, down-to-earth people who go out of their way to welcome any visitor, disability or not.
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Boston offers visitors a variety of activities and east-coast charm. See Enjoying Beantown’s Old and New: Touring Historic Boston by Wheelchair for accessible tips around the city.
Traveling by plane? Update yourself on the latest travel rules with New Air Travel Regulations.
If you're thinking about a trip to Florida with the kids, see Tips for an Accessible Disney World Visit before you go.
