A Rower's Eye View of Pittsburgh

I post a link to this television story which ran on our local public television station, WQED, late last year, because it shows Pittsburgh from a viewpoint that few see -- on the river level, as the rowers on Pittsburgh's active crew scene see it.  There's a human interest aspect to the story too, and a personal one for me.  The story, which is called "Pulling Together," concerns my oldest son, Will (age 16), who's a dwarf, and his older sister, Laura (who's now 18).  Laura is a rower and Will is a coxswain (the person who steers the boat and calls the stroke cadence).  To do the story, the reporter, Beth Dolinar, followed them out on to the Allegheny River, and the late fall views this story reveals are spectacular.  I hope you enjoy the piece, which was nominated for a regional Emmy award.

Here is a link to "Pulling Together."

Priory Fine Pastries on TV!

Yours truly and our Priory Fine Pastries Executive Chef Jim Lazeration recently taped a segment of the television program "What's Cooking with Small Business" with Pittsburgh Small Business Administration District Director Carl Knobloch.  Carl did a great job of putting us at ease.  Jim showed Carl the in's and out's of making frosting from scratch and how to frost a cake (Carl showed some real aptitude for that task), while I told Carl the story of our various Priory Hospitality Group business lines, including our Priory Hotel, Grand Hall, and Priory Fine Pastries.  Above are some photos from the event.  We have not yet gotten word when the show, which will be broadcast on Pittsburgh's PCTV, might air, but we'll keep you posted.

Above are pictures of Jim (with white jacket) and Carl during taping.

New Public Art in Deutschtown

Our Deutschtown neighborhood is home to a new piece of public art, called "Cloud Arbor," by artist Ned Kahn of California.  It's the centerpiece of a $6.5 million renovation of Allegheny Square Park, which abuts Pittsburgh's Children's Museum.  The museum spearheaded the creation of "Cloud Arbor," which features a cluster of 20 foot tall shiny aluminum tubes which, every few minutes, emit a pall of water vapor from their tops.  The cloud gradually settles to earth and wafts with the wind.  The new park, which features much green space in addition to the new art piece, is a huge improvement over its previous incarnation -- a concrete and block amphitheater that was a masterpiece of 1960's urban renewal bad taste.

 Here is a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette piece about the new park and public are.  The above photos are ones I took when I was out for a walk not long ago.  They show the progression of the emission of the cloud and its gradual dissipation.  The park is only a few short blocks from the Priory, and is well worth a look.

Grant Street Named One of the Top Thoroughfares in the U.S.

The American Planning Association recently named downtown Pittsburgh's Grant Street as one of America's Top Ten Streets, joining notable thoroughfares as Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.  Grant Street, which traverses downtown from Liberty Avenue to the North to the Boulevard of the Allies to the South, is home to many of the city's most dramatic office buildings and government centers, including the U.S. Steel Building, Gulf Tower, One Mellon Center, and Allegheny County Courthouse.  According to the APA, Grant Street was recognized

"for the melange of historic 19th century buildings and soaring 20th century skyscrapers that straddle its tree-lined median, history that underlies these magnificent structures, and diversity of uses. The 11 blocks that run between Fort Pitt Boulevard and Liberty Avenue are among Pittsburgh's most frequently trafficked and a popular destination for residents, commuters and visitors."

Read the Post-Gazette's story regarding this recognition here, and if you're staying at the Priory, take our point to point shuttle to Grant Street to see just what the APA is talking about.  

Priory Kudos from Yahoo! Travel

Yahoo! Travel recently created a list of the Top Ten Unexpectedly Romantic U.S. Cities, and Pittsburgh was one.  In Yahoo's narrative, the Priory is the only hotel in the city mentioned:

"For optimum romance, check into the Priory Hotel—a former Benedictine monastery on the city’s North Side, with just 42 cozy rooms, a fireplace in the lobby, and an on-call shuttle to downtown. Guests can stroll to nearby Max’s Allegheny Tavern, a classic with its beveled glass mirrors and hand-carved bar, to enjoy German specialties: The wienerschnitzel and sauerbraten get great kudos. "

Hey, thanks Yahoo!  See the Pittsburgh post here.  

Ghosts, Ghouls & Goblins, Oh My!

October is here and so are all the scary attractions that accompany it.  Fortunately, Pittsburgh has enough scary things to do to keep us screaming all month!  The Scarehouse in Etna is always a seasonal favorite.  Ranked as one of "America's Scariest Halloween Attractions" by the Travel Channel this is a sure must do this month.  Another spooktacular attraction is Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood Amusement Park.  This one always scares the pants off us! If you're looking for a more family-friendly Halloween activity the Gateway Clipper Fleet hosts their 'Halloween Monster Party' on October 27th.  Dress up the kids and bring them out to partake in a party that is scarily fun! After all that frightening entertainment you can always come back and relax at the Priory Hotel!  We promise not to scare you...too much (Mu-Ha-Ha-Ha).

Who's Ready For Some Football?

It's the week of the Steelers vs. Eagles showdown! A Pennsylvania team squaring up against another Pennsylvania team.  It doesn't get any better than that!  This match up will take place October 7th, 2012 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.  The Philadelphia Eagles lead this series with a record of 47-27-3.   This west vs. east rivalry is one that brings a lot of excitement to players and fans alike.  We know we will definitely be watching this not-to-be-missed throwdown!

Chilly Weather-Hot Specials

To celebrate the beginning of fall we have several great specials running now through October 21st, 2012.  The Romance Package is running a special for $200 + tax a night for a King room.  Take a break to spend some quality time with someone special  and leave all the details to us.  We will have a bottle of chilled champagne and roses along with a delicious spread of chocolates, fruits, and yummy treats from The Priory Fine Pastries waiting for you in your room upon check-in. 

If you're interested in a little more action we are running a special on the Rivers Casino Package for $200 + tax a night for a King room.  Try your luck at slots with two $10 vouchers and grab a fabulous dinner with a $50 food and beverage gift card.  You also will receive complimentary valet parking with your Rivers Casino Player's Card but hey, if you don't feel like driving our complimentary shuttle can take you to and from as well.  To get the good luck flowing we will have a bottle of chilled champagne and two scratch-off lottery tickets in your room upon arrival!

That's not all though, we have one last fall special.  Enjoy all Pittsburgh has to offer with our Pittsburgh Staycation Package at $199 + tax a night.  You can "fall" back in love with Pittsburgh during this autumn season with tickets to two of Pittsburgh's local attractions.  We have tickets for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, National Aviary, Carnegie Science Center, Andy Warhol Museum, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium just to name a few. 

Just because it's not summer anymore doesn't mean the vacations need to stop!