Thinking of Haiti

I've been privileged to be involved with an organization, Team Tassy, which serves families in the poorest neighborhoods in Port Au Prince, Haiti by working to get people into family-sustaining jobs.  I've been to Haiti several times, including, just at the end of May.  I'm struck when I am down there that, despite grinding poverty, the people are resilient and welcoming, and the island (well part of an island) has some unbelievable natural beauty which has not been touched by rampant over-development.  Below are some photos taken during my most recent trip.

There's many places to stay while in Haiti, from beachfront resort properties to modern downtown hotels, to guest houses which offer modest amenities but an abundance of hospitality.

If you are interested in a trip which is enlightening as well as fun, I'd heartily recommend considering a trip to Haiti.  Here's a link to Tripadvisor about Haiti tourism.

Pittsburgh Skyline Among the Tops

Thrilllist.com issued its list of the 20 most recognizable American skylines, with Pittsburgh's skyline coming in number 7.  Thrilllist noted that Pittsburgh's is the best small city skyline in the nation.  Placing ahead of Pittsburgh were city's including Chicago, Las Vegas and New York.

To see the article, click here.

Tripadvisor Hall of Fame

We're pleased to have received Tripadvisor.com's "Hall of Fame" award, for winning a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row.  Our 4.5 stars places us among the top 5% of all properties nationwide.  Tripadvisor, if you're not aware, is a travel rating website where hotels and other destinations are rated by actual guests.  We're extremely proud of this award, and it's a testament to the hard work and guest-focused attitude of our staff.

North Side Sandwich Week Throwdown!

For the second year in a row, we're proud to host North Side Sandwich Week's kick-off event -- the North Side Sandwich Sampler at our Grand Hall.  The date's Thursday June 18, and features signature sandwiches from over a dozen North Side restaurants, including Penn Brewery, Peppi's Subs, and the two years in a row winner Modern Cafe, which is operated and owned by our friends Dean and Irene Zotis.  Penn Brewery also provides the beer.   It's a great time with great food but it sells out quickly.

See here for more information.

Just a very neat view of Pittsburgh that I picked up off of Facebook, with the Point fountain in the foreground.

Why Pittsburgh is Better Than Philadelphia

Onward State published an amusing article with the top ten reasons why Pittsburgh is a better city than Philadelphia.  Among the reasons -- Primanti Brothers sandwiches are better than the iconic Philly cheesesteak!

To see the article, click here.