This being the last passion blog post of this semester, but indeed all of the freshman year (very sad), I cannot help but wonder what these last few weeks of the semester will be like (virtually) and what feelings they may bring. Just like on my travels, as the previous days of adventure approach, I’m often out of sorts about having to leave, but also happy to return to my home sweet home. Since we are all from different places and to my knowledge nobody else in our little blog family group is from Pittsburgh, I’d like to tell you about my home. Both Sewickley (where I live specifically) and greater Pittsburgh. 

As I often do, here are some fun facts about Pittsburgh for each of you. 

Carly – In terms of soccer, Pittsburgh has its professional team known as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and they play at Highmark Stadium. Now, this stadium is wimpy like the ones you have seen, but from the stands, you can see the entirety of the Pittsburgh skyline, which is pretty cool. 

Emma – In terms of music, we are famously known for being the hometown of Mac Miller. (And of course Wiz Kalifa and his song Black and Yellow.) 

Syndey – In 1985, Walt Disney brought his Sky Bus idea, located in Tomorrow Land, to the Allegheny County Fair (Pittsburgh is located in Allegheny County). 

Melisa – In your blogs, you often always mention the exotic food of wondrous places. Well, when in Pittsburgh, you must try a Primani Brother’s sandwich, Pamela’s pancakes, and of course, pierogies. 

Kirk – Pittsburgh is filled with history. Pittsburgh has played an important part in the early French and Indian War, to the Revolutionary War, to the infamous Whiskey Rebellion and the American Civil War with its secretive Underground Railroad stops.

Outside of Pittsburgh in the town of Sewickley is where I live. Sewickley was founded in 1838, and often, many ask about the name of this small, rustic town. Well, Sewickley is thought by some to be a Native American word meaning “sweet water.” Back during the industrial revolution, the city itself had terrible pollution. Many of the steel magnets, including the Watson’s, Carnegie’s, Mellons, and Scaife’s, had weekend and summer homes in Sewickley. 

Sewickley is filled with small business from a bookstore to a clay cafe, a yarn shop, multiple bakeries, too many coffee shops, and lots of and lots of shopping. If you have ever been to Salud in State College(a smoothie and juice place), the original shop is located in Sewickley. There are also many restaurants. However, my favorite is the Slippery Mermaid, an exotic sushi restaurant. 

Within but a little outside of Beaver Street (the main street), there are many different people parks and dog parks. One of my favorites is the Fern Hollow Nature Center, a beautiful place surrounded by a magnificent meadow. One of my favorite things to do in the spring and summer is to go to Fern Hollow at dusk and watch the Sewickley sunsets. There is so much more to say about my little home. I hope you are all doing well at home. Remember the good things and try not to dwell on the bad.