The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh puts a spotlight on the North Shore and the adjacent North Side neighborhood. Here are some of their landmarks, eateries, shops and amenities.
Landmarks
Fred Rogers statue: The bronze replica of the late Fred Rogers, from WQED’s “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” sits along the riverfront not far from the Allegheny River. The 7,000-pound sculpture, called “Tribute to Children,” was completed in 2009 by artist Robert Berks.
Mexican War Streets: This part of the North Side is recognized for its well-maintained historic row houses from the late 1800s, many protected by the city’s historic preservation laws. Founded in 1969, the Mexican War Streets Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the neighborhood.
Allegheny Commons Park: An 80-acre park located in the heart of the North Side, it became the oldest in Pittsburgh when the City of Allegheny was annexed in 1907. The George Washington Monument in the park is one of several monuments there. The Patricia Regan Rooney Memorial Fountain is located across from Allegheny General Hospital. Patricia Rooney was the wife of the late Steelers chairman Dan Rooney; they called the North Side home.
Priory Hotel (614 Pressley St.): A former Benedictine monastery, the Priory is a 42-room boutique hotel in Deutschtown that was built in 1888. The hotel was restored by the Graf family in 1986, preserving much of the original architecture. It has a pub – the Monks Bar — and an elegant ballroom.
PNC Park (115 Federal St.): PNC Park opened on April 9, 2001, and has a capacity of 38,362. Statues of Pirates Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski, Willie Stargell and Honus Wagner adorn the park. An out-of-town scoreboard is part of the 21-foot high right-field fence, in honor of Clemente, who wore number 21.
Veterans Memorials: The Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial, and the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial are located along the North Shore near all draft events. The Pittsburgh Allegheny County Vietnam Veterans Monument is located on the North Shore between the Clemente and Warhol bridges.
Interesting places
New Hazlett Theater (6 Allegheny Square East): Built in 1889, it was the first Carnegie Music Hall. Part of a building that at one time housed one of the first Carnegie Free Libraries in the country, it is the former home of the Pittsburgh Public Theater.
Randyland (1501 Arch St.): An outdoor courtyard museum, Randyland is a yard filled with recycled and repurposed items, many painted in bright colors by artist Randy Gilson. “Unique” is the proper word for it.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Allegheny (1230 Federal St.): When it was initially built, the Carnegie Free Library was the first of 2,509 libraries in the U.S. This new building opened in 2009.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (10 Children’s Way): Since 1983, the Children’s Museum has offered hands-on experiences for play and learning. In 2006, it became a certified green building. Museum Lab is located next door to the Children’s Museum and gives children access to cutting-edge experiences in art, technology, metalworking and learning. (It is closed April 22-25.)
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh (777 Casino Drive): Opened in 2009, the Rivers Casino Pittsburgh offers 2,400 slots, table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette and sports betting, as well as a poker room.
Mattress Factory (500 Sampsonia Way): Recognized for alternative art forms and pushing the boundaries, exhibits include work from regional, national and international artists.
Kamin Science Center (1 Allegheny Ave.): The science center has hands-on exhibits, camps, classes and off-site education programs. It houses the Buhl Planetarium, roboworld and the human body in BodyWorks. There is a Miniature Railroad & Village and the Highmark SportsWorks. (Located in the thick of NFL Draft area, the center is closed through May 1 — but will hold special free screenings of “The Football Town” documentary for draft attendees from April 23-25.)
National Aviary (700 Arch St.): One-of-a-kind in the U.S., the National Aviary is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and is known for its conservation efforts. It is home to more than 500 birds representing about 150 species from around the world, including African penguins. (Closed April 23-24 because of the draft, but open April 25.)
Bicycle Heaven Museum (1800 Preble Ave.): The world’s largest bicycle museum and shop opened in 2011. Bikes can be fixed, tuned up, or traded in and even rented. The free museum has close to 3,000 bikes, including 17 Bowden Spacelander models.
The Andy Warhol Museum (117 Sandusky St.): The museum houses the largest collection of Pittsburgh icon Andy Warhol artworks and archival materials. The museum will be closed this April 22 for a private event and will be closing at 3 p.m. on April 25. Open April 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday, April 24.
East Allegheny (known as Deutschtown): Located between Allegheny Commons Park and Interstate 279, this area includes everything from restaurants and bars to a grocery and hardware store, clothing boutiques, a gift shop, banks, salons and a bakery along East Ohio Street. One of its well-attended events is the annual Deutschtown Music Festival in the summer.
Elks Lodge (400 Cedar Ave.): With more than 100 years of service, the Allegheny Elks Lodge No. 339 began with 103 charter members and is still active today. Banjo Night is every Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Shorty’s Pints x Pins (353 N. Shore Drive): Shorty’s Pins x Pints is a game room and bar establishment that offers duckpin bowling and cornhole. There are fire pits in the outdoor space and bocce ball courts and pinball machines and video games. It has craft beer, a substantial wine selection and cocktails as well as house-fried corn tostadas.
Burn by Rocky Patel (346 N. Shore Drive): The establishment sells premium cigars, high-end spirits and appetizers. Most cigars come from Honduras or Nicaragua.
Houses of worship
St. Peter Catholic Church (720 Arch St.): A Roman Catholic Church where the Rooney family, owners of the Steelers, belonged.
Allegheny Center Alliance Church (250 E. Ohio St.): The network known as the Alliance eventually became a denomination with local churches instead of branches. Due to its location, it eventually became known as the North Side Alliance Church.
Calvary United Methodist Church (971 Beech Ave, at Allegheny Avenue): This was one of the largest churches in Pittsburgh during the late 1800s. The church is called a Parlor Cathedral, patterned after the cathedrals of Europe. Each pew is hand carved. Its Tiffany stained-glass windows are notable. The church is holding an Open House every day during the NFL Draft, noon to 8 p.m.
Stores
The Government Center (715 East St.): Old-school vinyl records and a hub for people to discuss, discover, create and perform music. Plus a coffee shop and bar.
City Books (908 Galveston Ave.): Used and collectible books.
The Farmer’s Daughter (502 E. Ohio St.): The owner learned floral design at Zuzu’s Petals, a neighborhood flower shop in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Bernie’s Photo Center (525 E. Ohio St.): In business for more than five decades, the store sells digital cameras, lenses and photo and video accessories. It also carries film, processing chemicals and equipment, and printing paper. There is a photo lab, digital image, and frame department to restore pictures.
Rally House (684 W. General Robinson St.): Rally House carries every Pittsburgh sports team and others, including local colleges. It has clothing and fun game-day accessories.