Average Weather
January and February are heavy snow months, with averages in the 10-inch to one-foot range. From November through March, expect some snow, with occasional flakes falling as early as October and as late as May. Spring and fall temperatures are moderate. June, July, and August are warm weather months where it seldom gets scorching. Plan on pleasant summer weather in the high sixties and low seventies.
Transportation
Buses cover the entire area, including a special schedule for Pirates games. The Port Authority's Web site, here, can give you maps, route information, and fares around town. Call 412-442-2000 for bus information both from the airport and around town.
Driving is difficult; check local papers for information on Fort Pitt Bridge construction and Fort Duquesne Bridge construction. Pittsburgh International Airport is served by British Airways, United, Delta, Continental, American, US Airways, TWA, and Northwest Airlines. All ground transportation is located on the baggage claim level of the airport. Ground transportation includes taxies, shuttle buses, rental car couriers, and hotel courtesy van pick-up. All the major national chains have car rental outlets in the baggage claim area. The Travelers Aid Society, also located in the baggage claim area, has an infant car seat loan program for car-renters who arrive without an infant seat.
In-Season Costs
The Geneva, Switzerland-based Corporate Resources Group has rated Pittsburgh as an excellent business bargain --- the only US city to make its top fifty list. Pittsburgh is a city where your dollar goes a long way -- whether you’ve come from Hong Kong or Hoboken. Expect to pay around $15 for a moderately priced meal and under $100 for a center city hotel. With more than 30 colleges and universities in the area, you can easily find a low-cost night out whether you’re seeking a cultural event or a low-cost bar.
Day Trips
Laurel Highlands is your best bet for a brief excursion. Located east of Pittsburgh in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the area is rich in attractions for a perfect day out. The Laurel Highlands is a camping and hiking region with areas for tents and with cabins, and where whitewater rafting is popular on the Youhiogheny River at Ohiopyle. There are also numerous hotels and Bed and Breakfasts. The area is southeast of Pittsburgh and visitors can get there and back in a day. The web site of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau for more information is http://www.laurelhighlands.org>.
You’ll find seven themed amusement areas and 14 thrilling water attractions at the Idlewild and Soak Zone theme park in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. In the Living Treasures Animal Park in Donegal, Pa, you can feed and pet over 500 animals from the farmyard standards through exotic creatures. You can satisfy a need for speed at Jennerstown Speedway or Motordrome Speedway in Smithton. In the Laurel Highlands area you can also sample wines, visit the Latrobe Breweries the home of Rolling Rock beer and shop until you drop at an assortment of craft and specialty shops or outlet malls.
