Pittsburgh: Pack full vacation of experiences into a day

PITTSBURGH -- Go south, foodies and your families. Fun bubbles up from the heart of Pittsburgh, with all manner of day trip attractions set within a few miles of each other.

Just a two-hour drive from Erie, you'll find more than a summer day's worth of stuff you can't find anywhere else.

For example, after getting a bit of lunch from the Strip District, you can practically skip to see the Pirates in their first winning season in years at beautiful PNC Park, or watch polar bears swim at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

You can find beautiful gardens at the Phipps Conservatory, a killer tomato-basil pizza and a pint or two at the Church Brew Works, and you can impress the kids at Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

It's like a holiday high-speed, without the hassle. And on the way back, everyone (except the driver, of course) can go to sleep happy.

The heart of the matter

No, not a group of lewd dance clubs.

It has nothing to do with Las Vegas or the House of Representatives.

You do not need a plane to get there, even if a GPS can help.

Pittsburgh's Strip District, built on a strip of land set between the Allegheny River and Grant's Hill, offers up groceries and cuisine from a world of cultures: Italian, Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, Latin American, Polish, Mediterranean, Asian and plain old American.

Well, ultimately, it's all American. At least that's the feeling that strikes the uninitiated on their first-ever passes down the crowded street.

"This is the food mecca," said Jimmy Sunseri, an unlit cigar dangling from the corner of his mouth. "It's saturated with all ethnicities.If the tape does not have it, you do not need it. "

Sunseri, 59, is the third generation in his family to run Jimmy & Nino Italian Deli, where customers shady olive five-gallon buckets and loaded on pepperoni balls. He said having a store in the Strip District is a business.

"You do not just come from the Gaza Strip and open a store," he said. "You have to be high for her. You must be willing to sacrifice and struggle."

This is not the mall.It is not a chain store in sight, unless you count the original Primanti Brothers restaurant, where generations of workers and customers have enjoyed the band stacked sandwiches with cheese, coleslaw and fries.

In addition to the Strip District location of origin, the owners have opened 15 stores in the Pittsburgh area and three in Florida.

What to Pack for Your Vacation With the Kids

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Taking a vacation with the kids can be fun. Family vacations are a time to make new memories, enjoy new experiences and see new places. Knowing what to pack for a vacation with the kids is key to having a happy and enjoyable vacation.

For Road Trips

Kids get bored in the car. Pack extra road maps, crayons, activity books and other toys to keep kids occupied in the back seat. For older kids, pack handheld video games, a portable DVD player or music players. Encourage the children to jot down notes and keep track of trip information. Allow them to keep track of gas stops, rest stops and money spent for meals. For very long trips, pack pillows, blankets and snacks to keep little ones comfortable.

For Airplane Trips

Flying can be stressful for adults, and for restless children, it can be absolutely frustrating. Pack colorful guidebooks that provide information about your destination and allow them to plan activities for the entire family. For little ones, pack a favorite stuffed animal or doll to calm any anxiety about flying.When traveling with babies, pack extra layers, snacks and a pacifier to help small ears adapt to changes in altitude. For older children, pack pocket books, electronic games or portable video players to help pass the time. Take the first morning flight to encourage children to sleep on the plane. Morning flights are less likely to be delayed, making travel easier.

Cruises

Cruise ships can be an absolute pleasure for young travelers. Pack extra swimwear, shoes, shower and terrace, sunscreen and bathing caps. Don’t forget to pack sticky notes to leave messages for the kids in your stateroom, a highlighter to highlight daily activities and plastic bags to carry wet swimsuits and shoes. Provide each child with an individual backpack that contains sunglasses, their cruise card, a name tag with their room number and parents’ contact information and first aid supplies. Teach children to report to a cruise line employee if they ever get lost or separated from their parents. Many cruise ship ports require a lot of walking so pack extra pairs of comfortable shoes to keep little feet from becoming tired.

For all trips

Pack the essentials when traveling with children, regardless of the destination. Do not forget the first aid kit, whistle, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra money, snacks and change of clothes. For babies, take a few extra snacks, bottled water and diapers for the trip.

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