Pittsburgh isn't all about steelyards and Steelers. Just take a look at the city's unique museum circuit. Begin with the Bayernhof Museum, a Tudor mansion north of the Allegheny River, which houses a collection of music makers, including a cage that chirps as taxidermy birds inside flutter to songs. Downtown, the Toonseum features cartoon and comic book art exhibits — past ones have honored female cartoonists and showcased original illustrations from the Little Golden Books. Just north is the Mattress Factory, housed in, yes, a former mattress factory warehouse. The maze of temporary and permanent installations celebrates contemporary art in all mediums. Tuckered from taking in all this artwork, rest your head at the LEED-certified Fairmount, a luxury hotel with striking city and stadium views and sleek decor. But don't miss a blue-collar breakfast the next morning at Pamela's Diner — its Strip District location is walkable from the Fairmount. Crepe hotcakes, a local favorite, come wrapped around a choice of fillings, including bananas, strawberries or chocolate chips.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Quirky museums are on display in this Rust Belt city.
