Pittsburgh & Its Countryside
Fairway Drive
Tee time
Duration: Two days and two nights
Pennsylvania is the birthplace of such legends of the links as Arnold Palmer, Betsy King and Jim Furyk. Maybe there's something in the water. Maybe it's just the golf courses. Pennsylvania has the highest ratio of golf courses to people of any state in the country, with the kind of breathtaking vistas, and breathtaking holes, that make this region one of the most well-respected in the golf world. It's loaded with the subtle elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and the unopposed serenity that make the game of golf so special. Throw in a few hidden gems and a great American city and it's a roadtrip to steal any duffer's heart.
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Pittsburgh National Golf Club (Gibsonia)
Meet at the course and schedule an early tee-time – we have a packed weekend ahead. And bring a gigantic bag full of patience, and your "A" game, because this is one of the more challenging public courses around. The course has over 60 new renovated bunkers, along with 75 new golf carts equipped with GPS (for those really bad slices). Settle in at Jake's on the Green for a 19th hole simmer-down, and get a little R&R before heading back into town.
South Side (Pittsburgh)
Change out of your golf shoes (or not, anything goes in this eclectic neighborhood) and swing through 15 blocks of historic Victorian architecture and endless entertainment. On and off Carson Street, you'll find shops, restaurants, art galleries, theatre, and live music venues. You can also get a tattoo of your nine iron, dye your hair purple, and drink a yard in the South Side – a combination that makes for some of the best people watching around. There's so much to do, you'll have to stay overnight. Or move here.
Eat Here
Pittsburgh Rare (Pittsburgh)
The prime restaurant for steaks and chops seared to perfection. It's got everything a great steakhouse should have, including a spectacular view of the cityscape. Perhaps best of all, it's part of the Station Square Sheraton, so you can savor all you want before waddling home.
Sleep Here
Station Square Sheraton Hotel (Pittsburgh)
Even though the city's famous for its three rivers, there's only one riverfront hotel. Station Square Sheraton is as luxurious as it is convenient, just steps off the riverwalk and close to the stadiums that make this "the best sports town in the country."It's also where you'll start your big day the next morning. May this be the closest you get to water on the golf course…
Village Green (Hickory)
Warm up on the practice green, then tee up for a beautiful 18 lined with evergreens and unfettered views (and 25 big bad bunkers). Long, open fairways, and challenging greens give a good game, while the decked-out pro shop supplies you with anything you left at home. Like an extra sleeve of balls, just to be safe. When all is said and done and putted, retire to the sunny patio to add up the scores, or just let all that fresh air sink in. Once you've gotten the challenging stuff out of the way, it's time to head back to town for something equally serene.
Water Tours & Taxis (Pittsburgh)
Since you're staying right on the water, it's only natural that you take the water limo or the Just Ducky Tours, both accessible right from Station Square. The water limo does evening cruises, loops around the city, and even Pirates packages. Plan your roadtrip when a ballgame's in town, and you'll get a free roundtrip cruise and a drink, all for the box office price of a game ticket. If a more energetic water adventure is more your speed, then the Just Ducky Tours are for you. This land and water excursion takes you through historic Station Square and waddles you through downtown while the guides provide tidbits on Pittsburgh's history and heritage.
Eat Here
Grand Concourse (Pittsburgh)
Located in the historic Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad Station, Grand Concourse offers a world-class menu featuring top-of-the-catch seafood, steak and poultry specialties, homemade pastas and a spectacular wine list. You can't go wrong with the entrees, but the homemade doughnuts are a must for dessert.
Sleep Here
Station Square Sheraton Hotel (Pittsburgh)
Ah…home away from home.
