Pittsburgh Happenings – December

Return of the Speakeasy
The Omni William Penn Hotel has opened its Speakeasy, a sophisticated social lounge that whisks patrons back to the Pittsburgh of the 1920s. The elegantly nostalgic and intimate space features exclusive elixirs such as Absinthe, along with other classic cocktails of the era. Innovative drinks with classic roots are the starts of the menu—from the Blood and Sand to the Light’s Out martini. Visually, the Speakeasy references the noir era with plush scarlet seating and flocked wall covering, topped by a tin roof. Open Thursdays-Saturday evenings.  

Slavery to Freedom
More than 200 years of African American history are chronicled in the Senator John Heinz History Center’s new long-term exhibition, “From Slavery to Freedom,” which opens Dec. 1, and is expected to run at least 10 years. The 3,500-sq.-ft. exhibit highlights the history of abolitionism, the Underground Railroad and the quest for civil and human rights in Western Pennsylvania. “From Slavery to Freedom” features 57 manumission, indenture and freedom papers recently discovered by the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds office, along with an interactive experience that replicates the hold of a slave ship, a life-sized figure of abolitionist Martin R. Delany and a variety of artifacts.   

Track in Time
Take a walking tour of western Pennsylvania at the world-renowned Miniature Railroad & Village, open for its 90th season! The Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center features hundreds of wonderfully realistic animated scenes that illustrate how people lived, worked and played during an era spanning the 1880s to the late 1930s. Favorites of this permanent exhibit include: Fallingwater, Forbes Field, Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler's Knob, an historic Pittsburgh incline and more.  

One of a Kind
The Nationality Rooms on the University of Pittsburgh campus are decorated in traditional holiday styles. The one-of-a-kind nationality rooms on Pitt’s campus depict the city’s diverse ethnic heritage through authentic examples of architecture and decor from Eastern and Western Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The rooms are decorated for the holidays, now through Jan. 19.  

In the Green
The Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park was certified as a green golf course by the Audubon International. It is one of only five percent of all golf courses in the United States to be certified an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” The 51-acre golf course in the center of Pittsburgh is named after the late mayor of Pittsburgh, Bob O’Connor. 

Mark Your Calendar
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week – Winter 2013 – will be held Jan. 14-20, 2013. During this week-long, city-wide event, restaurants and the community come together to celebrate steel city food and dining while highlighting with new dishes for the New Year. In 2013, diners can expect to dine at participating restaurants across the city and choose from discounted three-course fixed-price meals or $20.13 specials.