If you want a good time...

go to Seviche and Tonic!!! Seviche has to be one of the most fun, hip, unique places downtown right now. Great service, delicious drinks and food... an all around fabulous time. Josh and Jess couldn't be any nicer! If you're going out and can only pick one place, pick here - SO fun!

Of course, the beauty of living downtown is you don't have to stick with one place, you can walk to so many amazing places. Tonic Bar and Grill is also one of my 'faves. They have such a diverse menu - From hummus, to pad thai, to burgers. Everything I've ever tried there has been scrumptious!

Most important, the customer service at these establishments is phenomenal. I like going places that value their repeat customers. Both Seviche and Tonic fit the bill!

This neighborhood needs a playground

Point State Park is one of Downtown's greatest assets! A big green open space to run around, read a good book, play sports, have a picnic - the possibilities are endless. It's also a great draw for visiting families. My friends often ask me "Where do you take your kid to play?" When I mention PSP, they ask if there's a playground. Most major city parks have some sort of play structure for kids, and even most minor ones. Where is ours? There's certainly enough space for one. A playground with a fence around it would be a HUGE draw for families! A safe, enclosed place for kids to play would be a big boost for families thinking of Downtown as a viable living option. If you build it, they will come! My kid is a little small to really care about this sort of thing yet, but in a year this could become problematic.

Nice In-Town "Getwaway"

If you've never had the opportunity to vacation in your own backyard I highly recommend it. It really is a different experience - especially if you have a kid! There are often 4 star hotels listed through Hotwire.com for less than $100 per night - an excellent deal. We have, or have had family stay at many hotels downtown - The Courtyard Marriott, the Hilton, the Westin, the Omni William Penn, and the Hampton Inn (technically the Strip, but REALLY close) and all have been pretty darn nice. We have family staying at the Renaissance in a few weeks so I'm sure that will live up to the reputation.

The only downside to the backyard vacation? I really wish more places were open on the weekends. With many new condo and apartment complexes expected to open this year, hopefully more downtown businesses will open their doors outside of bankers hours.

Ahhhhh-mazing!

If you EVER need a chiropractor in downtown Pittsburgh, I cannot recommend HealthQuest Chiropractic and Dr. Greg Simunick enough - FABULOUS! While I love my kiddo, he has ruined my back. Between chasing him throughout Point State Park, in and out of car seats, picking him up off busy sidewalks and more, I had constant lower back pain. I have been twice and already feel so much better! Just as important - I can take my son with me! Dr. Simunick has been super accommodating and tolerant of the kiddo. Just another great business making downtown a super family friendly neighborhood.

LOVE the Omni

If you've never seen the lobby at the Omni William Penn at Christmastime you're really missing out. The highlight is a HUGE decorated Christmas tree. Pair that with the live music and it's truly spectacular. We had relatives stay there over the holidays, and they were so impressed with the space and service. We met them for a last minute dinner at the Tap Room - and after a wonderful meal my toddler enjoyed ENDLESS running throughout the huge lobby! They even have goody bags for children staying at the hotel! We weren't the ones staying, but they gave him a goody bag nonetheless. Top notch!

Interesting times at the Westin

So, I had a very "interesting" time at the Westin a few days before Christmas. I had walked to the Strip to finish some last minute Christmas shopping, and I needed to mail one card while I was out. In search of a stamp, I stopped at Fedex on Penn Avenue - they were out. The employee suggested I try the gift shop at the Westin. It's not that far (in the wrong direction) from home, so off I go. The gentleman in the gift shop said he did not have stamps, but to try the front desk. I go up to the front desk, and ask if I could purchase one stamp. I explained to the front desk clerk that the employee at Fedex sent me to the Westin gift shop, who then sent me to his desk. He paused, and then asked if I was staying at the hotel. When I said "No, I live Downtown" he said, "I'm sorry, I don't have any stamps left." WHAT?!?! First, I find it hard to believe the Westin did not have a single stamp I could purchase, and second, the fact they had no stamps was predicated on NOT being a hotel guest!

Fortunately, I ended up speaking with a very apologetic front desk manager who seemed to be appalled for this employees actions. Sadly, I ended up leaving with out buying my 42 cent stamp but was happy in knowing that hopefully this will not happen to another Downtown resident. Not that it's a local hotel's responsibility to sell stamps - I understand it's not the post office. I just happened to be in a last minute Christmas pinch - and I guess I've gotten used to the excellent treatment I receive from most local businesses. Living Downtown is spoiling me!

Why would I ever leave?

Between the shops Downtown, Station Square and the Strip, why would anyone leave to get anything done? I have done the majority of my Christmas shopping here (a few things online, but they were VERY specific things) and will continue to do more! Even better? Fedex/Kinkos on Penn Ave. sells stamps, and they are HOLDING them for me until I can get there later this evening. How great is that? They have been selling stamps like crazy due to the holidays and they're holding them for me! Sometimes it's the little things that make my day.