Crawl To The Square

Okay, we don't really want you to crawl to Market Square. But we do hope you do walk, run or even hop to the Square before, during or after tonight's Gallery Crawl that starts Downtown at 5:30 p.m. For the summer Crawl, the Cultural Trust transforms  Downtown into one big art gallery and block party, with plenty of art, music, food and beverages along Penn and Liberty avenues. And we hear there are some really, really big surprises in store this time around. Oh, and did we mention that it's all free? How's that for a great night out in the city?

Of course, there's plenty more going on in and around Downtown this weekend. If you can snag a ticket or two, check out "The Producers" at the Benedum. This non-stop outrageous and non-hilarious musical from Mel Brooks is back for another round of laughs. Based on the cult favorite movie, "The Producers" won just about every award on Broadway you can imagine. If you haven't seen it yet, you better hurry. The show ends this Sunday.  If you make it down on Sunday, you can grab a sandwich at Primanti's or refreshing drink at Starbucks.

Now that the Major League Baseball All Star Game is over, the Pirates are back in town to play division rivals the Houston Astros. Even if the Bucs aren't doing so well in the standings, we think PNC Park is the most perfect place in the universe to watch a ballgame. Along with the enjoying the peanuts and Cracker Jack, it's Beach Towel Night for Friday's game — and don't forget the sunscreen.  You can snag your fresh roasted peanuts at Nicholas Coffee in Market Square and suncreen at the CVS.

Jazz fans will want to check out Little E's on Liberty to catch some of the coolest riffs around. And the Theatre Square Cabaret premieres "’S Wonderful," an all-singing and all dancing celebration of the songs of George and Ira Gershwin. This tuneful journey carries the audience to New York City, Paris, Hollywood and New Orleans on the music of one of America's most famous and beloved songwriting teams.  So maybe a retro cocktail at Bella Sera is in order here?

Just to warn you, with so many people enjoying summer in the city this evening, you might just want to think about chilling in the Square for a while at night's end. Whether you're waiting for traffic to ease up or just want to make the magic of Downtown last a little longer, the Square's a perfect place to end a big night on the town.

Meet The Squaretaker

Just about the time you're pounding the snooze button on the alarm, Brock Wilson  is already working hard to make sure that Market Square is spic and span for another day. You see, Brock is the guy who sweeps the terrazzo, arranges the chairs and tables and generally keeps the Square looking great all day long. So whether you're in the Square to sip a morning cup of coffee while you puzzle over the New York Times Crosswords or unwind with a Smoothie at lunch or enjoy an apres-dinner stroll as the days draws to a close, Brock is the guy who makes the place feel like home. That's why around the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, we call Brock "The Squaretaker." 

Chances are you've seen Brock in the Square. He's the tall guy with the long blond hair who never seems to stop moving. Sometimes even we have a hard time keeping up with him. But Brock will tell you that he's got a job to do — especially as more and more of the new Square opens up for even greater use by the thousands of people who visit it each day.

"People expect the Square to be clean," Brock will tell you as he surveys the scene for any signs of litter or a chair not coupled with a table. "Most of the times, they pick up pretty well after themselves. But after big events like the Fourth of July, there's a lot of work to do."

On the job since last August, Brock brings a smile to the Sqaure every day. Along with exchanging hellos with merchants, he's doing a great job as the Square's goodwill ambassador. In between sweeping up a stray piece of paper, he'll help Downtown visitors find their way to various points north, south, east and west of the Square. "People always have questions about how to get from one place to another," he says. "I do my best to explain how to get there as fast as possible."

Just like the rest of us, Brock is happy that the Square is almost finished and bustling with people during the Farmers Market on Thursdays. But he's quick to point out that more and more people are coming to the Square every day. So, the next time you're there, make sure you try to spot Brock. Chances are you'll find him just about anywhere, keeping the Square looking its best just for you.

Beat The Heat

Okay, there's no way we're wishing for a blizzard that buries Downtown under two feet of snow again. But a cool breeze now and then would be just fine during this little heat wave that's pushing the temperature toward triple digit range. Maybe you can't fry an egg on the sidewalk, but, baby, it's hot outside. Still, there's just too much happening Downtown to stayed cooped up in the office or loft all day — even if the AC is cranked up to way past high.

Of course, you'll want to stay hydrated as you venture outdoors. That's why we're suggesting a layover in Market Square, Downtown's favorite new urban oasis. Now, we don't mind telling you that we enjoy a beverage or two in the Square just about anytime of the day. For instance, a yummy chocolate milk helps wash down one of those amazing Prantl's pastries in the morning. And in the afternoon, well, we could sit in the Square for hours sipping icy thirst quenchers like the fruity frozen Coolatta from Dunkin' Donuts or the crazy sweet iced peach coffee from Bruegger's. Don't let the construction in front of Nicholas Coffee keep you away. Step inside this quaint store for a taste of Jet Tea, a green-tea base with fruit flavors--it's frozen-blended heaven!

For more natural tastes Starbucks serves up a cool unsweetened iced tea that refreshes your body and mind after a sweltering first half of the day at the office. And for super lunch that you can sip through a straw, order up a fruit, juice or yogurt Smoothie at Mixstirs. We can't think of a cooler way to add some extra nutrition to your diet. We're not trying to get fresh. But the Square is a great place to get a few sweet licks, too, if you stop by the Original Oyster House for a gigantic cone of soft-serve ice cream.

A great way to beat the heat is to stay out of traffic. So instead of sitting in rush hour gridlock, we suggest a stroll back to the Square for an adult concoction. For true blue Pittsburghers, an icy cold brew at Primanti's is the perfect way to chill. And we always say "ole" to the margaritas at Los Velas and Moe's. For a more sophisticated nightcap, we recommend the specialty cocktails at Bella Sera that are as smooth as they are unique. And just one little reminder, make sure  you have a designated driver — just in case you cool off a little too much.

Celebrate The Fourth In The Square

We're all Yankee Doodle Dandies this weekend as Pittsburgh celebrates the Fourth of July all over Downtown. Just in case you didn't already know, the Regatta will make a big splash on and around the three rivers with powerboat races, parachute daredevils and concerts, today through Sunday. Over at PNC Park, the Pirates will battle the cross-state rival Phillies, who just  happen to be from the town where the Declaration of Independence was signed. And America's birthday celebration ends with a really big bang on Sunday night when the Zambelli Flashes of Freedom Fireworks Fantasia extravaganza lights up the city skyline in red, white and blue and lots of other colors.

Of course, we can't think of a better place for you to relax during the big weekend Downtown than in Market Square — especially now that the entire Square is open with more tables and chairs and room to stroll around than ever before. In fact, you could say that the new Square is Pittsburgh biggest al fresco cafe. No matter what direction you look, there's a delicious selection of places to eat, drink and enjoy summer in the city.

No matter if your tastes run toward traditional favorites such as the Original Oyster House or newer options like the tasty Mexican dishes at Las Velas, the Square menu is ready to serve up something for just about every palate during the holiday weekend. Early birds will want to check out Dunkin' Donuts to sip a chilly Coolatta or an iced coffee specially priced for Regatta goers.  For a little more substantial offering, Prantl's and Mancini's are teaming up to serve their signature combo — a hefty Mancini's sandwich and a to-die-for dessert from Prantl's. And for those really big appetites, the Primanti's sandwich — piled high with meat, fries, slaw, egg and cheese — awaits those whose eyes might just be bigger than their bellies.

And by all means, don't forget to do a little shopping in and around the Square. Discover the chicest women's accessories at Serendipity, just across the street from Dunkin' Donuts. Well-heeled gentlemen will want to treat their feet to the finest in footware at Nettleton Shoes on Market and then maybe add to their wardrobe at the Heinz Healey clothing store just around the corner on Liberty Avenue.

So whatever brings you Downtown for the Fourth, we hope you celebrate safely and visit Market Square on this All-American holiday.

Time For More Changes

Later this week,  you'll notice a familiar face back in Market Square. That's when the Square's handsome landmark clock makes a timely return as workers open more space to the public.  In case you're wondering, the clock will be standing in the exact spot as it did in the old Square, just around the place where Forbes and Market streets used to cross paths. Sometimes, it's really true that the more things change the more they stay the same.

It's also a good time to check out some colorful new changes in the Square. We want to thank the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for hanging all those beautiful baskets of red and white flowers from lamp posts in the Square.  In addition to their many community garden and greenspace projects, WPC preserves our natural landscapes and maintains and operates Frak Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater.  Be sure to keep an eye open for more floral finery in Market Square from WPC in the days ahead.

Okay, maybe you noticed something else. Just about every day, more and more of the yellow caution tape disappears. That means more of the Square is open for everyone to roam around in. Now, our insiders on the construction crews are telling us that by the end of next week, nearly every square inch of the Square will be ready for public use. Let's keep our fingers crossed and our walking shoes ready for that.

Of course, all that open space means that people will want to find their favorite spots in the new Square. In case you're wondering, we'll be busy placing more table and chairs so that just about everyone can find a place that "sits" well with them when they visit the Square.

One thing that won't be changing this week is the Farmers Market and Free Noontime Concerts scheduled for this Thursday. Each week brings more great food, flowers and tunes to the Square.  And this Friday's KidsPlay program features Gold's Gym to help kids "Know Their Own Strength."

So let's synchronize our watches to be there in the Square this week to turn back time for the clock's comeback — and hours of fun for years to come.

Thinking Outside The Square

Okay, everyone can find Market Square on a map of Downtown. After all, it's been Pittsburgh's favorite gathering place for more than 250 years. But we like to think of the Square as a state of mind that crosses streets and sidewalks beyond its boundaries to embrace its neighbors on Fifth and Forbes and Wood Street, too. That's why we're reminding you to discover what's outside the Square during a free Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation tour of the Square and its surroundings this Friday at noon.

Hooking up with the tour is easy. The group meets in the grassy triangle of park in front of the fabulous new Fairmont Hotel. Just look for the guides holding up the yellow PHLF tour signs. Then around noon, you and your fellow intrepid hikers will take off to explore Downtown's past, present and future for the next 60 minutes.

Right off the bat, you'll learn why the beautiful blue and white Buhl Building — that's the one that looks like a really big piece of Wedgwood dinnerware —  on the corner of Market and Fifth has the name "Bash" above its entry. And if you turn your eyes to the skies, you'll see all 23 stories of the shiny new Three PNC Plaza, the home of the Fairmont and the greenest mixed-use building in all of the United States. And that's just the start.

A few steps along Fifth, you'll take in the lovingly restored facades of once neglected buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that are now bustling with new businesses and living spaces like the stylish MarketSquare Place Lofts.

Now if your appetite needs to be satisfied, you can visit the hot dog vendor across from the Capitol Grille on Wood and Fifth as the group admires the giant living mural growing on the side of the main PNC building. After a short stop on Wood Street to inspect a wonderful terra cotta building and the only remaining wooden front structure Downtown, the trek will move on to the intersection of Wood and Market. There, the guides will direct your attention to one of the city's oldest establishments — Weldin's Stationery Store — and one of the newest, the chic Boutique la Passerelle. While you're on the corner, try to spot one of the skinniest buildings you'll ever see anywhere.

Pardon the construction on Forbes Avenue as workers busily pour concrete for a new road lead to the Square. Once you pass the almost venerable George Aiken's restaurant, you'll make tracks to Pittsburgh's longest-running eatery — the world-famous Original Oyster House. Now, we certainly will understand if you can't resist the temptation to take a step back in time to savor one of the best fish sandwiches around. But we really do recommend that you stick with the tour to the end. If you do, you'll catch a peek of the relocated Mancini's and Prantl's shop on Market, just across the street from the Nettleton Shoe Shop and Heinz Healy's mens clothing store.

You'll end the tour across the street from where you started at the one of Downtown's most-traveled and least-known byways — Graeme Street. Only about 100 feet long, Graeme cuts alongside the Diamond Building on Fifth and Liberty before ending in the Square. It's also the address of one of the most intimate housing spaces Downtown, the Residences at Market at Fifth with only 7 units.

Now for extra credit, pay attention to  your tour guide this Friday. Because we'll be checking back to see who knows why Market Square was once better known as the Diamond.

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation walking tours of the Market Square area end this Friday. So circle the date now.

Stay Connected With Free Wi-Fi In The Square

We know you’re busy. These days, who isn’t? That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever for you to stay “connected” with our free WiFi service when you’re in the Square for lunch, the Farmers Market and other events.

Maybe you noticed workers installing a new WiFi transmitter in the Square last week. That’s a big improvement because it’s now actually outside instead of in the old G.C. Murphy Building — these days we call it Market Square Place — where it used to be. And real soon, we’ll put up another unit in a strategic place to cover every square inch of the Square with Wi-Fi service.

Best of all, WiFi in the Square is online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. All you have to do is log on to www.WiFiPittsburgh.com to register for up to 2 free hours of daily access. And since the Post-Gazette sponsors the service in the Square, you can read the PG online as long as you want without using up your 2 hours of time. That’s really news you can use anytime.

Of course, we’re all about supporting local companies, which is why aspStation of Lawrenceville is managing the system in the Square and other WiFi hot spots around Downtown. Oh, and we bet you didn’t know that each month more than 4,000 people log on to our free WiFi access through their laptops, iPads and other mobile devices in the Square and across Downtown.

Now, with free WiFi access in the Square, you can join the online crowd and  never be more than a few clicks away from catching those “can’t miss” business e-mails, surfing the web or just Tweeting friends on a sunny day.