Getting To The Square

Maybe you spotted that nifty Model-A Ford in Market Square yesterday during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix preview. We think that was one sweet ride. Back in the 1930s, the Model A was a pretty common sight on Diamond Street, or Forbes Avenue as we call it today, heading to the Square.

Fact is, just about any type of transportation that gets you to the Square is fine with us. After all, Pittsburghers over the years have made tracks to the Square using everything from horse-drawn wagons and trolleys in the good old days to mountain bikes and those teeny little Smart cars during these modern times. Here at the PDP, we prefer a leisurely stroll that lets us take in all the sights and sounds of Downtown. But it doesn't matter how you get there, just as long as you end up in the Square.

Which brings up a question we hear a lot. "When Market Square is done, will we be able to drive there and park?" Of course you will. Keep in mind that there will be a few changes. As usual, you can enter the Square from Forbes Avenue. Then all traffic will turn right towards the Oyster House, the oldest business in the Square. You could make that your first stop, or just keep following the gorgeous Belgian block road to Dunkin' Donuts, where you can pop in for a Pittsburgh Creme  pastry before turning right onto Forbes again.

If you're going to spend some time in the Square for lunch, dinner or shopping, you'll be able to park anywhere there's a space on Forbes Avenue or Market Square.  At first you may say, "Where?" because the meters will be gone, but just look for the signs to know where you can park and you'll be able to pay at three convenient kiosks around the Square. That mean no need to fish around for quarters anymore!  And of course, there are several convenient parking garages right aroud the corner, too.  You can check the interactive parking map for any destination in the Golden Triangle.  You can also find out which garages offer the $5 flat rate after 4 p.m. and on weekends.

For a little exercise we're going to "peddle" the idea of pedaling to the Square, especially since we recently installed those cool circular rakes that look like the Mon and Allegheny rivers flowing together to form the Ohio at the Point. Because we like to think of the Square as an urban oasis, biking there is the coolest way to keep it "green" while you burn a few extra calories. It's especially great for families - on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon you can begin riding the trails on the north or south shores and take a break with lunch at a cafe in the Square before heading home.  There's nothing like pedaling over those bridges!

By the way, if you missed the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix car show in the Square, you don't have to spin your wheels looking for photos on the web. Just check out our gallery below.