The 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Classic will be the highlight of the summer in Pittsburgh, July 29-31. Visitors can also choose from any of the following additional activities to complete their experience:
1. Hit the trails — See Pittsburgh by way of its sprawling riverfront trail system that parallels the city's three rivers. Bike and skate rentals are conveniently located in downtown Pittsburgh.
2. Catch the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum — This new sports museum, located in the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, will bring you face to face with the history of sports in Western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh Steelers' Immaculate Reception, Chip Ginassi's Target Team Indy car and more.
3. Let Just Ducky float your boat — Pittsburgh's only land and water tour will take you on a fun-filled trip through Pittsburgh in a vintage World War II amphibious vehicle, able to drive from land into water.
4. Get a different view of Pittsburgh with Kayak Pittsburgh — The skyline, the bridges and the ballparks all look different from a kayak. Here's your chance to paddle around the Classic Waters to see urban wildlife like beavers, herons, turtles and more. It's an experience that gives you a different perspective of Pittsburgh.
5. Visit history at the Rachel Carson Homestead — This National Register historic site in Springdale, 17 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, is the birthplace of Rachel Carson, who is credited for pioneering the environmental movement. Less than two hours from Pittsburgh
6. Relax and unwind at Moraine State Park — Boat and fish on the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur, one of Pennsylvania's largest man-made lakes. Located just 40 minutes North of Pittsburgh in Butler County, Lake Arthur's 42-miles of scenic shoreline attracts anglers who may catch large and smallmouth bass and more. Contact Patti Jo Lambert at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau at (724) 869-0740 or pjlambert@visitbutlercounty.com.
7. Explore the mystery behind Rolling Rock's "33" — Tour the Latrobe Brewing Company where Rolling Rock beer is brewed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Located in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, the brewery is only 48 miles east of Pittsburgh. Call (724) 539-3394.
8. Drive one home — Mercer County was voted in the Top 10 Best Golf Towns in the United States by GOLF DIGEST Magazine. Mercer County has an abundance of golf courses, including America's only free public course, Buhland Golf Course. Contact Peggy Mazych, Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (724) 346-3771.
9. Brave the rapids on the Youghiogheny River — Visit the town of Ohiopyle along the river for what is considered some of the best commercial whitewater rafting in the country. Ohiopyle is a 68-mile drive southeast of Pittsburgh. Contact Julie Donovan, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, (800) 333-5661, ext. 18.
For more information, contact the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau: Lynne Glover, 412-281-0482, x3155 or Kristin Mitchell, 412-281-0482, x2550.