Places: Station Square

Though there are no longer trains turning into Station Square, the old train station is now… Though there are no longer trains turning into Station Square, the old train station is now the place to turn to for unique tours, diverse restaurants and specialty clothing stores.

Station Square is a historical and commercial attraction for locals and tourists. It’s a family attraction by day and a hot spot by night.

To get to Station Square, students can ride any inbound 71, 61 or 500 bus Downtown. Or after a short trek to the “T” station at Wood Street, students can catch one of Pittsburgh’s light rail trains to Station Square. Once aboard a 47L, 47S or 42S train, the ride to Station Square takes about five minutes. People who aren’t familiar with Pittsburgh might enjoy a guided tour of the city. In the summer, the 50-year-old Gateway Clipper Fleet sails one-hour sightseeing excursions five times a day, Monday through Friday. However, in May, September and October, there are weekend cruises for $11 a ticket. The Gateway Clipper also has other cruise options, often with themes and concerts. Walking and bus tours are pretty common, especially during college visits. Boat tours might not seem like a novelty either, but how about an amphibious adventure? On a Just Ducky tour, 30 people can ride in a revitalized World War II DUKW. The amphibious trucks take riders on a one-hour tour of Downtown’s business and cultural districts before plunging into the Allegheny River. The ticket booth is located in front of the Bessemer Court. For $19 a person, passengers can explore the city’s streets and three rivers.

After your DUKW docks, it will probably be time for lunch. The Bessemer Court hosts restaurants such as the Red Star Tavern, Joe’s Crab Shack and the Hard Rock Cafe.

In the heart of the Bessemer Court, there’s the Waltzing Waters Liquid Fireworks Show. To the tune of the “Macarena” and other upbeat dance hits, hundreds of water jets create a multicolored, swirling spectacle. On a bright summer’s day, there’s sure to be kids running around the fountain and dancing to the music.

Before leaving the Bessemer Court, make sure to take in the view of the city. However, there will be a giant black object in your way. It’s a 10-ton Bessemer converter commemorating Pittsburgh’s steel industry.

To continue the history lesson, you might mosey on over to the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Freight House, which is now referred to as the Freight House Shops. The restored building houses quaint stores that sell soaps, socks and fudge. For all of your Irish fashion needs, there’s also St. Brendan’s Crossing. Hometowne Sports, also located in the Freight House Shops, carries merchandise to support Pittsburgh sports teams. Popular restaurants such as The Melting Pot, Sesame Inn, Houlihan’s and Kiku Japanese restaurant also reside in the Freight House.

Next to the Freight House food court resides the portal for the Segway in Paradise guided tours. A two-hour tour and training session costs about $60, while a 45-minute session costs about $25.

A short walk down West Carson Street from the Freight House is the Monongahela Incline. Take a free ride to the top with your Pitt ID and enjoy what “USA Weekend” named the second most beautiful view in America at Mount Washington.

With all the PG-rated fun Station Square has to offer, one might forget about the attractions for the 21-and-older crowd. People who are looking to laugh away their stresses are welcome to visit The Funny Bone comedy club, located near the Bessemer Court. Adjacent to The Funny Bone is the Green Room, a night spot where karaoke is part of the atmosphere. Station Square is also home to numerous themed clubs, such as the Saddle Ridge cowboy bar, Margarita Mamas, Matrix nightclub and the new Asian-inspired club Zen. Out-of-towners as well as Pittsburgh natives have no shortage of attractions in the square that’s anything but square.