Station Square

Station Square is like a Super Wal-Mart.

People go there looking for one thing and end up… Station Square is like a Super Wal-Mart.

People go there looking for one thing and end up stumbling upon 10 more they hadn’t planned on finding.

For example, one planning to shop in the restored Freight House could step outside to Bessemer Court and stumble upon an ABBA-themed “Liquid Fireworks” show at the outdoor fountain overlooking the Monongahela. Awesome? Totally.

Did you go there looking for colored sprays of water set to “Dancing Queen?” It’s doubtful, but I bet you’re glad you found it.

The fountain shows have something for everyone, even if the addictive musical genius of ABBA is lost on you. There are ’80s hair band shows, Celine Dion shows, Great Film Themes, Frank Sinatra shows and more.

The sheer volume of attractions that Station Square offers makes it a great place to bring a date when Friday night at the cafeteria and your roommate’s DVD collection gets old.

For starters, consider a classic dinner out on the town. Station Square is just a hop, skip and a jump onto either a 71A, 61C or 61A. Take one of those three headed downtown and get off at Forbes and Stanwix. Walk down to Gateway Center Station, hop on a 47S. Get off at the Station Square stop, or get any bus going downtown and pick up the T.

Groups might enjoy Station Square’s Bucca di Beppo family-style Italian and more intimate twosomes would love the posh fondue dishes featured at The Melting Pot.

Station Square’s fine dining and a ride along the Monongahela with the Gateway Clipper fleet can get a little pricey, however, so for the budget-conscious, mixing and matching attractions is a good idea.

Cruising the Mon on “The Goodship Lollipop,” with a significant other (or an other with the potential for significance) will set you back $26.

To keep the date under $30, top off the night with a little window-shopping at the Freight House shops.

Stop in at Loova, a bath-and-body store, for a free tester of their homemade sugar body scrubs and replace the fragrance of your river cruise with something a little fresher like “Cococabana” or “Raspberry Lemonade.”

Nothing says “fun” like “funicular,” so for an even cheaper activity that’s just as scenic as a Gateway Clipper cruise, take a ride on the Duquesne or Monongahela incline for free with your Pitt ID.

The top of the incline offers an unparalleled view of the city. The incline’s museum and observing platforms allow you to see for miles.

Finally, Station Square offers just as much at night as it does throughout the day. Bar Louie, Margarita Mama’s and the Green Room cater to the 21-and-over crowd and The Funny Bone Comedy Club erupts with laughter all night long.

Station Square’s bars and nightclubs feature live music, dancing and drinks; its stores offer one-of-a-kind shopping and local novelties; and its dining is fun and varied enough to complement every taste, so skip a night of beer pong and Antoon’s and try something new.