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Pittsburgh Date Ideas: 4 Romantic Locations

Living close to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has allowed my husband and I to expand our options on a variety of things such as shopping and doctor appointments, but our favorite things to do in the city end up on our ‘date night’ agenda.

Pittsburgh offers a plethora of romantic settings and activities for couples looking to enjoy a memorable date night. Whether you’re seeking a cozy evening or an adventurous outing, the city has something for everyone. Because the city has an ‘industrial’ vibe to it, some people will discount it when thinking of romantic evenings, but they are doing themselves a disservice. I love Pittsburgh and am excited to share some of the things that stood out to me as great dates! Here are four romantic date night ideas in Pittsburgh that are sure to spark love and create lasting memories. 

Romantic Dinner Cruise on the Three Rivers:

Pittsburgh is the city of bridges because of where it sits. That means a lot of water views and a variety of boat ride activities. If you are looking for a romantic boat ride you can book a dinner cruise. Embark on a magical evening aboard one of the Gateway Clipper fleet and sail along the beautiful Three Rivers. Indulge in a gourmet meal while enjoying breathtaking views of Pittsburgh’s skyline illuminated against the night sky. Cruise options range from elegant riverboats to intimate sailboats, allowing you to find the perfect ambiance for your romantic night. Let the gentle sway of the water and the city lights set the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.

Stroll Through the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens:

This is one of our most frequented ‘dates’ and one of my favorites. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourselves in the tranquility of nature. This enchanting oasis offers an ideal setting for a romantic date day out. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, mesmerized by the colorful blooms and aromatic scents. Explore the serene Japanese garden or enjoy the exotic beauty of the tropical forest. You can even grab a coffee, a beer and/or lunch during your visit. The café sources their food from a garden grown in the conservatory. 

Phipps is especially cozy during the colder winter months when you are daydreaming about summer. It is open all year long and has a mesmerizing winter wonderland setup, complete with hot cocoa around Christmas time as well. With its romantic ambiance and natural wonders, Phipps Conservatory is a surefire way to ignite the sparks of romance.

Picnic in Schenley Park:

Embrace the beauty of the outdoors with a romantic picnic in Schenley Park. This expansive urban park provides a serene escape from the busy city, offering lush greenery and picturesque views. It includes 456 acres of trails, woods, and attractions. Find a secluded spot under a shady tree or near the enchanting Panther Hollow Lake, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a delicious spread of your favorite foods. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy takes pride in maintaining the park and there is no charge to enjoy this area, so if you are looking for something inexpensive, scenic, and romantic this is a great option. 

Rooftop Date Night at a Downtown Bar:

Elevate your date night experience by enjoying a romantic evening on one of Pittsburgh’s rooftop bars. Feel on top of the world as you sip your favorite cocktails or indulge in a glass of wine, while overlooking the stunning city skyline. 

There are several rooftop bars to choose from depending on what part of the city you are in. If you are in the mood for Mediterranean food and a trendy vibe, Over Eden is one of the top spots. If you are more drawn to a rustic-chic style and hearty meatballs or pizza, then you are looking for Il Tetto at Sienna Mercato. The Biergarten Hotel Monaco has your typical beer garden setting with European-style food. These are just a few examples of the rooftop experiences you can find in Pittsburgh.

Regardless of where you go you will have a great view to watch as the sun set and the transformation of Pittsburgh into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights. The combination of panoramic views, stylish ambiance, and delicious drinks creates an atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic night out.

And, hey, even if you are rocking the single life right now, these ideas are also great for girls’ nights out or to have a solo date with yourself! I’ve had many a night out on my own as well as with friends.

From enchanting gardens to scenic river cruises, Pittsburgh offers a range of romantic date night ideas for couples. Whether you prefer a leisurely evening exploring nature or a glamorous rooftop experience, this vibrant city provides the perfect backdrop for a good time.

Let me know in the comments if you have been to any of these places or if you plan to check them out. I would love to hear about your experiences!

-Dani 💜

 

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Top Reasons Why To Visit New Zealand

New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa in the Maori language, is a breathtaking country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word Aotearoa is not actually known, however several meanings have been proposed for the name, the most popular being “The land of the long white cloud”. The country is a land of stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and unique cultural experiences. While most people think of kiwi birds or The Lord of The Rings, there is so much more to the country. New Zealand is remarkably diverse and incredibly unique. While the island country is roughly the size of Colorado, USA, it is home to just under five million people and innumerable natural wonders. Here are some of the top reasons why to visit New Zealand and get that passport stamped!

Natural Beauty and Unspoiled Scenery

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests, golden beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. The country is home to 14 national parks, each offering its own unique experience. Fiordland National Park, for example, is famous for its dramatic fjords, while Tongariro National Park boasts active volcanoes and stunning alpine scenery. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply admiring beautiful scenery, New Zealand has something for everyone. This is just one of the top reasons to visit New Zealand. The diversity of the geography is impressive and unlike anything else on Earth. Not to mention, all of this fits into two main islands. 

Adventure Sports

New Zealand is known as one of the adventure capitals of the world and for good reason. The country offers a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and skiing. I can think of a few adventure seeking friends that would thrive there! There is something for every skill level, ages and abilities. If you go out of your way to find thrilling experiences, New Zealand is the perfect destination for you.

Unique Wildlife

New Zealand is home to a unique array of wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else in the world. Some of the most famous are the kiwi, a flightless bird that is the country’s national symbol, the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, as well as the Hector’s dolphin, which is one of the world’s rarest dolphins. The country is a wildlife hotspot for photographers and sightseers alike. 

Cultural Experiences

New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history as well as culture, with its indigenous Māori people playing a significant role. Visitors can learn about Māori culture by visiting marae (Māori meeting houses), watching traditional Māori performances, and trying traditional Māori cuisine. New Zealand also has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing the country’s artistic talent. You can explore a recreation of a traditional village, the Māori village, and learn about traditions, foods, music and community life.

Friendly People

New Zealanders, also known as Kiwis, are renowned for their friendly and welcoming nature. They are always happy to share their knowledge and love of their country with visitors, making it easy to explore and experience the best of New Zealand. The country is known for its laid back vibes, cultural diversity, and focus on equality. New Zealand is also one of the top countries known for its safety. It’s the perfect place for solo, or first time, travelers. It is a progressive country that is well known for being one of the least corrupt countries and overall has a relaxed lifestyle. While it is more of a quiet life, it isn’t very crowded and has great food.

Fantastic Wine

What is a Stamped blog post if we don’t talk about the wine! New Zealand is off the beaten path but it is home to some of the most amazing wines. It is well known all over the world for the Marlborough region that produces a variety of wines. Their sauvignon blanc, however, has a particularly strong following. If I had a dime every time I heard someone say that they only drink Marlborough sauvignon blanc, I would have retired by now. My personal favorite sparkling rosé comes from New Zealand. Graham Beck Brut Rosé. This is not sponsored, but if the winery calls, I will happily oblige. ; )

Middle Earth

Last, but certainly not least, New Zealand is the home of Middle Earth. This is If you are a Lord of The Rings or Hobbit fan, you probably already have New Zealand at the top of your travel list. Fans come from all over the world to take a Hobbit tour or to visit some of the many film locations around the country. You can really immerse yourself in the Tolkein inspired world that fans have grown to love. 

As you can see, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty, adventure sports, unique wildlife, cultural experiences, and friendly people. And if you are looking for a new country of residence, New Zealand offers several immigration programs, including a Skilled Migrant Category visa, which provides a pathway to residency for skilled workers. In addition, some regions in New Zealand offer relocation grants to attract people to live and work there. With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to plan your trip to this breathtaking country. 

Kia Ora! 

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