This year Hubs and I slacked planning our yearly trip. We tossed around different ideas but nothing really stuck out to us the way Peru, Iceland, or our roadtrip did. The airfare to places we would start to look into, such as Croatia or Denmark, was more than we were wanting to spend. So Hubs started looking at airline deals and found flights to Providence, RI for $15! From there our trip fell into place.
We flew to Providence, stopped for a delicious brunch at Julian’s, and then drove our rental to the Bronx. This was my first time to New York and driving in it was TERRIBLE. I would NOT suggest it. I know it seems obvious enough, but seriously. I’ve ridden through Quito, Boston, Atlanta, but nothing compares to New York. Hubs was driving and even he, the calmest, most level-headed person I know, was getting stressed out. The AirBNB place was awesome and had free parking so that was nice.
That night we went to the Yankees game. The new Yankee Stadium was pretty neat, but mostly memorable due to its massive size. It was no Turner Field, but you know, Turner Field isn’t even Turner Field anymore. The Yankees beat Tampa Bay which is good. I’d hate to see Yankees fans after a loss.
The next day we booked it to Pittsburgh. That wass a long drive. Once we got out of New York and into Pennsylvania the drive was mostly passing scenic farms on rolling hills. That night we stayed with my brother and his family. We went with them to a little carnival at their church with their little girls. I love their neighborhood. They can walk to their church, playground, public pool, and an ice cream parlor. Their town often has little parades and festivals for families. I hate that my family lives so far, but I love that the girls are growing up in such a nice place.
Our second day in Pittsburgh my brother, sister-in-law, Hubs, and I went to Maggie’s Farm Rum. It’s a distillery inside an old roofing business. It was a really cool place and the drinks were delicious! Afterward we headed to PNC Park to see the Pirates play the Reds. Again, another home team win! The view from PNC Park is like no other. We had seats in the upper section behind home plate and it was perfect. The sun was behind us; the bridge and the river and a beautiful Pittsburgh skyline in front of us. I would love to go back! After the game we went out to dinner and ate perogies and mac-n-cheese on a rooftop. I had never had a perogi before and had to ask what it was. Then we went back to get my brother’s car. He parked it at his work and so we got a tour of his office building. That was really cool! Mainly because the fridge is always stocked, you can work from home whenever you want, and you can bring your dog to the office. 
Our last day in Pittsburgh we headed to Church Brew Works for brunch. My sister-in-law and I drove there with the girls and the guys took the rental. The guys beat us there and went ahead and ordered appetizers for us. They got traditional and “non-traditional” perogies. Both were delicious! Once my sister-in-law and I tried the “non-traditional” perogies we asked the guys what was in them. I guessed black beans, and I was so wrong. It was RATTLESNAKE! And it was surprisingly quite tasty. 
Once brunch was over, we said our goodbyes and headed toward Niagara Falls. We made a quick stop at the Eternal Flame Falls in Buffalo. It’s a natural gas deposit so once lit it stays lit. Online it looked really amazing and my brother suggested it, so we figured why not? The hike to it was pretty easy since there hadn’t been much rain lately and over half of the hike is in a creek. However, that lack of rain meant lack of falls. What we saw was a little lighter size flame in a rock. Normally the water falls in front of it which I could see would be cool. Now my brother’s comment about bring your lighter in case it blows out made more sense. Oh well, it was nice to get out of the car and stretch. Time to continue on the Niagara Falls!
Check back soon to read about the other half of our trip- the Canada side!
~Sarah
