Music in Highland Park

Who else was counting down the weekends until Pittsburgh's Reservoir of Jazz Concert Series continued?! Our family appreciates the outdoor venue at Highland Park. Here are a few pointers to better enjoy the concert experience:

• schedule enough time for parking unless you'll pedal to the park
• bring portable chairs or blanket
• prepare a picnic with dinner/desserts or support local food vendors (such as Franctuary!)
• arrive for part of the concert or a short duration
• remember scooping baggies if you're bringing a friendly canine 

Afterwards, check out the group line dancing led by Summer Soul Line Dancing located near by the water fountain. The energetic leader blasts music and his voice to explain the fun, dance moves. Apparently this is the 5th year running, without missing a Sunday in August during all of these years! The dancing begins at 7pm and we saw participants of all ages.

Any other tips to enjoy music in the park? 

Memorable Memorial Day

Image source.

We honored Memorial Day by attending the Annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Soldier's & Sailors Museum in Oakland. 


It was special celebrating the day while observing the opening ceremony, enjoying admission to the museum and viewing the time capsule's contents.


Based on our visit, we would recommend visiting later in the day at next year's event. When we arrived in the morning, the children's activities were not ready for usage - the bouncy house was still deflated with an unknown time for its readiness.


How did you and your family honor and celebrate Memorial Day?

Nixing Netflix

Beware that Netflix is increasing monthly rates. We enjoyed our monthly subscription of one DVD in the mail at a time with unlimited streaming. Yet, the new rates of approximately $15.00 a month is not better priced than the few movies we could rent at a local Red Box.


Below are movies that people always share "you have to watch it!"

• Steel Magnolias
• The Shawshank Redemption
• 8 Mile
• Stand By Me

Plus we should support the recent movies filmed in Pittsburgh...

• The Next Three Days
• Love & Other Drugs 
  
• Unstoppable
• Batman is currently being filmed in town!

Any hot movies you would recommend from this summer? 

What flicks are on your Bucket List  ? 

Summertime... Fresh Produce

Interested in supporting local growers and feasting upon delicious produce? Check out the markets listed below...

I spy... growing melon!

So Dill-i-cious : )

• Farmers at Phipps sell local & organic products on Wednesdays from June until October. This is the 3rd Annual market at Phipps Conservatory. 
• Citiparks Farmer's Markets occur through out the city on different weekdays, from May until November.
• The East End Food Coop has locally supplied produce and is open daily from 8am - 9pm.
• Though produce is not grown locally, this business in the Strip District promises that they put they are the "freshness profesionals that put the PRO in produce!" Consumer's Produce at the Strip District.
• I wish we could contribute to a local produce stand to sell our extra, 

  

  organic bounty

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• 
  ! 

Check out the interactive map for more markets!

  

Where are our garden's stepping stones?!

What farmers' markets do you suggest?

Summertime... Gardening with Family at Phipps Conservatory

Did you know that Phipps Conservatory sponsors a free class for families? Garden Explorers are invited to visit the Children's Discovery Garden on the 2nd Saturday of Summer Months (June - September). Check online to RSVP and learn more details! 

Have you checked out the Discovery Garden, yet? How does your family enjoy gardening together?

Summertime... Outdoor Movies

Below are three drive-in movie theaters within the Pittsburgh Area, and an outdoor venue for watching movies. Though I have yet to enjoy a movie at the drive-in locations, it is on my to-do list for this summer!

• Dependable Drive-In in Coraopolis

• Evergreen Drive-In in Mount Pleasant (cash only)!

• Riverside Drive-In in N. Vandergrift

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• Dollar Bank Cinema In The Park - 2011 Schedule at six locations

Please share your experiences at these theaters or others that you recommend?

Summertime... Concerts

Pittsburgh is a thriving, cultural community. Below are links to schedules for summer concerts through out the city. An asterisk (*) denotes concerts without costs or charges. 

• 3 Rivers Arts Festival occurs June 3 - 12, 2011.

• Mellon Square Summer Concert Series* is in Downtown.

• Allegheny County Summer Concert Series* are at the County Courtyard, Hartwood Acres Park and South Park Amphitheaters.

• WYEP Concert Series vary by location.

• Jazz On The Steps: Jazz Workshop, Inc. 2011 Summer Concert Series* occur in Homewood.

•  The Trib Total Media Amphitheatre Concerts is located near Station Square.

• Jazz for Tots* music education classes occur in Homewood.

Please share if you've attended any of these concerts, or about others that you'd recommend!

Summertime... Water Parks

What better way to spend time as a family then splashing and cooling off with water?! Remember sunscreen though!

Here is a list of area water parks:

• Sandcastle in Pittsburgh
  
• Spray Parks in the City
  
• Wave Pool  at South Park
• PPG Place Water Feature in Downtown

If you are in the mood for a longer drive there is always...

•  Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA.
• Kalahari in Sandusky, OH.

 Another ideas is to connect with neighbors or family by hosting and/or organizing a Water Party. Activities could feature the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler or  Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Grub ScoutsSprinkler; "slip & slide" water slide; or simultaneously add artwork to your garden by   using an ornamental sprinkler. Remember to caution players of the tripping hazard with the watering hose. 

Please share... what other water parks do you recommend?

Coming soon... Water Parks

An upcoming list of nearby water  parks will help to enjoy our recently hot weather!