Travel for Pennies

Art walks are a great way to revitalize a neighborhood, as some of the new and upcoming cities are finding out. They’re learning from the cities that have a long tradition of community support and action. That builds a strong downtown, and it’s especially strong when it’s not just a place for arts and business, but where people live. One of the great cities with a great downtown is surely Pittsburgh. The neighborhoods are well-established, and there’s always a mix of cultures, languages, and walks of life, which are also magnificent signs that there’s something happening here.

The art walk here, Unblurred is one that is still in the process of growing, but it’s also part of a long tradition in town, and it’s already pretty extraordinary. Art walks are those events where galleries will agree to all open for certain hours on one particular night every month. It’s a chance to display the work in one evening, in a festival-like atmosphere. These usually help to bring people into the downtown areas on other nights, and generally help the city build an identity for itself. They certainly help the locals to meet each other, and also to introduce guests and visitors to the art scene of a city.

Pittsburgh’s takes place on the First Friday of every month, and if possible, it’s a good idea to plan a trip to include this event. It’s a great excuse to enjoy the local hospitality for a little longer than you may have planned. Unblurred just might convince anyone that it’s worth it to stay longer in Pittsburgh.

Local businesses stay open and have specials, there’s food, beer, coffee, and any number of other treats, live music, and activities for kids. It starts at 7pm and can last until 2 or even 3 in the morning, and it’s still pretty crowded, even in the wee hours. At the end of the night, when you get to see all the people mixing and enjoying each other’s company, and talking about art, then what the city is all about starts to become visible.

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