September 29th 2024.
When it comes to food, I firmly believe that a meal is not complete without a good helping of ketchup. And for me, nothing beats the classic Heinz ketchup. It might feel like a British institution, but little did I know that the company actually originated in Pittsburgh, USA. That's right, the city on the East Coast is home to the first ever Heinz factory, where the beloved condiment was born.
Now, before I continue, I have to confess something: I am a huge tomato ketchup lover. And I mean HUGE. In fact, for my 21st birthday, I received 21 packs of Heinz ketchup as a gift. That's how much I love it. I'll put it on just about anything - chips, pasta, rice, you name it. But I'm also quite particular about my ketchup - it has to be Heinz, no other off-brand versions will do.
So, you can imagine my excitement when I got the chance to visit Pittsburgh, purely to see the city's ode to my main food group - the Heinz ketchup museum, complete with a giant bottle. But as I explored the city, I discovered that Pittsburgh has so much more to offer than just condiments. It's known as the city of bridges, with more bridges than even Venice. And art lovers will be familiar with the city's famous son, Andy Warhol, who was born there.
Pittsburgh has a unique charm, with a small-town feel and all the amenities of a big city that travelers love. And of course, there's plenty of ketchup to go around. So, if you're planning a trip to the USA, here's everything you need to know for your next city break.
First things first, getting to Pittsburgh is easy with British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International Airport starting at just £543. And for accommodation, you can't go wrong with The Joinery by Hilton, a leading downtown hotel with rooms starting at £148 per night. But if you're looking for a more homey stay, there are also options like the Holiday Inn Express in the city, where you can find large suites for just £119 a night.
Now, onto the main event - the Heinz History Center. As a self-proclaimed ketchup lover, I couldn't wait to step inside and be surrounded by hundreds of samples of my favorite sauce. But instead, I was met with a wealth of information about the famous red condiment. I learned about how eight-year-old Henry John Heinz started the iconic business by selling produce from his mother's garden in Maryland to local grocers. And did you know that the number 57 on some Heinz bottles is actually a tribute to Heinz's lucky number and his wife's? The creator also had a goal of making 57 variations of Heinz products, although he never quite reached that number.
The museum is full of artifacts and interactive displays that showcase the evolution of the Heinz Company from a small food purveyor to one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Admission is $20 for adults and $11 for children aged six to 17, with free entry for children under six. And the best part? Your ticket gives you access for two days, so you can take your time exploring.
Next up, the Andy Warhol Museum. Whether you're an art enthusiast or not, you've probably heard of Andy Warhol and his famous pop art creations. And if you're in Pittsburgh, a visit to the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist is a must. The museum houses an extensive permanent collection of Warhol's art and archives, and one of my favorite pieces was "Silver Clouds," a room filled with giant silver balloons that visitors can interact with and watch slowly deflate.
The museum is open every day except Tuesdays, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $25 for adults and $13 for children. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even rent a bike and explore the city. Pittsburgh is known for its walkability, and with its black and yellow bridges, it's a vibrant and picturesque city to cycle through. We rented bikes from Bike the Burgh and took a tour to get a feel for the city. And if you're into skateboarding, don't miss Point Skate Park, where you can catch some street performers and take in stunning views of the city.
Oh, and here's a fun fact - there's a cycling trail that starts at Point Skate Park and goes all the way to Washington D.C., if you're up for a longer ride. Bike the Burgh also offers walking tours, with prices starting at $49 for adults and $34 for children aged eight to 13. And if you bring your own bike, you can save $9.
So, whether you're a ketchup lover like me or just looking for a charming and unique city to explore, Pittsburgh has something for everyone. With its bridges, art, and, of course, ketchup, it's a city that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more.
When it comes to a satisfying meal, one thing is for sure - you can't forget the ketchup. As a devoted lover of this red condiment, I know the importance of having it with almost everything, from chips to pasta. And when I found out that Heinz, the beloved brand of ketchup, originated in Pittsburgh, USA, I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit the city and see where it all began.
Pittsburgh, also known as the "city of bridges", is not only home to the first ever Heinz factory, but also to other notable attractions. From the iconic black and yellow colors that represent the city's sports teams, to the birthplace of the famous artist Andy Warhol, there is so much to explore in this vibrant city.
I was lucky enough to snag a flight with British Airways from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International Airport, and stayed at The Joinery by Hilton, a top-rated hotel in the downtown area. For those on a budget, there are also options like the Holiday Inn Express which offers spacious suites for a more affordable price.
But let's get back to the main reason I came to Pittsburgh - the Heinz History Center. As I walked through the doors, I was excited to see endless displays of my favorite sauce. However, instead of bottles upon bottles of ketchup, I was greeted with interesting information about the company's humble beginnings. I learned that it all started with eight-year-old Henry John Heinz, who grew produce from his mother's garden and sold it to local grocers. And for those wondering about the mysterious number 57 on some of the bottles, it turns out that 5 was Heinz's lucky number and 7 was his wife's - and he had planned to create 57 varieties of Heinz products, although he never made it that far.
But the Heinz History Center is not the only museum worth visiting in Pittsburgh. The Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist, is a must-see for anyone, art lover or not. The museum houses an extensive collection of art and archives from the iconic pop art icon, including one of my favorite pieces, Silver Clouds - a room filled with giant silver balloons that visitors can interact with.
Aside from museums, one of the best ways to see Pittsburgh is by bike. With its bike-friendly trails and rental shops, it's the perfect way to explore the city. We started at Point Skate Park, where we were treated to stunning views of the city and even caught some street performers in action. And for those feeling adventurous, there is a trail that leads all the way to Washington D.C.
In the end, I couldn't have asked for a better city break. From the rich history of Heinz to the vibrant art scene and outdoor activities, Pittsburgh truly has something for everyone. So next time you're planning a trip to the USA, don't forget to add this hidden gem to your list - and don't forget to bring a bottle of Heinz ketchup along for the ride.
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