There are lots of house tours in the region, but this is consistently one of the best. There are…read moregreat houses in Observatory Hill which are hidden treasures. There's lots of history here, especially with the neighborhood's connection to the former City of Allegheny. The neighborhood stretches out along beautiful Riverview Park, so that makes the tours a bit of a trek, but well worth the trouble.

We love doing house tours all over Pittsburgh and we have a special affection for the Observatory…read moreHill Tour because our daughter lives in the neighborhood. Homeowners open all or part of their homes for the afternoon to people interested in touring their homes by purchasing a ticket. Booklets of information are provided on all the open homes and neighborhood highlights. Typically the owners are present, along with several others stationed strategically throughout the home to provide information & also security for the homeowners. This year's tour was particularly easy because Molly's Trolleys provided transportation to all the streets on the tour complete with a guide that pointed out interesting tidbits on the neighborhoods. Typically we have to move the car a few times, park, and walk and the trolley was definitely easier. Most of the homes in this neighborhood were built anywhere from 1900-1930's in a variety of styles from those periods - Victorian, Tudor, craftsman, California bungalow, Gothic revival, Pittsburgh four square, etc. Many have been lovingly restored to their former glory or updated to more of today's style with walls removed to provide an open concept during the renovations and many of the homes are quite large and grand. Some homeowners even decide to show the raw almost ramshackle house they are in the process of renovating. Most homeowners proudly display their before and after photos of what they've accomplished and are anxious to share their personal stories. Once you get on Observatory Hill's mailing list, you receive a postcard and/or email notifying you of the next tour so you never have to miss out. It's a great way to get a true feel of what it's like to live in the neighborhood and discover which sections appeal to you the most.

Owned by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh., this is an amazing facility stepped in…read morehistory and tradition. The Observatory is locked in Deer Lakes Park, and situated high on the hilltop with scenic views in every direction. The most wonderful thing about Wagman are the Star Parties. They are packed with people of all ages. Some have brought their portable telescopes, while some arrive hoping to look through both of the large telescopes housed at the Observatory. There are presentations, for example, an Introduction to the Night Sky." Periodically there are announcements made about things to look for up above. It's quite an evening of education and fun. Everyone is welcoming and friendly. And it's a great way to learn about the Observatory. I was amazed to find out that several Association members have had an asteroid named after them, and that our presenter discovered a Super Nova while at Wagman one evening. Association members who take a yearlong training can get keys to use the Observatory.