I visited Pittsburgh a few times in college, about 20 years ago, and then again in 2014. It’s amazing how your memory of a place can differ from a new experience in a quasi-familiar place.

A work conference brought me to the city for a few days at the end of Summer. The visit provided me with the opportunity to rediscover the city after many years. The first thing that struck me was how “sleepy” the city felt to me. Traffic was light, the streets were never crowded, and most restaurants felt almost empty until later in the night. As someone who does not enjoy large crowds, I enjoyed the feeling of space and room to breathe.

I always love seeing street murals when I explore. There were many peppered throughout the city.

Walking around the downtown area brought back some memories. I loved visiting the small businesses in Market Square, seeing the new restaurants in the area, and taking pictures of the beautiful nearby architecture.

I remember some buildings, but the next two photos were new locations for me. The inside of a nearby hotel was awe-inspiring and the church was stunning.

One area I had never explored before was Point State Park. My hotel window offered a great view, and I had a few chances to explore on foot during my stay. After viewing the Point, I saw the beautiful waterfall and color-changing lights at the bottom of the convention center. Pittsburgh may feel like a small city, but I had lots to do, see, and experience for a few days.