Take a Walk on the Southside

** photo by Calvin Salazar via Secret Pittsburgh

It has been a little while since either of us worked over here, and it was such a delight to rediscover this hidden gem of a neighborhood.   

Emily, of course, had us drive by Hot Rod piercing, her go-to spot for last minute ear cuffs. I fondly recalled spilling the tea after a long night out over vegan brunch at Zenith, or a puppet show I performed in years ago at art space in the Brew House lofts.   But more than anything, it reminded me of my mom listening to WDVE's Yinzerfied take on the Lou Reed classic while driving me to school. 

But what really got us both was the steps.  Yes, we were photographing interiors and making a listing timeline, but we were also imagining our most chiseled calves after a few weeks on these babies.

Did you know there are more than 2500 public steps on the South Side slopes alone?? That's more than any neighborhood in the City. According to Secret Pittsburgh, 'the steps were used by workers who lived in the Slopes to get to their jobs in the steel mills and glass factories located in the Flats.' Now, they're used by commuters, walking tours, runners, and more.  

Here's a handy "Step Trek" map created by the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association if you're ready to feel the burn for yourself. 

There is tons of major renovation and investment underway on the Slopes, as you can see from all the Tyvek in our IG reel from the day.  It's pretty exciting to see. So don't be a jag - put on your sneakers and get dahn 'er!!!

Also, whoever produced this gorgeous mural on Arlington Ave, thank you! What a delight.