When we drive to Pittsburgh from our farm near Bloomsburg, PA we start out on Route 80 West. There is nothing on Route 80 that stirs my heart; it's just a highway. However, when we reach the big intersection to turn off onto Route 28 South, something starts up inside me because I know that I'm really going to Pittsburgh! At this intersection we stop at Sheetz for popcorn, pretzels, and big plastic cups of ice and Diet Pepsi.

Route 28 winds through lots of small towns (one with the odd name of "Ohl") with stores, factories, and fast food places. The economy has hit these places hard. There are a lot of "Closed" signs plastered across empty windows. After about an hour and a half of this, Route 28 turns into a highway and aligns itself with the Allegheny River. People who have read my novel Buying A Year know that I'm emotionally attached to the Monongahela, but I love the Allegheny just as much. At a point along Route 28 I sit up and pay extra attention because I know that I'm going to see something beautiful and awesome.

There's a turn on Route 28 and suddenly you get to see the most mystical view of Pittsburgh there is. All of the newer buildings are outlined on the horizon, including the PPG building that looks like a castle. And at the same time, you're passing the indomitable Heinz buildings and factory! I always say to myself: Now this is Pittsburgh. No matter how hazy and mystical the view, Pittsburgh was and always will be a working town.

You can get to the Fort Pitt Bridge directly via Route 28. However, I have a confession to make. When I make this trip alone I get off Route 28 at the 40th Street Bridge and allow myself some time to get lost in Pittsburgh. If Icross this bridge and turn right, I go straight through the Strip District which is always something to look forward to; then I start driving around in circles for a while to just look at things and finally cross over the Monongahela to Mt. Lebanon to visit my mom.

(I found a copy of this old postcard with a picture of Forbes Field in 1909; look at all the rural spaces in the background!)