For a half-century the Three Rivers Art Festival has been entertaining Pittsburghers, who eagerly await its return to Point State Park from June 4-13. Attendees can take in the arts and crafts displays and enjoy the heavenly aromas wafting through the air, courtesy of the enormous number of food vendors hawking everything from cheesecake on a stick to gyros.
Performers lend a lively vibe to the festivities—last year, I caught an act by the Whalers, Bob Marley’s former band, who serenaded the crowd with a laid-back yet upbeat reggae tempo.  Featured acts this year include Kris Kristofferson, Matt Morris, and bands Guster and Lohio.

Last time I was there, I stayed at the Pittsburgh Hilton across the street from Point State Park, and, as luck would have it, my 10th floor room provided a great view of the park and three mighty rivers converging around it: the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio. The park is a great place to take a stroll, bike or hit the inline skate trail. Local kids play Frisbee on the grassy expanses of lawn, and families wander about carrying picnic baskets, out for a day of fun. The scene represents urban planning at its best: Pittsburgh’s dramatic skyline looms behind as the beauty of the three rivers beckons ahead.

Riverside walkways offer a pleasant, peaceful diversion, and there are benches where you can take a seat and just let your mind drift. Or, you can gaze at the sites across the water on the opposite bank, which include Heinz Field, PNC Park and the Carnegie Science Center. The landmark Fountain At The Point, known for its far-reaching spray, is not operational this year but will be back in 2011.

A couple of indoor attractions on the park’s grounds also merit a visit. History buffs should stop by Fort Pitt Museum, a AAA GEM (Great Experiences For Members) attraction offering an in-depth depiction of the struggles that led to the French and Indian War. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s free admission to the 1764 Block House, the only remaining part of Fort Pitt. 

Click on the map to locate Point State Park and Pittsburgh-area AAA Approved hotels and restaurants, as well as other points of interest.