I decided on vinyl windows because while we value our house, I do not plan on living there for the rest of my life. There isn’t much yard, and I am only 26. I will have a lot of moving around in my lifetime – but for now – we are living in Bellevue – and we NEED new windows. We currently have the 100 year old wooden single-pane windows that are like a sieve when it comes to air and noise. They have no screens, and some won’t even open at all. It was time for new windows.

Because this wasn’t for the house of our dreams, I didn’t even take a look at some major, better known companies such as Champion, Swingline, Thermo-Twin, Anderson and Pella. I assumed (hopefully correctly) that they would be too expensive for my budget. Plus, vinyl windows are vinyl windows… right?

First company to come in was Castle Windows – The Window People. The salesman was nice, and his windows were touted as having the best warranty on the market. I can vouch for that: no other company had this type of warranty. As you will surely see in your experiences – warranties are great, but some go to extents that are really not practical. We felt comfortable with Castle, especially since one our good friends bought their windows from them. I made the mistake of mentioning too soon that I had 5 other companies coming out for estimates – and that “I WAS NOT MAKING A DECISION TODAY, PERIOD”. He then mentioned that he was going to talk with his manager before I got his final quote, then left after about an hour.

Damn it. I got over-zealous thinking that I was going to have to beat these salesmen off with a stick, but it wasn’t the case here. Actually it wasn’t the case with any of our estimates, except one. More on that one later.

Second company to come in was Universal Window Company. The salesman came in on a Saturday morning, completely unorganized, without a demo window – but was a very nice and pleasant guy. He measured, gave his quote of $3700 and left after about an hour. I thought the price was kind of high, but it was the only quote so far I had gotten.

Third came Sears. Oh my god, what was I thinking? This guy came in smelling like he just took a bath in cigarette smoke, had the typical used-car-salesman approach and then the kicker was that my 7 month-old daughter was getting fussy (she was usually in bed at this time) and this guy didn’t even seem to notice! I mentioned that we had to hurry this up, it had already taken about 45 minutes and he hadn’t even measured yet, and he said that if he is not at a potential customer’s house for at least 2 hours – then he didn’t do his job correctly. I said no thanks, just get me the quote and please leave. He measured, talked some more, offered to sleep on my couch if it gave him the job, then gave me a quote of $6600. Holy Shit! $6600 for 7 windows. He saw the shock, and quickly threw in that he can take 10% off the price immediately if we sign right now. I couldn’t believe it. Are you kidding me? This guy was acting like a fraud the whole time, and this was the icing on the cake. We asked him to leave. He said, “sure…. only after you sign this document stating that you turned down the 10% discount offer”. I signed and showed him the door. Wow, 1.5 hours of my day wasted on this schmuck. $6600?!?!?!

Next up was Pittsburgh Window and Door of Millvale. They are the smallest business we are dealing with, but they are offering Traco windows. At first, seeing that name on the window scared me. Traco is in the Statue of Liberty – imagine the cost for our measly house! I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. The salesman was actually one of the owners, and he was very polite. He measured, talked to us a little bit about our daughter, quoted us at $2750 then left. It only took 35 minutes, and it was a nice change from what we encountered with Sears the day earlier. As he was driving away, my wife said we should just call him back and sign with them right away. No chance… I still had 2 more companies to look at.

Fifth in line was Windows Unlimited. We have all heard their jingle on TV – and now it was time to see their windows up close. The salesman was great, one of the owners I believe, and was very sincere when taking about his company and how he runs a business. He also mentioned that because of the quality of work he does – if we were looking for the cheapest price – it wasn’t going to be though him. He was right. His quote was a little high at $3900, but he was nice – and he did put on a great presentation.

Lastly was Metropolitan Windows. I found them via their TV ad that Saturday. They are mostly known for their fiberglass windows, but they deal in vinyl as well – so they came out. After making sure that they knew they weren’t going to sell me any high-priced fiberglass windows – we got down to business. After a quick hour, we got our last quote of $3500.

Castle Windows still hadn’t gotten back to me with their quote after about a week and a half at this point so I called them. The salesman called me right back and said that they were going to be $3275… with the best warranty on the market. Decent price, but all I could think about now was the $2750 Traco quote.

The final decision came down to Castle because of the recommendation I had and their warranty, and Pittsburgh Window and Door because of their price, the fact that they install Traco windows and that my wife really liked the owner.

About 2 weeks after I started my search I called and signed on with Pittsburgh Window and Door. The windows were just installed this week, about 5 weeks from the time I ordered them. The 2 installation guys had the 7 windows torn out, replaced and cleaned in about 6.5 hours. You could tell that they were experienced and had been doing this type of work for quite some time. I am more than happy with our new windows.

9. Go on a "Just Ducky" amphibious tour. These tours take you around to all the best places in Pittsburgh - on land and in water in a vintage World War II amphibious vehicle. You will get to see all the cultural and historical highlights of Pittsburgh in this great tour. Book one today. [Other Area Tours]

8.  Ride the Gateway Clipper Fleet. One of America’s premier riverboats, presents an unforgettable experience that truly captures the personality of a great river city. The magnificent vessels sail day and night, offering a wide variety of cruises that will let you relax and experience life on the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. Book a cruise here.

7. See a Play in the Cultural District. In the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, the Cultural District is home to many great theatres showing a wide variety of famous plays. Great food, and also home to the great Heinz Hall & Pittsburgh Symphony. Check it all out here. [Other Area Theaters]

6. Visitor’s Choice. What would you include in this list? Tell us here.

5. Watch Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin play for the Penguins at Mellon Arena. Sid the Kid was drafted first overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and is being called the most complete hockey player since Mario himself and Wayne Gretzky. Watch the magic come to life downtown at the Igloo. Visit the Igloo. [Other Pittsburgh Sports]

4. Visit PNC Park (and the Pirates too…). This ballpark has consistently been considered baseball’s best ballpark, and it would be a shame to miss out on taking in a great Bucco’s game. Pirates tickets are not hard to come by, and they usually over sell standing room tickets, so you are almost always assured of getting a seat for any game. You can buy tickets here.

3. Kennywood Amusement Park. America’s Favorite Traditional Amusement Park is proud to be a National Historic Landmark. It has a wonderful array of rides including old wooden style coasters and many great food outlets. There is plenty here for the whole family to enjoy all day. Buy your tickets here. [Other Theme Parks]

2. Primanti Bros. restaurant in the Strip District. You need to order the award winning Pitts-Burger Cheese Steak (or something else if you want). This sandwich along with all other Primanti sandwiches include, among other things,coleslaw, tomatoes & french fries piled high on two slices of sliced Italian bread. That’s right; its all ON the sandwich. Don’t worry, its delicious. See their menu. [Other Pittsburgh Restaurants]

1. The Monongahela Incline. This will take you to the top of Mt. Washington and from there you can see all of Downtown easily. This is easily the best place in Pittsburgh, and the scenery at this overlook is breathtaking. The best part? The incline only costs a few dollars to ride, and the ride alone is worth the couple bucks.

Top Pittsburgh Romantic Restaurants:

• LeMont. Although is is also probably the most expensive, it is well worth it for the view of Pittsburgh from atop Mt. Washington and the food is exquisite. Visit LeMont
• Louis Tambellini. Louis Tambellini is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a full-service fine dining restaurant specializing in seafood, a variety of veal dinners and the finest Italian around. Visit Louis Tambellini

Top Pittsburgh Authentic Italian Restaurants:

• Louis Tambellini. Louis Tambellini is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a full-service fine dining restaurant specializing in seafood, a variety of veal dinners and the finest Italian around. Visit Louis Tambellini
• Bravo!. This national chain of Best Italian restaurants feature 5 chains throughout the Pittsburgh area. The Italian is fantastic and the atmosphere is even better. Visit Bravo!

Top Pittsburgh Authentic Mexican Restaurants:

• Mad Mex. Mad Mex is Pittsburgh’s best Mexican restaurant and best of all it has 4 locations throughout the
  Pittsburgh area: North Hills, South Hills, Robinson & Oakland. Visit Mad Mex
• Cozumel Restaurante Mexicano. This great Mexican restaurant calls itself the "Entertainment Capital of Pittsburgh" due to is nightly entertainment and dancing. Oh and the food is great too! Visit Cozumel

Top Pittsburgh Baristas:

• Enrico’s Tazza d’Oro. The best coffee in Pittsburgh is not Starbucks. This european barista conquers all coffee houses in Pittsburgh with their true "cup of gold" beverages. Visit Enrico’s Tazza d’Oro
• Cafe Kolache. Our second pick is from up north in Beaver PA. This Czech gourmet coffee house features Prestogeorge coffees and scrumptious kolaches. Find out for your self what a kolache is. Visit Cafe Kolache

Top Pittsburgh Bars:

• Saddleridge Rock-n-Country Saloon. A little bit of everything for everyone. It has it’s club side of things, but then again, also you can hear yourself talk and it has a Bull that you can ride! perfect for those Friday’s after work. Visit Saddleridge
• Sports Rock Cafe. Bar, Restaurant or Sports TV Multiplex? We don’t know, and if you were going for one of those aspects, you would even notice the others. This place has it all. Visit Sports Rock

Top Pittsburgh Steak Restaurants:

• Pittsburgh Rare. Continually voted as the City’s Best Steakhouse. This Sheraton Station Square steakhouse
  delivers fantastic steaks in an elegant, stunning setting. Visit Sheraton Hotel’s Pittsburgh Rare
• Morton’s Steakhouse of Chicago. This steakhouse only loses to Pittsburgh Rare because it is a national chain. Both steakhouses are equally fine, and deliver some of the best steaks this side of the Ohio. Visit Morton’s

Top Pittsburgh Best-Kept-Secret Restaurants:

• Willow. If you are looking for a less expensive romantic restaurant, visit Willow in the north Pittsburgh suburbs. It is a fairly new to Pittsburgh’s dining scene, but it is truly a beautiful restaurant with great food. Both spots are perfect for that romantic getaway meal. Visit Willow
• Casbah. This sophisticated Mediterranean restaurant in Shadyside features a wine bar, and a exquisite kitchen that’s specialties include fresh seafood, lamb and delectable pastas. Visit Casbah

Top Pittsburgh Off-the-Wall Restaurants:

• Six Penn Kitchen. Ok, not exactly off-the-wall, but it is definately such a great restaurant and bar that we had to include it somewhere. Located in the heart of the Culutral District. Visit The Six Penn Kitchen
• Abay Ethiopian Cuisine. Enjoy Pittsburgh’s only Ethiopian restaurant in an authentic atmosphere which captures the warmth and zest of Ethiopian culture while adding diversity to Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. Visit Abay

Finest Pittsburgh Least Expensive Restaurants:

• The Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is dedicated to providing excellent authentic Indian food. While practicing authentic Indian cuisine, they also use their own imagination and creativity to introduce new and innovative dishes. Visit The Taj Mahal
• Mineo’s Pizza. A Pittsburgh tradition in pizza. 2 locations that offer the best pizza in ‘da ‘burgh. Visit Mineo’s Pizza

Top Pittsburgh American Restaurants:

• Atrias. Atria’s Restaurant & Tavern offers a unique combination of traditional entrees and quality features. It is our tradition to ensure that you experience quality food at an affordable price, exceptional service and a friendly atmosphere. Visit Atria’s
• Gullifty’s. Inside you’ll find an eclectic array of sandwiches, entrees, gourmet pizza, pasta, Mexican, and burgers, enough to satisfy anyone’s appetite. Visit Gullifty’s

Whether you head east for the Laurel Mountain resorts such as Hidden Valley and Seven Springs, or you head north to Peek n’ Peak or Blue Mountain… we have you covered with reviews and comments on all of our beautiful area Ski Resorts.

View all of our Western Pennsylvanian Ski Resorts & Trails here!

• You walk carefully when it is “slippy” outside.
• You often go down to the “crick”.
• You have to “red up”, before company comes over.
• You’ve ever gotten hurt by falling into a “jaggerbush”.
• You know that Ahia is a river, a boulevard, and a state.
• You’ve ever “warshed” or “wershed” the laundry.
• You know where Beer Falls is. (Beaver Falls)
• Mr. Webster is wrong. You know full well that “ain’t” is correct English.
• You know you can’t drive too fast on back roads,cause-udda-deer.
• “Gumbands”… need I say more?
• You’ve ever drank an “Arn” .
• You’ve ever told someone to “quit jaggin around”.
• You know that Clinton, Monaca, and Beaver, are actually names of towns.
• You’ve called someone a ‘jaggoff’.
• You hear “you guyses”, or “yins” and don’t think twice.
• You know the three rivers by name and can pronounce them correctly but refer to them as… da Mon, da Al,and da O.
• You hate Cleveland, although you’ve never been there.
• You know where KerNEGgy is, and you like his museum and ‘liberries’.
• You drink “pop”, eat “hoagies”, pierogies, and gyros(jy-rows).
• You drink melk.
• You didn’t have IHOP’s or Waffle Houses.
• You know what a still mill is.
• You cheer for the Stillers.
• You know where Picksburgh is.
• You expect temps in the winter to be record breaking cold and temps in the summer to be record breaking hot.
• You go Dahntahn to da-Strip District, and take your wife wtih you. Be sure to get a Permanee’s sammich while yins guys are derhangin’ out an nat.
• You can find Zillionopal on a map.
• You go ‘food shoppin’ at ‘Jine Iggle’.
• You don’t have a spring break in high school.
• You believe that “Ize” is the abbreviaton for “I was.
• You know someone from ‘Sliberty, E-sliberty, or Wesliberty.
• You’ve played with a dekkacards..
• You know the Pittsburgh Zoo is in ‘Hilinpark’ and have been there for school field trips.
• You say “McConnell’s Mills”, although you know there is only one mill there.
• You know what is meant by “The Point”.
• You love Pensivanya.
• Chipped ham was always in your refrigerator when you were growing up.
• If you’ve ever been “ascared” because that “nebby” old lady across the street saw you do something bad, and you know she will “tellon you”.
• No matter how hard you try you can’t stop speaking Pittsburghese.

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• Vocelli’s - Has coupons online that can get you some pretty good specials
• Nakama Japanese Steakhouse - Free Appetizers for an online survey
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• WDVE Dining Deals - $50 coupons for only $25
• FM Newstalk Dining Deals - $50 coupons for only $25
• 3WS Dining Deals - $50 coupons for only $25

Free or Discounted Pittsburgh General Offers:

• Pittsburgh CLO Student Coupons - Discounted Play Tickets
• Giant Eagle Advantage Card - Get deals all around the Pittsburgh region with your card
• SkyDivePA - Earn a free tandem skydive with a group of 12+

• You didn’t have a spring break in high school.
• You walk carefully when it is "slippy" outside.
• You often go down to the "crick."
• You’ve told your children to "red up" their rooms.
• You can remember telling your little brother/sister to stop being so "nebby."
• You’ve gotten hurt by falling into a "jaggerbush."
• Your mother or grandmother has been seen wearing a  "babushka" on her head.
• You’ve "warshed" the clothes.
• I ask you to hand me one of those "Gum-Bands" you actually know what I’m talking about.
• You know you can’t drive too fast on the back roads, because of the deer.
• You know Beaver Valley, Turtle Creek, Moon, Mars, Slippery Rock, Greentree and New Castle are names of towns. (and you’ve been to most, if not all, of them.)
• A girl walks up to three of her girl friends and says, "HEY YINZ GUYS"
• You hear "you guyses," and don’t think twice.  (Example…"you guyses house is nice")
• You know the three rivers by name and understand that "The Point" isn’t just on a writing instrument.
• Someone refers to "The Mon" or "The Yough" and you know exactly what they’re talking about.
• You remember the blizzard of 1994 (or 1976, or 1939, or…) and remember not being able to go outside because the snow was over your head and you would have suffocated.
• Someone starts the chant, "Here we go Still-ers!" and you join in. In the proper cadence.  Waving the appropriately colored towel.
• Bob Prince and "There’s a bug loose on the rug." hold special meaning for you.
• You’ve either eaten a Farkleberry Tart or know someone who has.
• You drink pop, eat hoagies, love perogies and one of your favorite sandwiches actually has french fries ON it.
• You know what a "still mill" is.
• You expect temps in the winter to be record breaking cold and temps in the summer to be record breaking hot.
• You know what Eat ‘N Park is and frequently ate breakfast there at 2:00 AM after the bar closed and made fun of people.
• You order "dippy eggs" in a restaurant and get exactly what you wanted.
• You spent your summers, or a school picnic, at Kennywood, Sand Castle, or Idlewild.
• You’ve been to the Braun’s Bread Plant or Story Book Forest for a school field trip.
• "Chipped ham" was always in your refrigerator when you were growingup.
• You refuse to buy any condiments besides Heinz unless a Pittsburgh athlete’s picture is on the side of the container.
• Franco, Roberto, and Mario don’t need last names and you can recite their exploits by heart.
• Your last name has 8 or more letters in it (and you either have a ‘Z,’ ‘U’ or a ’ski’ somewhere in there) and nobody can pronounce it. And oft times,even if your name has fewer letters, folks still can’t pronounce it.
• Food at a wedding reception consists of rigatoni, stuffed cabbage,sauerkraut and polska kielbasa.

• 9:00 AM - Wake up from your hotel and head over to the Starbucks in the Historic Omni William Penn Hotel for a cup of java that will really wake you up.
• 10:00 AM - Take a stroll down Liberty Avenue to the famed Strip District. Check out all the vendors lined up along the streets if it is a nice summer weekend and also take a walk though the Wholey’s Fish Market where you can get the freshest products anywhere.
• 12:30 PM - You are starting to get hungry. Make your way over to Primanti Bros. in the heart of the Strip District. Now this part is important, so listen up. You need to order the award winning Pitts-Burger Cheese Steak (or something else if you want). This sandwich along with all other Primanti sandwiches include, among other things, coleslaw, tomatoes & french fries piled high on two slices of sliced Italian bread.
• 1:45 PM - head over to the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, Pennsylvania’s largest history museum down a few streets from Primanti’s. Here you will get to see Western PA’s Sports Museum, a log cabin, a 1940’s trolley, and much more. PA’s largest history museum brings more than 250 years of Western Pennsylvania to life.
• 3:30 PM - Take the subway over to Station Square. This is an old train station turned into a sprawling area with shopping, food and the Monongehela Incline. When you get off the subway, head over to this incline that will take you to the top of Mt. Washington. From this view you can see all of Downtown. Take a few minutes to snap photos or just enjoy the scenery.
• 5:00 PM - After descending back down the Incline, you need to eat. Choose from Houlihans, Buca di Beppo, Hard Rock Cafe, Sesame Inn, Pittsburgh Rare & many others.
• 6:30 PM - After enjoying your dinner, wash it down with some authentic Pittsburgh beer. Ask for a Penn Pilsner, Iron City or IC Light.
• 7:30 PM - After drinking more than you should have, head down to the other end of The Square and take a cruise on the River Shuttle and find your way back to The Point. This is the water fountain in right where all three rivers (Allegheny, Monongehela and Ohio) meet.
• Stroll back to your hotel for a swim or head back over to Station Square for some late night action at Bar Louie’s, Funny Bone Comedy Club or Margarita Mamas.
• Total Cost for 2: Approximately $110

• Eat n’ Park - An area neighborhood restaurant that got its start as the first drive-up carhop eatery in 1949. Today there are over 8 locations within 100 miles of downtown Pittsburgh, and you would be hard pressed to find any true Pittsburgher that hasn’t enjoyed a late-night meal there before. Visit Eat n’ Park’s Website.
• Primanti Brothers - ‘A Pittsburgh Tradition for over 70 years’ says Primanti’s slogan, and their "Almost Famous Sandwich" is truly a Pittsburgh best. Since 1949 they have single handedly recreated the sandwich with coleslaw, french fries, tomato and lettuce piled high between two fresh slices of Italian bread. You have to try it to believe it. Visit Primanti Brother’s Website.
• Sheetz - The Pittsburgh convenience store. You will not find better food at any other 24 hour gas station turned destination. Visit Sheetz’s Website.

Types of food that you can only find in Pittsburgh

• Pierogies - Pierogies are an Eastern European (mainly Polish, Russian and Ukrainian) food. Today Pittsburgh is the pierogie capital. For the most of you that have never heard of one before, it is a cheese & potato filled pasta dish. It now comes in a variety of choices form a host of Pittsburgh makers. Find Some Pittsburgh Pierogies.
• Isaly’s Chipped Chopped Ham - Debuting in 1933, this area chipped meat producer made its name with delicious thinly sliced ham. Today you can it shipped to you no matter where you are. Visit Isaly’s Website.
• Heinz Ketchup - OK, not exactly exclusive to the
  Pittsburgh area, but it definitely got it’s start here in Pittsburgh in the 1880’s. Today Heinz still makes its home here in Pittsburgh, and is a proud tradition to Pittsburghers everywhere. Visit Heinz’s Website.

Brews that you can only find here in Pittsburgh

• Iron City Beer - Premium lager from the Pittsburgh Brewing Company established in 1861. A Pittsburgh staple.Visit Pittsburgh Brewing Company’s Website.
• IC Light Beer - Iron City’s lighter brother lager.
• Penn Pilsner - 10 authentic German beers brewed right here in Pittsburgh since 1986. Visit Penn Brewery’s Website.
• Yuengling - America’s Oldest Brewery. Established in 1829, Yuengling has delivered & award winning lagers to the US from right here in Pittsburgh. Visit Yuengling’s Website.