When Downtown, look up

by Diana Nelson Jones/May 19

Sara Petyk, owner of the tour site "Your Active City," is now offering walking tours of Downtown, bike tours and pedicab tours.

Walkabout went along on one in Oakland last year and was highly informed and inspired to learn more, especially about the hidden, former and transformed places of this city.

The next of Sara's tours is Friday, May 21, a walking tour of Downtown architecture called "Pittsburgh Giants."  You can register on-line at http://www.youractivecity.com/?page_id=84&tour_id=226 and check out all the options at http://www.youractivecity.com/.

Tourists should meet in front of the Omni William Penn 15 minutes ahead of the 10 a.m. start on Friday. The tour will last until 11:30 a.m.

The highlight will be on Downtown architecture informed by the mighty industrial heritage that gave rise to it, but as you walk, keep your eye out for less illustrious facades. Some unnoted buildings are still remarkable. I love looking for gargoyles and other grotesque features. You'd be amazed what Pittsburgh can show you if you just look up.