Meaningful Experiences & Speakers at the Meaningful Travel Roadshow in Pittsburgh

Community Experiences

Experience 1 : The Hill District

Discover the rich history and vibrant present of Pittsburgh’s Historic Hill District on a guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Once known as the “Crossroads of the World,” this storied neighborhood was home to legendary jazz clubs and cultural landmarks. Led by local guides, the tour includes stops at historic sites like Freedom Corner, the Historic New Granada, August Wilson House, visits to neighborhood businesses and art gallery, opportunities to shop for unique, local Pittsburgh brands and souvenirs, and insight into the area’s ongoing revitalization which is steeped in America’s complex history of Urban Renewal.

  • Accessibility: Minimal walking required, with most travel by bus. Some walking on city streets, sidewalks, and through historic venues should be expected

Experience 2: Venture Outdoors

Enjoy a leisurely kayaking paddle along the Allegheny River with Venture Outdoors, Pittsburgh’s nonprofit leader in outdoor access and education. This beginner-friendly tour offers a calm cruise past downtown’s bridges and waterfront landmarks, accompanied by insightful commentary about local ecology, river history, and recent revitalization efforts. Participants receive guided instruction, all paddling gear is provided, and travel spans about 1–2 miles on gentle water.

  • Accessibility: This activity is designed for beginners, with safety instruction at the start and mostly calm paddling. Venture Outdoors emphasizes inclusivity and features an accessible floating dock in downtown Pittsburgh, making the experience welcoming for a range of mobility needs.

Experience 3: Burgh Bits & Bites: Pittsburgh Neighborhood Food Tour

Join us for a flavorful afternoon exploring Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods with Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tours. This guided experience will offer a taste of the city’s rich cultural heritage through local bites, historic insights, and stories from the people and places that define the region. From long-standing favorites to hidden gems, this tour is designed to highlight a variety of communities and cuisines across Pittsburgh. See the city from the top at a stop at the Mt. Washington overlook. 

  • Accessibility: The tour includes walking and multiple stops. It is designed to be accessible and will include seating breaks and transportation between neighborhoods. If you have any dietary or mobility considerations, please let us know when registering so we can best accommodate your needs.

Panel #1: Revitalizing a Post-Industrial City

Panel #2: Bite by Bite: Building Stronger Communities Through Food & Travel