The Southside

Damian0 Comments
East carson Street is the main street in the southside

The entire length of East Carson Street is designated historic district. Strict rules
dictate what the exterior of the buildings can look like.

The Southside is one of the largest Victorian main streets in the United States.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Photo by Damian Catanza
The South Side is officially divided into two neighborhoods, South Side Flats and South Side Slopes. First known as the village of Birmingham it was annexed 1872. Like many of Pittsburgh neighborhoods ethnic heritage was an important part of its history. The Southside was primarily German and Eastern Europeans immigrants Dr. Nathaniel Bedford planned a large part of Birmingham and named many streets after his friends and family. Thus street names like Jane, Sarah, and Carson.
Photo by Damian Catanza
The heart of the Southside is East Carson Street, which is home to many small shops, restaurants and bars. In 2006, there were more then 80 bars and restaurants.
Photo by Damian Catanza
For a city that is known for steel and industry there are a lot of Sidewalk shops. This is why the Southside is a great place for Christmas shopping.
Photo by Damian Catanza
The best time to shop is Saturday during the day.
Photo by Damian Catanza
The best time to shop is Saturday during the day.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Design and form are what makes bridges strong. It's not steel alone. They connect us. Oakland and Southiside neighborhoods are dived by the Monongahela River. A quick drive across the Birmingham Bridge brings them together.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Every autumn the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA) hosts its annual "Steptrek," where participants travel over the various public step streets. Pittsburgh, has many public staircases as streets. The hills being too steep for horses and carts. In other words staircases streets The SSSNA hopes to maintain the staircases as a legacy of its history as a mining town. Keep in mind many GPS systems consider "staircase streets" fit for cars.
Photo by Damian Catanza
The flats are great examples of working class row house. They were first build as residents for of the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. Today they are view into Pittsburgh past.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Many of the homes offer panoramic views of the city.
Photo by Damian Catanza
In recent years biking has become a major activity in Pittsburgh. The main trails run along each River connecting at Point State Park.
Photo by Damian Catanza
I started riding along the Monongahela River. The Southside River front trail runs for Five miles starting at Station Square.
Photo by Damian Catanza
One thing to remember is safety. Active railroads run along the Monongahela River.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Art and Pittsburgh history. Southside River Front Park is located below the Birmingham Bridge Besides a boat ramp, it also shows off Pittsburgh's history. The statues of men working in the mills was made with river junk.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Besides the river paths there is a bike lane running along East Carson street. While exploring the city I came across the Birmingham bike fest.
Photo by Damian Catanza
The bikes of my youth.
Photo by Damian Catanza
And older ones. The festival reminded me of a car show. The details on some of the older bikes were amazing.
Photo by Damian Catanza
Bikes can be rented in a number of places around the city?
Photo by Damian Catanza
As biking grew, so did specialty business. The Over the Bar bicycle cafe serves up Bicycle themed snacks.Park your ride outside and try a Peanut-butter And Jelly hamburger.
Photo by Damian Catanza
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