A family of four pays $319 for two nights' accommodations at either the Hilton or the Ramada Plaza Suites, both located in downtown Pittsburgh. A third night runs $179, with tickets to Kenneywood, a traditional amusement park. For the first two-night stay, though, you get four Port Authority Transit VIP Gold Passes and admission for four to the following attractions: Carnegie Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs and more); Carnegie Science Center/UPMC Sports Works (where sports meet science); the National Aviary (home to 600 exotic birds); the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (with a Discovery Garden); the Children's Museum (hands-on fun for small fingers); the Zoo & Aquarium (plus Kids Kingdom therein); and the Heinz Regional History Center.
If you can, try to come during the International Children's' Festival (May 15-19) or the Three Rivers Arts Festival (June 7-23).
For $169 per couple, you can try the Art Museum & Gallery Getaway, available throughout the rest of 2002, featuring one night at the Hilton, free parking and continental breakfast, plus admission for two to the following art galleries and museums: Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art (the nations' first museum of modern art), the Mattress Factory (installation art), the Center for the Arts (largest community arts center in the state), the Society for Contemporary Craft (artists working in clay, glass, etc.) and the Wood Street Galleries (Downtown, and cutting edge). If you want to stay a second night, the hotel charge is just $129 per room.
For more information and booking instructions, visit the Greater Pittsburgh CVB site, www.visitpittsburgh.com or phone them at 800/927-8376.