Leisure Activities

SAF has organized some wonderful activities for guests of conference attendees. We encourage you to choose the activities that interest you when you complete your registration form. For more information, you can also visit the Greater Pittsburgh Visitors and Convention Bureau.

L1- Pittsburgh Orientation Tour Thursday, October 26th 9 am – 5 pm $65.00

Tour includes :Duquesne Incline fare, Gateway Clipper private charter, dessert and beverages, professional staff member on-board, transportation. Lunch is on your own.

Pittsburgh's Strip District The Strip District is a region of Pittsburgh well known for its wholesalers, restaurants, and funky shops. The Strip is a favorite weekend destination for Pittsburghers and is a must-see for out-of-town visitors. Traditionally the Strip was filled with warehouses and small factories with the occasional restaurant for the many workers. Now this neighborhood is bustling with businesses where one can find fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, spices, and knick-knacks of all kinds.

The Duquense incline to Mt. Washington Since 1877, the Duquesne Incline has become not only a method of popular transportation and visitor’s attraction; it has become a working museum. Utilizing two original cable cars, this short ride to the top of Mt. Washington provides a spectacular, panoramic view of the city, unfolding before your eyes.

Station Square The Freight House Shops at Station Square boast old world charm in the setting of a restored railroad building. You'll find over 20 unique retailers for everything from Pittsburgh souvenirs to novelties from around the world to toys, fashions, jewelry, wine, and cigars.

Afternoon Tea on the Gateway Clipper End you day with a relaxing afternoon tea on the tranquil three rivers.  Your private charter will explore the history of the city and their three rivers while you kick back with desserts and tea.

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L2- Oakland Tour Friday, October 27th 9 am – 5 pm $75.00

Tour includes: Clayton guided house tour and Phipps Conservatory guided tour, professional staff member on-board, and transportation. Lunch will be determined. In addition to being considered the hub of education and scientific research in Pittsburgh, Oakland is the home to many cultural attractions that make it a must-see when visiting Pittsburgh.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Built in 1893, the Conservatory is the crown jewel from the era of Victorian glasshouses.  It holds thousands of exotic plants and flowers housed in 13 rooms and surrounded by lush gardens, sparkling fountains and shimmering pools. Enjoy the warm, crisp colors of fall when you take a guided tour of the fall flower exhibit. Enjoy Café Phipps & The Shop in the Garden.

The Frick Art and Historical Center The Frick Art & Historical Center is open to the public thanks to the generosity of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick. When the Frick family moved to New York in 1905, Helen remained attached to Clayton, her Pittsburgh home. Her long-time wish was for Clayton and the surrounding estate to be preserved and opened to the public after her death. Tour includes The Frick Art Museum, featuring a portrait by Rubens, a pastoral scene by Boucher, and Italian panel paintings by Giovanni de Paolo and Sassetta. Clayton, the 23-room home of Henry Clay and Adelaide Frick, and the Frick Car and Carriage Museum, as well as gardens and grounds will be toured.

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L3- Wendall August Forge, Tara Country Inn, Old Economy Village Saturday, October 28 9am – 5pm $65.00

Wendell August Forge In the early part of the century, aluminum was the relatively new “wonder metal” -- light, strong, rust-free. At the forefront of fostering uses for it was the Pittsburgh-based Aluminum Company of America, or Alcoa, as it became known. August Wendell, a local metal worker, was commissioned to use aluminum for the Alcoa labs and the process for the hammered aluminum design industry was born. Today, the Wendell August Forge is the nation’s oldest and largest forge still in operation that produces forged aluminum, bronze, pewter and sterling silver items made by hand.  Visitors can take a tour through the work area and watch craftsmen at work.

Tara, A Country Inn (30 minutes from the Forge) Inspired by the movie Gone With the Wind, Tara recreated is in a real sense an embodiment of the Old South. Tara offers you a lasting impression of Southern Hospitality and a chance to enjoy the luxuries of days gone by. A sit down lunch is included. After years of standing vacant, Jim and Donna Winner fell in love with their future “Tara” and purchased the building in 1984. Two additions later the grand and glorious Tara – A Country Inn stands as an imposing landmark in Western Pennsylvania.

Old Economy Village (Allow 2 hours for tour- some walking necessary) Old Economy Village interprets the history of the Harmony Society, a highly successful 19th century religious communal society.  Established in 1824, Economy was known worldwide for its piety and industrial prosperity.  T he Old Economy Village was the The Village, a National Historic Landmark site, is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.