Best Place to Workout in the East End

The Climbing Wall in Point Breeze is the best place to workout in the East End. It is a rock climbing gym with over 14,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface located on Penn Avenue. Rock climbing  is a great way to have fun and get in shape while you challenge yourself each time you climb.

The gym features a bouldering area, top-roping area, and leading area.The bouldering area has 8,000 sq. ft. of vertical, over-hanging, aretes, and slab climbing with difficulty ranging from VB, or very easy, to V10, which is very difficult. The bouldering area is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The top-roping area has 15 walls to climb between 15-30 feet high. There are 4 vertical walls, 4 slab walls, and 7 over-hanging walls ranging in difficulty from 5.5, or easy, to 12, or very difficult. The top-roping area is open Monday-Friday from 5-10:45 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5:45 p.m. You must be certified in belaying techniques to use this climbing area.

The leading area has 8 leadable walls: 3 vertical, 4 over-hanging and a radical over-hanging wall that extends across the ceiling 50 feet. The leading area ranges in difficulty from 5.5, or easy, to 12, or extremely advanced.The leading area is open Monday-Friday from 5-10:45 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5:45 p.m. You must be certified in belaying techniques and leading techniques to use this climbing area.

The Climbing Wall offers a variety of rock climbing classes and certifications, such as safety and belay certification, refresher courses, lead climbing certification, and experienced climber certifications. Most classes take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Private classes are by appointment only.

An all day climbing pass costs $12 for adults and $10 for youth, college students, and active military. Climbing equipment rentals such as shoes, chalk, and belay harnesses are all available for under $5.

For more information, call the gym at 412-247-7334.

The History of Frick Park

The History of Frick Park on Dipity.

Enjoy the Arts in the East End

Visit the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in the Point Breeze/Shadyside area of the East End. It is a place to learn about and support art.

Visit to see an exhibition from a local artist or to take a class.The center has many different art classes for all ages and abilities. They even have seasonal classes for some art over a holiday break.

Personality Quiz: Which East End eatery should you visit?

Take the quiz to find out which restaurant you would like!

Best Toy Store in the East End

Shadyside Variety Store in Shadyside is the best place to purchase toys and novelties in the East End. The store sells classic games, new toys, and fun puzzles.

This toy store is the perfect place to find a last-minute holiday gift. Buy them their favorite childhood game!

Photo Courtesy of pittsburghsigns.com

Uncle Sam's Sandwich Bar in the East End

Uncle Sam's Sandwich Bar in Squirrel Hill and Oakland is an owner-operated sandwich shop that uses local ingredients. Their sandwiches are some of the best in Pittsburgh.

They have a ton of different types of subs, including many vegetarian options. They also have my favorite, sweet potato fries. Be modest when ordering fries, their servings are huge-enough to share with two other people! The subs are big too, so visit while very hungry.

Photo Courtesy of eatinginpittsburgh.com

Winter Activities in the East End

Play in the snow at Frick Park in Point Breeze. Take a walk in a winter wonderland at the park this season. Who says playing in the snow is just for kids? It's the perfect place to make your first snow angel of the season or to host a snowball fight.

Enjoy the cold weather this weekend. After, go home and snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite holiday movie.

Photo Courtesy of post-gazette.com