Spring semester is infamous for dragging by slowly. We have less breaks than in the fall, it’s too cold to function, and the three month break for summer — or for some of us, graduation — can’t seem to come quick enough. However, a break is on the horizon — spring break.

If you’re staying on campus or just in Pittsburgh in general over break, consider this the perfect time to explore neighborhoods you maybe haven’t had the chance to walk and shop through before. Pittsburgh has a lot to offer, and whether you’re wanting to shop for art supplies, find a new coffee shop or eat somewhere new, you’ll be able to find something by taking a look at these neighborhoods.

Strip District
Most students have been to the Strip District by now because of how close it is to Downtown, but if you haven’t, consider this a sign.

Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange has every flavor of coffee bean, Torani syrup and tea that you could ever want to find for your own little coffee station. They also have a cafe inside where they put these products to use, and it’s delicious.

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is a huge candy shop that makes you feel like you just walked into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. They have fun little toys and trinkets, crazy flavors of pop and any candy you could imagine.

Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor has a huge menu of sundaes, ice cream floats and ice cream sodas, all perfect for eating while walking through the streets and exploring all of the shops.

This is just a small percentage of the shops in the Strip — there’s so much to find here, from different grocery stores to bakeries and cafes, you’ll find something to love here.

Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville, just past the Strip District, is lined with stores, tattoo parlors and restaurants.

Wild Card is a gift shop that has anything from crafts and jewelry to cards for every occasion and yinzer apparel. This is a really fun store to walk through, and you’ll probably leave with something you didn’t expect to find.

NatuRoll Creamery is an ice cream shop that serves rolled ice cream, edible cookie dough, milkshakes and bubble waffles — and it’s as incredible as it sounds. The menu is huge, and you can create your own if you want. The cookie monster has oreos, chips ahoy and and chocolate shavings, the s’mores features a toasted marshmallow, and the options are endless.
Mix Candle Co allows group reservations to pour your own candles using their soy blends and high quality oils.

Lawrenceville features a lot of restaurants and stores that will keep you busy.

Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill, just past Oakland and sandwiched between Schenley and Frick Parks, is a calm neighborhood that has a lot to offer.

The Manor Theater is a small, quiet theater that shows new releases. For those 21+, they also have a bar inside, as well as a classic theater concession stand.

The Avalon Exchange is a higher-end thrift store that sells coats, shoes, other clothes, jewelry, hair clips and more.

The 61C cafe, named because it sits right along the bus route of the 61C, has a great drink menu with anything from espresso drinks to smoothies and juices.

The neighborhood is lined with stores on both Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue, as well as streets around and in between, and is a great, walkable neighborhood to check out.

Pittsburgh has so many neighborhoods, all with so much to offer, and if you haven’t explored them, give it a try when you have the chance — you won’t be disappointed.