An update of goings-on that reflect the continuing verve and vitality of the Strip District and Lawrenceville
The Olive Tap was originally found in the Pittsburgh Public Market before relocating to the Pennsylvania Building on 19th Street in the heart of the Strip District, where it has become a staple.
“We want to thank our loyal customers through the years; they have made this anniversary possible,” says Hersh Petrocelly. Mr. Petrocelly and his wife, Karen Jorgensen, are owners of the shop that has become a favorite of Pittsburghers seeking the finest in authentic extra virgin olive oils and PGI certified balsamic vinegars.
“Through the years, we have increased our offerings to include a variety of salsas, sauces, tapenades, and bruschetta mixes, as well as the serving-and-dining accessories to make these even more enjoyable,” he adds.
“From the start, we have encouraged tasting and spending some time with us to learn more about the various oils,” notes Petrocelly. “We have over 90 to explore.”
The Olive Tap
108 19th St. / 412-252-2234
olivetappittsburgh.com
Big news, Pittsburgh! AURA Sauna Studio is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location in the South Hills—in Bethel Park, at Village Square. Now you can experience the gentle yet transformative benefits of infrared light therapy closer to home. AURA’s infrared saunas offer a serene, spa-like environment where you can detoxify, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and leave with a natural, healthy glow.
Infrared therapy is the perfect addition to any wellness routine—whether you’re looking to reduce stress, speed up recovery, or support overall well-being. This relaxing, rejuvenating practice is now part of the South Hills community!
AURA Sauna Studio
2004 Smallman St. / 412-502-2751
aurasaunastudio.com
Rosie’s Workshop’s new event space is ready for tours and bookings. They have taken the old Pittsburgh Awning Factory space on Butler Street to create a cool industrial space for gatherings up to 35 people. It offers various setup options such as informal lounge seating, bar tops, and banquet seating. Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, it could be the perfect spot for your special event. For more information see rosiesworkshop.com/eventspace.
Rosie’s Workshop
4322 Butler St. / 412-477-7453
rosiesworkshop.com
The Joy of Cookies is a Lawrenceville institution and holiday tradition. The 2024 Cookie Tour had its beginnings as a holiday open house at Jay Design Soaps & Gifts in 1997. The event grew to include more than a dozen businesses, and cookies were added around 2000. Today, the Cookie Tour has become Lawrenceville’s signature business-district event, and this year it takes place on December 14 and 15.
Every official “Cookie Stop” store will offer homemade cookies to customers; a Gingerbread Man image is displayed clearly by the entrance.
At a “Take-a-Break Stop” no cookies are offered, but visitors can rest and enjoy a beer or coffee (a Stop-Sign Gingerbread Man is displayed).
Joy of Cookies Cookie Tour
Lawrenceville Business District
Dec. 14, 15, 2024
ross@lawrencevillecorp.com
Pittsburgh’s holiday-season tradition of numerous Nutcracker performances continues! The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s performances of the enchanting classic at the Benedum Center will highlight the city’s 2024 festive season Thursdays through Sundays from December 6 through 27.
Meanwhile, from the Strip’s other major cultural asset, Pittsburgh audiences can look forward to great productions to start off 2025, when Pittsburgh Opera presents two Benedum Center productions by Haydn and Puccini. Haydn’s Armida, whose music evokes the pre-Mozart classical period, will be offered January 25, 28, and 31 and February 2, 2025. The story? To prevent the capture of Jerusalem by the knights of the First Crusade, the Prince of Darkness has sent the enchantress Armida into the world to seduce the Christian heroes and turn them from their duty. Following that will be the magnificent music of Puccini in his Madama Butterfly March 22, 25, 28, and 30. In this groundbreaking new production created by an all-Japanese and Japanese-American creative team, Madama Butterfly’s story is transported to a fantastical realm where reality and dreams intersect.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
2900 Liberty Ave. / 412-281-0360
pbt.org
Pittsburgh Opera
425 Liberty Ave. / 412-281-0912
pittsburghopera.org
If you love the atmosphere of old-fashioned holidays, this year many area neighborhoods are offering Christmas house tours, among them Crafton, Shadyside, Point Breeze (The Frick’s Clayton), and Allegheny West.
The Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour is an annual highlight in Allegheny West, this year on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7 (tickets went on sale Sept. 30, so contact them to be sure of current availability). Most homes in Allegheny West are over 100 years old; lavishly decorated for the holidays, they recall the late 19th-century birth of the traditional American Christmas. These personally guided tours feature at least six restored Victorian homes plus the historic Calvary United Methodist Church, famous for its beautiful Louis Tiffany stained-glass windows.
The 2024 Christmas in Crafton House Tour is back Sunday, December 15, 2024 (1:00 to 6:00 p.m.). In-person advance ticket sales are at the Crafton Public Library and other locations. To enjoy several homes in a self-guided tour, pick up a booklet first for a town-wide map of the locations.
On the Frick Estate in Point Breeze, the Gilded-Age Clayton mansion will be all decked out for Christmas and offers specialty tours during the entire season—November 23 through January 5; tours run Tuesdays through Sundays. Advance reservations are highly recommended, by calling The Frick.
Christmas on Broadway is the theme of this year’s Symphony Splendor Holiday House Tour in Shadyside, benefiting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Dates are November 22, 23, 24, and 29 through December 1, with both daylight and candlelight tours. The site is a three-story Millionaire’s Row Victorian mansion, decorated with both classic Broadway and a classic Christmas in mind.
Symphony Splendor Holiday House Tour (Shadyside) psamember@gmail.com / 412-392-3303
Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour (West Allegheny) tours@alleghenywest.org / 412-444-8687
Christmas in Crafton House Tour (Crafton)
Crafton Public Library: 412-922-6877
Clayton Mansion Holiday Tours (Point Breeze)
The Frick/Clayton: 412-371-0600