Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Pittsburgh is grey all year round, even in the sticky days of summer. The Steel City's cloudiness is up there with Seattle; seriously, look it up. But inside the Phipps Conservatory, even on the coldest, drabbest day, it feels like a tropical vacation. With more than a dozen indoor botanic gardens, and some outside for warm days, visitors are easily transported to the landscapes of the jungle or desert. Phipps is the perfect escape right in the middle of the bustle of Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood.

Parking and public transportation to the Phipps Conservatory
The best spot to park is the median in between Schenley Drive, right in front of the conservatory. Spots here are free to Phipps visitors, but fill up fast. Street parking is available across the bridge in Oakland, but rates are fairly high. To reach Phipps without a car, take one of the many buses to Oakland, exit near the Carnegie Public Library, walk over the Schenley Drive bridge and you're there.

Best and worst time to go to the Phipps Conservatory
Avoid the summer weekends and holidays, if possible. Tourists and suburban dwellers flock to Schenley Park and the conservatory and clog up the gardens, making it hard to enjoy the natural beauty. Weekends in the winter are not nearly as bad, and provide a warm, organic feel, even though you are indoors. Mondays and Tuesdays are generally the slowest times of the week to visit.

Admission to the Phipps Conservatory
Tickets are between $15-$20, with a small discount for students and seniors. Children 18 and under are $10-$15. On special Sundays throughout the year, the conservatory offers free and discounted days, so check their website before visiting.

Must see/do at the Phipps Conservatory
The tropical forest room in the back of the conservatory is the most is impressive. With its two stories, high clear glass ceiling, and water falls, it is a must see. Also, through the gardens out back, sits the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which is billed as one of the greenest buildings in the world and is a great example of how modern architecture can balance with nature.

Other places to visit near the Phipps Conservatory
The conservatory is part of Schenley Park, one of the cities best parks, so explore some of its trails. On Atwood Drive in Oakland, is Pittsburgh's best ice cream, Dave and Andy's. If you are feeling collegiate, walk the campus of the renowned Carnegie Mellon University, named for Pittsburgh's most famous son, steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

Insider tip for visitors to the Phipps Conservatory
Remember to check the Phipps website for Sunday free and discounted days, and before leaving the conservatory, don't miss a chance to eat at the cafe inside. It is consistently voted for some of the best museum food in the country, which is pretty stiff competition. Plates are beautifully presented and prices are affordable.

Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.