Since moving back to Pittsburgh nearly a year ago, I’ve been exploring different places around the city with my husband, Fernando, and I can’t say enough how much I’ve enjoyed exploring this amazing place that I call home! I see this place with such a new perspective and appreciation, and often feel like I’m seeing everything for the very first time. In fact, others are agreeing how unique Pittsburgh really is as it continues to undergo renovations and get awarded best places to visit and other awards continuously; check out the last two years of Pittsburgh’s rankings and accolades. In fact, Conde Naste Traveler’s list of Top 15 Places to Go in 2015 ranked Pittsburgh #3 on a list with many other international destinations! Needless to say—Pittsburgh is special and I feel a sense of pride when I get the chance to show off my city (hence the Pittsburgh Series of articles I am so fortunate to write about!).

Back in August, my undergraduate alma mater, Robert Morris University (RMU), had a special event called Party in the Tropics (check the calendar for more!) held at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for an RMU Alumni Night event.

My husband and I were never there before and we were very excited to visit! We were amazed at all the different exhibits that were there, including a tropical forest with flora from India, an Orchid room with butterflies floating around the guests of the conservatory, and a Bonsai room with Japanese garden bridges and structures that made you feel inspired to create a garden of your own. There is also a Desert room featuring cacti with so many shapes and sizes of cactus that ranged from ones that looked like an octopus to giant watermelons that you knew better than to kick [that would hurt!].

I think the added features of blown glass pieces by Chihuly, with all the different shapes and colors that peppered the entire conservatory and gardens, just add to the beauty of Phipps — anyone (even without a green thumb) will appreciate the lovely and diverse flora that each room has.

Children will be entranced by the model trains, smoking volcanoes, mini-waterfalls, and perfectly manicured shrubs that are very attractive to the eye. A push of a button will educate the learner on where that particular flower is native to and other interesting facts.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also changes up the exhibits and many events year-round and by seasons. For example, around Christmas-time, they feature a Winter Flower Show and Light Garden that sparkles nightly with festive orbs, trees, snowmen, and fountains of light [truly a sight to see!]. In the summer, the farmers at Phipps have fresh produce on their front lawn that sells organic and Certified Naturally Grown fruits, vegetables, and more. In the spring, a special event called Brunch in Bloom is a family-friendly way to enjoy seasonal flavors and is considered a best-kept foodie secret of Pittsburgh! The customized menu is put together by chefs at Café Phipps, their award-winning 3-star Green Restaurant Certified eatery focusing on food that’s good for the planet and for you [conservatory admission is included in the price!].

Phipps also offers programs for kids and adults that can help anyone sharpen their skills and bring beauty to their homes and gardens with classes in everything from Photoshop for the passionate garden photographer to beginner bonsai workshops. Certificate programs offer extensive course studies in a series of programs like sustainable horticulture, landscape and garden design, and botanical art and illustration. For children, Phipps offers seasonal camps year-round, ages two-nine years old, with crafts, cooking, and drawing. Other featured programs include story time sessions, field trips for homeschooled students and public school classes, group tours, and discovery tables for more hands-on fun.

People of all ages are also welcome to volunteer their time at Phipps with different levels of requirements pending on the job at hand. If you’re interested in volunteering, please check the website for more information.

Phipps' mission is “to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse.” Since 1893, Phipps has been inviting visitors to explore its Schenley Park location as one of Pittsburgh’s largest greenspaces with 19 indoor and outdoor gardens. Admission for adults is $15, Seniors [62+] is $14; college students with ID is also $14; children two to 18 is $11; and under two years of age is free. Anyone interested in membership can gain free admission and other benefits. Learn more here: http://phipps.conservatory.org/become-a-member/index.aspx

Phipps is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. [and 10 p.m. on Fridays]. Tours are about 90 minutes. Holidays are a fun time to visit Phipps; the conservatory and gardens are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Parking is free to Phipps guests in numbered spaces in center island on Schenley Drive in front of the Conservatory and free after 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and all day on Sundays. You can sign up for a free newsletter on the site.

For more information on your visit to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, please see http://phipps.conservatory.org/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phippsconservatory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhippsNews
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/phippsconservatory
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/phippsconservatory/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/phippsisgreen/

Learn more about Pittsburgh in our Exploring Pittsburgh Series.

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is also a Career Consultant at the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel,  and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando.

All photos courtesy and copyright Stasia Lopez