SPENDING A MEMORIAL DAY IN PORCHVILLE

Travel can be a rewarding experience, an introduction to new places, faces and ways of looking at life. Yet, it also can be expensive and exhausting, especially for large families and lengthy journeys.  Sometimes, especially when time and money are tight, "Porchville" is the perfect place to go.

On this Memorial Day that also marks the beginning of the summer vacation season, here are a few thoughts on the fine art of staying at home.  The word "vacation" derives from the Latin word for freedom and exemption; Webster defines it as "a respite; a time apart for rest and relaxation; a scheduled period during which regular activity is suspended."  Yet, as experienced travelers know, sometimes getting away is more a state of mind than a state on the map. Where you vacation matters less than how you spend your time while there. It's not necessary to travel great distances to find time apart that provides for rest and relaxation. Sometimes, simply suspending your regular routines and enjoying local diversions make a perfect getaway.  The fact is, the Pittsburgh area offers many pleasures to those with the time and inclination to enjoy them. As Eric Myers, whose letter appeared in last Sunday's New York Times, wrote, "I've just returned from a three-month stay in Pittsburgh as a crew member of the Paramount film ` Wonder Boys.' I can say with certainty that all of us on the film were smitten by this surprisingly underappreciated city."  If only we could see ourselves, and our city, as others see us.  The problem for so many is getting too caught up in the press of daily routine to enjoy those pleasures, to find the time to appreciate them, and, all too often, even realize that they're there.  So instead of spending your time and money taking a trip somewhere else, consider doing something different right here at home, something out of your normal routines.  Just do the same kind of things you'd expect to do on vacation in any great city. Catch a play, concert or baseball game; spend a few hours in a museum; make reservations at a fine restaurant; take a long walk in a beautiful park.  See the tourist sights that you may have always taken for granted. The view from Mount Washington is terrific for those who are so inclined, but there's an abundance of stupendous panoramas and photo opportunities elsewhere.  And even if you've seen them all, it's increasingly possible to gain new perspectives. Pittsburgh's beginning to bristle with interesting things for visitors to do, from amphibious tours of town (Just Ducky Tours, 412-928-2489) and its rivers (Gateway Clipper, 412-355-7980, Waterways Rentals, 412-456-5557 and Pittsburgh Voyagers, 412-231-2864); to hot air balloon rides over the Golden Triangle (Ragge & Willow, 724-836-4777 or www.ragge-and-willow.com) and 20-minute sightseeing flights from the Allegheny County Airport (Phoenix Aviation, 412-466-2359).  Recently, the PG reported on a new initiative to promote our major architectural gems to people in other cities., but the area has numerous wonderful homes and gardens that also open for visitors on occasion. This Saturday, for example, you can tour an 1830 Mennonite farmhouse in Harmony (724-452-7341). The 10th annual Highland Park House and Garden tour takes place on June 13 (412-734-5261). On June 27, folks in Mt. Lebanon open their gardens to raise funds for the library (412-344-5260).  Anyone can call the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-366-0093) or visit its Web site (www.visitpittsburgh.com) and get a beautiful 55-page guide to the city's pleasures or sign up for six different special weekend getaway packages that include choice of accommodations at 20 participating hotels and 50 percent discounts on a variety of local attractions. Starting sometime next year, www.visitpittsburgh.com will have more than a 100 streaming video clips and 360-degree panoramas available on-line.  So here's a novel travel idea for the rest of this holiday weekend: Relax and enjoy a few unfettered family hours at home. Ferret out a local attraction you've wanted to partake of for a long time, and then do it. If you need room service to make your vacation complete, check into one of our fine local hotels.  Bucking the pressure of demand will require determination and self-discipline, but it's worth the effort, especially if you can use the time to gain a new perspective. Whatever you wind up doing, the basic idea is to learn to get out and look at familiar places with both with a fresh eye and insider's insight. After all, finding new ways to appreciate "Home Sweet Home" sometimes makes for Memorial vacations.  


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