Category: Local Businesses, Mon Valley Miscellany || By

According to the server logs at Tube City Online world headquarters, more than half of our literally dozens of readers are from Pittsburgh.

Many of you Pittsburghers have said, "Gee, McKeesport sounds like a wonderful, magical, delightful place, but in this ever-changing world in which we live in --- copyright MPL Communications Ltd., all rights reserved --- I'm just too rushed to visit. Could you recommend a day trip that I can fit into my hectic schedule?"

Others, from McKeesport, have said, "I know that Christmas is only three weeks away, but I'm not in a Christmas mood. Can you help me?"

We have an answer for both the Pittsburghers and the McKeesporters alike. Tube City Almanac has planned out your entire Saturday:

. . .

Start tomorrow morning with breakfast at Di's Korner Stone Diner, 2325 East 5th Ave., just off the Hartman Street exit of the Duquesne-McKeesport Bridge. A three-egg omelette or a stack of pancakes from Di's will leave you fit and loaded for bear.

If you're coming to Our Fair City from the Parkway East or Monroeville, take Route 148 south to McKeesport; Di's will be on your right at the third red light inside the city limits. If you're coming in from Kennywood, cross the Duquesne-McKeesport Bridge and exit to Hartman Street (Route 148 north); Di's will be the first left turn.

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After breakfast, make a left turn onto Fifth Avenue and go one block to a right turn on Hartman Street. Go to the top of the hill, through the intersection at O'Neil Boulevard, and continue onto Eden Park Boulevard. Just past McKeesport Area High School, make a left turn onto University Drive, then a right onto Arboretum Drive and park in the big lot at the top of the hill.

Walk up the hill to the Jacob Woll Pavilion, where McKeesport's 22nd annual Festival of Trees runs from 12 to 9 on Saturday; there are 60 custom-decorated Christmas trees on display from school children, businesses, public service organizations and community groups throughout the Mon-Yough area.

Live entertainment begins at 1 p.m. with a piano recital by students of teacher Wendy Blotzer, and continues almost without interruption until a Christmas carol sing-along at 7:30 with Bill Barnes.

. . .

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the trees. Then walk one block south on Arboretum to the McKeesport Heritage Center, which has eleven more Christmas trees, displays of historic holiday traditions from the past, a bake sale and a free raffle for kids. Baked goods will be on sale, along with locally-themed gifts, including the recently published book Images of America: McKeesport.

Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to get through the Heritage Center, then walk across their front lawn to the Garden Club of McKeesport, which has its own holiday display called "Christmas in Bloom." Unfortunately, the club's world-famous rose garden (one of only 100 certified rose gardens in the United States) is not in bloom, but you'll still want to allow at least 30 minutes at the Garden Club.

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Walk back to your car, make a left turn onto University Drive, and then another left onto Eden Park Boulevard. Drive approximately 1.5 miles to Walnut Street and turn right. Head another mile or so to the McKeesport Model Railroad Club at 2209 Walnut St.; you can park across the street at CP Industries. The club's 40-by-80 foot train layout will be operational, and many railroad-themed gift items will be for sale.

Two completely operational, brand-new train sets are being raffled (they were donated by Niedzalkoski's Train Shop in Jeannette and A.B. Charles & Son Hobby Shop in Mt. Lebanon), including a "Thomas the Tank Engine" themed set. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes for the train display.

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Now it's dinner time. If you're looking for casual dining that's family-friendly, Tillie's Restaurant (308 36th St., just off Walnut Street near Eden Park Boulevard) is an excellent choice. Further out Walnut Street in Versailles, Woody's Little Italy offers a slightly more upscale experience, while The Enzone (310 Lysle Blvd., across from the Daily News) makes delicious sandwiches and French fries from fresh-cut potatoes. (Warning: Parking is difficult at the Enzone.)

For good food served fast, consider McKeesport's newest restaurant, Tiger Town, located at the intersection of Walnut Street and Route 48. The Viking Lounge (3413 Versailles Ave., near Renzie Park) offers mixed drinks, draft beer, and very reasonably priced dinner specials. Mellon's Pub (502 Eden Park Blvd., near Renzie Park) has a limited menu, but good drinks and a friendly crowd.

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Finally, on your way out of town, stop at Bloom's Cut-Rate (corner of East Fifth Avenue and Lincoln Way) for stocking-stuffer gifts or other novelties.

Now you know exactly what you're doing tomorrow, and you can go to bed with visions of Christmas trees dancing in your head.