Ep 6. Pittsburgh

Off Limits season 2 episode 6 takes viewers to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city known for its steel industry and distinctive dialect. The episode is hosted by explorer and historian Don Wildman, who uncovers the secrets of the city's past, exploring places that are not open to the public.

The episode starts with Wildman visiting the abandoned Carrie Furnace, a National Historic Landmark that used to be one of the largest blast furnaces in America. He goes inside the furnace and learns about the ironmaking process while exploring the massive structure. From there, Wildman heads to the Duquesne Incline, a historic cable car that takes riders up and down Mount Washington for picturesque views of the city. Wildman interviews riders on the incline, capturing their opinions and personal experiences.

Next, the episode takes us to the Fort Pitt Block house, the oldest building in Pittsburgh. Wildman discovers how this little house played a vital role in protecting the city during the French and Indian War. He also explores the surrounding land, which was home to the Native American tribes who lived in the region before European settlement.

In another part of the episode, Wildman visits the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, a tribute to the men and women who served in the armed forces. The museum has a vast collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, medals, and documents. Wildman meets museum staff, military personnel, and veterans, who share their stories with him and the viewers.

The episode also features a segment on the famous Pittsburgh sandwich, specifically the Primanti Bros. restaurant that originated the sandwich. The Primanti sandwich is a regional specialty containing coleslaw, French fries, provolone cheese, and choice of meat. Wildman visits the restaurant, and we see how the sandwich is prepared, along with its history.

Moreover, Wildman visits the Andy Warhol Museum, showcasing the works and influence of the famous artist. The museum has an extensive collection of Warhol's artistry, including prints, photographs, sculptures, and films. Wildman takes a tour of the museum and learns about Warhol's life and how Pittsburgh influenced his work.

In the final segment of the episode, Wildman explores the Phipps Conservatory, a botanical garden in Schenley Park. The conservatory has 16 different gardens, including a butterfly garden, tropical forest, and aquatic garden, each representing different cultures and climates. Wildman meets the director of the conservatory, who explains the plants' importance and the conservatory's role in conservation.

Off-Limits season 2 episode 6 takes viewers on a journey through Pittsburgh, a city rich in history and culture. It highlights the city's iconic landmarks, from the abandoned Carrie Furnace to the Duquesne Incline, Fort Pitt and the Andy Warhol Museum. Although the episode mainly covers Pittsburgh's history, it touches on the city's vibrant present, showcasing its famous sandwich and botanical gardens. Don Wildman does a fantastic job of exploring Pittsburgh's cultural offerings while keeping viewers engaged with fun facts and unique stories. Overall, episode 6 is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning about Pittsburgh's unique and exciting history.