Sources:  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, walkscore.com, National Retail Federation

From benefits featuring live music and comedic entertainment, to the Steelers’ Six Super Bowl Trophies exhibit at the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Macy’s Holiday Parade, the annual Turkey Trot, and more, Thanksgiving weekend is stuffed with plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

Click here for the weekend activities list.

Following the Thanksgiving celebration, enjoy a fresh-air walk outdoors to work off the extra Holiday helpings.  According to a national analysis by walkscore.com, Pittsburgh has a walkable score of 64 on a scale of 0-100. Lower Lawrenceville, the Central Business District and South Side Flats received the highest scores.

“Thanksgiving weekend provides a great opportunity for friends and family to come together, enjoy a wonderful dinner and explore the many new dining, entertainment and shopping experiences within Pittsburgh’s beautiful Central Business District,” said Ralph Egerman, Principal at Colliers International | Pittsburgh.  “I am especially excited to take family and friends to the newly renovated and historic Market Square. Recently enhanced by the world’s greenest high rise office tower at PNC Plaza, Market Square features several new and exciting restaurants and shops. With construction soon to start on a new 400 million dollar office tower at PNC Plaza; Market Square will continue to benefit from the many people who work nearby and daily visitors.”

Market Square offers a variety of new dining experiences close to several local retailers, as well as the ice skating rink at PPG Place and the cultural district. PNC Financial Services Group has plans next year to build the world’s greenest skyscraper — about 40 stories in all and nearly all glass — in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, near Market Square.

The National Geographic Traveler named Pittsburgh one of the 20 places in the world to visit in 2012, one of only two places in the United States that made the list.  This latest ranking gives us good reason to visit Pittsburgh, participate in Thanksgiving weekend activities, and start our holiday shopping on foot at local retailers. Up to 147 million shoppers plan to visit stores or shop online during Thanksgiving weekend, according to the National Retail Federation.

Friday, November 23rd, the traditional start of the Holiday Shopping season known as “Black Friday,” is a great day to visit the shops and department stores of Downtown Pittsburgh. With many great restaurants and entertainment venues, shoppers can maximize their enjoyment by combining great shopping with fine dining and theatre.