5 ways to treat yourself in Pittsburgh
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Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios
Everyone deserves a little treat sometimes, and Pittsburgh has no shortage of options.
The big picture: We've rounded up a few ways to wind down in the Steel City.
Float at a sensory deprivation tank
The big picture: Sensory deprivation tanks can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
How it works: Float pods are filled with hundreds of pounds of Epsom salt to give the sensation of weightlessness and deep relaxation in a dark space.
Zoom in: Enjoy the experience at Victory Float in Lawrenceville and Sewickley, Pittsburgh Float in Shadyside, Levity in Squirrel Hill or BrainWaves in North Versailles.
💭 Chrissy's thought bubble: An underrated perk of floating is the zero-gravity stretching; highly recommended if you're often slouched over a desk.
Cost: A 60-minute float costs $60-$80. Many studios also offer memberships.
Play with cats at a café or lounge
The big picture: You can meet and play with adoptable rescue cats at one of these Pittsburgh cat café's or lounges.
Zoom in: Visit Black Cat Market in Garfield, Kitty Queen Cat Rescue in Ross, Cats N'At in Wexford, Rescue and Relax in Edgewood or Catffeinated Cat Cafe in Greensburg.
- Each spot has its own rules and reservation requirements.
- Fees are typically $10 or less per visit.
- Many host regular community activities like yoga, paint nights and coloring with cats.
Zoom out: Some studies suggest interacting with cats (or dogs) can reduce cortisol, a major stress hormone.
Take a yoga class
The big picture: There are dozens of yoga studios in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Zoom in: Visit Yoga Flow in Shadyside, the Yoga Hive in Garfield, Yoga Factory in Lawrenceville or Squirrel Hill, Yoga Love in East Liberty or Schoolhouse Yoga in the Strip or Ross.
If you go: Studios offer classes for all experience levels.
- Costs vary but start as low as $20 per session.
Treat yourself to high tea
The big picture: Bring a friend to a teahouse to calm the nerves with tea and bites.
Zoom in: Try traditional British Isles tea and internationally inspired eats in a Victorian dining room at The Inn on Negley in Shadyside, or enjoy a more casual tea and dining experience at The Café at the Frick in Point Breeze
- Try the cheese board at the Frick or a scone at The Inn.
Smash stuff at a rage room
The big picture: Get cathartic at Full Throttle Adrenaline Park's rage room in Monroeville.
How it works: You're given protective gear and take turns smashing park-provided items like glass bottles, clay pigeons and large electronics like TVs.
- The park provides safety equipment, like coveralls, hard hats and eye protection.
- Bring closed-toe shoes.
If you go:
- The park offers "smashtime" packages starting at $30.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- The park also offers karting, axe throwing, arcade games, food and more.