For your next vacation, head north to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home to Heinz Company. Pittsburgh is probably not first on your "cities to visit" list, but this small northeast city has a lot to offer. Pittsburgh is famous for its football team, the Steelers, and its contribution of steel during the Industrial Revolution, although few recognize it for its full historical and culinary value.

1. Pittsburgh Pride

It is no secret that Pittsburghers hold a lot of pride for their sports teams, from the football team, to the Penguins. Pittsburgh goes all out to attend and root for their state's games. This city commemorates baseball players with statues and engraved bricks outside of the PNC Field, which is across from the Andy Warhol Museum. Pittsburgh has two baseball fields, and inside of the University of Pittsburgh building, they still have home plate encased on the ground where the Forbes Field used to stand.

2. University Of Pittsburgh

For those prospecting college students, the University of Pittsburgh creates the feeling of a busy city life mixed with a close knit community. The school is beautiful to tour, or just walk around the shops and restaurants that make up the Oakland area. I have never seen a school with more school pride and charismatic staff and students. If you are looking for the more hustle and bustle part of the city when searching for schools, Pitt has you covered.

3. Point State Park

The park is the pinnacle of the “Golden Triangle” at the center of three rivers. Point State Park commemorates the French and Indian War and preserves the historical legacy of the area. Pennsylvania has a lot of history as one of the original 13 colonies, so it is no surprise that it harbors many historical tributes and museums.

4. Fort Pitt

Speaking of historical museums, while in Point State Park, you have to stop by Fort Pitt Museum.The museum highlights battles of the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War and pioneer life of the early republic, while holding special events for home-schools and memorials. It is a great way to learn some history while having fun.

5. Indian Palace

If you are looking for something good to eat, don't think that if you don't go to an expensive hotel restaurant you have to settle for a boring food chain. Hole in the wall restaurants are the way to go in the city, and the Indian Palace is one of the best. This cozy restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Indian food, with spiciness levels from one to 15.

6. Philly Cheese Steak

Now if you are looking for a famous food chain, Philly Cheese Steak has great cheese steaks among over foods, such as fries and onion rings. Even though this is in Pennsylvania and not Philadelphia, it does the food justice, being as authentic as a real Philadelphia cheese steak.

7. Fifth Avenue Place

The Fifth Avenue Place is not much of a mall since most of the building is offices, but as far as the food court goes, it is amazing. Here you can get the cheese steak mentioned previously, or Chinese food to salad, it has it all. And when your done you can grab a souvenir of Pittsburgh at the gift shop on the main level.

8. Market Square

If you want to be in the heart of the city, restaurants and stores included, minus the traffic and confusion of major cities, then Market Square in the place to go. Just a short walk from Fifth Avenue Place, this area holds a multitude of restaurants, a corner shop book store and the city life atmosphere you love to get on vacation.

9. Bridges

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has over 400 bridges going in and out of the city. To get the full effect of these bridges you have to walk across at least one. When you do, don't be surprised to see many locks hanging on them, put there by couples to show the magnitude and the longevity of their love. If you have a special someone this could be a great way to spend the day, buying, designing and hanging your special lock.

10. Duquesne Incline

To get the full view of the city, you have to ride the Duquesne Incline. The incline was originally built for steel miners during the industrial revolution but now is used to give tourists a bird’s eye view of Pittsburgh. Once you get to the top you have a scenic view for an aesthetically pleasing photoshoot.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has even more to offer, so make your next vacation spot to the Steelers territory.