Great Allegheny Passage Trail and Smoke

Burn:  The Great Allegheny Passage Trail is located at the Waterfront in Homestead.  If you take the entrance closest to the Rankin Bridge, you will see the Pump House on your right and parking for the trail.  It's a substantially long trail since it meets up with the C&O Canal and heads to D.C., so it is good for long training runs.  I think what I like most about this trail is that it appeals to my inner Pittsburgher.  You end up in the woods, running along side train tracks with a view of Edgar Thompson across the Monongahela.  If that isn't Pittsburgh, what is?  I think most Pittsburghers have at least one connection to a mill or mine.  (My grandfather worked the mines.)  I loved running this trail and looking at the monster across the river, seeing the smoke puffing out of the stacks, listening to the train whistles and thinking, "These are my roots, and it's really good to be home."  I had a moment. (Don't judge.)  Did I mention you also run behind Kennywood?  Come on, what can be cooler?  I think it has surpassed Frick as my favorite running spot.   

 

 This thing is MASSIVE!!  Probably a big funnel that they used in some steel mill.  Of course, I had to climb in it for a picture.

 Brunch:  Smoke BBQ and Taqueria.  225 East 8th Ave, Homestead.  This is a hidden gem of Pittsburgh.  Seriously, I felt like I was transported back to Austin, TX (where the owners came from).  The tacos were amazing and the mac 'n' cheese was pretty darn good too.  Everything is fresh, organic and delicious.  Lots of things are spicy, so if you have a sensitive palate (like Lindsay) you have to tread lightly.  I had a brisket breakfast taco and a chorizo breakfast taco with avocado crème.  Have I mentioned that I lived in Texas for six months?  I feel I am a very good judge of brisket, and this was good.  I'm glad the Texans didn't lose their BBQ skills when they moved north because going to Smoke is much cheaper than airfare to Austin.  Also, they make their own chorizo (what originally drew me to this place).  For those that love horchata, they have that here too.  I tried their Kiwi Aqua Fresca a.k.a. kiwi lemonade.  Again, freshly made and perfect after running six miles.  It's BYOB, so next time I'm bringing a six pack of my favorite brew (maybe a Shinerbock just to keep with the Texas spirit), but you can bring your own favorite libation.  Smoke is kind of a no-nonsense, good food, laidback type of joint, and I'm so happy I found it.   

Oakmont Arboretum Trail and Oakmont Bakery

This Saturday, I went to Lindsay's turf to run the Oakmont Arboretum Trail.  Oakmont is known for two things.  One is Oakmont Country Club which holds the US Open every now and again.  The second is Oakmont Bakery which happens to be our "brunch" this week. 

Burn: The Arboretum Trail is a nice, easy run.  It's a paved trail along the railroad that cuts downtown Oakmont in half.  The websites list it being 1.4 miles long.  Unless we missed a portion of it, my Garmin had it being .8 miles long.  Luckily, Lindsay and I were only running two miles today, so an out and back from her house sufficed.  Then a stroll to the bakery was a nice cool-down.

Brunch: The Oakmont Bakery. The picture left is of one of the seven cases of goodies ranging from bagels and bread to cakes and cookies. Oh, let's not forget the rows and rows of donuts that they have on the walls. You can't order something bad at Oakmont Bakery. This is why they've been around for so long, and why the once, hole-in-the-wall bakery I remember going to as a kid is now remodeled and living up to the posh Oakmont standard. I ordered a Paczki (a Polish, filled donut) and Lindsay ordered a maple, bacon donut. Yes, you read it correctly. This donut was covered in maple frosting and crispy bacon. There is truly something for everyone at Oakmont Bakery. It also has a full coffee bar and a cute little sitting area if you don't want to take you confections to go.