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Have your breath taken away as you travel up the Duquesne Incline. Once the main mode of transportation for Pittsburghers to get up the incredibly steep hills, nowadays the historic funicular takes guests up to the top of Mt. Washington for the best view of downtown. Children will get a kick out of the authentic car, the old photographs and artifacts in the upper station, and the ride up and down the mountain.

Advanced water sports enthusiasts and whitewater rafters can challenge themselves at the famous Youghiogheny River Gorge. Hailed as "the birthplace of whitewater rafting," these rapids can be found in Ohiopyle State Park, about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Warm up on the milder Class I and II whitewater like Ramcat, Flipper and Fast & Clean before attempting the churning Class III and IV rapids like Dimple Rock, Double Hydraulic and River's End.

See a performance envisioned by the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, the oldest degree-granting drama program in the United States. This university theater showcases the works of its undergraduate acting, musical theater, directing, design, dramaturgy, production and technology management students in every show.

Inspire yourself with the artistic, modern performances of classic American ballets by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. This local ballet troupe has grown since it debuted in 1970 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. See one of the seasonal performances from October until April at its own building or catch one of the troupe's touring performances.