In my mind, the former steel city couldn't have received a better accolade than to be highlighted as an "amazing adventure town." The September issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine, includes Pittsburgh in its list of 30 "best adventure towns to live and play in," ranking it at the top of the "urban adventurer list ahead of Las Vegas; Portland, Maine; Portland, Oregon; Spokane, Washington; and Washington, DC in that category.

The editors of National Geographic Adventure praised Pittsburgh for its beautfy, cultural amenities, career opportunities, and recreational experiences, from the regions great hiking and biking trails to white water rafting on the Youghiogheny. As a contender in the urban adventurer category, they also liked Pittsburgh for its neighborhoods, calling the Strip District "Pittsburgh's answer to SoHo," low housing prices, and its large number of high-tech companies.

It's really nice to see that others recognize what those of us who live here sometimes take for granted.