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| - My husband and I really didn't know what to expect when we arrived at the airport for this event. Since there is major construction in North Fayette township we ended up parking at the short term lot. This lot is most convenient for location since it is a parking garage but also the most costly. If you have E-Z pass however, it makes getting in and out fairly quick because they will honor it as "fast pass" and your card linked to that account is charged accordingly.
Upon arrival we signed the necessary waivers, showed our ID and then had to wait a good 20 minutes to go through standard TSA checkpoint. From there we took the tram to the air side terminal where we met with a YELP representative who gave us our passport and map along with instructions. There were 12 different food vendors located in both center and part of the concourses. During our scavenger hunt we were to collect "passport" stamps from each vendor. There were prizes for posting pictures to Instagram as well as the event site. The grand prize being a trip to Iceland. Each eatery was offering a sample of their cuisine for us to try.
I was thrilled to see us honored in lights on the electronic billboard as well as the announcement that periodically welcomed us. Normally when I am in the air side terminal I'm so focused on my trip that I really don't spend a lot of time here and of course want to save my money for that vacation I had planned. I was happy to see so many Pittsburgh vendors are now in residence here among which are Steel Cactus, Gaby et Jules, Penn Brewery, Vino Volo, and my local favorite-The Strip Market.
I felt rushed however, because even though the tables were set up nicely, we had to grab our "sample" and then "hurry off" to the next "stop" on the way in order to grab all our passport stamps. We had to meet back at Martini's at a set time and we were part of the last to arrive.
When we got there, yep you guessed it-more food!! However, after we got inside we each got a ticket for a free raspberry martini. It was so good and just enough to unwind after a harrowing run around the airport.
Rachel introduced us to Christina who was with the airport authority. She explained that the TGIFriday's was being torn down to make way for the entrance to the new terminal. It has been in the news for some time now that they are planning to eventually close off the landside terminal.
She explained the concept to make the airport more local friendly for people out of town and was on hand to answer any questions. Everyone was given a thank you bag on the way out but we were free to roam on our own to explore the other shoppes or revisit some of the restaurants that were on our list.
I was anxious to visit "the spirit of the red horse" because I had always been fascinated with authentic Indian merchandise. I learned the place was permanently closed and currently there was a Dunkin donuts instead. Christina told me that the eventually plan to put a Pittsburgh based shop there in its place.
I also got the opportunity to speak with another of their staff with my own suggestions. Perks such as reduced parking and a special TSA clearance for non passengers only would greatly help.
Still, both my husband and I were glad we got this opportunity to see a side of the airport we never have time for. Our gift bag included samples from some of the places we stopped at along with a $10.00 check to use anywhere in the air mall.
I am truly grateful to Rachel, Hannah, the staff at Pittsburgh international, and everyone for a fun filled event and for enabling us to see how the airport plans to expose out of towners who are here for either a visit or a layover on a flight to acquire a taste for the city we call home.
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