Tag Archives: sheetz

Pittsburgh showed up for the NFL Draft — and so did everyone else

Pittsburgh had its moment on the national football stage, and the region delivered.

I spent most of Friday and Saturday in Downtown Pittsburgh and on the North Shore, taking in the NFL Draft events, walking around, talking with visitors and soaking up a weekend that felt equal parts football festival and Pittsburgh pride.

It was a blast.

I started both days in Moon, parking at the park-and-ride lot and taking Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Football Flyer into town. It was quick and easy. As a public transit fan, it was a great way to invite suburbanites and people who don’t think about public transit to experience a big event and skip the traffic, letting someone else handle the drive.

The bus rides became part of the experience. I met people from Ohio, Illinois, California, Washington state and New England. Some were staying in hotels around Moon, Robinson and the airport area. Others had driven in from Ohio for the day. There were Browns fans, Chargers fans, Bengals fans, Ravens fans (ugh) and, yes, even Eagles fans (boo!).

Terrible Towel display

That was one of the best parts of the weekend: Seeing so many different fan bases walking around Pittsburgh. Team jerseys, hats and shirts were everywhere — on the bus, Downtown, along the North Shore and even at the Sheetz in Moon. There is something funny and wonderful about walking into a Sheetz and seeing a mix of Steelers, Browns, Ravens, Vikings, Cowboys and Bengals gear all in one place.

That does not happen every day.

Steely McBeam

Downtown and the North Shore were packed with things to see and do. There were displays, fan experiences, photo opportunities (managed to get a selfie with Steely McBeam!) and plenty of reasons to stop every few feet and look around. The giant Terrible Towel display was a highlight. So were the Lombardi trophies, because let’s be honest, Pittsburgh knows a thing or six about those.

I also spotted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and saw plenty of well-known Pittsburghers throughout the weekend.

Roger Goodell
NFL commissioner

One of my favorite moments was watching Montour High School graduate Michael Keaton present a draft pick. (You might know him as Batman.)

Michael Keaton

There were plenty of those moments.

I watched Pat McAfee host a kicking contest at Heinz Field — yes, I still call it Heinz Field — and got walked on the field. For any football fan, that is a pretty cool experience. For someone from Pittsburgh, it hits a little differently. You look around and think of all the games, all the players, all the memories and all the times that stadium has been part of the region’s story. (*hits play on “Renegade”*)

After the draft events, I spent some time walking around Downtown. I stopped into the Silly Goose gift shop, the second location of the store that started in Jim Thorpe, Pa. The owner has become well-known on social media among Pennsylvanians for his dry humor and fun personality, so it was nice to check out the Pittsburgh version in person.

Silly Goose on Wood Street in Pittsburgh

And, because no good Downtown outing is complete without a treat, I got ice cream from Millie’s.

What I loved most was not just the draft itself. It was seeing people experience Pittsburgh.

The NFL Draft gave us a chance to show off a little.

I hope the fans who came here had a great time. I hope they tell people back home that Pittsburgh was worth the trip. And more than anything, I hope they come back.

Because as fun as the draft was, it was only one weekend. There is so much more Pittsburgh waiting for them.

Wegmans dumps popular pop brand

Say goodbye to W Pop.

Wegmans will no longer carry its store-brand pop (or “soda”), the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported.

The company said the popular drink does not fall into the characteristics of Wegmans’ “Food You Feel Good About” mantra. The long-standing belief at Wegmans avoids artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

In a statement, the Rochester, New York-based Wegmans said it is “discontinuing Wegmans Brand Soda because it contains artificial ingredients like aspartame and high fructose corn syrup. We are committed to our mission of helping customers live healthier, better lives through exceptional food, and we want you to feel confident in our Wegmans Brand products.“

Over the years, it offered competitive flavors — including Dr. W, Mountain W and Cola (and Diet Cola).

The company hadn’t shelved cans of W Pop in quite a while. But 2-liter bottles were on shelves as of this month.

In a statement to WROC-TV, Wegmans said it “will not be producing any additional Wegmans Brand soda, and anticipate selling through our current inventory within the next week,” according to RochesterFirst.com.

At one time, the pop’s popularity was dynomite.

Wegmans launched its “Food You Feel Good About” effort in 1991 as part of a “commitment of great taste with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives,” the company says on its website.

Since 2014, Wegmans says it offers more than 2,000 Wegmans items that meet its “Food You Feel Good About” standards — noting that nearly 90% of all Wegmans brand items are “Food You Feel Good About.”

The company did not say whether it will replace W Pop with a healthier drink. It offers a store-brand sparkling water and continues selling Pepsi and Coke products.

If you’re looking for a very sugary pop, check out the Sheetz-brand pop.

Point State Park fountain and Pittsburgh skyline

Taylor Swift in Pittsburgh: 13 things to do here

Swiftburgh! From the Carnegie Science Center to Primanti Bros., here are 13 things to do during your June 16-17 weekend in Pittsburgh for Taylor Swift. And, of course, these things are themed with Taylor Swift lyrics!

13. It’s a roller coaster kind of rush

Get that roller coaster kind of rush at one of America’s best amusement parks — Kennywood Park!

Experience record-breaking thrills on the Steel Curtain, and check out Kennywood’s other wildly popular coasters: Phantom’s Revenge, Thunderbolt, Jack Rabbit, Racer and Sky Rocket.

And take a spin out of this world on Kennywood’s newest ride — Spinvasion. It’s the first of its kind in America!

Be sure to get some Potato Patch fries while there.

Buy tickets online at Kennywood.com.

12. You ate at my favorite spot for dinner

There are so many great places to eat in Pittsburgh.

You could go bougie, but why? Save that money for Taylor Swift merch!

Go to Primanti’s to chow down on the iconic sandwich with coleslaw and fries on it.

Be sure to get cheese fries, too.

Visit the Primanti’s in Market Square or Strip District.

Also recommend Bella Notte in the Strip District. Hands down, my favorite pizza in Pittsburgh.

11. See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns

The Carnegie Science Center might as well change its name to the Swift Science Center.

The facility — located next to Acrisure Stadium — has two epic Taylor Swift special events.

First up is the “Laser Taylor Swift” laser light show at the Buhl Planetarium.

“Calling all ‘Exiles’ and ‘Anti-Heroes!’ The Laser Taylor Swift sets hits from all the singer’s eras to dazzling laser lights and special effects,” the science center says about the show. “The question is: ‘Are You Ready For It?’ Warm up for the Eras Tour with us!”

And, as the science center notes, “If you didn’t score tickets to her concert, Laser Taylor Swift is the next best thing.” (Is it, though?)

The laser light show is an additional charge to the regular admission for the science center.

The light show will run daily at 2 p.m. through Sept. 4. Between June 12 and 15, the center will add a second showing at 4 p.m.

Be sure to check out the center’s Miniature Railroad & Village to find 10 tiny Taylor Swift figures — with each Taylor dressed as an era, of course!

“She may not fit into the Miniature Railroad’s timeline or aesthetic, but Taylor Swift never goes out of style,” Rosalie Garfinkle, assistant manager of the miniature railroad, said in a news release, according to WPXI.

The science center will close at 4 p.m. June 16 and will not be open June 17.

10. My baby’s fly like a jet stream, high above the whole scene

Photo by Federated Art on Pexels.com

Go high above the whole scene from the mountaintop.

A staple of visiting Pittsburgh is taking in the view.

There are several great vantage points — walk along Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington and check out the West End Overlook.

9. Karma takes all my friends to the summit

Get to the summit (Mount Washington) by taking one of Pittsburgh’s two inclines.

Pittsburgh’s two operating inclines are the Monongahela Incline and Duquesne Incline.

The Mon Incline is considered the first passenger funicular built in the U.S.

And it’s been in continuous operation for nearly a century and a half.

The Duquesne Incline is part of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit system.

These are the last two remaining inclines in Pittsburgh, where nearly two dozen once transported people from the mountaintops.

8. Best believe I’m still bejeweled, when I walk in the room, I can still make the whole place shimmer

Visit the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems and the Wertz Gallery of Gems and Jewelry at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History to take in the sights of minerals and gems that make the whole place shimmer. (Admission includes the Carnegie Museum of Art.)

7. It feels like a perfect night for breakfast at midnight

Sheetz food and drink!

You can get breakfast at midnight at Sheetz — a unique and totally fun 24/7 convenience store with locations all around the Pittsburgh area. Take it from me: A certified Sheetz Freak.

Of course, if you don’t want breakfast at midnight, Sheetz offers pizza, hoagies, milkshakes, loads of appetizers and so much more.

6. Green was the color of the grass where I used to read at Centennial Park

Point State Park fountain and Pittsburgh skyline

It might not be Nashville’s Centennial Park, but Pittsburgh’s Point State Park offers gorgeous views of the city skyline, all three rivers, Acrisure Stadium (where Taylor Swift is performing) and Pittsburgh’s hills and valleys.

And, yes, the grass is green, and you can read on a park bench at Point State Park.

Be sure to check out the fountain, too! Just don’t get in it.

5. The world moves on, another day, another drama, drama

Take in another drama, drama in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District with Pittsburgh Public Theater and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.

“Frida… A Self Portrait” continues at Pittsburgh Public Theater through June 25.

CLO’s “Anything Goes” runs June 13-18 at the Benedum Center.

4. You held your head like a hero on a history book page, it was the end of a decade, but the start of an age

Learn about Pittsburgh’s history at the Heinz History Center in the Strip District.

The center features set pieces from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation,” “From Slavery to Freedom” and more. Plus, check out Western Pennsylvania’s sports history at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum (Heinz History Center admission includes admission to the sports museum).

On special exhibit now is “The Negro Motorist Green Book” — a look at the travel for African Americans in mid-century America.

3. And I think you should come live with me and we can be pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t home the weekend Taylor Swift is in Pittsburgh, but you can still tour PNC Park — one of America’s best ballparks.

The tour showcases a number of areas throughout the ballpark.

2. When they point to the pictures, please tell them my name

There are several art and photo galleries to visit in Pittsburgh. These are just a few:

1. Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you

Make the most of your concert experience! Whether you’re going into Acrisure Stadium to see her show or you’ll be dancing and singling along outside, just have fun!

My 2021 in 21 Instagram posts

While I spent much of the year navigating the pandemic, I still got to experience so many things. Every year is filled with love and loss and great memories. Here’s a slice of what my 2021 looked like.

Kicked off 2021 with … cold brew coffee

This was the first cold brew coffee of 2021. The first of many!

Presque Isle Lighthouse in snow

I don’t know if I had ever walked to the lakeshore side when there was snow on the ground.

I walked on (frozen) water

This was my first time walking on Presque Isle Bay from the Presque Isle side! I watched people ice fishing, playing hockey and doing other ice-related activities.

I got vaxxed

Doing the neighborly thing.

Visited the Erie Zoo!

This little baby orangutan is adorable!

I visited Wawa. (Twice)

We all make mistakes.

Saw the White House

Pennsylvania Avenue was closed, so this was the closest I could get.

Swam in this natural spring pool

My first visit to Bedford Springs! I had this pool to myself for at least 90 minutes.

Got to see this Gulf station!

Finally! I’d wanted to see this building ever since WQED’s Rick Sebak shared it on a history program.

Visited the United 93 crash site

I was here a week shy of the 20th anniversary.

Our beloved rescue Kaci died

❤️

Visited Ellicottville

Took a stroll to see old buildings, sites in Ellicottville

Selfied with world’s largest pickle

It’s a big dill.

Watched fireworks be lit off of Pittsburgh’s City-County Building

That had never been done before!

I got to see NYC decorated for Christmas

This was such a highlight of my life!

Saw Macy’s Christmas windows!

Hello, Tiptoe!

Saw the Rockettes!

What a great show!

Made new friends

Best NYC tour guide!

Saw old friends!

I love these guys.

Saw Erie history light up!

The Warner Theatre marquee had not been lit in more than 40 years.

Rode the Jack Rabbit on Christmas Eve

In the 101-year history of Kennywood Park’s Jack Rabbit, it had never operated in December. I got to ride it on Dec. 24! I also ate Potato Patch fries on Christmas Eve. Yinzplosion!

My 2021 Sheetz cold brew coffee count is ‘for the Kidz’

Back by nobody’s demand!

As the year winds down, I’m counting up the number of Sheetz cold brew coffees I’ve had in 2021! And, this year, I’m supporting Sheetz For the Kidz with this crazy cold brew coffee addiction.

As you might know, I’m slightly addicted to cold brew coffee from Sheetz. (If you don’t know, now you do.)

What began as a joke in 2020 from some people wondering how many Sheetz cold brew coffees I had during the year turned into a fun guessing game! Sheetz makes it easy to keep track in the MySheetz app.

The winner for my 2020 count was Sheetz worker Ashley who likely made a majority of those cold brew coffees.

https://twitter.com/GoBobbo/status/1345086548421844992

So, let’s do it again for 2021.

Drop a guess under my tweet or Instagram post before the Times Square ball drops on Dec. 31.

That’s it! I’ll pull the guesses together and see who’s the closest.

I’ll share the actual total — and winner! — on Jan. 1!

As a bonus this year: For every cold brew coffee I had in 2021, I am going to donate $1 to the Sheetz For the Kidz nonprofit group that helps support children and their families in need in Sheetz communities.

The Sheetz employee-driven charity focuses on three areas: Gifts, wishes and food. Sheetz For the Kidz supports an annual holiday gift-giving program for children, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Feeding America.

Sheetz For the Kidz dates to 1992 when two Sheetz district managers raised $12,000 and took 126 children shopping for the holidays, according to its website. Today, the nonprofit organization supports 9,700 kids every year.

You can support Sheetz For the Kidz by making a donation here, using MySheetz rewards points to make a donation, buying Sheetz For the Kidz charity water and checking Sheetz stores for in-store efforts in July and December.

Need a hint for making a guess?

  • I offered a tip last year sharing how many cold brew coffees I had through the end of September. Not doing that this year! I have to make it a little more difficult. But here’s a tip to maybe help you get in the ballpark: In September, I had 35. In July, I had 40. Were other months higher, lower or about the same? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Quick rules and other things:

  • We’ll follow “The Price Is Right” method: The winner whose guess is closest without going over wins. (So, if you live under a rock: If the correct answer is 5 and you guess 6, you lost.)
  • There’s no prize for winning other than the satisfaction of making a lucky guess.
  • In the event of a tie, those with the correct answer will all be considered winners!
  • Post your guess to the above mentioned social media posts by 11:59:59 Dec. 31.
  • Disclaimer: Adding this disclaimer so you know that Sheetz is in no way connected to this, they didn’t ask me to do this, they’re not overseeing it, they’re going to find out at the same time you do when reading this. I’m just a crazy Sheetz Freak who loves Sheetz.