Welcome to Lawrenceville! Hope you enjoy your stay-cation!

You don't need to go far to have fun
this weekend. Here's 36 hours in L'Ville:

Friday evening
8 p.m. What better way to start off a weekend in tribute to great Americans than at Queersburgh, an exploration of queerness at Espresso a Mano. I don't know whether Walt Whitman or Henry James or Langston Hughes or Tennessee Williams or Alice Walker will be discussed, but I hear America singing. You don't have to be a card-carrying member of the LGBT community to enjoy the smoothest espresso in town and thought-provoking poetry. Besides, aren't we all queer as folk?

11 p.m. Continue your discussion over cocktails on the patio at Tamari. Who can resist their filo-wrapped tiger shrimp?



Saturday morning
9 a.m. Breakfast at Dozen. There's a reason it's known for the best cinnamon roll in Pittsburgh. Be sure to get some rhubarb pie to take home too, because Dozen will be closed Sunday and Monday. Uh-oh. I'm getting withdrawls already.

10:30 a.m. You won't want to miss Wild Card's vintage offerings at Little Flea. When I explored the selection of items slated for sale on Saturday, I found not only great furniture and housewares, but great prices too. The red plastic lamp is only $10! And there's a set of five classic bentwood chairs for $110.

Afternoon
12 noon: Pamper yourself at pageboy with a visit to Hollywood makeup artist Brett Freedman, who will be offering advice and eyebrow makeovers. The eyebrows have it with his line of makeup. Chocolate has never seemed so refreshing! (By the way, a little birdie told me that design diva Rachel will be getting a seamstress in one day a week so you can have your vintage favorites tailored to fit you and only you. Yay!)

2 p.m. Time for a sandwich at Coca Cafe. Don't forget they close at 3.

3:15 p.m. Now that you've got your second wind, take a stroll up to Wild Card's store to see the other items in their vintage festival. Who can resist this vintage drum lampshade. It's $20! That's out of this world!

Evening
5 p.m. Toast the veterans of the Mexican American War with a margarita at Round Corner Cantina. Their back patio is open. Perfect way to unwind after a long day.

10 p.m. The revolution is coming! A musical revolution, that is. Thunderbird Cafe hosts Round Black Ghosts, a band that's a fusion of indie, rock and alternative influences. Tickets are $5.

Sunday morning

11 a.m. Recover from your hangover at Perk Me Up. Relax with a latte and muffins fresh out of the oven. Mmmm.

12 p.m. Now that you are fortified, stroll through Allegheny Cemetery. It's your chance to commemorate the men and women who have died while serving in the military.

2 p.m. See what Elements (5171 Butler) has in store. The prettiest vintage dresses ever, that's what! The dress at left? $32, thank you very much!

4 p.m. In the mood for a trip to an exotic location? Continue your way up the street for a late lunch/early dinner at Pusadee's Garden, 5321 Butler. The patio has Zen written all over it. You'll feel like you really are on vacation in no time.

Monday
Who doesn't love a parade? Take yourself and the kids to the Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade (40th and Butler, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). On the way back, you can stop at the store. While most places are closed, there will be one store that is opening. Butler Mart (4417 Butler) will celebrate the debut of its annex, which will sell tees and fun costume jewelry (below), among other items. There will be free popcorn and icees for the kids! This place is dog friendly too. If you have your pooch with you, no doubt he'll get a treat. Woof!