Let's take a stroll down Memory Lane today, fellow yinzers! Those of us who grew up in Pittsburgh have all - at least one time or another - been to or passed by Century II Mall, three floors once jam-packed with stores, restaurants, and people. But, after a run of nearly 40 years, the once-popular mall in Pittsburgh has become only a memory for those of us who regularly shopped, who hung out with our friends on Friday and Saturday nights, and who got all of our Christmas shopping done there.
Remember the good old days when Century III, which opened in October 1977, was always so busy that we'd have to go searching for a parking space? Fortunately, the mall had plenty of parking spaces and six entrances.
When it first opened in 1979, Century III held distinction as the world's third largest mall, boasting 1,290,000-square feet of shops, restaurants, the food court, and decorative fountains. (And, it attracted shoppers from all over PA and beyond.)
In those early days, the mall was home to all the biggest brand stores in the area: Montgomery Wards (remember walking up the elevated walkway to get to the first floor indoor entrance?), Gimbel's, Sears, Kaufmann's, and JCPenney.
Throughout the years, stores came and went. But, for most of those years, the food court was always busy, with shoppers ordering meals from such eateries as Wendy's, Taco Tina's, Orange Julius, and Italian Village Pizza.
What were some of your favorite shops or eateries at Century III over the years? Gene & Boots Candies? Wicks 'N Sticks? National Record Mart? Fashion Bug? Or, another one?
Unfortunately, Century III Mall began its downward spiral at the end of the 20th century. Some attribute the downfall to the new shops at the Waterfront and the appeal of new malls like The Mall at Robinson and Pittsburgh Mills.
By 2006, Century III faced a 30 percent vacancy rate, which would only increase in the coming years. Then, in 2013, it looked like Century III would be reborn when Moonbeam Capital Investments LLC purchased the struggling mall.
However, the plans to revive the mall to its former glory stalled. A sheriff's sale was scheduled - and postponed - several times in 2018. A broken water system led to the temporary closure of the mall in February 2019 and...
Just days later, the few tenants who remained were given notice to vacate their space within 30 days. Only JcPenney and Dick's remain, and what will happen to the now-empty mall remains unclear.
What are your favorite memories of Century III Mall in Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, if you're feeling a bit misty-eyed or nostalgic, click here to read about 12 of the stores we all knew if we grew up in Pittsburgh.
For some fun getaways in Oklahoma, start planning your vacations this year. Check out these 12 magnificent Vrbo rentals, one for each month of the year. In case you didn't know, the Sooner State has some incredible vacation spots and we found 12 of our favorite listings that are perfect for your next Oklahoma getaway.
This luxury mountain cabin with two bedrooms sleeps up to four people, offering rich, wooded views. The unique space offers everything we can think of, including Wi-Fi, cable, a grill and fire pit, a zipline (what?!), indoor and outdoor games, and a hot tub.
Guthrie is a unique town filled with lots of history and charm. It’s a great place to visit if you enjoy historical buildings, quaint shopping, and delicious food. An overnight stay in Utopia Joe Loft will add to your experience as it is filled with original art by Utopia Joe. This place was featured on HGTV and offers two bedrooms and a unique space unlike any other in Guthrie.
This modern, industrial downtown Tulsa urban house offers a prime location close to the Gathering Place, BOK Center, Cherry Street, and downtown fun. It sleeps eight with its three bedrooms and is on the pricier side but the location is so worth the splurge on one of the best vacation rentals in Oklahoma. Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit Tulsa. The city is filled with outdoor recreation, fabulous dining spots, and great shopping.
Medicine Park is one of our favorite places to visit in Oklahoma. This charming cobblestone town is located at the base of the Wichita Mountains and features streets and buildings made from cobblestones. This adorable cottage offers prime outdoor living space and is walkable to downtown attractions. It sleeps four guests and boasts a rustic cozy vibe perfect for enjoying a mountain getaway.
One of the best lake towns in Oklahoma is Carlton Landing. It feels like you’re in Seaside, Florida and we are in love with everything about this tiny town. This three-bedroom lake house is the ultimate summer getaway on Lake Eufaula. The house sleeps 14 guests and is moments away from the heart of the community and Lake Eufaula.
June: The Honeycomb House Waterfront Paradise in Grove
No summer is complete without a trip to Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. It’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery and offers visitors an array of outdoor activities. With its very own dock, you can rent a boat (or bring your own) or other water toys and enjoy time out on the lake. One of the best places to stay in Oklahoma, this lakefront home offers beautiful views of Grand Lake that you can enjoy from the dock, the deck, the hot tub, or the fire pit. I think this luxurious home is perfect for a lake escape!
Hochatown is located next to Broken Bow and is minutes from Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the state. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma and we love a summer trip that includes time on the lake. This secluded cabin is just where you want to be this summer if you’re looking for rest and relaxation. Its rustic charm offers the perfect haven for small families or couples. The cabin is located one mile from the lake and sleeps up to four guests.
Located on the Oklahoma/Texas border, Lake Texoma is a prime summer destination. It offers every type of summer outdoor recreation including boating, fishing, and swimming. The tallest house on the lake is available to rent through Vrbo.com and it’s every kid’s dream with four stories, each with its own deck. The home sleeps 10 guests and offers two acres of privacy and seclusion. I think this is one of the best vacation rentals in Oklahoma!
With its location just above Snake Creek Marina, this charming lakefront home offers killer views of Tenkiller Lake. It comes with a hot tub and porch swings so spending time outdoors all day is easy peasy when you stay here. The three bedrooms sleep up to six people, perfect for a family getaway to one of the most relaxing vacation destinations in Oklahoma.
During the month of October, Heavener is where you want to be to witness the most spectacular display of fall colors in the state. One of the prettiest vacation destinations in Oklahoma, this one-bedroom cabin sleeps up to four people and is just steps away from Heavener Runestone Park.
Welcome to this beautiful secluded home that offers peace and serenity when the wind brings a chill. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a stone’s throw away and offers hiking options for all skill levels. This two-bedroom rental can sleep up to eight guests and comes with a fire pit and a lovely wrap-around deck.
If you’re looking for some inner peace during the holidays, Broken Bow is a joyful home away from home. This two-bedroom retreat sleeps six people and is decorated for Christmas inside and out! It’s a short drive to Hochatown State Park and Broken Bow Lake where a winter hike allows for the most breathtaking scenery.
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Have you already visited any of these getaways in Oklahoma? If so, share your feedback in the comments section! And while you're out traveling, consider one of these 11 road trip ideas. The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by Only In Your State might also come in handy when you're planning an excursion.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
