Deciding how to spend a day in Pittsburgh certainly isn't difficult. The city - and beyond - is brimming with attractions, from Kennywood to the Carnegie Museums. You're sure to find something that fits your personality and mood. With so much to do, however, it's easy to overlook some of the coolest attractions in Pittsburgh. Here are eight attractions you'll want to add to your itinerary this year.

1. City of Asylum – 40 West North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

City of Asylum is perhaps the most unique attraction in Pittsburgh. It provides refuge to writers who have been exiled from their own countries. Community members are welcome to attend a variety of events the organization hosts, such as readings and musical performances.

2. The Allegheny Observatory – 159 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Peer at the nighttime sky when you visit the Allegheny Observatory, a research facility with the University of Pittsburgh. The observatory offers free tours of the observatory from late April through October. Each tour begins with a video before you explore the observatory on foot. The tour culminates, on evenings with a clear sky, with stargazing through one of the telescopes.

3. Pittsburgh Glass Center – 5472 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Learn how to create your own glass art at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Sign up for one of a variety of classes, such as blown glass garden floats, blown glass ornaments, and blown glass pumpkins. Or, stroll through the Glass Center and view the work of artists and watch live demonstrations.

4. Bicycle Heaven – 1800 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Discover perhaps Pittsburgh's most unique museum and shop when you visit Bicycle Heaven. Explore the museum that boasts more than 4,000 bikes and sells just about everything you can imagine - from antique accessories to bells and horns. Stop by Bicycle Heaven daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

5. Polymath Park – 187 Evergreen Lane, Acme, PA 15610

Tour the masterful designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentice Peter Berndtson at Polymath Park. The park is home to Duncan House (Wright's design) and Blum and Balter House (both designed by Berndtson). Join a walking tour of the properties or, if you're really up for an adventure, book one of the homes for an unforgettable overnight stay.

6. Powdermill Nature Reserve – 1847 PA-381, Rector, PA 15677

Slip on a pair of comfy shoes for your trip to Powdermill Nature Reserve. Part of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the sprawling nature preserve's hiking trails pass woodlands, streams, and ponds. Powdermill Nature Reserve is open all year around.

7. Living Treasures Wild Animal Park – 288 PA-711, Jones Mills, PA 15646

Feed the goats. Meet a tortoise. And, ride a pony at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, located in Donegal and in Moraine. The animal park promises the opportunity to get an up close look at such exotic animals as giraffes, tigers, lions, emus, and cavys.

8. The Center for Post Natural History – 4913 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Explore the world of science when you venture to the Center for Post Natural History. View such exhibits as Making Nature, Domestication of the Dinosaur, Post Natural Nature, and the Ribless Mouse Embryo. The Center for Post Natural History is open Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

What other attractions in Pittsburgh do you think are totally cool but don't get enough visitors? Click here to read about some of the area's most amazing natural attractions.