PITTSBURGH — A few years ago I learned of a book called “The Paris of Appalachia (amazon.com)” Now, using the “Paris of…” for anything is good for a laugh in most cases. I haven’t read the book, but I think the author has a point.

Having spent a weekend in Pittsburgh attending a Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game at the incredible PNC Park, followed by a delightful evening in Market Square, the claim probably has some merit. Now, granted it was a picture perfect spring day with highs around 73° — the kind the any tourism bureau would use in extolling the virtues of a place. The city was lively without being overcrowded. Skyscrapers on either side of Market Square gave it a sense of place. If we were sitting in the northwestern part section, we’d have heard New Orleans-style band from NOLA on the Square. All we needed was a bottle of wine at our table.

I have not been to Paris, so I can’t say whether it is “the Pittsburgh of Île-de-France” but I hope to someday find out. I’ll probably take a nice evening in Market Square sooner than that though.