National Geographic names Pittsburgh on list of best small cities in the U.S.

We’re used to seeing Pittsburgh pop up on more and more “best of” lists. But it’s always nice when one starts by saying our city is central to “the most exciting travel story in America right now.”

National Geographic Traveler leads off their story on The Best Cities in the United States with a stunning shot of Pittsburgh and praise for our craft breweries. Here it is in full:

“Though Pittsburgh’s iconic Iron City Ale is now produced an hour away in Latrobe, the Burgh is home to more than 30 craft breweries. Many of the suds are made and poured in rehabbed historic buildings, such as a decommissioned 1902 Catholic Church (Church Brew Works) and a 19th-century school (11th Hour Brewing Co.). In the pipeline: a 50,000-square-foot brewpub/museum.”

Their top 30 cities were chosen based on what they call “unconventional metrics,” including “green spaces, galleries, coffee shops, breweries, music venues, Instagrammable moments, and more.”

Among the other cities making Nat Geo’s cut: Anchorage, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Reno.