It’s August. It’s really disgusting outside. There’s at least a 40 percent chance that you’re sweating while reading this. Pittsburgh humidity knows no bounds.
But here’s the thing. In a couple of months, it’s going to start getting cold outside. And you’re going to want to escape Western Pennsylvania for a few days, perhaps to a warm climate. Or maybe to somewhere you’ve never been.
If you get to itch the travel, you might as well align such a trip with the Penguins’ schedule. I’ve covered the Penguins for 13 years and have been to all of the cities you’re about to read about, most of them on many, many occasions. This article is tailored for the Pittsburgh sports fan. I have biases toward fun cities, most of which have nice climates and nice people. I hope you’re OK with this.
These rankings change over the years as some cities get better and some become … our 31st selection. I like to think that I was a travel planner in another life.
See you on the road this season.
Here’s the formula, with each category producing 1-10 points:
Hockey atmosphere — Is this a city that knows the game? Or doesn’t it know what a blue line is? Can you expect a rabid crowd or a dismal game-night setting?
Weather — Don’t think for a second that this isn’t important. Something about smelling salt water while walking into a hockey arena is good for the soul.
Accessory activities — Museums? Good activities for the kids? What does this city have to offer in a non-hockey way?
Debauchery — Are you young? Do you like to have fun? As someone who is old and who likes to have fun, I speak from experience.
Star power — The NHL showcases a few players who are worth the price of admission.
Getting there — Can you drive there? Are direct flights available?
Dining options — Local cuisine is important when analyzing any potential trip.
Hotel options — We’ll talk price, diversity and general niceness.
Cost — Hockey tickets aren’t cheap. Some cities aren’t, either.
Yinzer attendance — Taking over visiting venues is a Pittsburgh sports tradition.
Here’s Part 1 of this extravaganza.
The Don’t Do It Division
31. Philadelphia Flyers
Hockey atmosphere: 4
It’s really not what it once was. The Flyers stink and their fans know it. Sure, it’s amusing to hear them get worked up when Sidney Crosby is announced in the starting lineup, but it’s not much fun anymore. The arena is falling apart, too. The Roman Coliseum atmosphere isn’t currently evident.
Weather: 4
It’s what we get, a day later. Which is to say, nothing great.
Accessory activities: 5
Some nice historical landmarks that are worth seeing. And Atlantic City is an hour away.
Debauchery: 7
As noted, Atlantic City is close. There is much fun to be had in Philly for those looking for it.
Star power: 2
The kids will like seeing Gritty, at least. Worst Flyers team that I can remember, but at least John Tortorella should make things fun.
Getting there: 2
It’s pretty bad. That five-hour drive through the mountains is no joke during hockey season. Philly’s airport is a truly horrible place and flying there is expensive.
Dining options: 8
Philly is really strong in this category. Ton of great Italian restaurants. And remember, Chef Vola is an hour away in Atlantic City and is a must.
Hotel options: 5
There are plenty and they aren’t too expensive. But most of the properties close to the arena are getting old.
Cost: 5
Tickets will be cheap this season. Getting there, not so much. Enjoy the round-trip, $80 toll if you drive.
Yinzer attendance: 2
Not as many as you’d think. I imagine it’s self-preservation instinct.
Final thought: Honestly, I’d stay away. The Flyers stink and the rivalry, as a result, seems to have lost much of its luster. Wearing black and gold isn’t the safest of feelings in this building anyway, and interest in hockey is way down. It’s really not worth it.
This season’s trip: Friday, Nov. 25, 5 p.m. (Take advantage of Black Friday sales at King of Prussia Mall if you’re going)
Final score: 44
30. New Jersey Devils
Hockey atmosphere: 3
Devils fans have their moments, but in general, the world’s most sterile arena isn’t great fun.
Weather: 4
See above.
Accessory activities: 5
Newark is pretty awful. I can’t sugarcoat it. However, Manhattan is nearby, and there’s something to be said for that.
Debauchery: 7
Go to New York. You’ll be pleased.
Star power: 4
I think, if he can stay healthy, Jack Hughes is on the verge of becoming a legitimate superstar. The Devils are much more fun to watch than they once were.
Getting there: 5
It’s a doable drive, about five-and-a-half hours. Direct flights are also available there and are typically cheaper than what Philly or the New York airports offer. Bonus: The Clinton Diner is on the way.
Dining options: 7
If we were strictly talking Newark, we’d be at about negative-5. But Manhattan is a quick train ride away and we can’t dismiss this.
Hotel options: 4
Totally decent Courtyard Marriott right beside the arena. The Newark Airport Marriott is quite nice.
Cost: 5
Devils tickets won’t set you back too much.
Yinzer attendance: 3
Typically there’s a decent Pittsburgh turnout in New Jersey.
Final thought: The only real reason to go is if you’re going to New York for the weekend anyway.
This season’s trips: Sunday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m.; Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.
Final score: 47
29. New York Islanders
Hockey atmosphere: 8
Islanders fans are rowdy to the point of being entertaining. The new arena is beautiful. You’ll enjoy it.
Weather: 4
See above.
Accessory activities: 5
Just far enough away from Manhattan to be annoying. Visiting my brother from another mother, Hal, in Long Island is a good way to pass the time. But I doubt he’s just going to allow anyone to his home, so the rest of you may be out of luck. Not much going on.
Debauchery: 6
Sure, there’s fun to be had. Head east to the Hamptons for high-class shenanigans!
Star power: 2
Maybe Nazem Kadri will help if he ends up there. But are you buying tickets to see him play? Didn’t think so.
Getting there: 3
Oh, it’s bad if you’re driving. Really bad. Seven hours. Your best is to fly to New York, which isn’t cheap.
Dining options: 7
Not much to speak of around the arena. But drive to Long Island and eat at Giulio Cesare and thank me later.
Hotel options: 2
It’s really dismal around the arena. Just nothing to speak of.
Cost: 5
Not terrible, but it’s still New York.
Yinzer attendance: 5
You’ll see enough Penguins fans that you won’t feel isolated.
Final thought: The building is great, but the logistics of getting there and having to watch the rather dull Islanders make this an unfavorable destination.
This season’s trips: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Final score: 47
The Penguins vs. the Islanders at UBS Arena. (Tom Horak / USA Today)
Hardcore Fan Only Division
28. Winnipeg Jets
Hockey atmosphere: 10
It doesn’t get much better. It’s loud. It’s sold out. And Jets fans know what they’re talking about.
Weather: 3
I’m only giving it a 3 because there’s something oddly refreshing about feeling the coldness of the Winnipeg air. It should be a wonder of the world.
Accessory activities: 5
I would advise checking out the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. Otherwise, there’s not a ton going on here. But there is something intriguing about being in Winnipeg. It’s that place you heard of as a kid but never really imagined you’d visit someday.
Debauchery: 3
I’m sure there’s some kind of fun in Winnipeg, though I’ve yet to have it. Admittedly, I haven’t looked very hard.
Star power: 5
The Jets have some players worth seeing and I find games between the Penguins and Jets are typically entertaining.
Getting there: 3
Prepare for a fairly long day in airports. That said, the one in Winnipeg is a delightful place. Smaller airports are always better.
Dining options: 4
It’s not a particularly good city for food, though I find the poutine in Winnipeg is particularly high level.
Hotel options: 7
Good, affordable options, actually. I usually stay at the Courtyard Marriott, which is literally a five-minute walk from when you exit the plane. Downtown Delta works, too.
Cost: 4
Getting to Winnipeg isn’t a cheap endeavor.
Yinzer attendance: 4
There will be some Penguins fans in attendance, but they aren’t relocated Yinzers. They’re just Canadians who like Crosby and Mario Lemieux. But you won’t feel alone.
Final thought: You’ll enjoy yourself if you go. It’s a cool experience and the people of Manitoba are friendly to the extreme. But you’ll probably never have the desire to return. It’s just a lot.
This season’s trip: Saturday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. (You may only require a couple of winter jackets since the Penguins play there in November)
Final score: 48
27. Edmonton Oilers
Hockey atmosphere: 8
The building is massive and very nice, though not all that loud because people in Edmonton are polite and the ceiling reaches halfway to the sky.
Weather: 2
It gets cold. The sun sets very early. It’s generally unpleasant.
Accessory activities: 5
The West Edmonton Mall is legit and there are enough casinos here to lose some serious cash.
Debauchery: 5
Eh, there are some nice bars, but I can’t say Edmonton is known for its nightlife.
Star power: 10
To see Connor McDavid play in person is to see greatness. No other way to put it.
Getting there: 3
Enjoy that connecting flight in Chicago or Minnesota. Not the worst airports to deal with, but still quite a journey.
Dining options: 4
Not a foodie city. But you won’t starve. Best meal I’ve ever had there was in the downtown Courtyard Marriott restaurant, which is incredibly good.
Hotel options: 7
Lots of really nice choices downtown. The Delta and the Courtyard both work nicely. The River Cree Casino resort is great, by the way, but a bit of a drive.
Cost: 3
Nothing is cheap in Canada, and this is particularly the case in Edmonton, though ticket prices actually aren’t horrible on StubHub at the moment.
Yinzer attendance: 4
Not many Yinzers make this trip, but there are always Penguins fans in every Canadian city.
Final thought: To see Crosby and McDavid play is always a special treat. Edmonton isn’t the most exciting town, though. You may get bored pretty quickly.
This season’s trips: Monday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m.
Final score: 51
26. Ottawa Senators
Hockey atmosphere: 6
Senators fans are the only ones in Canada who boo Crosby. This always seems weird to me. Atmosphere is OK, but the arena is a dump. Worst in the league and located well outside of downtown Ottawa.
Weather: 4
I feel like it’s usually sunny there, which is a welcome change for us Western Pennsylvania natives. Coldest I’ve ever been was in Ottawa, though. So there is that.
Accessory activities: 8
Downtown Ottawa is fantastic. Seriously. It’s Canada’s most underrated downtown. The architecture is a marvel. Just a marvelous city and there’s plenty of entertainment for the entire family.
Debauchery: 8
Quebec is right across a bridge from Ottawa. Enough said.
Star power: 5
The Senators could be sneaky good this season and they’ll be fun to watch. Brady Tkachuk isn’t boring.
Getting there: 2
Good luck. Try to avoid Toronto for that connecting flight and thank me later. I drive there, but only because my children live nearby. I don’t really recommend the drive, especially in the winter.
Dining options: 6
In Kanata, there’s not much going on. Downtown Ottawa has good choices. Dunn’s has great poutine.
Hotel options: 5
Good options in downtown Ottawa and Kanata. Downtown Marriott on Kent St. is quite nice.
Cost: 5
Getting there is expensive, but you won’t find the tickets or the city terribly outrageous from a cost perspective.
Yinzer attendance: 2
Very few Penguins fans visit Ottawa.
Final thought: I maintain that Ottawa would be a top-10 trip if the arena were downtown. Alas, it is not. It’s a real logistical nightmare. The airport, downtown area and Kanata are in different parts of town. However, if architecture is your thing, you need to check it out. Downtown is so great.
This season’s trip: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.
Final score: 51
If You’re Visiting Family Anyway Division
25. St. Louis Blues
Hockey atmosphere: 7
Blues fans are a passionate bunch. The arena is getting old but isn’t horrible.
Weather: 5
It’s brutally hot in the summer, but at certain times of the hockey season, the St. Louis weather can actually be kind of pleasant.
Accessory activities: 3
Well, the arch is lovely and good fun. Otherwise, I don’t much enjoy St. Louis.
Debauchery: 5
Well, I guess it’s good for this. On my last two trips to St. Louis, there has been drag racing downtown. I’m not kidding. My Uber driver saved my life by not turning left because a car race was approaching behind us.
Star power: 4
The Blues are one of hockey’s most solid franchises. But they don’t really have anyone you pay to see.
Getting there: 7
Not bad at all. Direct flight options. And the airport in St. Louis is pretty good.
Dining options: 8
If BBQ is your thing, you’ll be in heaven. The toasted ravioli is also a specialty here. Many wonderful options.
Hotel options: 5
I usually stay around the airport but downtown has plenty of adequate options.
Cost: 5
Fairly inexpensive in general.
Yinzer attendance: 2
Not many Yinzers in St. Louis. A few, but not as many as you’d think for some reason.
Final thought: Like I said, it works best if you’re visiting family. There’s the previously stated hockey component of going to a Blues game, but if you also like eating lots of BBQ and want to see the arch, then give this trip a whirl.
This season’s trips: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Final score: 51
24. San Jose Sharks
Hockey atmosphere: 7
Good hockey town, good arena. Not a great team.
Weather: 9
It’s seemingly always sunny and warm here. Highly recommended.
Accessory activities: 3
You can get to San Francisco in an hour. Good casino scene in San Jose. Otherwise, not the most exciting place.
Debauchery: 4
I must be looking in the wrong places. Can’t say I’ve ever had a wild night in San Jose.
Star power: 2
If it were 2014, sure thing.
Getting there: 5
It’s not that bad. You can fly direct to San Francisco and make the short drive. That’s the best bet.
Dining options: 8
Lots of great choices within close proximity to the arena. And, as noted, San Francisco is one of the world’s great dining cities.
Hotel options: 7
San Jose Marriott is great. Cheaper options are available at the airport.
Cost: 1
Everything about this neck of the woods is outrageously expensive. If you’re living on a budget, this isn’t your trip.
Yinzer attendance: 6
Always a strong number of displaced Pittsburghers in attendance here.
Final thought: Just not a favorite trip of mine. It’s the worst part of the California swing for my money, though there are some beautiful areas nearby if you feel like taking out a loan and renting a car here.
This season’s trips: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. (Valentine’s Day date at the Shark Tank)
Final score: 52
The Penguins vs. the Sharks at SAP Center. ( Darren Yamashita / USA Today)
The Day Trip Division
23. Buffalo
Hockey atmosphere: 7
Sabres fans are so underrated. Great sports town. The building is decidedly average.
Weather: 2
Lakefront snow is a real thing.
Accessory activities: 4
Buffalo doesn’t strike me as a city oozing with culture. But I’m there all the time, and I can say that you won’t be totally bored.
Debauchery: 8
A mere half an hour away sits Niagara Falls. It’s a poor man’s Vegas, and it’s spectacular.
Star power: 2
Not much going on in the way of star power in the Sabres’ lineup.
Getting there: 9
It’s about three-and-a-half hours from Pittsburgh. Easy drive. Just be careful of the snow.
Dining options: 8
The Anchor Bar is a wonderful tourist trap. Duff’s is great. It’s the wing capital of the world.
Hotel options: 5
They get oddly pricey in Buffalo, but plenty of solid options. Stay at the airport if you’re looking to save money. If you’re not, stay right beside the arena.
Cost: 3
Everything in Buffalo is a bit more expensive than it should be.
Yinzer attendance: 7
Many a Yinzer will make this trip. Good times.
Final thought: I enjoy Buffalo. The weather is unpleasant but the people are great.
This season’s trips: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Final score: 55
22. Detroit
Hockey atmosphere: 10
Little Caesars Arena is the NHL’s best building. Spectacular place.
Weather: 2
Not the best.
Accessory activities: 4
Detroit is really on the rebound. The best is when the Penguins play here during car shows. Still not great though.
Debauchery: 6
Windsor should fill all of your needs.
Star power: 2
The Wings’ rebuild is taking a bit longer than expected, I’d say.
Getting there: 8
It’s a really easy drive, between four and five hours. Just be careful in the winter. Much like Buffalo, they get lots of snow here.
Dining options: 6
Good variety, lots of above-average choices.
Hotel options: 7
I typically stay at the Renaissance Center downtown. It’s quite nice. Lots of options. If you’re just going into town for the game, stay in Toledo. It’s way cheaper and only 45 minutes from Detroit.
Cost: 6
Reasonably cheap, all things considered.
Yinzer attendance: 6
Lots of Pittsburghers make this trip. Always a strong contingency.
Final thought: As the years go by, I grow more and more of an appreciation for Detroit. It gets a bad rap but it’s made big strides in the past decade. Very friendly people, too. It’s worth a trip just to see the building.
This season’s trips: Tuesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 8, 7 p.m.
Final score: 57
21. Washington
Hockey atmosphere: 5
Caps fans are fairly intense and into the game, but the building is kind of a dud.
Weather: 4
I’ve been in blizzards here. Heat waves, too. Other times, it’s beautiful. You never know what you’ll get.
Accessory activities: 10
If you can’t find something to do here, may God have mercy on your soul.
Debauchery: 6
The nightlife scene here is a pretty strong one.
Star power: 10
Sid vs. Ovi only has so many chapters remaining.
Getting there: 4
It’s a four-hour drive, so that’s nice. Driving here is something of a nightmare, though.
Dining options: 8
Great town for dining. Anything you want. If you feel like getting out of the city, go to Old Town in Alexandria. Great Italian place on King St. called Il Porto. Good ice cream places within walking distance of there, also.
Hotel options: 5
Great options. Just make sure you have enough money in your bank account to make it happen.
Cost: 1
An incredibly expensive city in every way.
Yinzer attendance: 5
Lots of Yinzers here, but not like it was 10 years ago.
Final thought: I recommend this trip, especially if the game is on a weekend. Hotels are way cheaper on the weekend and you’ll want to give yourself time to explore all that D.C. has to offer.
This season’s trips: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Final score: 58
20. Columbus
Hockey atmosphere: 3
Better than you’d think. It’s a great building and Columbus has become a good hockey town. But I’m removing about five points because the cannon will be problematic if you have heart troubles.
Weather: 5
I can’t say it’s any different than what we get.
Accessory activities: 3
There isn’t much going on in Columbus. There is some culture to be had. Maybe go see Ohio State’s campus. But it’s not bustling with options.
Debauchery: 7
Lots of fun to be had in Columbus and you’ll love the area around Nationwide Arena. Maybe Pittsburgh will have something similar by 2040.
Star power: 5
Johnny Hockey and Patrick Laine … not bad.
Getting there: 10
It’s less than three hours to drive there. Get on 70 West. Straight shot. Can’t beat it. (And gas is so much cheaper in Ohio!)
Dining options: 5
You’ll find plenty of good spots downtown. Away from the city, the chain restaurants hit you pretty hard.
Hotel options: 7
Not bad! I found a Marriott downtown with an astrology theme.
Cost: 7
Totally reasonable. You won’t feel ripped off on this trip.
Yinzer attendance: 7
Like Washington, there are a lot of Pittsburghers here, but the days of the Columbus invasion are over.
Final thought: If you’re going to take your first hockey road trip, this is a great place to start.
This season’s trips: Saturday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.; Thursday, April 13, 7 p.m. (last game of the season)
Final score: 59
The Northeast Metropolitan Division
19. New York Rangers
Hockey atmosphere: 9
MSG is about as good as it gets. Wonderful theater, always.
Weather: 5
What you’re used to.
Accessory activities: 10
Disclaimer: I’m not a New York guy. I don’t like it. Never particularly have. I find it logistically impossible, the people are pretty unfriendly and it’s just not my kind of place. However, I have to acknowledge that many people love it, and that there’s no place like it, and that your options here are unlimited.
Debauchery: 10
They have a bar or two here. You’ll get by.
Star power: 9
The Rangers are loaded and fun to watch.
Getting there: 2
It’s miserable. Six-hour drive? Dealing with New York’s dismal airports? Then the long cab ride into the city? Transportation in general here is a nightmare.
Dining options: 10
Whatever you could possibly need, you’ll find.
Hotel options: 2
Oh, you’ll find one. But it will be so small there won’t be room for your suitcase, and you’ll pay around $300 a night if you’re lucky.
Cost: 1
About as bad as it gets.
Yinzer attendance: 3
There are never many Penguins fans at MSG. A financial thing, I suppose.
Final thought: I’m not a New York guy, but hey, it’s New York. I get it. And the Penguins-Rangers rivalry is red hot. If you’ve never been to MSG, you’re missing out. It’s great.
This season’s trips: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Final score: 61
The Penguins vs. the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner / USA Today)
18. Boston
Hockey atmosphere: 8
Great crowd, crummy building.
Weather: 5
It’s cold in the winter, but I find the sun is visible there a lot, which is nice.
Accessory activities: 8
There’s so much to do here, especially if you’re a history buff. It’s a pretty walkable city, too.
Debauchery: 8
They like to drink in Boston. You’ll find somewhere to enjoy the evening.
Star power: 6
Good to see Patrice Bergeron playing for about $10 million under his value. Weird.
Getting there: 6
Not bad at all. Direct flights are available. The airport is OK.
Dining options: 9
Great food city, especially if you enjoy seafood. As chains go, Legal Sea Foods is really good.
Hotel options: 7
Expensive, but some really wonderful options all around town. I’m partial to the Copley Marriott.
Cost: 2
It’s bad. Really bad. Especially in the spring.
Yinzer attendance: 2
Yinzers have never really migrated to the northeast, apparently.
Final thought: The Penguins play but once in Boston this season, and it’s at Fenway Park. so that figures to get your attention. Boston is very pretty and it’s fun taking in games here. The locals, you may have heard, have a high opinion of themselves. In my experience, this is accurate.
This season’s trips: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Final score: 61
(Top photo of the Penguins vs. the Jets at Canada Life Centre: James Carey Lauder / USA Today)
Penguins ultimate fan travel guide, 2022-23 edition, part 1 & Latest News Update
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