Image

7:26 AM / Friday March 29, 2024

29 Dec 2018

Smooth Traveler: Laurel Highlands Adventure in Southwestern Pennsylvania

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
December 29, 2018 Category: Travel Posted by:

ABOVE PHOTO: Frank Lloyd Wright house “Falling water” (Jim Packett/Shutterstock)

By Renée S. Gordon

Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, recognized for its sheer beauty, inspires visitors to take the long way home, seek out the hidden path and wander in search of the endless possibilities the area offers. (laurelhighlands.org

Laurel Highlands was home to native tribes — most notably the Algonquin, Iroquois, Monongahela and Lenape — for thousands of years prior to first European contact. It was their pathway across the Allegheny Mountains to the Ohio River Valley, Nemacolin’s Trail, which was named after a Delaware chief, that facilitated settlers’ western movement. This “National Road” became pivotal to westward expansion and colonial history. Following the newer 68-mile Laurel Highland’s Scenic Byway will lead you to the majority of the sites and venues from outdoor activities to unique historic sites. (nationalroadpa.org)

Fort Necessity National Battlefield is credited with being the site of the first battle of the French and Indian War. Washington’s first military engagement and only surrender occurred here. This wilderness fort is only 53-ft. around within a wooden stockade. The French demolished the fort in 1754. The visitor center provides a good overview. (nps.gov/fone)

Westmoreland Art Museum (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)

Westmoreland County was established in 1773 and is home to the state’s steepest slope, seven colleges and universities and the renowned Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Founded by Mary Marchand Woods, the collection consists of 3,500 objects of fine and decorative art representing regional art spanning 400 years. The certified LEED silver structure was designated the “Best Designed Museum in PA.” (thewestmoreland.org)

Latrobe, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ summer home, was incorporated as a city in 1999, but was settled in the 1800s. It is filled with singular sites and eateries and was home to golfer Arnold Palmer and comedian Jackie Mason during a three-year period when he served as a rabbi. (latrobelaurelvalley.org)

In 1904, the banana split was created in Latrobe by pharmacist apprentice David Strickler at the Tassel Pharmacy. The popularity of the dessert prompted Strickler to have a special serving dish made and this iconic dish was depicted on a postage stamp in 2016. Visitors can order one built to the original specifications at the Valley Dairy Restaurant. (valleydairy.net)

DiSalvo’s Station restaurant

Dining in Latrobe is an experience at DiSalvo’s Station. The former train station is a National Register Landmark and was chosen one of 11 restaurants in the country “Most Worthy of a Destination Stop” by the Culinary Institute of America. The Italian cuisine is fresh and creative and the service exemplary. (disalvosrestaurant.com)

Saint Vincent Parish, the first Catholic parish west of the Allegheny Mountains, was founded in 1790 and the college named after it was established in 1846. A highlight of the campus tour is  Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica, the oldest Benedictine monastery in the US and one of the world’s largest. The 230-ft. long floor is hand-hewn Carrera marble and its walls are filled with priceless sacred artworks. (saintvincentarchabbey.org http://saintvincentarchabbey.org)

Fred Rodgers statue

The Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College honors the fact that Latrobe was Mr. Rogers original neighborhood. The center’s archive holds more than 16,000 items. The “Life Before the Sweater” gallery recounts his early life and exhibits feature objects from his 895 shows. Special items include original puppets, his shoes and, of course, his iconic sweaters. He is also pictured on a postage stamp. Rogers is interred in the nearby Unity Cemetery, but he lives on as a seated sculpture in James Rogers Park. Visitors can have a seat and a photo on the bench beside him. (fredrogerscenter.org

The Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery, one floor below the center, is presenting an outstanding exhibit until January 11, 2019. “Blood Cotton: Legacies of Slavery and Exploitation in the Decorative Textile Industry”, explores cotton as a driving force in the American economy and the continuation of slavery.  (mccarlgallery.org)

Frank Lloyd Wright’s most recognizable home is Fallingwater, a stunning blend of art and nature. The 1930’s structure, built over a waterfall, was constructed by area craftsmen using regional materials as a 1,500-acre weekend home for a Pittsburgh executive. The award-winning house is a National Historic Landmark and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Treasure. The onsite Fallingwater Café is Green Restaurant Certified. Tours are offered and reservations are highly recommended. (fallingwater.org)

Seven-miles from Fallingwater is a second Wright home, Kentuck Knob. This Usonian masterpiece is also the location of a sculpture garden. Tours are available via the website. (kentuckknob.com)

An epic journey deserves epic accommodations.  Laurel Highlands features the world-class Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Named after the Delaware chief who was instrumental in assisting in colonist’s navigation of early trails, the resort offers 2,000-acres of region-related activities including the 36-hole Pete Dye Mystic Rock golf course, Shooting Academy, fly fishing, climbing wall, dueling ziplines and 20-mile Off-Road Driving Academy. 

The Wildlife Academy boasts an equestrian center, animal nursery and animal habitats. Should you bring your own favorite animal you can avail yourself of the pet resort & spa. At a leisurely pace you can visit the Lady Luck Casino, Hardy Family Art Collection and numerous shops on property. 

Accommodations are appointed with designer amenities and luxurious linens. Dining selections include the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Lautrec, as well as several more casual options. (nemacolin.com)

On September 11, 2001, 40 passengers and crew foiled a terrorist strike, planned to hit the US Capitol, by attacking the cockpit. The Flight 93 Memorial honors those heroic individuals with a Memorial Plaza, Wall of Names, artifacts and a 93-ft. tower. The memorial is located at the site of the crash and the tour is self-guided.  (nps.gov/flni/index.htm)

Laurel Highlands is a Pennsylvania gem hidden in plain sight.  (visitpa.com/regions/laurel-highlands)

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Philly NAACP

March 24, 2024

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email Tweet Email Related Posts Philadelphia Judicial Primary Candidates At A Glance Guide Philadelphia Judicial Candidates...

Commentary

cj speaks…The call to order

March 23, 2024

Tweet Email Philadelphia’s recent travesties continue to be highlighted in the news: the ongoing shooting incidents, train...

Health

Combatting loneliness in older adults

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in...

Home and Garden

So, You want to build a retaining wall: 6 things to know before you start

March 3, 2024

Tweet Email BPT When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall...

Fur Babies Rule!

Dog grooming advice to keep pets clean and healthy

March 2, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURESRegular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but...

Seniors

‘Soaring’ over hills or ‘playing’ with puppies, study finds seniors enjoy virtual reality

February 23, 2024

Tweet Email By Terry Spencerassociated press POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick taught computer...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff