Each year the Laurel Highlands Tourism Bureau spends a day visiting local members. This trip is always a great day and gives us a chance to meet the owners and have a behind the scenes look at the many great attractions the Laurel Highlands area offers. Here is where we went and here is the Virtual Mapping Link.

Hidden Valley Our group was greeted by Bill Doring, VP of Buncher Company. Our first stop was at John Harvard’s Restaurant on Route 31 near the entrance, modeled after the same restaurant in Monroeville. This restaurant offers an upscale continental menu with microbrew beers. The featured selection is the Hidden Valley Ale. We then went to the resort and the slope side café for coffee. Bill gave us a presentation on the new pipe lines for the additional snowmaking, upgraded chair lift system, future slopes and skier lodge at the top of the slopes, and future meeting and wedding services. Over all they have a very impressive updating plan and this resort should be a must stop for visitors in the area. About the only thing slowing down their plans was the permitting process.  

 The Rockwood Mill Shops and Opera House, This property was constructed between 1898 and 1905 as two distinct sections. The three story side housed a feed and lumber mill that was instrumental in the expansion of Rockwood and the surrounding area. Remember back then the B&O railroad was a major source of transportation!  The two story side contained a storefront for the mill and upstairs an opera house. It was very popular at the time for traveling performers, local theater productions and lectures.

As times changed the property lay dormant. Enter Judy Pletcher, who in 2000 rolled up her sleeves and began restoration! It’s now on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Charming shops and food services with more than 12 retail vendors can be found here. The opera house stages a variety of musical entertainment week days and weekends (check the on line schedule) and can be rented for special occasions.

 Trail Head in Rockwood, If you are planning on enjoying any or all of the Great Allegheny Passage (320 miles of nearly level ride or bike trails from Washington DC to McKeesport, PA) then take time to make a stop here.  Wags and two of his friends did it in 5 days. Youngest rider was 50, so believe me that almost any rider can do the trail.  There’s a great movement to develop the “Trail Towns” along the way. At this trail head there is a bike shop and B&B. This is a great stopping point if you are doing the entire trail or a mid point for lunch and ice cream at the Opera House.

 Flight 93 Memorial, Even though we've been here several times the emotional impact is still overwhelming. As the development process for the National Memorial begins (estimated completion 2011) a ranger has been assigned to tell the story. Visitors continue to leave mementos and messages on a large fence at the site.  

 The Driscoll Center, in Somerset, is a large residence that has been converted to a museum for local and regional artists. During the summer they sponsor an arts, crafts, and vendor event in the park across the street. Dates for the Somerfest are July 18 to 20 and will offer fun and activities for people of all ages. This is one of best events in Somerset during the summer. Don’t miss it.  

 River's Edge Cafe, What a wonderful place to stay over or just have a meal! This property sits right on the Youghiogheny River (Confluence) and offers incredible food. It’s way more than a sandwich shop! They are known for their fresh seafood, pastas, char grilled chicken, steaks and fresh salads. Eat outside on the deck overlooking the river or inside but make sure you try it this summer! 

 The Parker House, This is a huge country inn that has updated conveniences! Think of it like a beach house except it's in Confluence. Bring the extended family or your best buds and rent the entire place for days or a week! It sits right next to the Rivers Edge Cafe so if you don't feel like cooking (even though the kitchen is very modern) you're covered. The Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail is just across the river so this is another great trailhead to stay at.   

 Allegheny Recumbent Tours, Inc  Trying out recumbent bikes was a first for us both!  These are bikes where you sit horizontally. For an experienced rider it takes about 15 feet to get the hang of riding one, and for the non experienced there are trikes. These bikes are really comfortable and fun to ride.  To get a better look at them visit the site of EasyRacers built by Sun Bicycles. They recommend calling ahead for reservations ESPECIALLY for the weekends! 888-395-2453

 Green Gables, Certainly one the most enchanting properties for any celebration! That’s if you love landscaped grounds around a lake in the countryside with a rustic stone establishment and an 1805 gristmill turned into summer theater! We’re talking right out of a Kincade painting!

 There’s fine food with Chef Shay MacDonald who mixes ingredients from around the world with local harvests. Add an award wining wine list with nearly 200 selections to highlight the meal! Then check out Pennsylvania’s oldest professional resident summer theater. Ticket Prices (hold on to your wallet!) $15 to $36 with students at $8 to $13. Check it out!!

 Somerset Historical Center  Early rural life in southwestern Pennsylvania is richly preserved on these grounds! The center has many early farming tools on display and several early settlement houses and structures. Get the kids out of the condo and show them life in the Laurel Highlands was not always flat screen TV and air conditioning.

 Quecreek Rescue Site Even though we did not visit this site on this trip it is just up the road at the Arnold Farm. Learn how surveyors determined this spot as the rescue site and how the entire world was riveted by this miraculous rescue of 9 miners trapped 277 feet below.

 Quest Coach A very big Thank You to Tracy Showman (owner) who escorted us in the 52 seat motor coach! Great space and luxury touring at its best! Tracey and Arthur, her husband recently changed the name of the company from Groomes Tours to “Quest Coach” to reflect their continued commitment to service their clients. Home for the company is Scottsdale, PA. They offer tours to great places and provide charter-only services for those who wish to plan their own trips. They have a fleet of 56 and 52 passenger motor coaches, a 21 passenger coach, and a fleet of school buses for all of your rental needs!

This is the report from last years tour. If you are interested in seeing the painted pumps and barns along the Lincoln Historical Heritage Corridor or Route 30 Click Here for a link to their site. For a quick look at a pump and barn Click Here.

Greensburg area:

Coming from Pittsburgh or Ohio on the PA Turnpike, exit at New Stanton and go north on 66 Toll to the Route 30 east exit. Here is your Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal Mart, and major chain and mall stores. Continuing east you can exit off 30 to downtown Greensburg, where there is the County Courthouse and offices of Westmoreland County. Going north on Route 119 is Historic Hanna's Town, the first county seat, and a small community of restored log cabins.

Staying on 30 East you will come to Westmoreland Mall, Carmike Cinemas in the back, and more major chain and mall stores. Continuing, you will pass Statler's Fun Center with arcade, go carts, and miniature golf. After taking a break there go to Latrobe, further east on Route 30.

Latrobe Area:

One of the first areas of interest will be St. Vincent College, founded in 1846. Visit their gristmill, built in 1854 and still in operation. Have some coffee at the internet cafe and read about the Monastery Run mine water reclamation project. Go to downtown Latrobe for restaurants and boutique shops or continue on 30 east through more malls, past the Westmoreland airport, and on to Historic Ligonier.

Ligonier Area:

Stop at Fort Ligonier to see a restored fort and view the actual saddle pistols used by George Washington and Andrew Jackson. George Washington actually stayed at this fort, and nearly died of friendly fire. Read his original hand written journal. They have also reproduced the cannon that armed this fort. This is a fascinating display of what it was like when this area was the frontier. Visit town center for boutique shops and stop by Joes Tavern for a cold one and check out the big collection of trophy animals from his many hunting expeditions around the world.

Get back on 30 East and pass Laurel Summit, a ski area which has the steepest pitch in these mountains, Lower Wildcat. You will come to Jennerstown, home of the Jennerstown Speedway, a NASCAR approved 1/2 mile track. Take a ride in an actual race car, get your appointment first. After satisfying your need for speed head south on Route 985 to Somerset.

Somerset Area:

Heading South on Route 985 stop by the site where the Miracle 9 Miners were rescued. We are personal friends with one of these miners and this was an epic three days in our life and his. Stop at the Somerset historical Center to see how life was in this area back in 1760. Continue into Somerset for a bite to eat or if you have been doing this entire trip a stay over at the Historic Georgian Place B&B. Visit the designer shops in the area then into Somerset, which is the County Seat and location of the Courthouse and county offices. In town you will find many shops and businesses along with the usual chain stores to the north. Going east from Somerset you can visit the Flight 93 Site and Memorial. If you go West on Route 31 that will take you to Hidden Valley and Seven Spring Resorts and the Donegal Area.

Donegal Area:

This is Exit 91 of the PA Turnpike. From that exit going west on Route 31 will take you to the Donegal Highlands GC and the Black Dog Pub. Continue and you will pass some great area restaurants and will end up in Mt. Pleasant, which has unique local shops and major chain stores. Stop at the military monument in town square, then walk over to Goo's for one of the best steaks in the area.

Going east on Route 31 will take you through the business area and to the resorts. This area is packed with things to do. Take the kids to the Caddie Shak Family Fun Park and then to the Living Treasures Animal Park. Head up to the Laurel Hill Trout Pond for some fishing or to one of the State Parks for catch and release, camping, or a day on the lake. Stop at the Italian Deli for a great hoagie and stocking up the fridge with premium meats and cheeses. Treat yourself to fine dining at the many restaurants or join the locals for breakfast the Champion Station on Route 711. Make sure you take time to visit the many shops for unique items from this area.

Head south on Route 711 for a day trip to Fallingwater and Ohio Pyle, for play on the river and whitewater rafting. Continue south to Route 40 and visit Fort Necessity and finish off your tour of the early days of the United States. Stop by Nemacolin Resort or one of the many fine restaurants on Route 40 for lunch or dinner. Reserve your time for their championship golf course and shooting range.

Well, even though there are many more things to do in this area, I'm sure if you have done one of these side trips you will have no problem getting you and the kids to sleep tonight. Travel safe and have fun. If you have any question just give us a call or e-mail us.