LIGONIER, Pa., (June 10, 2019) – In partnership with eight other destinations along U.S. 119, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (LHVB) has developed a marketing initiative to raise awareness about the things to do and see along the 585-mile stretch of highway.
“U.S. Route 119 is a scenic, mostly four-lane highway that extends from Kentucky to Pennsylvania,” said Ann Nemanic, LHVB’s executive director. “During a collaborative weekend in 2018, the idea of creating Travel119.com was born. It was amazing to see how much connectivity there was in all of our regions. The destinations along the way represent historic and cultural attractions, exciting festivals and events, unique dining, world-class recreation, interesting shopping. We quickly realized our towns and cities offered year-round experiences for visitors and this off-the-interstate highway supported some very cool leisurely road trips.
The partners along Route 119 launched ‘119 Things to do on Route 119 in 2019,” June 6-9 with a kick-off in Pikeville, KY. Social media influencer, Chris Morris and his wife Jen, hit the road in their Airstream trailer and travel to Pennsylvania over the three-day period, stopping at partner locations along the way. They showcased stops on their great American road trip on Instagram @Travel119_USA.
Morris and his wife visited West Overton Village on June 9 to learn more about the birthplace of 19th-century industrialist and financier Henry Clay Frick and the original distilling site for Old Overholt Rye Whiskey. Later this summer after a 100-year hiatus, West Overton Distilling Company will open its doors in what was formerly a stock barn. Visitors will be able to see the distillery process up close, sample the whiskey made onsite and eventually purchase a bottle to enjoy at home. Additional stops in the Laurel Highlands included Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
“This Airstream adventure is just the beginning in promoting Travel119.com,” added Nemanic. “The Laurel Highlands is sharing this alternative scenic route with the motorcoach and motorcycle industry as well. Road warriors know no boundaries and we’re providing mile after mile of adventures.”
About Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located an hour’s drive east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation, historic sites and attractions, family activities, and world-class resorts. Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä and Duncan House – Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park, and more.
Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91, and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at www.LaurelHighlands.org, calling 724.238.5661, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. Established in 1958, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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