GO Laurel Highlands Public Relations Director Eric Knopsnyder
Author: Eric Knopsnyder

Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations for GO Laurel Highlands, is a veteran of the journalism and marketing industries who loves hiking and sports, particularly amateur wrestling and Chelsea Football Club. Find him on Twitter: @eric_knopsnyder

Fireworks light up the sky over Somerset during the Fire & Ice Festival

Winter is an incredible time to visit the Laurel Highlands, and two popular winter festivals will bring the heat this month with the Fire & Ice Festival in Somerset and Ice Fest in Ligonier. Fire & Ice Jan. 12-14, 2024, Somerset Pennsylvania’s Roof Garden is ready to go Under the Sea. Somerset County earned the Roof Garden nickname…

A layer of snow gives The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin a winter wonderland feeling

As snowflakes began to fall across the grounds of Nemacolin's spectacular resort of more than 2,200 acres, I joked to another guest that the staff at the Laurel Highlands luxury playground had probably placed an order with Mother Nature in order to give us an even more magical experience. This was no Hallmark Christmas movie, but it certainly…

Christmas Tree at Ligonier Diamond Gazebo

Christmas is right around the corner, and communities and businesses throughout the Laurel Highlands are getting into the holiday spirit with special light-up events. Activities such as parades, visits with Santa, Christmas music, and holiday food and beverages will have you ready to celebrate the season! Light-Up Ligonier! Friday, Nov. 24 from…

A beautiful sky over Uniontown

Visitors will be flocking to Fayette County as Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus plays host to student-athletes from across the nation for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) volleyball and cross country Small College National Championships. GO Laurel Highlands has all the info you need, whether you're an out-of-town…

An architect's desk at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art's Frank Lloyd Wright's Southwestern Pennsylvania exhibit.

How would Pittsburgh’s history have changed if Frank Lloyd Wright’s visions for the city had been realized? It’s an intriguing question raised by “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania,” a new exhibit at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg. Admission to The Westmoreland, which is…

Ohiopyle State Park is one of the spots in the Laurel Highlands known for stunning fall foliage.

Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit the Laurel Highlands. The weather is pleasant, the views are spectacular, and the festivals are fantastic. To make it easy for you, we’ve provided all the details you need for an incredible long weekend in the Laurel Highlands, including not only where to go for the best views but also where…

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp

Great 8 For Steelers Fans: What to See, Do

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 9:00 AM by Eric Knopsnyder

The Pittsburgh Steelers are returning to Saint Vincent College and bringing their legions of fans with them. Training camp opens July 27 and runs through Aug. 17 with 15 practices open and free to the public – although a mobile ticket must be used to attend – along with the Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium on…

Linn Run Hiking

Four Amazing Days in the Laurel Highlands

Thursday, July 20, 2023 5:00 PM by Eric Knopsnyder

The Laurel Highlands is the perfect spot for a long weekend, whether you’re looking to escape to the great outdoors, learn about historic events that helped shape our nation, enjoy our arts and cultural scene, or simply relax with a tasty beverage. We’ve got you covered. Make a splash – and unforgettable memories – at…

Laurel Highlands Ultra Runners

What does it take to run 70.5 grueling miles in less than 24 hours over rocks, streams, and the occasional downed tree? An incredible amount of endurance. Even more willpower. And maybe a little trail bacon and a friendly unicorn. The Laurel Highlands Ultra Marathon, which will be run on June 10 on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, is serious…

The Peak at Nemacolin delivers year-round fun.

Summer in the Laurel Highlands is synonymous with family fun. Outdoor opportunities abound, of course, with eight state parks, two state forests and miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails, but there’s so much more to do in our wonderful region as the temperatures rise. Let’s take a look at 10 terrific summer spots in the Laurel…

SPOTLIGHT