A 7-Day, 6-Night Trip
On the road again! Designed to go the distance or to customize as a weekend trip, this itinerary will take you off the beaten path to explore the beauty, history and culture of Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. With more than 70 miles of scenic byway and two historic highways, this road trip weaves throughout the entire region with stops at national park sites, a World Heritage site, state parks, beautiful mountain lodges, historic barns and more. Each stop tells an authentic story that is unique to the Laurel Highlands.
Day One
- This road trip kicks off with a stop at the one and only Big Mac Museum. Located along the Lincoln Highway, this kitchsy neighborhood McDonald's highlights the international fame that comes along with serving this famous sandwich.
- Take time for the arts at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. This classic museum features acclaimed works of art and the perfect setting for dinner before your evening at the local theatre.
- Entertainment for dessert is always the right decision! Enjoy a show at The Palace Theatre, a historic site located in the cultural district of downtown Greensburg.
Day Two
- Explore life on the Pennsylvania frontier during the American Revolution at Historic Hanna's Town. The site consists of the reconstructed Hanna's Tavern, three relocated historic log houses, a reconstructed Revolutionary War era fort and a wagon shed that houses an authentic late 18th century Conestoga wagon. Additionally, the site is home to the Westmoreland County Historic Society's new Westmoreland History Education Center.
- Visit Saint Vincent College, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp, the stunning Saint Vincent Basilica and the Fred Rogers Center. Pay a visit to see unique displays featuring everyone's favorite neighbor, Mister Rogers.
- Enjoy lunch and a hands-on activity at the Latrobe Art Center. Stretch your legs on a short stroll to the Fred Rogers statue and snap the perfect group photo!
- Visit the Lincoln Highway Experience, a museum space dedicated to the history and travel along the Lincoln Highway. Save time for pie and ice cream in the restored 1938 Serro's Diner!
- Journey back to the 18th century and discover Fort Ligonier, a reconstructed and restored French and Indiana War fort nestled in the historic Laurel Highlands. View a classic collection of artwork and the priceless saddle pistols once held by General George Washington.
- Named one of the most charming towns in American, Ligonier features more than 60 specialty shops and restaurants. Shop and dine through the historic district!
- Dinner is served at the beautiful Antiochian Village. Enjoy the views of the countryside while relishing a beautifully-catered meal onsite.
Day Three
- Enjoy history with a smile at Compass Inn Museum. Dressed in 1830s period clothing, docents will lead you on an entertaining and informative tour through the original inn and three reconstructed outbuildings. They will tell stories of transportation and life in the early 1800s while conveying word and phrase origins that keep our history alive.
- Pie is served at The Pie Shoppe! This classic stop located along the Lincoln Highway has been serving up goodies and homemade food since 1947.
- Roll the wheels around the speedway at Jennerstown Speedway. Learn about this exciting sport and get the chance to sit in a real race car! You'll be waving the checkered flags as you enjoy this stop.
- Enjoy a homestyle lunch at Coal Miners Cafe, a local favorite dressed with unique decorations dedicated to the heroes of Flight 93 and Quecreek miners.
- Honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93 National Memorial. Listen to the harrowing history and pay respects during this powerful stop.
- Learn about the local history of coal mining and the miraculous rescue of nine miners at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site.
- Refuel after a busy day in the garden setting at Green Gables before your evening of entertainment at the beautiful Mountain Playhouse.
Day Four
- Discover the history of agriculture, maple syrup and more at the Somerset Historical Center. This 150-acre rural museum preserves the history of life in southwestern Pennsylvania, from the region's first farmers to present-day through exhibits, workshops and educational programs.
- Enjoy a stop in the sleepy railroad town of Rockwood with both shopping and lunch at Rockwood Mill Shoppes and Opera House.
- Visit the first tollhouse that travelers encountered while heading west into Pennsylvania on the National Road. Petersburg Tollhouse is a local gem highlighting the significant history of travel in the area.
- Expect the unexpected at this Five Diamond and Five Star rated resort. Enjoy an evening of dining and lodging at the unforgettable Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Day Five
- Visit the site of young George Washington's first military engagement and the battle that marks the beginning of the French and Indian War, Fort Necessity National Battlefield. The official national park site and offers a unique perspective into history with a museum, historic grounds including the fort itself and Washington's Tavern.
- Paint and sip at Christian W. Klay Winery. This beautiful and historic farm features an amazing atmosphere and great views! Also, did we mention wine?
- Lunch is served at the historic Stone House Restaurant and Inn. Offering one of the best dining experiences in the region, Stone House can cater to any group size and delight even the most developed palate. Enjoy!
- Explore the infusion of nature and art at Frank Lloyd Wright's Kentuck Knob. Nestled high atop a knob overlooking thousands of acres of pristine forest, this stop is sure to impress any traveler.
- Get creative with an activity or demonstration of your choice at Touchstone Center for Crafts. Choose from blacksmithing, glass working, ceramics, jewelry making and more.
- Dinner with a view at the iconic Summit Inn Resort. Explore even more lore of historic travelers and take in the stunning landscape from this historic hotel.
Day Six
- Flat Iron Building Heritage Center is located in historic Brownsville along the National Road. Explore the amazing history and unique space at this complimentary stop.
- Standing at the crossroads of history, Nemacolin Castle is an incredible example of the evolution of homesteads throughout history. The site was not only significant during the Whiskey Rebellion and throughout time, the stunning architecture, furnishings and family stories are not to be missed.
- Next stop is a coal baron's mansion turned monastery. Mount Saint Macrina is a unique stop that highlights the history of the region, detailed architecture and a beautiful legacy.
- Take in the roars of rushing waterfalls, beautiful native scenery and the smallest town in our region in Ohiopyle.
- Tour the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Known as the most famous house in America, this is a must-see stop for every visitor.
- Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner in a historic barn at SanaView Farms. Round out your day with a bonfire and social time among the picture perfect scenery.
Day Seven
- Visit the newest Frank Lloyd Wright house in the Laurel Highlands, Mäntylä at Frank Lloyd Wright at Polymath Park. Also on site is Wright's Duncan House and two Peter Berndston houses.
- Enjoy shopping and classic remedies at a local dairy farm, Moo Echo Dairy.
- Cheers to wine sampling with a view at the serene Glades Pike Winery.
- Lunch is served at Pennsylvania's largest four season resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Select and adventure of your choice, from a scenic chairlift ride and horseback riding to zip lining or sporting clays!
- Take a walk on the wild side with unique and immersive animal encounters at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park.
- Stock up on your penny candy at the Old General Store in Donegal. This will whisk you back in time with nostalgic goods and even a bakery next door!
- As your last stop, this country estate highlights the beauty and charm of the entire region. From beautiful scenery to locally-produced maple syrup in a gorgeous atmosphere, Oak Lodge serves up fantastic food in a one-of-a-kind mountain escape.
