A Perfect Fall Getaway to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
September in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania is a dream for empty nesters. With the kids are back in school, crisp mountain air, hints of fall foliage, and the return of peace and quiet make it the ideal time for mature travelers to escape for scenic drives, local festivals, and low-stress and/or high-adrenaline outdoor adventure.
Easy Drives, Relaxing Road Trips
Looking for a peaceful September road trip from Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, or Morgantown? The Laurel Highlands is just a few hours away—and every mile is part of the adventure.
Enjoy scenic routes and the historic Lincoln Highway, arriving in time for a relaxing dinner and live music under the stars. The mountains are calling—but in September, it’s an alluring whisper.
Fall Festivals by Day
Celebrate the season with these Laurel Highlands fall festivals perfectly suited for grown-up tastes:
- Farmers & Threshermen’s Jubilee (New Centerville)
Bluegrass music, antique tractors, and homemade apple pies. - Mountain Craft Days (Somerset Historical Center)
Folk music, craft demonstrations, and harvest treats in a gorgeous outdoor setting. - Latrobe Italian Festival (Downtown Latrobe)
Authentic Italian food, wine, live music, plus a bocce tournament, kids’ activities, and a joyful community vibe. - Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival (Stahlstown Route 711S) Watch the entire process of making linen from flax, plus homemade food, crafts, antique farm equipment, live music, and historical reenactments
Historic Theaters, Timeless Performances
After a day of exploring or festival hopping, settle into a plush seat and let the curtain rise. The Laurel Highlands is home to beautifully restored theaters offering old-world glamour and a lineup of concerts, comedy, and live entertainment perfect for a relaxed evening out:
- The Palace Theatre (Greensburg):
Broadway tours, tribute bands, and national headliners inside a stunning 1926 art deco theater. - The Lamp Theatre (Irwin):
Cozy and full of charm, this lovingly restored 1937 theater hosts acoustic sets, comedians, classic films, and local productions. - The Arcadia Theater (Windber):
A beautifully restored 1921 vaudeville house featuring tribute concerts from Simon & Garfunkel to Bob Seger.
Jump out of the Empty Nest for some Outdoor Recreation
Take it slow or pick up the pace—your choice.
- Hiking: Trek the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail or explore spectacular routes in Ohiopyle State Park.
- Biking: Ride a stretch of the Great Allegheny Passage, with charming stops in Confluence or Rockwood.
- Fishing: Cast your line in the Youghiogheny River or Donegal Lake.
- Paddling: Glide along the calm and scenic Middle Yough—perfect for beginners.
- Golfing: Enjoy spectacular views on award winning courses throughout the Laurel Highlands.
Sip, Savor & Stroll
Take a flavorful road trip along the Laurel Highlands Pour Tour. Collect stamps and earn rewards as you explore a variety of craft beverage makers across the region—including wineries, breweries, distilleries, meaderies, and cideries.
- Glades Pike Winery – Sweeping views and bold reds in a relaxed mountain setting.
- Stone Villa Wine Cellars – A beautiful patio with live music, great whites, and views of the vineyard.
- Laurel Highlands Meadery – Sample sweet and spiced meads made from local honey.
And don’t stop there—also try these spirited stops:
- Four Seasons Brewing (Latrobe) – Crisp IPAs and seasonal brews.
- Forbes Trail Brewing (Stoystown) – Craft beer with frequent live music and food trucks.
- Ponfeigh Distillery (Somerset) – Appalachian-inspired whiskey and spirits in a rustic-chic setting.
- West Overton Distilling (Scottdale) – A historic grain-to-glass distillery on a 19th-century homestead.
From reds to ryes and hops to honey, the Pour Tour offers a taste for every palate—and every season.
Stay Close to the Action (and Far from the Kiddie Pool)
September in the Laurel Highlands brings crisp air, lush hillsides, and just enough quiet to call it bliss. Whether you're after a romantic escape, a leafy drive, or a reason to pair wine with a fireplace, these partner properties offer comfort, charm, and dining that's just around the corner.
Top 10 Lodging Picks in the Laurel Highlands
- Nemacolin (Farmington)
A Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond ultra-luxury resort embraced by fall foliage, fine dining, spa services, and championship golf. - Seven Springs Mountain Resort – Slopeside Hotel (Champion)
A full-service mountain destination perfect for autumn explorers—chairlift rides for foliage views, cozy dining, and resort amenities. Check out Autumnfest weekends! - Wright at Polymath Park (Acme area)
Stay in authentic Frank Lloyd Wright or Usonian-designed homes surrounded by nature and dine among the trees at TreeTops Restaurant. - Levi Deal Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Meyersdale)
Gilded Age elegance along the Great Allegheny Passage—ideal for cyclists, leaf-peepers, and history buffs alike. - Thistledown at Seger House (Ligonier)
Spacious boutique inn in a restored mansion—walk to historic downtown, seasonal festivals, and fall markets. - Oak Lodge Bed & Breakfast (Stahlstown)
Woodland-level tranquility wrapped around rustic-luxe cabins, spa access, and autumn wellness retreats. - Log Cabin Lodge & Suites (Donegal)
Family-friendly and affordable, with fireplaces, hot tubs, and easy access to Living Treasures Animal Park, Fallingwater and scenic drives. - The Hobbit House (Farmington)
A whimsical, Tolkien-inspired stay full of charm, perfect for peaceful fall retreats and imaginative travelers. - Highlands Cabins at Seven Springs (Champion)
Rustic yet refined cabins near resort amenities—ideal seasonal basecamp for autumn hikes and sunset stargazing. - Foggy Mountain Lodge & Pub (Stahlstown)
Mountain lodge meets pub vibes on 40 secluded acres—relax fireside, enjoy local brews, and soak in the fall peace.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Midweek deals: Many inns and attractions offer discounts after Labor Day.
- Photo ops galore: Covered bridges, scenic overlooks, and charming towns like Ligonier and Confluence make for unforgettable memories.
Plan Your September Escape Now
Whether you’re after wine tastings, leaf-peeping, relaxing bike rides, or a Celtic pipe band or two, the Laurel Highlands is your perfect fall destination for empty nesters.
Visit golaurelhighlands.com to find trip ideas, events, maps, and lodging—all just a short drive away.
