Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands Close to Home

There is a ton of cool and fun things to do in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands – a short drive from Pittsburgh - during the happy days of summer. On top of any family’s must-do summer list is a visit to Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier - Voted No.2 Best Kid’s Park in the World! Take the kids to Fort Necessity where they can play on the colonial playground and see where George Washington’s very first battle began.

Drive a short distance up the National Road (U.S. Route 40) and see the rare White Buffalo at Woodlands Zoo and stop at nearby Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Sign-up with an outfitter at Ohiopyle State Park and go for a whitewater adventure on the scenic Youghiogheny River - Pennsylvania’s 2008 “River of the Year.” The “Yough,” which passes by towns where George Washington camped during the French & Indian War is a destination for millions of rafters, anglers, canoeists, kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re hungry, a cool place to eat is at the brand new Big Mac® Museum and Restaurant located on Route 30 near the Irwin Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Big Mac® was invented right here in the Laurel Highlands, and this cool museum and restaurant pays tribute with the World’s Largest Big Mac statue and other fun memorabilia.

It’s never too early to instill a love of culture and architecture within your child. Take the Family Tour at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater®, which features a combination of hands-on activities and a guided tour of selected rooms. Activities explore why Fallingwater stands up, and how a house can be inspired by nature. Advance reservations are required. For the convenience of guests who plan on taking a three-day weekend, Fallingwater is now open Mondays and closed Wednesdays.

Check the air in your bike tires and experience an amazing biking excursion like none other on the Great Allegheny Passage. This spectacular non-motorized nearly level route now links two great American cities – Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh with over 100 miles winding through the heart of the Laurel Highlands. Trail users ready to take a break or even an overnight stay will find a wonderful selection of bed and breakfasts, guest houses and good places to eat in trail towns. If you haven’t owned a bike in years – no problem-outfitters along with bike rental shops are located in trail towns along the trails. Bike and shuttle services are also available for transporting visitors and bikes back to cars or for side trips. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers a trail concierge who is more than happy to help you plan your ride. Go to www.GAPtrail.com.

Where to Stay…

After visiting all of these fun places, you’ll need a comfy place to stay. From a AAA Five Diamond Hotel to great campgrounds, in the Laurel Highlands, you will find every type of lodging option available. Go to www.laurelhighlands. org for a complete list of accommodations and other fun summer sites or call 1-800-333-5661 to request a free Laurel Highlands Travel Guide.

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