The holidays will be here before you know it, and so will your guests! If it is their first time visiting the Laurel Highlands, they are in for a treat. If they've visited before, their schedule will be jam-packed with attractions that have opened since the last time they've been in town. Show off the beautiful region you call home with days filled with winter festivals, architectural masterpieces, adventures for the entire family, tasty treats, and more!
Visit Four Frank Lloyd Wright Homes
Give your family and friends the opportunity to check something off of their bucket list with a tour of one of four Frank Lloyd Wright homes nestled in the Laurel Highlands: UNESCO World Heritage Site Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä, and Duncan House. In addition to two Wright designs, Polymath Park is also home to two homes designed by a Wright apprentice, as well as TreeTops Restaurant. Be sure to check the winter hours and reservation requirements for each property to guarantee you'll get to visit each!
Honor Our Heroes at Flight 93 National Memorial
Flight 93 National Memorial is a place for quiet reflection and admiration of bravery. There are multiple thought-provoking monuments and emotionally powerful exhibits at the memorial in honor of the 40 passengers and crew members of Flight 93. Your free experience at the memorial includes a visitor center which houses a chronological display of September 11, 2001's events, a white marble wall positioned on the flight path engraved with each hero's name, and the 93-foot Tower of Voices that contains 40 chimes to represent the heroes' eternal voices.
Hit the Slopes at Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Treat the adrenaline seekers of your family to a day of downhill thrills on the slopes at Pennsylvania's largest ski resort. Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the ultimate winter sports destination, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state. The non-skiers and kiddos can admire the millions of lights strung across the resort, go snow tubing, or glide though the snowy landscape on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, then end the day watching the snow fall from inside a cozy cabin.
Feel the Magic of the Season at Overly's Country Christmas
Create lifelong memories at Overly's Country Christmas, the ultimate Laurel Highlands holiday experience since 1956! A drive through a light display as you drive to the parking lot builds anticipation for what is to come! Once you make your way to the Christmas village, kids can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, enjoy tasty treats, admire the train model display, and sip hot chocolate by the bonfire. There is also a chance to meet and take a photo with the man of the hour, Santa Claus! Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so get there early for the full experience.
Take a Stroll Around Ligonier
Ligonier is the epitome of a charming small town! Take a casual stroll around town and make a stop at the Diamond Park, shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts from unique boutiques, grab a bite to eat, and tour Fort Ligonier, a reconstructed and restored French and Indian War Fort.
Explore Laurel Hill State Park
Laurel Hill State Park is a hotspot year-round! Reconnect with nature as you take a short hike to Scenic View and see the Laurel Highlands from the coolest vantage point there is. A short hike on the Pumphouse Trail will lead you to the tranquil cascading waterfall on Jones Mill Run Dam. If you and your crew are up for it, the beautiful park is also ideal for winter sports, including sled riding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing!
Take a Snowy Drive and Admire Covered Bridges
Set off on a relaxing Sunday drive with your guests to find all 10 scenic covered bridges in Somerset County. You will cover a lot of ground, which makes for incredible views, good conversations, must-stop attractions, and interesting landmarks around every turn. Don't forget to take photos to capture the beauty of the snow-covered historic structures!
Shop at Neubauer's Flowers and Market
Make sure you have enough trunk space when you make a stop at Neubauer's Flower and Market House! In addition to the fourth generation flower shop, Neubauer's also has a market house, where your guests will go into a shopping frenzy (if they have space in their luggage). The store is always adorned in gorgeous decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season.
Catch a Show at The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre has been a mainstay for live entertainment in the Laurel Highlands for nearly a century. The Palace hosts national acts ranging from comedians and singers to shows and dance performances. If the time is right, you and your group may be able to catch a showing of the Nutcracker Ballet in conjunction with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and Texture Contemporary Ballet.
Use #LaurelHighlands while posting photos from your adventures and we may feature your photos on social media, our website, and more!