LaurelHighlands Archives - Discover the Burgh

The Best Trails for Beginners at Seven Springs

January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Ever since I started seriously learning to ski around 2021 or 2022, I wanted to work towards being comfortable on all of the greens and blues at Seven Springs.

In the first year, I got comfortable with the greens. In my second year, I tackled my first blue. In my third year, I got really comfortable riding blues regularly. In my fourth year, I moved up to hitting my first ever black diamond and really felt like I was starting to unlock the entire mountain.

So, in this one, I wanted to take a look at the trails at Seven Springs overall, and share a progression of trails beginners should try, from the easiest slopes to more challenging runs that progress into the intermediate level. So if you're looking for a guide of where to head as you grow as a skier, this one is for you!

Note: I have received media passes from Vail resorts for visits to Seven Springs and associated properties in the region.

10 Cool Airbnbs in the Laurel Highlands for a Getaway

September 18, 2025September 16, 2025

When you think of the Laurel Highlands, you may not realize just how big the area is. This one encompasses Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset Counties and runs all the way from New Kensington in the north to Ohiopyle in the South and well past Mount Davis to the East (a solid two-hour drive from Pittsburgh).

As far as rentals are concerned, the vast majority of apartments in the Laurel Highlands are found in the area in and around Ohiopyle thanks to the numerous (and popular) parks that are nearby. Despite this, there are some pretty awesome Airbnbs found elsewhere in the Laurel Highlands too, and we did not want to overlook a few of them (specifically some in the furthest reaches of Somerset County).

As such, while most of the Laurel Highland apartment rentals featured below are within close proximity to Ohiopyle State Park and others nearby, some can be a considerable distance away. As such, we strongly encourage you to check the maps prior to making any bookings as the driving times for stops on your itinerary could be significant if you do not notice this in advance.

Notes: All images are credited to Airbnb and their respective hosts. We have not personally stayed in the below rentals, but frequently book apartments when traveling and think the properties have many of the highlights we look for when renting- namely great locations, amenities, and reviews to name a few. These will be highlighted in more detail within the article although booking conditions may have changed since the initial publication.

West Overton Village Dives into Whiskey Distilling History

October 8, 2025October 15, 2024

As you likely know, southwest Pennsylvania has a rich heritage in the whiskey industry, with the production of the acclaimed Monongahela Rye, the Whiskey Rebellion taking place nearby, and more.

This history can be seen all over the region, and perhaps one place that shows it off the best is none other than West Overton Village in Scottdale- just a few minutes off the turnpike in the Laurel Highlands.

This museum does an excellent job at showcasing village life in the 1800s, highlighting the growing whiskey trade around the Old Overholt brand, and even has a connection to the steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, too!

So head down to the Laurel Highlands during their seasonal operating hours to check out this gem of a museum.

Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Center is a Perfect Winter Day Out

January 9, 2024

If there is any state park in the Laurel Highlands that we have had trouble exploring properly over the years, it would be Laurel Ridge State Park.

The reason for this is simple- the state park is sprawling. Instead of covering one (often round) area with nested hiking trails, Laurel Ridge State Park follows along Laurel Mountain through four counties.

Short of through-hiking on the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, getting to enjoy Laurel Ridge State Park often comes in small segments.

In the winter, one of our new favorite sections of the park is the groomed cross country ski and snowshoeing trails maintained by the Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Center. Seeing the beautiful of the state park in winter? Sign us up for this one!

Although this one offers rentals in addition to the paid entry to the groomed trails, we picked up our own snowshoes and went out for a day of winter fun in the Laurel Highlands!

Epic Pass Review – An All Access Pass to Vail Resorts

November 25, 2025November 28, 2023

We are quite fortunate enough to have several major ski resorts right in our backyard- Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain.

These Laurel Highlands gems have been our go-to spot for winter skiing each year. But at the end of 2021, these properties were sold to Vail Resorts to become part of the larger global brand of ski resorts.

With the merger came access to Vail Resort's incredible Epic Pass, a season pass valid at most all Vail Resorts properties with little restriction.

We were fortunate enough to get our hands on this pass for a few seasons courtesy of Vail Resorts and wanted to share a bit more about our experience in this one!

Note: Epic Pass sales are typically only available prior to the start of the season. In 2023, Epic Pass sales will end on December 3rd. After that, only individual lift tickets will be available.

Seven Springs Resort Review – A Mountain Resort for All Seasons

November 25, 2025February 16, 2023

We've been fortunate enough to visit Seven Springs in the Laurel Highlands on many occasions. Sometimes just to ski, others as a hotel base to explore the region at large (in nearly every season, too).

This has allowed us to experience most of the property, and in this one wanted to share more in a rather comprehensive review!

Hidden Valley Resort – A Great Ski Resort for First Timers

November 25, 2025February 10, 2023

We are quite fortunate to have a number of ski resorts in the Laurel Highlands with slopes suitable for all skill levels.

But for those who are beginners to the sport, like myself, one property sticks out as being a stellar option for those looking to learn- Hidden Valley.

With several easy-to-navigate trails, modest on-site amenities, a wonderful staff, and a relaxed ambiance all around, Hidden Valley should be the first stop for those looking to learn to ski in the Laurel Highlands!

A Quick Hike Around Kooser State Park – A Smaller Gem

November 2, 2022

Kooser State Park is a smaller park by Laurel Highlands standards, coming in at approximately 250 acres in size.

While this one lacks in size compared to other state parks nearby, it makes up for it with a gorgeous lake, a trout run, and beautiful nature all around.

A visit here can be quick, but the park presents many opportunities for those who want to stay a while as well!

Buffalo Bill’s House is a Must for The Silence of the Lambs Fans

September 12, 2025October 14, 2022

We love checking out movie set locations in Pittsburgh, and one of the most famous films shot here is none other than the 1991 thriller The Silence of the Lambs.

You may know that some of the movie's most iconic scenes were shot at a set built inside Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland (where they typically recreate the set for a screening most Halloweens). But did you know that the house used as Buffalo Bill's residence is located about an hour south of the city just outside of Perryopolis?

Up until 2021, this house was maintained as a private residence, but when it went up for sale a horror movie fan (and worker in the film industry at large) bought it up to transform it into a private rental and museum for tours.

Naturally, as a fan of the movie myself, I had to visit this one as quickly as possible once it opened for the public and had my chance during a media tour via our friends at Laurel Highlands tourism.

You'll want to check this one out as fast as possible!

Treetops Review – Fine Dining With a Frank Lloyd Wright Vibe

December 14, 2021

The Laurel Highlands in southwest PA is a hub of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and Polymath Park in Acme, PA, takes things one step further with their on-site, Wright-inspired restaurant- Treetops.

As we are always down for fine dining in unusual locations and the Wright architecture experience in the region at large, you know we had to check this one out to see what it is all about.