We are big fans of caves, and in southwest Pennsylvania, our options to go underground are a bit limited.
Closer to the city it is much easier to find an old coal mine to go deep into (like at the Tour-Ed Mine and Museum) than it is to find a cave. But for those who want to make the drive in order to explore a gorgeous cave system (and the largest cave in Pennsylvania), the 90 minute trip to the Laurel Caverns in the southern Laurel Highlands is for you!
Note: Steelers Training Camp returns to Latrobe in 2023, but guests must have free, registered tickets to enter.
When Pittsburgh Steelers season approaches, we can't help but get excited. Pittsburgh is a football town, and the energy in the air is always wonderful around game days.
But for those who want more football, you have an opportunity at the end of July and early August. All you have to do is make your way to Steelers Training Camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe for the free practice, and in this one we have what you can expect when visiting!
In the early days of southwest Pennsylvania history, a number of battles ensued for control over the confluence of the three rivers in what is now downtown Pittsburgh.
You likely know about George Washington's mishap at Fort Necessity in the Laurel Highlands that is considered the start of the Seven Years War. You may also know about the Forbes Campaign that passed through Fort Ligonier in order to capture Fort Duquesne a short time later. But the Battle of Bushy Run during Pontiac's Rebellion may be one you have not heard much of, and if so, a trip to Jeannette, PA, should be on your radar.
If you've spent much time in the Laurel Highlands, odds are good you've driven by Out of the Fire Cafe and did not give it a second glance.
This restaurant is located right off the turnpike at the Donegal exit, and is one of those places we've passed many times while traveling from home to Ohiopyle and other nearby attractions.
It took me many, many years, but I finally stopped for this one and now regret not visiting sooner.
When it comes to Frank Lloyd Wright in the Laurel Highlands, you likely know of Fallingwater. You've probably also heard of Kentuck Knob just a few miles away. But did you know that there is a third site containing the acclaimed architect's work?
This location is Polymath Park- home to two Frank Lloyd Wright houses and two more built by his student, Peter Berndtson.
But the Wright houses here are rather unique- the two houses were completely relocated to the park in the last few decades!
When it comes to Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces in southwest Pennsylvania, odds are good you know of the iconic Fallingwater house. But did you know that Wright was also commissioned for a house just a few miles down the roads for friends of the Kaufmann family?
This house is Kentuck Knob- a large, Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built for the Hagan family (of local ice cream fame).
When driving through the borough of Ligonier in the Laurel Highlands, you can't miss Fort Ligonier. This imposing, recreated fort is located right in the heart of the town and is a highlight all visitors must check out.
We've got to hand it to this one, it does an exceptional job of bringing the history of southwest Pennsylvania during the 1700s to life!
Fort Necessity was the site of a battle in 1754 that, quite literally, shaped the state of the colonies and the world for many centuries to come.
Even better for us is that it is located in the Laurel Highlands, about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh, and is an easy day trip to visit and explore the grounds, recreated fort, and the museum!
If you are in the mood for an ultra-luxurious hotel in southwestern Pennsylvania, look no further than Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the Laurel Highlands.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, outdoor activities, high-end cuisine, or more, odds are good this property will have what you seek.
We were guests of Nemacolin Woodlands for a media conference, and share our thoughts from the stay in this review!
Getting out into nature can mean a number of things, be it hiking, doing adventure activities, or for some, hunting.
We're not really hunters, but we do appreciate getting out into nature to enjoy sporting clays. At the Nemacolin Shooting Academy in the Laurel Highlands, we got just that!