Valerie Alchier and her partner, Stuart Harris, love living in the city of Pittsburgh. They also love nature. That is why they love the Laurel Highlands too. “For us, it’s close and accessible. It is also gorgeous and relaxing,” Alchier said, “It’s the perfect distance to get away for a day trip or for an entire week. We live in the city but yet, we can be deep in the Laurel Highlands in just under two hours.”
The couple visits the Laurel Highlands area several times a year, in all four seasons. “We like to camp and hike on weekends in the summer. We also really enjoy the state parks such as Laurel Hill and Ohiopyle. The parks have everything from hiking trails to campgrounds to lakes for swimming and kayaking,” she said.
But it isn’t just the parks that Alchier and Harris find attractive. “We also can’t forget about Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. They offer so many different types of activities year-round.”
The Laurel Highlands region is a 3,000 square mile span including parts of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties east of Pittsburgh. For many folks like Alchier, the Laurel Highlands offers a four-season getaway spot that is relatively easy and quick to access.
Laura Argenbright, GO Laurel Highlands senior director of creative strategy echoes Alchier’s sentiments. “It’s an excellent destination for people who love the outdoors, history, culture, food and beverage—so, just about everyone. The region is home to attractions that draw visitors from across the globe, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater—as well as three other homes designed by the architect—the Flight 93 National Memorial, and the Great Allegheny Passage. We’re also home to the top scenic road trip in the northeast, according to Good Housekeeping,” she said.
Campers like Alchier and Harris will find numerous camping options, including the state parks. But Argenbright listed other selections. “Whether you’re looking for a cabin in the woods, a slopeside hotel or a luxurious stay at one of the nation’s best resorts, the Laurel Highlands has the perfect lodging option,” she said.
Winter is an especially great time to visit, according to Argenbright’s colleague, Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations and community outreach. “Outdoor fun is always in season in the Laurel Highlands, but especially in winter. Our elevation makes us one of the snowiest spots in Pennsylvania, and there’s so much to do here when the flakes fly, including the state’s best skiing and snowboarding at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, Laurel Mountain and Nemacolin Resort,” he said, “And while downhill adventures draw visitors from across the country, the Laurel Highlands is also home to excellent cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, sledding and cold-weather hiking options.”
Argenbright discussed the magical beauty of the area. “If you’ve ever wanted to step into a Hallmark movie, you need to visit Ligonier this winter. With dozens of boutique stores and restaurants lining its walkable streets and a gazebo attracting visitors to the town square, it’s no wonder that Reservations.com rated Ligonier as one of the top-five Hallmark towns in the U.S.,” she said, “For the best experience, stay overnight at one of the elegantly decorated bed-and-breakfasts in town.”
And of course, there is the natural beauty. “Ohiopyle State Park attracts more than one million visitors per year, but few of those know what a special place it is in the winter. A cold spell can give Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls—some of the best waterfalls in this part of the state—an entirely different look, plus winter provides the perfect time to explore the streets and trails in near solitude,” Argenbright said.
New for 2024 is GO Laurel Highlands’ Pour Tour 4.0. Plus, according to Knopsnyder, the popular passport program for craft beverage makers has some interesting new stops. “Ponfeigh Distillery, which opened in late 2023, is looking to ‘reclaim Somerset County’s whiskey birthright’ by using locally sourced rye for its Westylvania Rye Whiskey. With the ability to produce 3,000 barrels a year, it is Pennsylvania’s largest distillery,” he said.
Julie Donovan, director of marketing and public relations of Fort Ligonier, feels blessed on several levels when it comes to the area. “The Laurel Highlands is a wonderful place to live and work. I feel so fortunate to live here and experience the rolling countryside framed by the mountains. I love the four distinct seasons and all of the unique activities they bring,” she said, “I live in Ligonier and now that it’s winter, one of my favorite places is Laurel Mountain Ski Area. I love to see the slope lights from town, and when you’re up there it feels like you’re a world away.”
Donavan continued, “I’ve always said, ‘If I didn’t live here, I would want to be here all of the time.’
I encourage readers to visit www.golaurelhighlands.com and also pick up a copy of the new 2024 Destination Guide.”
It is natural that in her role Donovan touts the historical importance of the region, most especially Fort Ligonier. “In addition to the eight-acre historic site with the authentically reconstructed fort and buildings, Fort Ligonier has a world-class museum with amazing artifacts and art. The museum’s art gallery features 20 works of art original to the 18th and 19th centuries,” she said, “Families visiting with children do not want to miss the History Gallery’s play area where kids can dress in colonial clothing and crawl in a tent to see how the soldiers slept. For history buffs, Fort Ligonier played a pivotal role in the formation of the city of Pittsburgh and the road to the revolution — our 2024 daily programming will be geared to telling those stories.”
As for Alchier and Harris, they already have plans for several visits to Laurel Highlands this year. “We’ll definitely go to the Laurel Highlands bluegrass festival that is held in Laurel Hill State Park every August. It’s free and so much fun. And we’ll be enjoying many weekends throughout the year relaxing in nature,” she said.
For more information visit: www.golaurelhighlands.com or 724-238-5661. For information about Fort Ligonier, visit www.fortligonier.org or 724-238-9701. Information on the PA State Parks may be found at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/.
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