Southwestern Pennsylvania‘s Beautiful Nature Getaway
Nature holds and heals us. Just over an hour south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania lies a region rich in in rolling hills, waterfalls, and big sky: the Laurel Highlands.
What follows are photos of this magical area to transport you to calm. I’ve added travel tips and an itinerary as well, should you choose to visit in real life.

What is the Laurel Highlands?
Being Boston-based, I’d never heard of the Laurel Highlands before my friend Jeremy pointed it out earlier this year.
“Hey,” Jeremy the Pittsburgh expert counseled, “You said you’re in Cleveland visiting family this July? If you and your husband want a great getaway destination, southwestern Pennsylvania is gorgeous, and is just three hours south of where you’re staying.”
“Ooo…” replied I, yanking out our calendar to circle a free date. “We’re in!”
A Bucolic Vacation for Couples and Families
When you work multiple jobs and have two young and delightful yet mischievous kids, a couples getaway is a precious, precious entity that cannot be squandered at a sub-par location.
Would Jeremy’s recommendation prove positive, or would I have to pummel my friend for leading us astray? We had just two nights to try out the Laurel Highlands. Would the region deliver?

Truly, a Relaxing Destination
As you’ve likely already surmised from these stunning Laurel Highlands photos, YES, southwestern Pennsylvania delivered relaxation, romance, and beauty… big-time.
There are a handful of regions I’ve visited which, immediately upon entering them, embrace the visitor with waves of calm (truly — you feel them in your heart). Cape Cod is one such area for me, as is southwestern Ireland. Now, I can add the Laurel Highlands to that list.
The moment our car entered the undulating hills, my shoulders unclenched from the constant “on” of parenting, and my breath steadied. My husband and I rolled down the car windows and drank in the nature-cleansed air.
“Now THIS is going to be a VACATION!” I sighed with bliss.

Where to Stay in the Laurel Highlands:
On the recommendation of local Laurel Highlands experts, we stayed at the luxury-rustic gem, Oak Lodge Bed and Breakfast… in our own private log cabin!
Click that link to read the full story about why that bed and breakfast so unique (hint: a hidden 18th century village???), but suffice it to say that it now ranks as one of our favorite hotels of all time.
Fallingwater: Must-See Laurel-Highlands Attraction
Of course, the #1 reason most people visit southwestern Pennsylvania is to see the most famous house in America: Fallingwater. Before coming to the Laurel Highlands, I had definitely heard of Fallingwater, but I didn’t know where in the country it sat. How glorious to learn it’s just a few hours south of my in-laws’ house in Cleveland!
Even better: It’s highly satisfying to be able to report that Fallingwater exceeds all expectations. It is beyond worth the trip, and no photos can do justice to the genius that lies within its walls. What other attractions are must-visit in the Laurel Highlands? Let’s see the list…

Laurel Highlands
Looking for my full list of fun things to do in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania, just an hour or two from Pittsburgh? From Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, to romantic getaways in PA, to the Fred Rogers trail and trolley, find ideas here!
See the Fallingwater House by Frank Lloyd Wright
People come to the Laurel Highlands from all over the world for one reason above all: the Fallingwater house by Frank Lloyd Wright! See here why it's so beloved, plus tips about visiting.
Tour Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in Latrobe, PA
Want to see the actual Mister Rogers trolley, puppets, and cardigan sweaters? Check out the Fred Rogers trail, which stretches from Latrobe, PA to Pittsburgh, with great historic sites along the way for a beautiful day in the neighborhood indeed.
Try Laurel Highlands Hiking Trails
Think beyond Ohiopyle to embrace the outdoors with these excellent Laurel Highlands hiking trails for all levels in Forbes State Forest and Linn Run State Park... just be alert for snakes!
Ohiopyle State Park for Outdoor Adventure
From whitewater rafting to hiking, Ohiopyle is famous in the Laurel Highlands for outdoor fun in nature.
Laurel Caverns: Largest Cave in PA
Follow FOUR MILES of underground caves at Laurel Caverns! There are routes for all levels, including an easier loop which can be done in under an hour -- and is illuminated by gorgeous colored lights.
Experience Romantic Luxury Cabins Near Fallingwater
One of the most romantic getaways in PA we experienced was at these rustic luxury private cabins and hotel near Fallingwater. So cozy, comfortable, and fun.
Be Welcomed at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg
The WMAA is one of the most welcoming and inclusive public (FREE!) spaces I've ever visited, and I highly recommend it for adults and children alike.
Drool Over This Art Gallery's Creative Crafts in PA!
In the little town of Ligonier, an hour from Pittsburgh, sits an art gallery with some of the most beautiful crafts I've ever seen. Check out giant metal butterfly benches and famous fine woodworking: especially the artisan chairs!
Stop at This Farm Market for its Hilarious Signs
It may seem random to put a farm stand on your list of "must see" destinations in this region, but the humorous and sassy signs at Pletcher's are worth the stop -- as is the delectable produce.
Ligonier, PA: Small Town Beauty
Wander the Main Street shops of what has been called one of the most charming small towns in America! Don't miss the bandstand in The Diamond: the central green in town.
See Glass Paperweights and Gardens at Ligonier, Pennsylvania's Art Museum
Think you're not interested in glass paperweights? Click over to these photos of the remarkable collection at this Ligonier, PA museum and think again. The butterflies in the garden are a dreamy sight, too.
Take Blacksmithing Classes at Touchstone
Touchstone Center for Crafts has art and crafting workshops for all levels, including this amazing blacksmith school!
Historic Summit Inn: Best Mountain Sunset Views in PA!
When we stayed at the Summit Inn near Ohiopyle, the only activity needed every evening was to sit on the grand porch and watch the glorious sunset views over the mountains. Revel in the photos here -- and the shocking history of the Vagabonds (Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison) going wild at the hotel back in the day.
Where to Stay in Ligonier, PA Near Idlewild
Checking out the charming town of Ligonier? Interested in Idlewild & SplashZone amusement park? This unique boutique hotel in a restored 100-year-old mansion is a fun place to stay, and even has stained glass windows and chandeliers in some of the bathrooms!
Glass Making Classes: Beads and More
Experience what it takes to create beautiful glass beads in workshops with experts at Touchstone Center for Crafts.
An Old Coal Mine Decorated in MOSAICS?! The Ruins Project
Hop off the GAP Trail at Sager Mosaics in Perryopolis, PA to see The Ruins Project: an old coal mine which his been transformed by artists into an ever growing open-air mosaics exhibit!
Why My #1 Travel Pick of the Year is the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh!
Overall, the southwestern region of Pennsylvania, encompassing the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh, was my favorite destination of the year! See here what set it above the other places I visited.
What are all these sunset photos?
Glad you asked. On our last night in the Laurel Highlands, I said to my husband, “I think I’ll just leave my big camera in the hotel when we go out for dinner. It’s getting dark anyway. Why would I need to lug it around?”
Colin whipped around. “Lillie!” he gasped, “Every time you say that, there is the most amazing sunset that night, and you spend the whole evening wailing about how you wish you had your camera with you! Remember how that happened during your movie at Folly Beach?”

“Oh right,” I muttered. I guess that’s one reason (among many) that people get married: To have a witness who can snap you out of the silly mistakes you keep making!
Sure enough, Colin was 100% right. The sunset on our last night in the Laurel Highlands was perfection — and it just kept getting better and better, as seen from the four different photos of it in this article: a master class in juxtaposition examples, with the pinks and purples contrasting perfectly with the green of the hills. Thank you, dear spouse, for making sure I had my trusty camera with me to preserve the beauty.

What are YOUR Laurel Highlands Thoughts?
We left the Laurel Highlands (after a hilarious stop at a local farm market for peaches) deeply rested, connected to each other, and happy… already making plans for the next time we would return!
So what about you? Have you been to the Laurel Highlands? What did you do and think, of so? If you haven’t been yet, does it seem like a region you’d like to visit? Do share!

We were guests of the Laurel Highlands, but all rock lust and opinions are my own.

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Mary Snyder
Tuesday 30th of April 2019
Be sure to pick up the brochure of the Laurel Highlands Wine Trail and visit the local wineries especially Greendance winery located in Mt. Pleasant Pa. The outdoor cafe is open during the summer months, entertainment every weekend, and of course outstanding PA wines.
Lillie Marshall
Tuesday 30th of April 2019
Thanks for the tip! We are headed back to the region soon, so will need to try this!
Achara
Thursday 15th of November 2018
I loved the pictures and loved your writing style...Overall loved it !!
Lillie Marshall
Friday 16th of November 2018
Thanks!
Dan Bibb
Thursday 8th of November 2018
Love that area of PA. Elizabeth township is where my family is from. Spent the best times of my childhood at Prince Galitzen state park. I sure do miss those times.
Kathryn
Tuesday 6th of November 2018
I'm only 4-5 hours drive away from the area! Thanks for the inspiration, I see a road trip in my future.