Curator’s statement
Visiting the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania is like being transported to a winter wonderland just two hours away from the DMV. There was so much to do—delicious food options, snow tubing, skiing, outdoor heated pools, a kids' club, a spa, an animal sanctuary, art sculptures and galleries, and a variety of dining options—not to mention beautiful mountain views. We visited during the winter, but it's clear that summer here offers tons of fun-filled activities, too: golf, mini golf, pools, a ropes course and climbing wall, and more.
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Where to stay in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
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Things to do in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
Take a dip in the outdoor heated pool and then warm up further in one of the outdoor saunas.
Snow tubing at Nemacolin: There are options for any age, and the snow tubing hill is perfect for kids and adults alike. Afterwards, enjoy a dip in the heated pool or sauna.
Skiing and snowboarding at Seven Springs Mountain Resort: For downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and lessons suitable for all skill levels.
Snowshoeing and dogsledding: Also available at Nemacolin, these unique experiences are fun and great for working up a sweat before enjoying fresh ice cream at PJ's.
Winter hiking: Many hiking trails (including parts of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail) are open year-round and offer gorgeous snowy landscapes for hikes or snowshoe treks.
Explore nearby towns like Ligonier for local shops, galleries, and eateries, or plan a trip to view architectural highlights like Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic modernist home built directly over a waterfall, celebrated for its seamless integration of architecture and nature).
For a break from the cold: Nemacolin offers a full spa with an indoor pool, a kids' club, and an art studio for kids with classes like candle-making, cosmic bowling, and axe throwing. Nightcap has live entertainment for adults.
Places to eat & drink in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
Delicious thin-crust pizza from Mountain Joe's
Mountain Joe’s: Known for their pies and pizzas and for good reason. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had outside of New York City.
Fawn & Fable: Beautiful upscale restaurant at Nemacolin Resort. Breakfast was phenomenal and fresh—think fruit salad with fresh figs, berries, and watermelon—and dinner offered elevated American cuisine and craft cocktails.
The Peak: The perfect après-ski meal (or after snow tubing or a dip in the heated outdoor pool)—elevated, delicious bar food like giant pretzels, club sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
PJ's: Has some of the freshest ice cream, plus casual dining options like sandwiches and pizzas.
The Kitchen on Main: Upscale American fare with an open kitchen, BYOB, a chef’s counter, and a varied international menu in downtown Ligonier’s charming small-town setting. Crispy eggplant towers, meatloaf melts, and salmon burgers are a few options.
The Road Toad: Highly rated restaurant with seasonal, chef-driven dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Think mussels, fried zucchini, and a Nantucket cod bake.
Need to know
Laurel Highlands is the perfect weekend getaway for families, couples, and groups. Just a few hours from DC, there is something for everyone to enjoy: tons of outdoor and indoor activities, spas, golf, and delicious dining options. Enjoy high-end dining, resorts, activities, art galleries, and an incredibly robust kids' club for some much-deserved adult time.
Travel Advisor
Alicia Minter
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Pennsylvania page.