Autumn reigns in the Laurel Highlands
By: Marie Gullard
Special to The Examiner
October 25, 2009
If you closed your eyes and allowed your mind to paint a fall portrait, it might consist of winding country lanes lined with luscious oak trees, their leaves as red as rubies. Or perhaps the imagination would conjure a covered bridge, weathered, but inviting nonetheless as it traverses a stream with fallen maple leaves rushing down river like yellow kayaks.
When the daydreams are no longer enough, consider a visit to Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. The reality is there and, with eyes wide open, it is picture-perfect.
"Some of the great places to visit this fall in the Laurel Highlands would be Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob and The Duncan House -- three original Wright-designed homes," said Julie Donovan, director of marketing and public relations at the Laurel Highland Visitors Center. "Reservations are recommended as fall is a popular time to see these masterpieces framed with beautiful fall foliage."
Those in search of the perfect weekend getaway may want to consider Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Both are offering superb fall packages and both have fantastic spas, with Nemacolin's consistently ranked as one of the top 10 spas in the country. No dreaming about delectable dinners in the perfect setting with award-winning restaurants on stunning mountaintops offering breathtaking backdrops of vibrant color.
Seven Springs Autumnfest celebrates the season for the next two weekends by running a chair lift ride up the mountain where visitors can see spectacular, panoramic views and ride back down on the Alpine Slide.
For the strong-hearted and couples who are into the great outdoors, Julie Donavan suggests a fall biking weekend.
"Bike the Great Allegheny Passage," she said. "[This is] a 150-mile rail trail that connects with the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, Maryland, creating a continuous non-motorized corridor from near Pittsburg through the Laurel Highlands to Washington, D.C."
No need to make the full journey. Go as long and as far as you please.
"There are adorable, quirky little trail towns that dot the Great Allegheny Passage offering comfortable places to stay -- from a hostel to a luxurious B&B, eateries and bike shops," Donavan continued.
Perhaps a laid-back car ride along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway will offer some of the finest autumn pictures one could ever ask for -- or conjure in a daydream.
"The Laurel Highlands is special in any season, but I think fall is magical," Donovan concluded.
