Western Pennsylvania is a ruggedly beautiful area offering a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious stay at an historic mansion, play a round of golf at a challenging area golf course, visit world-renowned architecture perched atop a waterfall, and enjoy rock climbing and white water boating in a remote state park.
The Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa was built by steel magnate Frank H. Buhl in 1896 and was rescued from disrepair by James E. Winner Jr., the man who invented the Club system for car theft prevention. Today, the castle-like structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This romantic destination boasts a spa for massage and beauty treatments. Guests will enjoy golf privileges at nearby Oak Tree Country Club and Mercer County Golf Trail member courses. Fine dining is available at Tara, the sister property. Area attractions include scenic back roads and historical landmarks.
Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa
422 E. State St.
Sharon, PA 16146
742-346-3046
Buhlmansion.com
Fallingwater is the dramatic home built by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1934. The home, located in the Bear Run Nature Preserve, is constructed of cantilevers of concrete and stone positioned in a lushly wooded rural setting over a rushing stream. The effect is that Fallingwater is floating above the waterfall as part of its natural surroundings. Tours are conducted by professional guides daily from March through November, and limited guided tours are available in the month of December. While you are in the area, visit Kentuck Knob, another home designed by Wright. It is located just seven miles south of Fallingwater in the mountains near the historic National Road, the country’s first national highway built in 1811.
Fallingwater
Rte. 381
Mill Run, PA 15464
724-329-8501
Fallingwater.org
Ohiopyle State Park offers more than 20,000 acres of naturally beautiful, rugged terrain near the Laurel Mountains. The Youghiogheny River Gorge offers whitewater boating with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors will enjoy fishing for fingerling trout, hiking along 79 miles of trails, biking and horseback riding. There are natural water slides in Meadow Run and rock climbing available in several areas of the park. Camping is available at the Kentuck Campground, open from March to December. Visitors to the park also have the use of picnic tables.
Ohiopyle State Park
PO Box 105
Ohiopyle, PA 15470
742-329-8591
Dcnr.state.pa.us
