Laurel Highlands
Snow Days
Over the river and
through the woods
Duration: 3 days 3 nights
It seems like winter was made for ski trips. Where else would you be encouraged to overload on hot cocoa, play in the snow all day, and sleep by a roaring fireplace? If that's not enough incentive to start packing your mittens and hitting the road, then nothing is. Get road-ready. We’re taking on the trails. Your winter roadtrip is waiting for you.
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Downtown Ligonier
Ligonier, tucked away in the Laurel Highlands, is a beautiful, historic town. Looking around, you can find history in anything, but first let's test their culinary skills. Abigail's Coffeehouse is a great pit stop for refilling your coffee and grabbing a bear claw. Once you're energized, hit the trails and head over to Main Exhibit Gallery. These guys have collected the prettiest artwork in the region and put it all under one amazing roof. Continue your stroll down their main street and head over to The Paper House for a quick shopping spree. This country crafts store is filled with pottery, candles, and soaps. Then your next stop along Ligonier's main street takes you to The Toy Box, a fun-for-all-ages indoor playground. Inside, you'll find an “Indoor Forest,” more than 60 hand puppets, and a collection of yo-yos.
Donegal
Head about 12 miles south and you'll reach the town of Donegal. A quick stop at the Old General Mill Store will set you up with all the supplies you need for your ski excursion. Stock up with some hot cocoa and a few snacks. You'll need the energy later. Then grab a quick lunch at Out of the Fire Café. This restaurant offers intimate indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the picturesque Laurel Highland ridge. Sip on something warm as your chef prepares their must-have smoked salmon dish. Then sit back and daydream about your upcoming adventures in the slopes.
Hidden Valley
After an 8-mile drive heading southeast, you'll find the Hidden Valley Ski Resort. This is one of the region's most popular ski locations, and it's easy to see why. For starters, Hidden Valley has the perfect mixture of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. There's even a kids ski school program. Among the 100 acres of snowy land, you'll find all kinds of different wintry fun to get yourself into. Maybe you'll even venture into a snow-tubing excursion.
Eat Here
Falling Leaf Restaurant
After a busy day on the slopes, recharge your batteries with a tender filet mignon. Or Trout. Well, actually everything on the menu is great, so we'll leave it up to you.
Sleep Here
Hidden Valley Resort
These lodges accommodate ski-loving travelers in search of a place to rest their legs. Sip on a mug of something warm and stretch out a bit in your room. Then lie down and think about all the awesome things you did today.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Wake up and survey the beautiful snowy landscape. Lace up your snow boots and take on 31 different ski slopes on 285 acres. Seven Springs is Pennsylvania's largest ski resort, and it's some of the most fun you'll have in the winter. First-time snow bunnies are welcomed to hop on the gentler trails, and if you're feeling adventurous, you'll find a nice selection of expert-level trails to test your skills. For the ski-shy, there are chilly activities like snow tubing. Hey, there's even a bevy of shopping options if you decide to go on some kind of ski resort shopping spree. This place is a world unto itself.
Eat Here
Timbers
What you'll find at Timbers is the perfect casual dining spot for a relaxing night out. The family friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone. Oh, and there's a chili bar with all the fixings.
Sleep Here
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
This mountain resort nestled peacefully atop the mountains of the Laurel Highlands has bowling, golf, fishing, hiking, swimming, skiing, and even sporting clays. Once you tire yourself out, head over to the spa for some rest and rejuvenation with the calming scent of aromatic oils and a warm stone massage. Then mosey on over to a cozy chalet or cottage to unwind in nature's beauty.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Your stop at Nemacolin gives you a welcomed opportunity to unwind. Rest those road-weary muscles with a rejuvenating spa treatment at Woodlands Spa. We'd recommend the hydrotherapy tubs, aromatherapy oils, and maybe a nice facial. Hey, you've earned it. Then head outside and explore Nemacolin's 2,000 wooded acres. This time of year, there's snowshoeing and cross country skiing, but what will really make your trip memorable is dogsledding. That's right. There's an exclusive team of trained sled dogs just waiting to give you an unforgettable ride. Nemacolin is an art lover's paradise with more than 1,000 works valued at $45 million on display throughout the property and in four museums. Guided art tours offered daily.
Eat Here
Autumn
It doesn't get much fresher than this. In addition to the creative recipes, inspired meals, and excellent staff, Autumn's ingredients come from local farms. And that means you'll have the freshest fruits, veggies, dairy and meats on your plate. Bon appetit!
Sleep Here
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
This peaceful getaway offers 2,000 wooded acres for you to marvel at from the comfort of your room. They also feature an internationally acclaimed spa, a fitness center that offers yoga classes, and 36 holes of championship golf on two courses. What else could you ask for? Perhaps some European style cuisine in a gourmet restaurant. Yeah, they have that too.
