Fort Necessity

The Laurel Highlands is a gorgeous expanse of mountains and woodlands that attracts outdoorsy types and history buffs alike. Fort Necessity National Battlefield is where the opening battle of the French and Indian War took place, led by 22-year-old Colonel George Washington. Begin at the Visitors Center for a broad introduction to the battle's place in history and find out about the tours and events for the day. You should also visit Mount Washington Tavern, a restored stagecoach stop from the early 1800s, which is located on the grounds. Afterwards, explore nearby attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park or Christian Klay Winery.

Washington

On Day 2, you'll travel to Little Washington, home to many covered bridges, great antiquing, art galleries, and historic homes. In town, visit the Bradford House, the 18th century home of the leader of the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Next, visit the Southwestern Pennsylvania Military Museum to see a wide array of war artifacts from over the centuries. Later in the day, be sure to hit The LeMoyne House, a National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad. In this home, a successful physician secretly harbored fugitive slaves as they made their way to freedom in the North.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has been called the only city with an entrance. On Day 3, as you approach the city from the south through the Fort Pitt Tunnels, you'll understand why. When you emerge from the tunnel's darkness, the sparkling city and its three rivers immediately pop up and take your breath away. For the first part of your day, you'll head into town to visit the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center. Its fascinating permanent collections of artifacts and unique traveling exhibits tie into Pittsburgh's past. The History Center is located in an eclectic warehouse and shopping neighborhood called The Strip. On Saturdays, The Strip is bustling with sidewalk vendors and farmers' markets -always an interesting place for browsing, shopping, and eating.

You can also check out the newly renovated Point State Park, at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. There, you'll trace the foundation of Fort Pitt and visit the Fort Pitt Museum. In the evening, catch dinner and a show in the Pittsburgh Cultural District.

Pittsburgh

On your last day in Pittsburgh, you can visit any of a number of cultural and educational icons in the city. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and the Carnegie Science Center are both good choices - the Science Center offers an interactive museum along with a naval submarine tour and educational IMAX cinema presentations. Or you can browse the Andy Warhol Museum, shop at Station Square, take an hour-long sightseeing cruise on the Gateway Clipper Fleet, or check out the dinosaur collection at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Whatever you do, don't miss the view from Mount Washington. USA Today Weekend recently ranked it second on its list of The 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.