One of the best things about living in Western Pennsylvania is the number of vacation spots located just a few hours away. When cabin fever strikes, or you need a break from home remodeling, a quick getaway to one of these destinations offers the perfect antidote to the winter blahs. Because the towns are located less than two hours from the Pittsburgh area, you won’t have to travel far to start your getaway.
Ligonier, Pennsylvania
One look at the town square in Ligonier, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1950s. Antique stores, trendy boutiques, cute cafes and galleries line the streets around the square, making the town the perfect getaway spot for shoppers. Staying in an in-town bed and breakfast is the best way to experience the small town flavor of Ligonier. Thistledown at Seger House , located in the heart of the town, is a short walk from shops and restaurants. Rooms at the B&B offer clawfoot tubs, walk-in showers, gas fireplaces and free WiFi.
If you’re a history buff, you may want to pay a visit to Fort Ligonier on the edge of town. The fort, built during the French and Indian War, was attacked twice by Native Americans but never captured. Much of Fort Ligonier has been restored and reconstructed, including the officer’s mess, underground magazine, barracks, commissary, hospital, bake ovens and forge.
The Annual Ice Fest is the highlight of the winter season in Ligonier. This year’s event, held on January 20 and 21, will feature an ice carving contest featuring more than 50 ice sculptures, live music, horse-drawn sleigh rides and plenty of good food.
Davis, West Virginia
Has it been a while since you dusted off your skis or snowshoes? When you plan a getaway to Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center in Davis, WV, you’ll have ample opportunity to participate in your favorite winter sports. The resort offers snowboarding, show shoeing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and skiing on 47 trails. If you’re new to skiing or want to perfect your skills, a lesson or two at the ski school can help you feel more comfortable on the slopes.
A massage and facial session at the Spa at Canaan is the perfect way to end the day. Licensed massage therapists provide a variety of massages designed to loosen tight muscles and relieve aches and pains. The resort also offers an indoor pool with a whirlpool, a fitness center, sauna and arcade.
There’s no need to leave the resort when you’re in the mood for a steak or salad. The Hickory Dining room offers a range of tempting entrees, while the Laurel Lounge is the place to go for wings and other bar foods.
Rooms and suites at Canaan Valley are designed with your needs in mind. Luxurious bedding, flat screen TVs, refrigerators and microwaves and fireplaces in suites, and other amenities make it a pleasure to return to your home-away-from-home after a day playing in the snow.
Bedford, Pennsylvania
TheOmni Bedford Springs Hotelmay only be located a few miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, but it feels as if you’ve traveled miles from civilization the moment you turn on to Sweet Root Road. Built in 1806 to take advantage of the natural springs on the property, the original Bedford Springs Hotel greeted guests from around the world, including multiple U.S. presidents. Today, the national historic landmark includes 216 guest rooms and suites that offer the ultimate in luxury and pampering.
Rooms offer fluffy down comforters, triple sheeting, waterworks fixtures in the bathroom, mini refrigerators, 32” flat screen HDTVs and WiFi. If relaxation is the purpose of your getaway, you’ll want to book a premier luxury spa room. The rooms feature king beds, oversized marble bathrooms, deep-soaking spa tubs, walk-in rain showers, humidifiers with aromatherapy and signature amenities.
The weather may not be ideal to hike or take advantage of the resort’s golf course or tennis court during a winter getaway, but there’s still plenty to do. Relax in the indoor pool fed by mineral springs, enjoy afternoon tea, or sign up for a cooking demonstration or hotel tour. If you plan to visit by February 28, make an appointment for a spiced hot toddy massage. You’ll be treated to a full-body therapeutic massage with a vanilla bourbon body oil fortified with clove, lemon and cinnamon.
Finding a place to enjoy a snack or a filling meal is never a problem at Bedford Springs. The resort offers a variety of restaurants, from the casual Frontier Tavern to the upscale 1796 room. The popular Chef’s Table Dinner, featuring a six-course prix fixe meal with beverage pairings, is available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Champion, PA
The slopes are open and ready for skiers and snowboarders atSeven Springs Resort, located just one hour from downtown Pittsburgh. Whether you’re a novice or experienced skier or snowboarder, you’ll find a course that’s perfect for you. The resort also offers group and private skiing and snowboarding lessons.
If you’re not interested in skiing, tubing or snowboarding, there’s still plenty of outdoor fun available at the resort. Take a romantic sleigh ride through the property, or sign up for a snowmobile or snowshoe tour. Afterward, enjoy a drink or snack at one of the 11 restaurants or five bars and lounges.
Helen’s, the resort’s premiere restaurant, offers fine dining in a rustic setting. Chefs prepare meals with local ingredients and use all-natural and organic items to create tasty entrees like Laurel Highlands Trout, Jamison Farm Spring Lamb or Venison Pot Roast. If you’re in the mood for a beer and pub fare, Foggy Brews is the place to go. The casual restaurant and bar serves 50 tap and craft beers and offers many inventive menu choices, such as the Bison X Burger and pheasant pot pie.
When the sun goes down, there’s still plenty to do at Seven Springs. Indoor activities include swimming, bowling, miniature golf, the Bear Trap Fun Zone game room, yoga, roller skating and spa treatments at the Trillium Spa.
The resort’s Slopeside Hotel is located in the middle of the action and offers rooms and suites that feature pillow top mattresses, luxurious duvets, flat screen TV and balconies or patios. If you prefer more private accommodations, consider renting a spacious cottage or chalet.
The Lodge at Wisp
McHenry, MD
Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing will keep you busy during your getaway to The Lodge at Wisp. Of course, it’s also possible to enjoy a relaxing vacation without every stepping outside. Reading a book in front of a roaring fire, working out at the fitness center or lounging by the indoor pool and hot tub will keep you busy if you’re not interested in winter sports.
DC’s Bar and Restaurant, the Lodge’s primary restaurant, features classic American cuisine and drinks in a casual setting. The lodge also offers three cafes and a food court for snacks and quick meals. After a long day of winter fun, there’s nothing better than relaxing in one of the King Luxury Suites. Each suite includes a California king bed with a pillow-top mattress, sitting area with queen sleeper sofa and a 42” TV, and a bathroom with a tiled, walk-in shower.
Holiday Valley Resort
Ellicottville, NY
Located just over the New York-Pennsylvania border, Holiday Valley Resort is the ideal place to visit year-round. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll appreciate the evening slope hours. The resort’s snow tubing course is a popular option if you don’t ski or snowboard or need a break from the slopes. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing and the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster.
The annual Winter Carnival is the highlight of the winter season at Holiday Valley. Held on March 14 and 15, the event offers events for the entire family, including games, lawn activities, face painting, obstacle and snow kayak races, cookouts and the Mardi Gras parade in Ellicottville. The Dummy Downhill, held on Sunday afternoon, is the highlight of the carnival. Participants construct dummies, attach them to skis or snowboards, then send their creations soaring off a ski jump.
The Inn at Holiday Valley offers traditional hotel rooms and suites close to the ski slopes. Suites feature luxurious bedding, fireplaces and jetted tubs.
The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford, PA
Located in the middle of the Allegheny Forest, The Lodge at Glendorn provides impressive views of the surrounding countryside. During your stay, you’ll enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trap or skeet shooting, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobile tours and ice skating on the lake. Have you always wanted to try curling? Glendorn’s frozen lake is the perfect place to try your hand at the Olympic sport.
With just 16 rooms, the lodge never feels crowded. Rooms, cabins and suites feature cable TV, twice-daily turn-down service, monogrammed linens, Molton Brown bath products, and complimentary water, soda, tea, coffee and chocolate chip cookies.
Would you like to feel like you’re on vacation in your own home? Master Remodelers can help make your already lovely home really stand out! From a simple bathroom remodel to a full-scale luxury home remodel, contact us, and let us know how we can help you transform your home.
