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Laurel Highlands - AgainStory and Photos by Andrew Der
Multiple themes in the first feature describe this Pennsylvania playground as absent of intimidating crowds, home to the Idlewild amusement park and world class white-water rafting as well as having a myriad of other opportunities for children of all ages looking for a summer getaway in driving distance of many east coast metropolitan areas. The popular region is also removed from any big cities and is home to a massive State and U. S. park system, premium golfing, fishing and hunting opportunities for the big kids and We did succumb to a repeat performance of outdoor nature appreciation and the premium nostalgic amusement park, but this time we took a closer look at a very unique regional experience usually known for its ski season – Seven Springs, the closest thing to an Alpine resort in the Appalachian region. This busy and renowned winter destination does not hibernate as another golf course or campground in the summer but to the surprise of many is also a premier outdoor and indoor escape for the senses. Think of a massive cruise ship sailing to nowhere in the mountains and it might begin to portray what this astounding forested Shangri-La might offer in endless family enjoyment. For starters, lodging includes a 385-room high-rise hotel, chalets, dormitories, and condominiums as well as 11 restaurants.
Kids Adventure Day Kamp with a myriad of kid activities including crafts arts, nature, games and a water slide provides opportunities for parents to go it alone while the unpredictable rainy day allows for the appreciation of the If by any chance there is any time to fill, try a concert, shopping at the many boutiques or a leisurely meal while viewing the mountain scenery. Celebrity concerts rival that of Atlantic City and can include such performers as the Beach Boys, Indigo Girls, Gordon Lightfoot, Creedence Clearwater Revival and BB King. For a real treat, visit during their Polka festival, Octoberfest or Wine Festival. Their motto of “What do you want to do today?” now makes perfect sense. Another aspect of this region which did not get a lot of attention in my last feature was the many nearby communities with festivals of historical significance and battlefields back to the French and Indian War. Numerous museums and heritage areas permeate the region but the best locations are likely to be Fort Ligonier in the town of Ligonier near Idelwild park and the National Parks system’s Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Experience a Such events also provide the opportunity to sneak in some summer education for the kids (and grownups too) under the guise of recreation and by the time they figure it out, you are well on your way to the next diversion. In fact, I challenge anyone to find this destination devoid of any recreational Contacts: www.LaurelHighlands.org www.7springs.com www.idlewild.com
www.nps.gov/fone www.fortligonier.org www.laurelhighlands.com Accommodations: If not staying at Seven Springs (why?), the Highlands are peppered with the popular chain motels as well as numerous private lodges for both the ski and summer visitors. The above sites will give many suggestions including all-inclusive packages. Dining: Definitely dine at the 11 Seven Spring Resort restaurants. For adult only time, do not pass up their best and most elegant establishment – Helen’s Restaurant – situated in a cozy but posh cabin that is the original home for the resort’s founders next to the lodge. Dress up a bit for this one because it is the best anywhere. Other than that, the most practical alternatives are whatever is in your area at the time – a multitude of selections abound throughout the region and most places are good values. Keeping with the outdoor adventure lifestyle most menus are meat and potatoes oriented.
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JustSayGO Travel Show
Done anything travel-related you haven’t done before? Well for the first time I have returned to a previous vacation destination in only one year for no other reason than it was just too much fun. While not earth shattering in and of itself, we did not comprehend a destination worthy of a repeat performance so soon given our rationed family travel opportunities – but the Laurel Highlands region of central Pennsylvania showed us otherwise (see my initial feature Laurel Highlands – Pennsylvania’s Funlands).
numerous Mayberry-like towns.
Founded as a Bavarian style cabin in 1935 using the world’s first mechanical rope to pull skiers up the mountain, Seven Springs not only has grown to be one of the top 50 winter resorts anywhere as voted by most ski magazines but has also made their reputation as a four season resort just as important as a winter one. Isolated tranquility will make time stand still while you reconnect with life. Fun can include special golfing packages, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, paint ball, ropes course, horseback riding, nature appreciation, hiking, tennis, volleyball, swimming and even Pennsylvania’s only mountain slide utilizing wheeled sleds (a regional favorite) – be sure to check their bargain web specials.
plethora of indoor adventures including a pool, fitness center, spa services, racquet ball courts, bowling, putput golf, an arcade and billiards. Forgot to bring sports equipment? Not a problem – everything is available for loan from tennis rackets, soccer balls and softball equipment to Bocce balls, frisbees, horseshoes and street hockey.
glimpse into the pre-independence period of British and French control of the Midwest while learning about this minimally understood chapter of American history before the Civil and Revolutionary Wars through displays and battle re-enactments with authentically costumed in-character narration by soldiers and Native Americans. I learned how a young George Washington – still a British subject– and his conflict with French forces not only shaped American history but world events as well and served as his training ground for the future revolution. I especially enjoyed listening to the French, British and Native players describe their daily soldiering life in character and accent while taking politically incorrect jabs at each other.
activity and repeat visits to this area may well turn into a ritual just so you can do them all.
climbing and paintball.