The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania are two picturesque small towns that offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Their convenient location, nestled in the heart of southwestern Pennsylvania near the Ohio border, makes them the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip. Whether you're looking to explore scenic back roads, visit historic landmarks, or sample local cuisine, this trip has something for everyone.
The halfway point of this journey is the charming village of Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania. This quaint hamlet boasts several antique shops, restaurants, and picturesque bed-and-breakfasts. It's the ideal spot to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, and soak up rural Pennsylvania's beauty.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
If you're an architecture enthusiast, a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is a must. Built in 1935 as a weekend retreat for the Kaufman family, this famous house seamlessly integrates with the waterfall it sits above. The tour of the house guides you through the bedrooms, living spaces, and indoor/outdoor features, highlighting Wright's signature organic architecture style.
Interesting Fact: Fallingwater was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and was named as the "best all-time work of American architecture" by the American Institute of Architects in 1991.
2. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is a nature lover's paradise with over 20,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and trails. You can hike, bike, or horseback ride on over 80 miles of trails, swim or fish in the river, and even go white-water rafting on the Youghiogheny River.
Interesting Fact: The Great Allegheny Passage, a 335-mile trail from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., runs through Ohiopyle.
3. The Meadows Racetrack and Casino
If you're feeling lucky, head to The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pennsylvania. It features over 2,500 slot machines, 65 table games, a poker room, and a track with live harness racing.
Interesting Fact: The Meadows was the first racetrack in Pennsylvania to host a harness race with a sub-1:50 mile time.
4. Duncan and Miller Glass Museum
Glass enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Duncan and Miller Glass Museum in Washington, Pennsylvania. The museum features a vast collection of American-made glassware, including stemware, plates, vases, and more.
Interesting Fact: Duncan and Miller was one of the largest glass manufacturers in the United States, responsible for creating unique designs like the "Sandwich Glass" pattern.
5. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
At the end of a long day, consider spending a night at the luxurious Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. The resort offers a wide range of activities and amenities, including golf courses, a spa, boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and even a wildlife sanctuary.
Interesting Fact: Nemacolin was inspired by the vision of owner Joseph A. Hardy III, who was determined to create a world-class resort that offered "something for everyone."
Conclusion
This trip offers varied experiences, from visiting historical and cultural landmarks like Fallingwater and the Duncan and Miller Glass Museum to enjoying the splendor of the great outdoors at Ohiopyle State Park. The allure of hitting the jackpot at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino before winding down at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort also provides an exciting adventure. The journey is approximately 110 miles round-trip, taking around three hours to complete, traffic permitting.