TThis year’ s annual Fort Ligonier Days will be held Oct. 9 – 11, and while the event itself is enough of a draw, the small Laurel Highlands town has plenty more to offer in every season.
If you’ re looking for a weekend getaway before or after the festival, here are some highlights to explore.
What to See
Fort Ligonier itself is the most obvious draw, with its imposing chevaux-de-frise visible from Route 30. History lovers can explore the re-created artillery train, powder magazine, hospital ward and General Forbes’ hut, shop at the museum store, and watch live reenactments.
Just a short walk away, you’ ll find“ The Diamond,” a picturesque cluster of shops and eateries perfect to explore on a leisurely afternoon. Sip coffee at Abigail’ s Coffeehouse, duck in and out of art galleries or quirky boutiques, and browse charming antiques. The beautiful gazebo at the center of The Diamond is a lovely place for people-watching and photo ops. A little farther down East Main Street, bibliophiles can peruse the shelves of Second Chapter Books.
For travelers with kids, Idlewild Park is a short drive away. This theme park has been a low-key option for families with small children for nearly 150 years, offering gentle rides and the enchanting Storybook Forest where classic characters come to life. In the summer, visitors can stroll right over to SoakZone, a family-friendly waterpark with a wave pool, lazy river and waterslides.
If you’ re looking for something off the beaten path, head about 3 miles west to the Ligonier Valley Railroad Association, a small museum dedicated to the history of the Ligonier Valley Railroad. The collection consists of more than 3,000 items, and visitors can walk through an actual caboose near the restored train station.
Where to Eat Once you’ ve worked up an appetite, be sure to check out Tubmill Creek Provisions on North St. Clair Street. This unique eatery offers a regularly evolving menu of items made from locally produced goods, as well as a shop selling local honey, bakery items, wine, swag and so much more. Curl up on one of the cozy couches with a cup of coffee to listen to live music or chat with friends. Tubmill Creek also has rooms available to host parties and private gatherings.
If you’ re craving dessert afterward, head to Ligonier Creamery back in The Diamond for old-fashioned soft serve. Snag a booth inside and immerse yourself in the feeling of visiting an old soda fountain, or get comfortable on one of the outside benches and admire the scenery.
Where to Stay
There are a cluster of chain hotels and a handful of bed-and-breakfasts spread throughout the Laurel Highlands, but if you’ re looking for a home base that’ s a stone’ s throw away from all these attractions, look no further than Sunset Cottages right on Route 30.
Spacious and clean, with updated furniture and fixtures, a stay at Sunset Cottages is affordable and convenient. There are six rooms available to rent, as well as several larger individual cottages with kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. A pet-friendly cottage is also available.
Whether you’ re traveling with family, looking for a romantic getaway, or planning a weekend with friends, Ligonier is a short drive into the Laurel Highlands with a variety of destinations for everyone. n
Second Chapter Books
Sunset Cottages
Tubmill Creek
Ligonier Gazebo
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