Fallingwater

Over the Labor Day weekend, my daughter, Sasha, and I explored the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. This journey took us through the lush Allegheny Mountains, around windy steep roads and up to breathtaking views. On our trip we visited the spectacular Fallingwater, the historic Summit Inn and the expansive Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

During our visit we stayed at the Bed and Breakfast at Whimsey's Knoll. Located in Hopwood, Pa., this charming inn is in a perfect location for visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's jewel, Fallingwater. The Victorian Room awaited us with its private porch surrounded by the forest's towering trees. The room boasts a queen sized bed with lovely antique lace bedspread and a claw foot tub. We enjoyed our time in the welcoming hot tub located on one side of the wrap around porch that envelops the front of the home.

Food is definitely the centerpiece of Whimsey's Knoll. Each breakfast, we were treated to the culinary expertise of a professional chef. Our host, Chuck, is the chef at the resort Nemacolin. His specialty is the Banana Foster Whimsey Cake, a unique dish that he flames up, right in front of you. Another day he made his delicious strawberry crepes. Every breakfast was followed by a dessert. One day it was smooth cheesecake served on a spoon and the next day it was delectable mini iced cream puffs. Delish! Our hostess, Chrissie, offered home baked brownies each afternoon.

In the evening we drove to the historic Summit Inn. This mountaintop gem, built in 1907, was once visited by Henry Ford and several of our past presidents. It was fun to view the memorabilia of another time and eat in the charming dining room. The food was amazing and we enjoyed the Summit Inn salad, with goat cheese, cranberries and nuts, and a creamy fettucine. Guests can also dine on the porch overlooking the Laurel Highlands at sunset.

About 30 minutes away, Fallingwater is an enchanting destination where you can spend the afternoon. The home was built in the 1930s for the Kauffman family. This family owned the Kauffman department store in Pittsburgh and they were looking for a weekend getaway. Their son studied with Frank Lloyd Wright and the family became friends with the famous architect. They purchased the land and intended to have the home face the waterfall. Wright had other ideas and decided to incorporate the waterfall into the home. Therefore, you can see the waterfall through a hatch in the living room and from many of the verandas and the water assists in the cooling of the home. The cantilevered floors seem to float over the waterfall. There are one and two hour tours of Fallingwater and they are very informative. Albert Einstein was a frequent guest of the Kauffmans and he would have had his own private pool outside of the guest quarters. Wright also built the nearby Kentuck Knob. I recommend the film, the Fountainhead, starring Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper, for an excellent depiction of the Frank Lloyd Wright saga. The book was written by Ayn Rand and is an absorbing read.

We also visited Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. This beautiful expanse of land includes a zoo, complete with lions, bears and mountain goats in a natural habitat, a mini golf course with waterfalls, golf courses, archery games and fine dining restaurants. The price is quite high to stay here, but you can still enjoy the grounds and the restaurants without being a guest.

Nearby is the cozy town of Ohiopyle where many whitewater rafting trips originate. When we arrived there was a free concert and craft show and many people were wading into the rapids. It is a perfect location for a picnic lunch.

As you can see, this area is brimming with activities. It would be best to make this a two day getaway as it takes three and one half hours to reach this destination. It is well worth the effort because you will be rewarded with good food, lovely views and a taste of history.

Bedford Springs Resort

Recently we meandered to the newly renovated Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs Pennsylvania. Attracted by this resort's amazing history, I was excited to visit a place where presidents and historical figures had stayed. In the 1800s, President James Buchanan made Bedford Springs his summer White House and Henry Ford came to this idyllic place to "take the waters". The three year, one hundred twenty million dollar renovation was well worth the time and expense. It has been restored to the way it looked in the 1800s. There is a Greek style portico with Doric columns at the entrance, wallpaper, fabrics, furnishings, wooden floors and carpets of the era, and a 1905 spring fed indoor swimming pool, one of the first in the whole country. In addition, there are tennis courts, a spa, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The original inn opened in 1809 with twenty four rooms, but now there are two hundred sixteen rooms with goose down comforters, armoires, free standing Chevalier mirrors and marble bathrooms. You can choose from five restaurants including one that has part of an original cabin wall in it. This is the perfect getaway, so what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to age old elegance at the Bedford Springs Resort. Did I forget to mention that they serve afternoon tea and treats every afternoon?

Historical Charlottesville

The Charlottesville Virginia area presents a plethora of ideas to the weekend traveler. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Ashlawn, the Michie Tavern and the University of Virgina are some of the locations you can visit to pass the time. For your overnight stay, try the Inn at Monticello. Built in 1856, this English style country manor house has five guest rooms with private baths. Our room had a canopy bed, colonial furnishings and quilts on the walls. Upon arrival we enjoyed wine and cheese presented by the roaring fire while we became acquainted with our fellow guests. In the morning we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast.
Touring the University of Virginia's sprawling campus was a special treat. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson and has some of the same elements of Monticello. Nearby are the quaint shops of this college town.
For a taste of history and a break from big city life, try Charlottesville and the Inn at Monticello.

L'Auberge Provincale

The L'Auberge Provincale is an elegant inn located in White Post Virginia. This lovely place captures the essence of Provence with its golden sun drenched walls, cozy oversized furniture and warm log fireplaces. In the afternoons french treats with warm drinks are served by the fire. Gourmet breakfasts are enjoyed in the morning. The dining is an experience that should not be missed. The prix fixe menu includes choices of Maple Farms Duck Breast, Garlic Coated Filet Mignon, Pan Seared Salmon, Butter Poached Lobster with Truffle Risotto, Grilled Quail with Pomegranate or Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Do not skip dessert! Indulge in Warm Apple Tart with Creme Anglaise, Bananas Brulee with Pecan Ice Cream or Gingerbread Souflee with Rum Creme Anglaise and Almond Tuile. There is a small town nearby to browse in, but the inn is so inviting that you may prefer to take a book and chillax (my daughter Ari's word) by the fire for the whole weekend.

Hanover, Pennsylvania

The town of Hanover, Pennsylvania is a scenic ninety minute ride away from the Washington area. Along the way, through Westminster and Littlestown are several interesting craft, antique and novelty stores as well as orchards and nurseries. Gettysburg is a few miles from Hanover and there are state parks for nature walks. In the town of Hanover there are two bridal shops and an inexpensive men's clothing store, so if you are looking for formal attire, the evening dresses and tuxedo prices can not be beat. The quaint town book store is an excellent place to grab a delicious lunch while browsing the unique book selection. Then take a stroll down the main street to read the signs that describe the civil war action that took place here. The house where the terrified women watched the menacing confederate soldiers advancing on the town and heard the shots that are still in the bricks of this home can be viewed "up close and personal". Every Saturday there is a farmers market in a historic building where you can purchase fresh baked goods and fruits and veggies.
Tucked in the historic district is the lovely Sheppard mansion. It was built in 1913 by the cofounders of the Hanover Shoe Company. The mansion is the top choice in town for an elegant dinner, cooked by the chef who apprenticed at the Inn at Little Washington. You may start with the warm pretzel rolls, a delicacy like none you have ever tasted! Continue with the sweet corn fritters or the lump crabmeat salad. For the main course, you can choose from the Crispy Skinned Rockfish, the Roasted Beef Tenderloin or the "Picnic", a buttermilk fried squab. The side dishes are delicious and the chef throws in some surprise freebies as the meal progresses. If you order dessert, he presents you with a pre-dessert and he sends you home with homemade cookies! In addition, the inn offers a bed and breakfast. The lovely rooms complete with oversized soaking tubs and private marble baths take you back to another, simpler time in our history. A gourmet breakfast is included in the rate.
So if you are looking for some civil war history, delicious food, and an amazing inn experience, visit Hanover and the Sheppard Mansion in nearby Pennsylvania.

The Wayside Inn

Not so far away, only thirty minutes from Olney, modern homes give way to this eighteenth century gem, the Wayside Inn. My daughter and I treated ourselves to a pre-New Year's gift and stayed in this lovely bed and breakfast for one evening. The congenial hosts, Susan and Dave, who have owned and operated the inn since 1999, greeted us warmly upon our arrival. Dave is the main innkeeper and his cheerful, upbeat manner and entertaining anecdotes entertained us throughout our visit. After we were situated in our room, we ambled downstairs to sit by the fireside to partake in a delicious array of cheeses and wine with the other guests. Following this relaxing time we returned to the Pierpoint Suite where we would spend the rest of the evening. A four poster lofty queen bed occupies the center of the main room and there are large windows that invite the sun to shine on the oriental carpets and wooden floorboards. An adjoining sitting room boasts a music system and colonial wood burning fireplace. Back in the main room, a plasma television sits on the wall, facing the bed. The prodigious DVD library afforded us hours of viewing pleasure while we were warmed by the glowing fireplace. I woke up in the morning and basked in the rain shower in the bathroom. We followed the enticing aromas down to the dining room where we feasted on Cranberry bread pudding soufflé, our choice of juices, coffee, teas and a scrumptious pineapple half.

This inn is particularly attractive due to its proximity to historic Ellicott City, downtown Baltimore and the Mall in Columbia. The innkeepers offer a package deal that includes a room for the night and a multi-course gourmet dinner with wine at Tursiquels, a french restaurant nearby. This is a perfect birthday or anniversary gift for you or someone special in your life. The quaint stores, railroad museum and Ellicott City charm are just minutes from the inn.

If you are looking for an inn only a short distance away, with ambiance, congenial and helpful hosts, and delicious food options, the Wayside Inn is a superior choice. .