One of the best parts of my job is that I spend a lot of time driving around the beautiful town of Ligonier.
Ligonier is, without doubt, the jewel of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is nestled along the shores of Loyalhanna Creek and U.S. Route 30. Steeped in history, the town retains a colonial flavor and small town charm.
Fort Ligonier, at the time the edge of the western frontier, was a stategic location during the French and Indian War. The fort has been reconstructed and draws many visitors each year…among them many tours for area school children.
Fort Ligonier Days, held each October, draws thousands to town for three days of fun and history. Among the things to see and do are: shopping, not only in the wide variety of specialty shops, but also in several areas throughout town set up with crafters and artisans; sampling the wide variety of foods available at booths, area churches and local restaurants; musical entertainment; the fantastic parade on Saturday morning; and of course, tours of the fort and re-enactments.
Just down the road from the fort is The Compass Inn, an old stop for Conestoga wagons making their way over the mountains. Well-trained volunteers give interesting tours that take you back in time. A major highlight are the candle-lit Christmas tours.
Celebrate your Scottish heritage in September at the Highland Games. The clans gather every year to celebrate and participate in traditional athletic competitions, as well as dance and music competitions.
For children, there is always Idlewild Park. The park bills itself as a family park and is geared to an old-fashioned good time with family and friends. There are a few rides guaranteed to thrill, but most are just mild enough that anyone can handle them. There is a water park, kiddie area, Storybook Forest, Jumpin’ Jungle, Hootin’ Holler, Old Idlewild and of course, a trolley ride through Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
Hungry? Ligonier has a wide variety of restaurants and shops to choose from. My personal favorite is the Ligonier Tavern…reported to be haunted. It does have absolutely wonderful food, too.
I’ve just touched the surface of Ligonier. There is also skiing in the area and world-class golf courses. A drive into the country-side will take you through Rolling Rock and Rector for a glimpse of how the very rich (and sometimes famous) live. If any of my blogging friends come to visit, I promise we’ll spend time in Ligonier.
How beautiful! Most of PA is though, I lived in Lancaster when I was a girl for a year.
Comment by kat campbell — September 24, 2006 @ 12:00 pm
Well then…..I just might have to plan a trip to PA sometime soon because this sounds FABULOUS!!!!!
….and I would LOVE to meet you!!!:)
Comment by chesneygirl — September 24, 2006 @ 12:12 pm
I suppose you could get another job working for the chamber of commerce. You make one wish they lived there.
Comment by Dr. John — September 24, 2006 @ 6:01 pm
Sign me up for my next trip!
Comment by Rachel — September 24, 2006 @ 7:20 pm
You’re right, Kat. PA is a beautiful state, but then I might be a little less than impartial.
ChesneyGirl, you’re welcome to visit any time. I’d love to meet you, too!
I don’t know about working for the Chamber of Commerce, but it’s easy to rave about Ligonier. I’ve never actually lived there, just nearby, but I do think it’s one of the best places in the world.
Rach, you know it! Your next trip to the States has to be to the eastern half so we can finally meet.
Comment by Stacy — September 24, 2006 @ 9:24 pm
Absolutely, beautiful pictures! I live in NH and this is one of my favorite times of year when the trees start changing color!
Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Sarah Forhan — September 25, 2006 @ 8:42 am
It looks beautiful and a place I would love to visit. I will keep it in mind and if I get to travel again I will make it the place to go.
Comment by bettygram — September 25, 2006 @ 11:31 am
Great pics!!!
I think PA is a beautiful state, I wouldn’t mind living there at all.
I would love to hear those bagpipes… must have been awesome!
Comment by Laurie — September 25, 2006 @ 5:13 pm
I spent many wonderful summers in Ligonier when I was growing up. I hope to get my children there this summer so they can see all the places they have heard about. My uncle and aunt owned a restaursnt in town that has since closed but my cousins still have Bull’s Tavern out on route 30 oh how I miss the fish sandwiches!@!
Comment by Tami Turnbull-Ingalls — April 30, 2009 @ 10:50 pm