Hit Up High Society in the Laurel Highlands

Shop at the more than 50 boutiques downtown after you wear out the kids at the water park.

LAUREL HIGHLANDS | For generations, the little town of Ligonier in the Allegheny Mountains has been a favorite summer getaway for nearby Pittsburgh’s wealthiest and most influential families. On warm nights, you’re also likely to spot Washington, D.C., politicos window-shopping at the more than 50 boutiques lining the downtown Diamond. 

 

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drive time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.

stay here: It can’t get any more convenient than Thistledown at Seger House, an upscale inn and café that opened last year. This early-20th-century, red-sandstone mansion is located on Main Street, within steps of the Diamond’s many shopping, dining and entertainment options. Rates range $150-$225 weekdays, $200-$275 weekends. Breakfast at the on-site café is included. 221 W. Main St., Ligonier, (724) 238-4087, thistledownligonier.com.

eat here: Take a seat on the screened-in porch for some prime people-watching on the Diamond at Ligonier Tavern, which is housed in a Victorianera residence. This moderately priced, family-owned lunch-and-dinner spot has an eclectic menu. Entrées range from jägerschnitzel to roast duckling Montmorency to “better than Mom’s” meatloaf. 139 W. Main St., Ligonier, (724) 238-4831, ligoniertavern.com.

Ligonier locals love the Kitchen on Main for breakfast, lunch and BYOB dinner. It’s tiny— 12 tables inside, more seating outside—and popular, so get there early. Entrées $19-$33, small plates $9-$13. 136 E. Main St., Ligonier, (724) 238-4199, thekitchenonmain.com.

to-do list: Begun as a picnic ground in 1878, Idlewild and Soak Zone has grown into a massive theme/water park. There are plenty of rides and attractions for all ages. Little ones will enjoy Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe and the Storybook Forest. Day passes are $29.99 in advance, $38.99 at the gate. Route 30 East, two miles west of Ligonier,  (724) 238-3666, idlewild.com.

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Tour Fort Ligonier, a full-scale, on-site restoration/reconstruction of a French and Indian War fort. It features an artillery park, cannons, an art gallery, an archaeological collection, artifacts from George Washington, and more. $10/adults, $6/kids. 200 S. Market St.,  Ligonier, (724) 238-9701, fortligonier.org.

For a glimpse at local life in the early 1800s, take a guided tour of the Compass Inn Museum, a seven-room former inn with a cookhouse, blacksmith shop and barn—all furnished with period pieces. Admission is $9/adults, $6/students. 1382 Route 30 East, Laughlintown, (724) 238-4983, compassinn.com.

Hunt for antique treasures along the three-mile stretch between Ligonier and Laughlintown. Graham’s Antique Mall (2397 Route 30 West, Ligonier, 724-238-8611) has 40 dealers, and Laughlintown Antique Mall (1327 Route 30, Laughlintown, 724-238-7533) boasts 50. Ligonier also hosts two major outdoor “Antiques on the Diamond” events in June and August.

for thrifty types: Grab a cone or cup of the good homemade stuff at Ligonier Creamery (105 E. Main St., Ligonier, 724-238-4600), then spread your blanket and unfold your beach chairs for the free Sunday Evening Summer Band Concerts on the Diamond.

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!