Getaway Guru: One Tank Trip To Ligonier

In the mid-18th century, during the French and Indian War, Pittsburgh was little more than a military fort named Fort Duquesne. At the same time, 50 miles to the east, a similar situation was playing out in current-day Ligonier. In more recent history, Ligonier has become well known and especially loved for its kid-friendly amusement parks. With its close proximity to Pittsburgh and its family-friendly environment and dually educational and inspirational surroundings, it's time you made a trip to Ligonier part of your family history.

Getting There

From downtown Pittsburgh, head due east on the Parkway 376 through the squirrel hill tunnel. Travel 14 miles on 376 east until you reach exit 85 and the entrance to the PA Turnpike 76 east. Travel 11 miles on 76 east then take exit 67 onto the U.S. 30 East/Lincoln Highway. After a 27-mile journey on U.S.-30 east look for the left turn onto South Market Street and the entrance to the town of Ligonier.

What To Do

Idlewild and Soak Zone
2582 Route 30
Ligonier, PA 15658
(724) 238-7666
idlewild.com

Price: $33.99

For the past two years, Idlewild Park has won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Children's Park in a world survey conducted annually by Amusement Today magazine. With attractions that include Mr. Rogers Neighborhood of Make Believe, Storybook Forest, Hootin' Holler, Jumpin' Jungle and the Soak Zone waterpark, you'll need at least two full days to get the entire Idlewild experience. Next day passes are available for $18.99 at the park for families that want to add an extra day of fun to their Ligonier trip.

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Fort Ligonier
200 S Market St.
Ligonier, PA 15658
(724) 238-9701
fortligonier.org

Price: $8 adults/$5 children

The Ligonier area of Westmoreland County is synonymous with American History. Fort Ligonier and the town that emerged around it were named after British Field Marshall, Lord Jim Ligonier, who commanded an army there during the French and Indian War. Each October, the town plays host to countless visitors during its Fort Ligonier Days Celebration. The fort offers a rich historical account of early American life and includes an art gallery and military artifacts centered around George Washington and General John Forbes.

Linn Run State Park
P.O. Box 50
Rector, PA 15677
(724) 238-6623
laurelhighlands.org/

Price: free

Linn Run State Park is comprised of 612 acres dedicated to outdoor recreation. It offers exceptional trout fishing in the area below the tributary of Grove Run and Rock Run. The Adams Falls area is a favorite spot for picnickers. Additional activities at Linn Run include horseback riding, snowmobiling and hiking.

Dining

Colonial Inn Restaurant
123 Old Lincoln Hwy.
Ligonier, PA 15658
(724) 238-6604
colonialinnrestaurant.com

Treat yourself to truly fine dining during your visit to Ligonier at the Colonial Inn, a mainstay in the area since the 1930s. Enjoy a 35-foot, non-smoking, cocktail lounge, an area for private dining with an adjacent cigar bar, and some of the best appetizers, entrees and desserts around.

Lodging
Campbell House Bed and Breakfast
305 E. Main St.
Ligonier, PA 15658
(888) 238-9812
campbellhousebnb.com

Price: from $90

For the past 20 years, the Campbell House Bed and Breakfast has been treating its guests to first-rate lodging. A night spent at the Ligonier is equal parts modern amenities and classic comfort. Six rooms are available in the main house and an additional nine units make up the adjacent efficiency motel.

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Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.