Fallingwater - road trip to PA?
Jun 14th, 2005, 06:46 PM
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Fallingwater - road trip to PA?
Any input, suggestions about visiting Fallingwater. I've explored the website and would like to take one of the tours. Loved Taliesin West and would like to see more Frank Lloyd Wright homes.
I have more vacation time this year than money (saving for Italy next year). I've driven from GA to Lancaster, PA area and have driven from GA to West Virginia for a rafting/ camping trip. If you were planning a trip to and from Fallingwater from GA, which route would you take and what would you stop to see? Camping or hotels okay. Will go to Nemacola someday but not in this budget year!
I have more vacation time this year than money (saving for Italy next year). I've driven from GA to Lancaster, PA area and have driven from GA to West Virginia for a rafting/ camping trip. If you were planning a trip to and from Fallingwater from GA, which route would you take and what would you stop to see? Camping or hotels okay. Will go to Nemacola someday but not in this budget year!
Jun 14th, 2005, 07:59 PM
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I'm talking about the Frank Lloyd Wright designed house - built over a waterfall (falling water)...
But, I've been on the Holiday Inn website looking for options on the way up. I'll check out Falling Waters, WV. Loved WV years ago when I visited - beautiful state! Thanks!
Right now, I'm leaning toward Hillsville, VA as a halfway point (with a stop in Mt. Airy or Mayberry) and then Uniontown, PA - both Holiday Inn locations. I'll probably be able to stay on points - but for $58 I'll save those points
But, I've been on the Holiday Inn website looking for options on the way up. I'll check out Falling Waters, WV. Loved WV years ago when I visited - beautiful state! Thanks!
Right now, I'm leaning toward Hillsville, VA as a halfway point (with a stop in Mt. Airy or Mayberry) and then Uniontown, PA - both Holiday Inn locations. I'll probably be able to stay on points - but for $58 I'll save those points
Jun 14th, 2005, 08:02 PM
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Have you been to Harpers Ferry WVa? Absolutely worth a detour/stop (usually I drive right through VA where the most interesting thing is how many inches of rain will fall on Route 77). About 10 hours from Atlanta, less from your mountain retreat -- take 85, 77 and 81 to Berrysburg and, I think, Route 7. From there, about 2-3 hours to Ohiopyle.
Fallingwater is astounding. Worthy of a pilgrimage and there is a second gem, Kentuck Knob -- sometimes called Little Fallingwater about 10 miles away. Check http://www.laurelhighlands.org
A friend of mine did a feature on a B&B in Harpers Ferry and raved about it for a long time (and she's quite budget minded bearing that Italy trip in mind) -- I'll ask her -- are you taking the pup?
B/
Fallingwater is astounding. Worthy of a pilgrimage and there is a second gem, Kentuck Knob -- sometimes called Little Fallingwater about 10 miles away. Check http://www.laurelhighlands.org
A friend of mine did a feature on a B&B in Harpers Ferry and raved about it for a long time (and she's quite budget minded bearing that Italy trip in mind) -- I'll ask her -- are you taking the pup?
B/
Jun 14th, 2005, 08:21 PM
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Thanks, bonniebroad. That will work for the route home. I can loop by there before heading back and that will take me through some of the prettiest VA country - Front Royal, Shenandoah, Skyline Drive, etc. I did that trip with my nephew. I'm going to see if my niece wants to drive down from Nyack, NY to join for a mini-trip if she hasn't been in the area and we could do Skyline together too.
birgator, thanks. I knew there was another one (FLW house)up there but couldn't remember the name. I've never been to Harper's Ferry. I'll check it out. Yes, I'm taking the little pup along. The big 'uns are going to stay home to swim and chase squirrels.
I think you pretty much stick to interstates. I'm less than 2 hours from Asheville (from the mountains). I'm thinking about skipping the Statesboro route and heading north on secondary roads and picking up interstates further north. Have you done similar routes? As I said before, I have time this year to wander. If I do interstates I think I'm going to do 378 miles in Day 1 and 308 in Day 2. That mileage is from further south (not the mountains).
Thanks again for the ideas.
birgator, thanks. I knew there was another one (FLW house)up there but couldn't remember the name. I've never been to Harper's Ferry. I'll check it out. Yes, I'm taking the little pup along. The big 'uns are going to stay home to swim and chase squirrels
.I think you pretty much stick to interstates. I'm less than 2 hours from Asheville (from the mountains). I'm thinking about skipping the Statesboro route and heading north on secondary roads and picking up interstates further north. Have you done similar routes? As I said before, I have time this year to wander. If I do interstates I think I'm going to do 378 miles in Day 1 and 308 in Day 2. That mileage is from further south (not the mountains).
Thanks again for the ideas.
Jun 15th, 2005, 01:35 AM
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Along with Fallingwater, check out Kentuck knob, another Frank Lloyd Wright creation its not far from Fallingwater just don't know precise area since I've never been there.
Depending upon what part of GA you are going to (east or west) you may want to catch the Pennsylvania Turnpike and head east until Harrisburg and then get I-81 which heads all the way down to the Virginia mountains (Blue Ridge and then Roanoake), you may want to see how far South it goes, I've only taken it once and it was a very pleasant ride unlike I-95.
Depending upon what part of GA you are going to (east or west) you may want to catch the Pennsylvania Turnpike and head east until Harrisburg and then get I-81 which heads all the way down to the Virginia mountains (Blue Ridge and then Roanoake), you may want to see how far South it goes, I've only taken it once and it was a very pleasant ride unlike I-95.
Jun 15th, 2005, 04:07 AM
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Hey, Starr! My in-laws drove up to Fallingwater from Knoxville last fall and had a wonderful time. I'll check in with them about it when they get back from their current travels, including where they stayed and where they dined.
Jun 15th, 2005, 04:37 AM
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We did the Wright combination about ten years ago. Even though we live in PA, we drove out to Somerset the evening before and got a cheap motel.
In the morning, we set out bright and early to catch the 8:30 (I believe) tour of Fallingwater. This is the longer, more-expensive one. It starts in the morning before the house is open for general tours. It's two hours, and has the added benefit of allowing photos inside the house--something not allowed on the regular tours.
Late in the morning, after we were done, it was a short drive over to Kentuck Knob (aka the Hagan House.) It's not as large, or complex, as its older neighbor, though I notice they now also offer an in-depth tour. Not sure about photos. The setting, though different from Fallingwater, is just as much of a treat. Lovely grounds, and the house is almost built into the hillside.
The contrast between the two properties is fascinating. The former was built as a summer-house, a weekend getaway. The latter was meant to be lived-in year-round.
Incidentally, if you're an architecture junkie, check out Columbus, Indiana....
In the morning, we set out bright and early to catch the 8:30 (I believe) tour of Fallingwater. This is the longer, more-expensive one. It starts in the morning before the house is open for general tours. It's two hours, and has the added benefit of allowing photos inside the house--something not allowed on the regular tours.
Late in the morning, after we were done, it was a short drive over to Kentuck Knob (aka the Hagan House.) It's not as large, or complex, as its older neighbor, though I notice they now also offer an in-depth tour. Not sure about photos. The setting, though different from Fallingwater, is just as much of a treat. Lovely grounds, and the house is almost built into the hillside.
The contrast between the two properties is fascinating. The former was built as a summer-house, a weekend getaway. The latter was meant to be lived-in year-round.
Incidentally, if you're an architecture junkie, check out Columbus, Indiana....
Jun 15th, 2005, 04:50 AM
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We are going to Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry the July 4th weekend. We have reservations in Harpers Ferry at the Jackson Rose B&B http://www.jacksonrose.com/
It's on the National Register of Historic Places and was the temporary headquarters of Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War. I hope it's as good as it sounds.
It's on the National Register of Historic Places and was the temporary headquarters of Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War. I hope it's as good as it sounds.
Jun 15th, 2005, 07:08 AM
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Starr:
Yup, I usually take interstates because I'm headed somewhere on a mission. Otherwise, a 100 mile trip would take a week by the time I got done stopping at every flea market and antique shop!
If you have time, I think back roads are always more interesting -- avoiding the Statesville part is a great idea regardless. Since you have the pup along, the campgrounds at Harpers Ferry sounds just like the ticket; budget wise and pup-wise. I actually liked the Laurel Highlands a lot; Ligonier is charming, and there's tons of interesting musuems etc. in that area. Since you live in the north GA mountains, I don't know that Skyline Drive et al is going to wow you as much as others seem to think. The PA turnpike is exceedingly boring (and expensive).
Have fun!
B/
Yup, I usually take interstates because I'm headed somewhere on a mission. Otherwise, a 100 mile trip would take a week by the time I got done stopping at every flea market and antique shop!
If you have time, I think back roads are always more interesting -- avoiding the Statesville part is a great idea regardless. Since you have the pup along, the campgrounds at Harpers Ferry sounds just like the ticket; budget wise and pup-wise. I actually liked the Laurel Highlands a lot; Ligonier is charming, and there's tons of interesting musuems etc. in that area. Since you live in the north GA mountains, I don't know that Skyline Drive et al is going to wow you as much as others seem to think. The PA turnpike is exceedingly boring (and expensive).
Have fun!
B/
Jun 15th, 2005, 02:51 PM
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Thanks for the ideas. I'm adding Harpers Ferry to my route home. birgator, I've done Skyline Drive with my nephew when he was in school at Front Royal. May do it again if my niece wants to join this trip. As much as I love the views from the ridgeline, I swear there's a view just as pretty less than 2 miles from me in the mountains
I will definitely add in Kentuck Knob. If anyone else has ideas, please send them my way!
I will definitely add in Kentuck Knob. If anyone else has ideas, please send them my way!
Jun 15th, 2005, 02:56 PM
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We've considering a trip to House of Falling Water in PA as well. I believe there are actually a handful (or at least one) Frank Lloyd Wright designed houses in Cincinnati.
A couple of years ago a recall seeing a Travel Channel show (when they still had shows about things other than Vegas and Poker) which featured HOFW and highlighted a spa resort nearby which looked very nice (either to stay at or visit one day). Sorry but I don't remember the name. You might be able to find info on their website if you are interested.
A couple of years ago a recall seeing a Travel Channel show (when they still had shows about things other than Vegas and Poker) which featured HOFW and highlighted a spa resort nearby which looked very nice (either to stay at or visit one day). Sorry but I don't remember the name. You might be able to find info on their website if you are interested.
Jun 15th, 2005, 03:06 PM
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That would be Nemacola (I think I'm spelling that right). It is supposedly a wonderful spa, and although I love spa vacations, this is not the year for one. This is going to be a bare bones road trip for me. Really, really want to do Italy next year!
Jun 15th, 2005, 03:20 PM
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If you are up for another 5 hour drive from PA, then there are two noteworthy FLW homes in the Buffalo area - the Darwin Martin House and Greycliff (in Derby, NY), which was a summer home for the Martins. Also, there is the FLW designed Blue Sky Mausoleum in the Forest Lawn Cemetary.
Here is a link if you are interested...
http://ah.bfn.org/a/archs/wright/buff/index.html
Here is a link if you are interested...
http://ah.bfn.org/a/archs/wright/buff/index.html
Jun 15th, 2005, 04:29 PM
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You might want to consider Pittsburgh -- which is actually a lot more exciting than one would think! And not that terribly far from Ohiopyle either -- maybe an hour and a half? Tons of motels in very safe Monroeville -- both budget and otherwise.
B/
B/
Jun 15th, 2005, 05:51 PM
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Falling Water is in my backyard! It is beautiful and very interesting to see! Are you aware that Kentuck Knob, Chalk Hill, PA is in the same area and another home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for family living. www.kentuckknob.com and fallingwater.org are web sites for your information. Chalk Hill has a winery that is excellent! And, if you leave the entrace of Fallingwater to the right following the road approximately 8-10 miles you will come to Ohiopyle Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall and park.
Chalk Hill has a Lodge located in a mt. setting that is lakeside. www.thelodgeatchalkhill.com. The area has a lot to offer historically as well as recreation. My best advice is to pick up a free Laurel Highlands Magazine in a tourist visitation center or information rack. It is very detailed about the area and has a map for directions.
Have Fun!
Chalk Hill has a Lodge located in a mt. setting that is lakeside. www.thelodgeatchalkhill.com. The area has a lot to offer historically as well as recreation. My best advice is to pick up a free Laurel Highlands Magazine in a tourist visitation center or information rack. It is very detailed about the area and has a map for directions.
Have Fun!
Jun 15th, 2005, 06:02 PM
#19
Travelling on the PA Turnpike would be totally unnecessary. Use I-68 and US route 40.
If you did use the turnpike on your return then you would get off at Breezewood and take I-70 to Hagerstown and then get on I-81 through the valley, if you want.
If you did use the turnpike on your return then you would get off at Breezewood and take I-70 to Hagerstown and then get on I-81 through the valley, if you want.
Jun 16th, 2005, 12:33 AM
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We combined a visit to Fallingwater with a white water rapids trip (out of Ohiopyle) about 8 years ago -- there are quite a few places to stay in the area (that aren't as pricy as Nemocolin). I think we found our place through the Washington Post Travel section.
Another time we stopped in Jim Thorpe, PA which was an interesting little town as well. Lots of Mining history in the area.
Another time we stopped in Jim Thorpe, PA which was an interesting little town as well. Lots of Mining history in the area.
