Fallingwater - Lodging between Pit & NJ?
Aug 10th, 2007, 06:59 AM
#21
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Starrville - no - with all of the times we have been there, we have not taken a buggy ride. We had done a lot of the "touristy things" - many are wonderful and very informative, many are very corny and cheesy (not to offend anyone - just my opinion). The buggy ride does seem like a fun thing to do though 
. ... The last few times we'd been there, we got ourselves 'lost' in the farmland, did some shopping at the markets and wandered in some art galleries & antique shops - and of course ATE! Unfortunately, that area, as with many other touristy areas, have much of the same items in their "pseudo" craft shops: many imported items that people assume are locally made - often they are not even hand made either. Aside from that aspect and the puppy mills 
they are known for - the farmland and charm of the people - and their simplistic - yet very difficult way of living is a wonderful thing to behold -
. ... The last few times we'd been there, we got ourselves 'lost' in the farmland, did some shopping at the markets and wandered in some art galleries & antique shops - and of course ATE! Unfortunately, that area, as with many other touristy areas, have much of the same items in their "pseudo" craft shops: many imported items that people assume are locally made - often they are not even hand made either. Aside from that aspect and the puppy mills they are known for - the farmland and charm of the people - and their simplistic - yet very difficult way of living is a wonderful thing to behold -
Aug 10th, 2007, 07:23 AM
#22
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Not to keep this going, but have you been to Hershey Inn or Seven Springs? Both are about as informal as you can get. I think that we are having a hard time understanding why you would stay in Eastern PA to visit Western PA which has so much to explore and offer. and why you asked for reco when you already knew where you wanted to stay.
Aug 10th, 2007, 07:32 AM
#23
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Lisa, I've only been in the area when helping a friend move and didn't get as much time in the area as I would like. Thanks for the info.
SusieQQ, my guess is that Lisa was looking for new ideas but decided to return to an old favorite. I do that sometimes? Do you?
SusieQQ, my guess is that Lisa was looking for new ideas but decided to return to an old favorite. I do that sometimes? Do you?
Aug 10th, 2007, 07:38 AM
#24
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Starrsvill, actually, I rarely return to the same place twice but that's my thing. But as I said ,why stay at one end of PA to visit the other end. Lisa is going to drive 4 hours then tour two major sites and drive back another 4 hours...doesn't make sense to me. Also, hugglynn put a lot of effort into her post and it looks like Lisa didn't even check them out. I hope that if you ever visit the Laurel Highlands you will explore all that it has to offer.
Aug 10th, 2007, 07:45 AM
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SusieQQ, isn't the inn they are staying at in between their starting point and Fallingwater? Apparently, they have decided to spend more of the weekend in Amish country than in the area around Fallingwater. Nothing wrong with that, IMO.
I hope to combine the two on my road trip. I have no idea where I'll end up spending the night. I can go to the mountains every weekend - but don't know of an equivalent of the Amish country near me. We have Amish and Mennonites living in my state and adjacent states (and operating bakeries and restaurants), but I've not seen anything along the lines of the area around Lancaster.
I hope to combine the two on my road trip. I have no idea where I'll end up spending the night. I can go to the mountains every weekend - but don't know of an equivalent of the Amish country near me. We have Amish and Mennonites living in my state and adjacent states (and operating bakeries and restaurants), but I've not seen anything along the lines of the area around Lancaster.
Aug 10th, 2007, 08:04 AM
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Starrsville, I grew up in the Laurel Highlands where you also have many Amish, Menonites, Dunkards, etc. To me Lancaster County is filled with cheesy, tourist traps albeit along side Amish Farms. The Laurel Highlands has many historical sights and interesting things to see. Combining the two in a couple days isn't giving either one of them justice. Please when you go, take enough time to explore both areas. Before you go, check out this site .http://laurelhighlands.org/
Aug 10th, 2007, 08:13 AM
#28
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Oh my goodness - this has become quite an odd little thread ;-)
You are right Starrsville, we opted on staying in a tried & true place - one that is midway between Fallingwater and hour home.
When we travel, we do like to try and experience new things. Actually, outside of staying at the same place in St. John - we do indeed like to go to new places - PROVIDED they seem to be an improvement - or are what we are 'needing' at that particular time.
In this situation, we want a specific type place (romantic, view, farmland, peacefulness... yet indoor pool, etc.) as well as what WE feel would be convenient to US.
I have looked at the Seven Springs website and do not like the room, or the type of place it is (I am a girl that grew up going to EVERY CATSKILL RESORT EVER! - and that is what it reminds me of - nice - but "been there, done that"). Hotel Hershey is an exquisite looking hotel - but it is not what we are looking for - and it is in an area we are not interested in. (I have been to Hershey in my youth).
Please - I asked for suggestions, I received them, and I read and appreciated all of them. I find it odd that SusieQQ has such a need to understand WHY I don't explore other parts of western PA...or WHY I don't go to a suggested place. SusieQQ - you do not know my experiences with travel, you do not know what makes me happy regarding a destination - (you do, however, know that I like an indoor pool & fitness facilities and we are not into B&Bs ;-)). I did not ask my intitial question for someone else to decide for me - or analyze why I chose what I chose.
One final (hopefully ) note: Staying midway between our home & Fallingwater will actually work out quite well. We will only have a 3 1/2 hour drive to Lancaster area - then the following morning a 4 hour drive to Fallingwater - spend most of the day there -and enjoy - then drive back to Lancaster area and RELAX enjoying what WE FEEL WE NEED & will ENJOY for 2 nights - then an easy 3 1/2 hour drive home ;-).
THE END
You are right Starrsville, we opted on staying in a tried & true place - one that is midway between Fallingwater and hour home.
When we travel, we do like to try and experience new things. Actually, outside of staying at the same place in St. John - we do indeed like to go to new places - PROVIDED they seem to be an improvement - or are what we are 'needing' at that particular time.
In this situation, we want a specific type place (romantic, view, farmland, peacefulness... yet indoor pool, etc.) as well as what WE feel would be convenient to US.
I have looked at the Seven Springs website and do not like the room, or the type of place it is (I am a girl that grew up going to EVERY CATSKILL RESORT EVER! - and that is what it reminds me of - nice - but "been there, done that"). Hotel Hershey is an exquisite looking hotel - but it is not what we are looking for - and it is in an area we are not interested in. (I have been to Hershey in my youth).
Please - I asked for suggestions, I received them, and I read and appreciated all of them. I find it odd that SusieQQ has such a need to understand WHY I don't explore other parts of western PA...or WHY I don't go to a suggested place. SusieQQ - you do not know my experiences with travel, you do not know what makes me happy regarding a destination - (you do, however, know that I like an indoor pool & fitness facilities and we are not into B&Bs ;-)). I did not ask my intitial question for someone else to decide for me - or analyze why I chose what I chose.
One final (hopefully
) note: Staying midway between our home & Fallingwater will actually work out quite well. We will only have a 3 1/2 hour drive to Lancaster area - then the following morning a 4 hour drive to Fallingwater - spend most of the day there -and enjoy - then drive back to Lancaster area and RELAX enjoying what WE FEEL WE NEED & will ENJOY for 2 nights - then an easy 3 1/2 hour drive home ;-).THE END
Aug 10th, 2007, 08:22 AM
#29
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SusieQQ, since I changed jobs I am back to the starting point with vacation time. I have wanted to see Fallingwater for years. It will have to be a weekend trip with maybe one extra day taken off. It's either a short trip or no trip at all. (I'm saving my vacation weeks for "big trips" ) Lisa's trip is a 2-3 night trip from NJ. Unfortunately, we can't do it all sometimes. Thanks for the link and I'll do some more research.
Aug 10th, 2007, 08:32 AM
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Starrsville, This is my last post, I promise! But I just took a look at Amish View Inn website and the Inn does look gorgeous, but oh my, the Plain and Fancy Farm looks like a huge tourist trap. Certainly not the 'real" Amish! Please, there are better ways to learn about this lifestyle.
Aug 10th, 2007, 08:34 AM
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lpow-I am not offended at all. The Amish View Inn looks like a place I would like to stay.
However, after reading where you decided and why, I wondered why you asked the forum for advice, especially since you are basically making FW a day trip from Lancaster when you stated you wanted to stay somewhere closer to FW and it appeared as though that was the "destination", not Lancaster.
(Staying where YOU want and what meets your needs IS what gathering info here is all about--but many Fodor's posters go to great lengths to provide helpful info--in this case it was kind of a waste of (my) time, JMO, because your final choice wasn't what you asked for.)
Since you are traveling back and forth 3-4 hours in one day to lodge at the same place--maybe a better post would have been info about making a day trip to FW??
That being said, there are some great and historical sites around here, and the mountain area has natural, unspoiled beauty, is not touristy or cheesy and as laid back as you can imagine.
Anyway, I hope when you come to the area, first that you enjoy the sites and second, you might find a reason to return and consider it as somewhere to visit in the future for longer than a few hours.
However, after reading where you decided and why, I wondered why you asked the forum for advice, especially since you are basically making FW a day trip from Lancaster when you stated you wanted to stay somewhere closer to FW and it appeared as though that was the "destination", not Lancaster.
(Staying where YOU want and what meets your needs IS what gathering info here is all about--but many Fodor's posters go to great lengths to provide helpful info--in this case it was kind of a waste of (my) time, JMO, because your final choice wasn't what you asked for.)
Since you are traveling back and forth 3-4 hours in one day to lodge at the same place--maybe a better post would have been info about making a day trip to FW??
That being said, there are some great and historical sites around here, and the mountain area has natural, unspoiled beauty, is not touristy or cheesy and as laid back as you can imagine.
Anyway, I hope when you come to the area, first that you enjoy the sites and second, you might find a reason to return and consider it as somewhere to visit in the future for longer than a few hours.
Aug 10th, 2007, 09:06 AM
#33
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Okay, not the end evidently -
SusieQQ - After more than 11 trips to the Lancaster area - at this point we are not looking to "learn about their lifestyle" -we just love the farmlands, gardens, etc.. (and shoofly pie & chow chow) and I am quite aware of all of the tourist traps overtaking the area - yes, right next door to the hotel we are staying in. It is just a nice clean place with a fireplace & whirlpool - lovely furniture, great view - yada, yada, yada... It is what we want.
Hugglynn, I asked my initial question because at that point, I did not know what was in the area. After finding out - via this forum and other information I sought out, it became more clear that the kind of place we wanted, was not in the area - so we constructed a plan that fit our needs and desires.
I also never inferred that the area in and around Fallingwater was cheesy or touristy. We just have no desire (at this time) to spend time in Pittsburgh, nor do we want to stay at a B&B - or at the Summit, Seven Springs - or Hidden Valley or Nemacolin.
We all have our comfort levels - what we find acceptable - and not acceptable in a hotel, restaurant, etc.
HECK, maybe we just should have gone to Mohonk Mountain House in NY instead!
SusieQQ - After more than 11 trips to the Lancaster area - at this point we are not looking to "learn about their lifestyle" -we just love the farmlands, gardens, etc.. (and shoofly pie & chow chow) and I am quite aware of all of the tourist traps overtaking the area - yes, right next door to the hotel we are staying in. It is just a nice clean place with a fireplace & whirlpool - lovely furniture, great view - yada, yada, yada... It is what we want.
Hugglynn, I asked my initial question because at that point, I did not know what was in the area. After finding out - via this forum and other information I sought out, it became more clear that the kind of place we wanted, was not in the area - so we constructed a plan that fit our needs and desires.
I also never inferred that the area in and around Fallingwater was cheesy or touristy. We just have no desire (at this time) to spend time in Pittsburgh, nor do we want to stay at a B&B - or at the Summit, Seven Springs - or Hidden Valley or Nemacolin.
We all have our comfort levels - what we find acceptable - and not acceptable in a hotel, restaurant, etc.
HECK, maybe we just should have gone to Mohonk Mountain House in NY instead!
Aug 11th, 2007, 07:34 PM
#34
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Wow, this is a crazy thread, but for some reason, I'm going to get involved...
First, I live in Lancaster. And yes, most of the area is over-rated and touristy. But the OP seems to realize that so what is the problem? It's not like she's coming to Lancaster to see the sights.
Second, western PA is great and Pittsburgh is my fave US city, but the OP didn't seem to find what she was looking for there. She realizes she has to drive 4 hrs to see what she's coming to see, so what's the harm?
And third, what is the problem with the original question and her final decision? All she asked for was a nice/not stuffy place between NJ and Fallingwater...Lancaster and the Amish View Inn fit that bill.
So, finally, Lisa, if you want some recommendations on parts of Lancaster that you may not be familiar with (like the city...which is sooo far from 'Amish Country'), please let me know...I'd be happy to help you!
Starrsville...same goes for you if you ever make it here!
First, I live in Lancaster. And yes, most of the area is over-rated and touristy. But the OP seems to realize that so what is the problem? It's not like she's coming to Lancaster to see the sights.
Second, western PA is great and Pittsburgh is my fave US city, but the OP didn't seem to find what she was looking for there. She realizes she has to drive 4 hrs to see what she's coming to see, so what's the harm?
And third, what is the problem with the original question and her final decision? All she asked for was a nice/not stuffy place between NJ and Fallingwater...Lancaster and the Amish View Inn fit that bill.
So, finally, Lisa, if you want some recommendations on parts of Lancaster that you may not be familiar with (like the city...which is sooo far from 'Amish Country'), please let me know...I'd be happy to help you!
Starrsville...same goes for you if you ever make it here!
Aug 12th, 2007, 03:38 AM
#35
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THANKS SuCo27!!
Actually, I do have a question for you - I know there are some wineries in the area - any special ones you can tell me about? I'd be more interested in seeing the wine-making process than tasting - although hubby may feel differently - he's the wine drinker.
Thanks again!
Lisa
Actually, I do have a question for you - I know there are some wineries in the area - any special ones you can tell me about? I'd be more interested in seeing the wine-making process than tasting - although hubby may feel differently - he's the wine drinker.
Thanks again!
Lisa
Aug 12th, 2007, 01:07 PM
#36
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Hmm...wineries. That's actually something I've never done in the area, or anywhere in the US (Italy, but not here). I can tell you that the two most popular wineries around here are probably Nissley Vineyards in the western end of Lanc County and Chaddsford Winery which is actually in Chester County. I've had some Nissley wines and they're actually pretty good. Never had a Chaddsford wine, but you see them everywhere here. Both wineries would be about 45 mins to an hour from the Amishview Inn but in opposite directions.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help with this one! Although, you've got me thinking about doing a tour or two! Let me know if I can help with anything else!
Sorry I couldn't be of more help with this one! Although, you've got me thinking about doing a tour or two!
Let me know if I can help with anything else!
Aug 8th, 2017, 07:37 AM
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Lisa, I grew up right outside of Pittsburgh and had thought of the same resorts and places other people mentioned. I understand your need to stay somewhere that is a known quantity. My only question is factoring in the driving. You'll be driving about 8 hours RT to see FW and KK. That is a long day for many people. I've been to FW in the winter and in the summer. It's a wonderful visit! Since you will be there over a weekend, be sure to buy your tickets in advance. Enjoy your trip!
