Fallingwater/Seven Springs Resort
 

Well, we decided very spur of the moment to take a small trip to Fallingwater & Seven Springs resort this weekend in the PA Laurel Highlands. Got a good deal on 2 nights at Seven Springs and tickets for Sunday to Fallingwater. Looking for additional sites to see in the area, breakfast, lunch and dinner recommendations. We will be driving from Columbus, Ohio - anything exciting to see/do on the way? We like antiquing, arts & crafts, scenic views, etc. Thanks!

Was just investigating tickets to Fallingwater/Kentuck Knob for this weekend. Wanted some advice - regular or in depth tour? Big difference in price, is it worth the extra fee?

We took the 1 hr tour a week or so ago. It was pretty extensive in that there were not any rooms that were omitted except the kitchen but that is used as an office and I don't believe its included on any tour. We didn't feel like we missed anything. There is a big price differential and not sure why. Our tour guide was quite young but did a very nice job despite it being her first week. I heard other tourists mention that their tour guide was a wet blanket.

In between Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, there is a small village called Ohiopyle with a nice state park. A river runs through the town and its quite nice to stop and see the waterfall and watch the kayakers. We ate at a little pub by the railroad bridge (down a driveway where a river outfitter was located). Cannot remember the name. Not much to look at but the food was good (basic hamburgers and nachos) and inexpensive. We got a laugh at the sign on the door "No Smoking Thursdays 4-10pm".

Try to leave enough time at Kentuck Knob to view the sculpture garden - we went on the last tour of the day and were not permitted to go too far on the grounds as they were closing up.

Have a good time - we certainly felt it was worth the trip from Boston.

The main differences between the two Fallingwater tours are two, as I recollect.

First, you can take pictures inside on the deluxe tour. Not permitted on the cheaper one.

Second, there's only one deluxe tour per day. It starts at 8:30, and lasts about two hours. As the regular tours don't start until later, you're not dealing with other groups.

I'm dealing from memory here. We took the deluxe tour (it's been about 10 years ago,) and found it absolutely worthwhile. If you're a serious FLW/architecture buff, spring for the extra bucks.

We took the regular tour of Fallingwater back in July. It's about 1 hour long and I felt quite rushed. There was a lot of rooms and ground to cover, and pretty much rushed from room to room. Can't really stay long in each room cuz the next tour is right behind us. If you're interested in architecture or FLW, I think it's worth the in-depth tour. Like bookhall stated, the in-depth tour takes place early in the morning, before the "regular" folks arrive, so you have the place to yourselves.

Thanks for the advice so far! Any B,L,D recs? We will visit Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob on Sunday and would like to visit Nemacolin(?) resort after to have dinner. There are quite a few options there from casual pub to fine dining. Anyone have experience with any of these?

Last year we did the 1hr tour. It was quite enough for us, but that is an individual preference.

We stayed in Chalk Hill, and for dinner, we went to the '30 W Main' restaurant in Uniontown, which was very good. ((*))

Two more ideas for your stay -- for the hardy. You could whitewater raft in Ohiopyle, on the Youghiogheny River; done it, memories abound. Also you could go spelunking in Laurel Caverns; done it, worth doing at least once.

Hallkanea, would absolutely LOVE to go whitewater rafting. Unfortunately, we are 50somethings with bad necks and backs, and fear those days (along with roller coasters) are over. Years ago, we did a mutli day whitewater rafting/horse back riding adventure in the Colorado Rockies. Our kids still can't believe we did this when they view photos. However, you did get me thinking, perhaps horse back riding. I will look into Laurel Highlands info and see if that is offered. DH doesn't ride any longer (severely allergic), but he can read a newspaper for an hour or enjoy a local beer. Thanks!

Well, we are off tomorrow and just checking to see if anyone has any B,L,D recs as we are not yet settled into dining plan?