On a recent road trip through PA, I had the opportunity to stay at the most incredible lodge in the Laurel Highlands (think western PA). If you’ve read any of my travel blogs before this one, you likely know that high on my list of “must haves” when traveling aside from coffee and a good playlist is a unique hotel experience. The Oak Lodge Bed and Breakfast was INCREDIBLE. Let me tell you why.
#1 – The Accomodations
I booked one of the cabins for our overnight stay. It has a king bed, a kitchenette, a tub, glass shower, fireplace, TV, wifi, porch with rocking chairs, and sitting chairs and table. That all sounds great, yes, but when you see it in person, it’s beautiful.
They also have a lodge with a few rooms as well as an 1800s farmhouse. Each room and cabin is very tastefully decorated and incredibly clean. When we pulled up (in the snow) to our cabin, I was shocked. It looked beautiful online, but the porch, the fireplace, the little note and cookies when we got there was just the most welcoming I felt without ever having to physically see someone to check in.
#2 – The Location
Not only are the cabins beautiful, but the location is so convenient. We chose Oak Lodge due to its proximity to Ohiopyle State Park. It’s about 45 minutes south of the Lodge, but on the way you can stop at Laurel Hill State Park as well as Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright house.
It also is close to restaurants so we had dinner at Brady’s in the next town over for dinner. There’s also a few little shops and restaurants in Ligonier which is only about 15 minutes away.
#3 – The History
The Lodge is nestled back a lane and up on top of a hill. What you come across first are the cabins, then further up the hill is the lodge and spa, and even further on top of the hill is Jimberg Village. This place was such a fun surprise. The village is an 18th century village that has an old church, tavern, mercantile hall, and other older buildings and structures. We were there in the snow and it was so magical to explore. This is also where breakfast is served and they host weddings and receptions.
#4 – The Hiking
The other pleasant surprise is that they have hiking trails on the property. They provide a map and the trails are labeled on the grounds. Since we got there in the late afternoon of winter, we decided to walk the trails for about an hour before finding our way to dinner. We walked along the creek and through the woods and it was so peaceful and pretty as the snow continued to fall.
#5 – The People
The first real “interaction” we had with people there was when we stopped in the store before we checked out. We got a chance to talk to those working about the cabins and village and it was just such a nice conversation. We did end up buying some of the maple candies and syrup as well.
Overall, this is one of my top 5 favorite places to stay. While I’ve been to fancier resorts, stayed in an airstream, found hotels and motels last minute, this little cabin was incredible. Such a perfect stay for a weekend in the mountains exploring the state of PA.
