Innkeeper’s Blog

It is always amazing to find out what put small towns on the map. In Ligonier, Pa., it was when the French and Indians attacked Fort Ligonier in 1758, and were beaten off by the British. Set in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Ligonier grew out of what was a stagecoach stop in the 1800s when stagecoach drivers hitched their horses to hitching posts around the public square, now known as the “Diamond.” Passengers visited local stores to purchase food and supplies, and local farmers came to trade their produce for supplies and to hear the latest bits of news.
Today, Historic Ligonier is a charming town that features over 60 unique shops and eateries that entice weary city dwellers to take a step back in time and enjoy the town, which is separated from the outside world by Laurel Mountain and Chestnut Ridge. Located at the intersection of Routes 30 & 711 in Westmoreland County, this town attracts visitors with its relaxing, friendly atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy its country pleasures, beautiful scenery, quaint shops, satisfying foods and good old-fashioned hospitality as they stroll around the town’s “Diamond.” Don’t call it a Town Square — the locals will correct you every time!

Campbell House B & B

For visitors who want to experience old-fashioned charm with today’s comfort, the Campbell House Bed & Breakfast offers charming accommodations with a Victorian flavor. Its uniquely decorated rooms, all with private baths, offer an eclectic collection of Campbell memorabilia. I guarantee you will see something in its décor that you will remember from your childhood. The Campbell House, an adult getaway, is a smoke-free bed and breakfast. Innkeeper Patti Campbell serves up a scrumptious breakfast each morning of your visit. She’s a pull-up-a-chair and sit-on-the front porch person who enjoys getting to know her guests. The Campbell House is within a short walking distance of the Diamond, shops and restaurants and within a short driving distance of Fort Ligonier, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob. The Campbell House was included in the Winter 2008 Edition of The Haute List—A Guide to the Best of Pittsburgh. It is located at 305 East Main St., in Ligonier. For information on rates and special packages, visit www.campbellhousebnb.com.

Fort Ligonier

To fully appreciate the history of the town, visitors should check out Fort Ligonier and take a tour of the full-scale, onsite reconstruction of the 1758–1766 original fort, situated on a hilltop in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. The Fort Ligonier Museum provides a portal to the 18th-century fort.

In the museum lobby, four reproduction colors (flags) of the British regiments that served at Fort Ligonier are displayed. This welcome hall orients visitors to the facility, directing them to the four exhibit galleries. You should begin your tour in the History Gallery, where you will view an eight-minute video, “George Washington Remembers,” highlighting the role of young Washington at Fort Ligonier. Visitors will then view the reconstructed/restored British fort with its recreated artillery train and interpreted buildings. Be sure to plan a trip during Fort Ligonier Days, always held the second full weekend in October, a very popular three-day festival commemorating the Battle of Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian War. There are many activities and events for the entire family.

Fort Ligonier is located at 200 South Market Street in Ligonier. It is open daily April 15–Nov. 30, Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday: Noon–4: 30 p.m. For information, visit www.fortligonier.org.   Visit info@tripsandgetaways.com     www.tripsandgetaways.com To read the complete article and other getaway destinations.