Falling Water, Pennsylvania

We are thinking of visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water in Pennsylvania in early September.  We are three adults and would probably drive.  We would plan for a four day trip.  A day to get there, two days there, and a day to return. Has anyone done this?  What would be the best place to stay, eat, etc.?  Any hints are greatly appreciated.

I think you don't need that many days there. We went en route to family in Ohio. DH is an architect and we definitely got our fill in a day 

though Pittsburgh is great for food 

I've been twice.  

Once as an Architecture Student and again later in life.  

I think a 2-4 hour visit to falling water would be more than enough time to appreciate that great house.  If hiking around the grounds is of interest of course add that onto the duration.

Pittsburg is a great town.

about 15 minutes drive from Fallingwater is a somewhat lesser known FLW building called Kentuck Knob.  If you are all the way out there it is worth including that in your trip.

http://kentuckknob.com/

As far as Fallingwater is concerned, I spent a few hours there.  If I had had more time, I woudl have come back again on the same trip at a different time of day.  The site is gorgeous.

The closest town is Uniontown PA.  It is a charming little town about 20 miles from Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.  I have friends from there and can find if they have recommendations of places to stay.  I have stayed at the Hampton Inn there, but that was some time ago.   PM me if you want me to do that.

Pittsburgh is about 70 miles away.

Also there is this:

http://www.fallingwater.org/17/lodging

We visited Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob in a day and a half.  I think we stayed overnight in Morgantown, WV., and then returned.   

Kentuck Knob is a great suggestion, and you can stay on the property (see the website). 

Pittsburgh has an H. Baseball fans should not miss the Pirates' stadium. Nobody should miss the Warhol or the Mattress Factory or the fabulous Carnegie Museums or the four-seasons model train display at the Carnegie Science Center.

Definitely take Routes 78-81-68 for a much more pleasant drive than the PA turnpike (US76). Consider stopping at Deep Creek or Swallow Falls or Ohiopyle. 

If you are staying in the area, you can rent bikes at Ohiopyle and take a nice 11-mile flat rails to trails ride to Confluence for lunch (I like Sisters), and coast back to Ohiopyle (I like Lucky Dog). If you are feeling more adventurous, take a whitewater rafting trip with Wilderness Voyageurs. There are lots of great cycling opportunities in the area because it's right on the bike trail from Pittsburgh to Washington.

Speaking of (George) Washington, read up on the National Road and see some of the old stone buildings there, some still operating as restaurants (I like the Stone House Inn). The Youghiogheny Dam has boating and swimming.

If you are a history buff, Fort Necessity is nearby, where (George) Washington and his troops fought a large French and Indian force in 1754. There are some very nice  hiking trails in the area.

I'm a former Girl Scout Camp Riamo camper and lake lifeguard in the area, hit me up for more suggestions -- I just came from there today. If you don't mind rustic accommodations, my beloved first employer,a YMCA camp in the area, has fun fall weekend options for families and groups. 

For something (much) more luxurious, between here and there, look at the Omni resort in Bedford Springs, Pa. There are often Groupon deals, and the spa (which uses the mineral springs) and indoor pool and golf course and overall experience including S'mores in a fire pit outside the pub are fab. 

This is not a terribly useful comment other than a vote of confidence, but I visited Falling Water and Pittsburgh just a few weeks ago. So impressed with both. Pittsbugh has great museums, lovely people and great food. If you have even a remote interest or appreciation for Andy Warhol, you must visit the Warhol Museum. 

j_r said:

Pittsburgh has an H. 

You forgot the einz.

DaveSchmidt said:

j_r said:

Pittsburgh has an H. 

You forgot the einz.

We spell it "yinz."

I Bob Walked right into that one.

DaveSchmidt said:

I Bob Walked right into that one.

Won't Dock you for it.

When we did Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob we stayed here, which was a little rustic (especially compared to the super modern hotel we were at before in DC) but it's beautiful and I recommend it throughly.

http://www.hartzellhouse.com

Pittsburgh is great.  And it's considered one of the country's best food cities:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/dining/pittsburgh-restaurants.html?_r=0

cleo26r said:

This is not a terribly useful comment other than a vote of confidence, but I visited Falling Water and Pittsburgh just a few weeks ago. So impressed with both. Pittsbugh has great museums, lovely people and great food. If you have even a remote interest or appreciation for Andy Warhol, you must visit the Warhol Museum. 

We did this a few years ago.  I would highly recommend that at both Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob you do one of the in-depth tours.  Smaller tour groups, and you get to see more of the houses.  At Fallingwater you get to take interior photos - not allowed on the regular tour.

We enjoyed our stay at this historic inn near Uniontown: http://summitinnresort.com/ 

We definitely want an in-depth tour. And we do want to see Kentuck Knob which is why we thought two days out there. These ideas are great. Thank you all!

Try this 5 star resort nearby. It's a beauty......

http://www.nemacolin.com/

orzabelle said:

though Pittsburgh is great for food 

Go hungry to the Strip ,  eat and buy your meats and cheeses to take home.  Of course bring an insulated container and ice.  In the winter stroll in 4 degree weather among the Steeler Fans and buy your orange and yellow sweatshirts and knit hats.  Don't dear wear Giants or Jets clothing

Would recommend staying at Nemacolin Woodlands.  Its close by and fabulous.  Great restaurants, golf, shooting, fishing and other activities to spend the off day.   

Nemacolin does look nice.  Looking at all options.  Thanks, everyone.