Things to do / Travel Guide
The seeds planted by Carnegie and Mellon in Pittsburgh over 100 years ago helped overhaul and revamp the city's (and southwest Pennsylvania's) landscape. Today there's a good selection of luxurious hotels and fine restaurants within city limits; while outside Pittsburgh you can rejuvenate in one of the excellent mountain resorts and spas.
Luxurious Lodging in Southwest Pennsylvania
Within Pittsburgh you can stay at the Omni William Penn, a grand old hotel also known as Pittsburgh's Grand Dame; a beautifully-restored historic landmark with modern, luxurious rooms. This beauty's central hallway is bisected by magnificent chandeliers running the length of the ceiling, and framed by a complete set of Persian arches. It hearkens back to an earlier time of runaway wealth in the hands of people who knew exactly what to do with it. The luxury suites are fitted with all-cherry wood furniture, and include bedrooms and a parlor with an immaculately-set dining table. William Penn's spa focuses on the treatment of nails, while offering facials and massage therapies. For a larger focus on health, the hotel even features rooms with private and state-of-the-art workout centers.
Nemacolin, north of Pittsburgh, is a world unto itself. The resort is spread out over thousands of acres, and you have your choice of whether to stay in any of the hotels, boutique hotels, or townhouses on the premises. The top suites are Walden Pond and the Cottage at Grouse Glen. Secluded, you are waited on hand and foot and afforded the top amenities Nemacolin has to offer. Each has a fireplace and a Jacuzzi; yum!
Luxurious Dining in Southwest Pennsylvania
There are several hot spots for upscale dining in Pittsburgh. You'll find every kind of cuisine in the several blocks of the Cultural District, and the neighborhood of Mount Washington. In the latter you'll find such mainstays as the Tin Angel, serving seafood and steak of the highest caliber to discerning patrons. The combinations and presentation are most important to the chef and staff. You can behold the amazing dish of filet mignon and lobster tails, or the vegetable boat filled with meats and cheeses, stuffed grape leaves, and artichoke hearts.
The great thing about Mount Washington is the views it has of the downtown area and the Golden Triangle, esteemed by many as one of America's best urban views. The restaurants on Restaurant Row exploit these views; Georgetowne Inn's dining section is terraced, so that every patron gets a view. The cuisine in this eatery is American, with seafood and steaks fried to perfection.
Over in the Nemacolin resort, all your culinary cares are taken care of, with five excellent restaurants on the city-like premises. The best one is Lautrec, sporting a classic French menu and a top wine list. This French restaurant treats you like royalty, and serves a highly-refined selection of caviars, truffles, foie gras, and other delectable delicacies. Of course, crab, leg of lamb, and burgundy snails are also on the menu. The desserts are on a level unto themselves, a mélange of chocolate, puffed rice, and crème brulee.
Luxurious Activities in Southwest Pennsylvania
Just near the William Penn is Pittsburgh's Cultural District, a gem of urban remodeling. In the span of 14 blocks you'll find half a dozen theaters as well as art galleries and boutiques. One theater you should make a point to visit is the Benedum Center, formerly the Stanley. The white plaster and red velvet of the interior bring you back to entirely another era, and it's here that you can catch a performance of the remarkable Pittsburgh Opera.
Outside of Pittsburgh there are more spas to catch your fancy. One of the greats, indelibly marking the region a “must-visit” for spas, is Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa. The spa, with its basis in the Feng Shui philosophy, will totally relax and detoxify you. With over 30 massage rooms, and a professional staff practicing a variety of different massage techniques, you're guaranteed to leave much more relaxed than when you arrived.
Nemacolin offers a variety of activities, like world-class golf and tennis. If you're coming with adventure on your mind you won't be disappointed in a Hummer off-road journey. Or learn to ride a horse properly at the Equestrian Center. Back inside, broaden your horizons perusing the wine cellar or the cigar bar.
Think you've squeezed southwest Pennsylvania for all it's worth? Not before you've experienced Pittsburgh from the air, on a thrills-a-minute helicopter ride! See all of the Steel City's most famous architecture, buzz past sites you want to see - you've earned this!
The city of humble roots has risen to heights befitting the greatest of East Coast cities. Pittsburgh delivers! See the sites, taste the culinary delights, live the high life with ease and a dose of wonder. Venture out of the city for a pleasure-filled resort experience. The memories generated in southwest Pennsylvania will last a lifetime - visit this region on the up and up.
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