Spectacular Lodging along PA’s National Road
published on April 15, 2022
There is only one true way to travel the Historic National Road in Pennsylvania — and that is with ease. With over 90 miles to explore and ample amounts of sights, attractions, and activities weaved into the significant path, it’s important to keep the road trip pace comfortable and enjoyable. One very meaningful way to do this is by staying at some of the spectacular lodging along the route.
Here are a collection of our absolute favorite lodges that capture the essence of what make the National Road so uniquely special:
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort:
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a truly exceptional 2,000 acre resort located in the Laurel Highlands in Farmington, Pennsylvania. The upscale lodging features 318 luxurious suites, guestrooms, townhomes, and private homes, making it possible to accommodate any family or party size. The spa, golf course, wildlife academy, pool, and ski facilities are some of the many highlights to make your stay a fulfilling yet relaxing one.
Here’s a wonderful review from a recent guest: “Possibly the best short vacation ever! We spent 3 nights there for our anniversary. It was perfect. You can quickly become immersed into the feel of the resort and it makes you think you think you are much further away from home than you actually are. One of the quotes given about the nearby Falling Water house by Frank Lloyd Wright was that the family ‘was living inside a work of art’. Nemacolin is also like that. The museum quality artwork is everywhere. The spa, the animals, the restaurants were all great – and the rooms in the chateau are palatial.”
Historical Summit Inn Resport:
The name says it all. The Historic Summit Inn Resort, also located in the Laurel Highlands, is a slice of paradise that was first opened to the public in 1907. Rich with history, the resort prides itself on preserving tradition and artifacts, with one of the last remaining grand porch hotels in America and the keepsake of the original hotel register that dates back to 1917, when Henry Ford and Thomas Edison brought the American Science Wizards to race down the mountain. The resort closes for the winter season, but this is one to add to the list when it reopens in April 2016.
Tara who visited in August 2015 had this to say about her hotel experience: “Turn back the hands of time. This wonderful resort made the entire family forget about technology and interact with nature. It is set on top of a lovely mountain and you see a perfect sunset. The food in the restaurant was fabulous. They even have a “Tree House Masters” tree house on the grounds you are allowed to visit. We had a wonderful visit and I felt like a kid again. Our family wants to go back again and again. I highly recommend this inn for a family or romantic destination.”
Century Inn:
The classic Century Inn was built in 1974 and is the oldest continuously operating inn on the National Road. The humble bed and breakfast located in Scenery Hill, Washington County has hosted many prominent figures in American history, including Andrew Jackson, George Washington, and James Polk. Unfortunately the inn suffered from a devastating fire on August 18th, 2015 and will be closed for the holiday season.
Clay Kilgore, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society, had this to say about iconic inn: “When you walked into it, you got the entire history of the National Road, as it went through the middle of Washington County. It was kind of a timeline. It has seen the history of Washington County from the beginning.”
Though it will remained closed for the season, the owners, locals, and history buffs alike look forward to its future reopening. Until then, the owners invite all those who have visited this beautiful historic landmark to share memories and photos of the Inn on their Facebook page.
There are so many lodgings to enjoy along the National Road in Pennsylvania! Which is your favorite?