For 13 years I traveled for my job as an inventory associate for WIS International. I worked out of the Pittsburgh Office (3609) so most of our trips were in Pennsylvania with a few occasional trips to West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland. I got to see many places, and some very scenic. The countryside in Pennsylvania always had some picturesque views, especially when the fall foliage was nearing its peak.
I’ve since moved on from WIS and work five minutes from home now for Giant Eagle. Instead of traveling for business, I’m now doing it for pleasure. The road trips I like to go on are stranger to the beautiful autumn colors, decor, nostalgia I see along the way. Today I share a few of those experiences with you in my blog. These trips will take place in the Laurel Highlands and along the ridges. Nothing from Pittsburgh or going on the PA Turnpike or other interstates.
I was inspired by a fellow Toastmaster to write this blog post. She gives amazing speeches on places in the world and educates us on all things Geography and Weather-related. We knew each other from WIS but now I’m starting to know her better through Greensburg Toastmasters.
Three scenic rides I’ll talk about:
October 2022 (driving through Stahlstown on 711 after the Fall picnic at Laurel Hill).
We had our Fall picnic at Laurel Hill in October of 2022 and we couldn’t have been blessed with a more beautiful fall day. Getting there was just as fun as my ride home would be. After getting off PA 31 and going towards Laurel Hill, you are greeted with splendorous fall colors of yellow and orange.
Coming home later that afternoon, instead of taking PA 31 home through Mount Pleasant, I turned right on PA 711 and drove through Stahlstown going towards Ligonier. More fall colors greeted me and I felt tempted to stop in Ligonier and sit in the Diamond, but I ready to go home. I hope for a repeat experience this coming Fall. Note: I always take PA 31 when traveling to Somerset because I’m not a fan of traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike between New Stanton and Somerset
Various times (driving down 403 to US 22 from Johnstown; PA 56 to US 22; PA 271 to PA 711 towards Ligonier).
This drive dates all the way back to 2000 for me as we always passed through Ligonier en route to Westmont and the Hiram G. Andrews Center. PA 711 to PA 271 is nice most of the year but in winter it can be tricky. On our way back to HGA in my first semester, we even saw a little snow on Columbus Day. Our alternate route back to school was US 219 to PA 403, whether it was snowy or were coming from Somerset or Berlin.
In later years as I’ve made road trips to Johnstown I’ve traveled US 22 past Blairsville and gotten off at either PA 56 or PA 403. You see some beautiful countryside in the little towns of Armagh and Cramer. There’s also a place to stop along PA 56 just before coming into Johnstown and it’s really nice (Conemaugh Gap). The scenic overlook is the deepest gap east of the Mississippi. Eventually, you’ll make your way into Cambria City and the heart of downtown Johnstown.
December 2022 (driving down PA 31 from Mount Pleasant to Somerset; US 30 to PA 985/601)
Never a fan of the PA Turnpike between New Stanton and Somerset, I’ve always favored these longer roundabout ways. PA 31 takes you through the heart of Mount Pleasant and eventually up the mountain. You pass through Donegal and on your way to Somerset is the entrance to Seven Springs, turn right at Sarnelli’s Market and you’ll be in Champion. Kooser and Laurel Hill State Park are in your sights. Nice places to swim and have a picnic in the warm summer months. Both parks are of some importance to my family.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take US 30 and drive out past Ligonier and Laughlintown. Eventually you will find your way up the mountain and on top is Jennerstown. Stop for a bite to eat at the Coal Miner’s Cafe or Green Gables Restaurant. Just make sure you drive the speed limit because there is a cop in town and you will get a ticket if you aren’t mindful of it. The Quecreek Mine rescue site is along PA 985.
After a full day of travel, I am back home now. What a beautiful Fall day and I even stopped and picked up a few things in my travels. Time to sit down and relax with my cup of Starbucks coffee and enjoy a little Sunday afternoon football.
Stylish 🍒 