I just love springtime drives into the open country and western Pennsylvania offers the perfect weekend escape for lovers of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural genius. Tucked away in the hills of Donegal, Pennsylvania lies the architect’s iconic Fallingwater, the house which changed modern design forever. And while Fallingwater alone is worth a weekend escape, there’s more in ‘dem dere hills, as they would say.
Frank Lloyd Wright also designed the nearby Kentuck Knob and Duncan House at the Polymath Park, which are each open to the public and provide insight into what happens when neighbors want what the next guy has, bigger, better and Wright all the way.
Visitors can truly make it the Wright kind of weekend by spending the night in these unique Usonian homes and enjoying the vision of bringing the outdoors into these masterful designs. There isn’t much to do but enjoy the scenery and the architecture in this part of rural Pennsylvania.
The NextoKnob cottage offers a great alternative for a family weekend or girlfriend getaway. Up to four people can stay at the charming two-bedroom property just beyond the gates of Kentuck Knob. You make reservations through their main office (724-329-1901 ext. 203). The cottage is complete with country kitchen, spacious backyard and satellite TV. Hey, I even got to watch Derek Jeter’s last game as a Yankee while in the middle of Pittsburgh Pirates country.
The tiny town of OhioPyle offers a small town vibe where you can grab a meal and a fantastic Cowboy Burger at the Falls Market (69 Main Street) or grab a yummy maple donut for breakfast at the OhioPyle Bakery (85 Main Street) where the donut and a cup o’ joe on the pretty outdoor terrace will run you less than $3.00. For souvenirs and a taste of country cookin’ to take back home, stop by the Old General Store (3822 State Rt. 31, Donegal) en route from Polymath to either Kentuck Knob or Fallingwater.