Best Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh
Places to Visit Near Pittsburgh This Fall
Head north from Pittsburgh into Mercer County this fall, and the drive alone is worth the trip. The hills turn gold and crimson along Route 422 and I-79; the mornings are quiet and misty, and Amish buggies still share the road with cars in some of the state’s oldest farm country. If you’re searching for places to visit near Pittsburgh that feel like a real escape rather than a quick errand out of town, this stretch of Western Pennsylvania delivers some of the best day trips and weekend getaways in the state, most within an hour and a half of downtown.
Moraine and McConnells Mill: Fall Color Along Route 422
Forty-five minutes north of the city, Moraine State Park centers on 3,225-acre Lake Arthur, where foliage reflecting off the water draws visitors every October. Rent a pontoon boat, paddle out to a quiet cove, or walk the Sunken Garden Trail for an easy afternoon outdoors. A few miles away, McConnells Mill State Park packs a historic covered bridge, a rushing gorge, and rust-colored ridgelines into one of the prettiest short hikes in the region. The two parks pair naturally for a full day outside before continuing north toward Mercer County.
Pymatuning State Park’s Spillway and Trails
Pymatuning State Park centers on Pymatuning Reservoir and is famous for the spot where the ducks walk on the fish, a spillway so thick with carp that waterfowl stroll across their backs. Beyond the spillway, guests spend the afternoon on the 18-hole disc golf course, one of seven hiking trails, or birdwatching near the Pymatuning Dam, marked by the castle-like stone Gate House that controls the water flow.
Volant and New Wilmington: Amish Country Shopping
Set into the rolling hills of Lawrence County, Volant is an easy village to fall for. Amish buggies share Main Street with cars, and an 1812 gristmill has been converted into a sprawling antique and craft shop worth an hour of browsing. A short drive away, New Wilmington holds the second-largest Old Order Amish population in Pennsylvania and a walkable college-town center, while the borough of Mercer is known for its domed courthouse and a square full of boutiques. Together they make for one of the more unique things to do in PA this season, especially for anyone building a full weekend getaway from Pittsburgh.
A Pennsylvania Castle for Your Fall Getaway
After a day exploring Amish country, Buhl Mansion is the natural place to end up. Built in 1891 in Sharon, PA, as a Romanesque wedding gift from steel magnate Frank Buhl to his bride, Julia, the mansion is now a ten-room boutique hotel about an hour and fifteen minutes north of Pittsburgh. A turret room, a gas fireplace, and a two-person Jacuzzi tub come standard, along with champagne waiting at check-in, an on-site spa, and breakfast in bed the next morning.
It’s one of the most photographed Pennsylvania castles and a fitting home base for a romantic getaway in PA this fall. Extend the evening with a treatment at the Buhl Mansion Spa or dinner at Ashley’s Fine Dining, the restaurant at sister property Tara – A Country Inn, just down the road. For couples planning one of this season’s better weekend getaways for couples, check out Buhl Mansion in downtown Sharon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Buhl Mansion from Pittsburgh?
Buhl Mansion sits in Sharon, PA, about an hour and fifteen minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh, making it an easy base for day trips throughout Mercer and Lawrence Counties.
What’s the best way to plan a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh in the fall?
Pair one or two outdoor stops, like Moraine or McConnells Mill, with an afternoon in Amish country towns like Volant or New Wilmington, then settle in for the night at a property close to both, such as Buhl Mansion in Sharon.
Where should couples go for a romantic getaway in PA?
Sharon, PA offers a concentrated romantic getaway experience, with Buhl Mansion’s turret rooms and on-site spa within walking distance of downtown shops like Daffin’s Candies and The Winner.