It is always amazing to find out what put small towns on the map. In Ligonier, Pa., it was when the French and Indians attacked Fort Ligonier in 1758, and were beaten off by the British. Set in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Ligonier grew out of what was a stagecoach stop in the 1800s when stagecoach drivers hitched their horses to hitching posts around the public square, now known as the “Diamond.” Passengers visited local stores to purchase food and supplies, and local farmers came to trade their produce for supplies and to hear the latest bits of news.
Today, Historic Ligonier is a charming town that features over 60 unique shops and eateries that entice weary city dwellers to take a step back in time and enjoy the town, which is separated from the outside world by Laurel Mountain and Chestnut Ridge. Located at the intersection of Routes 30 & 711 in Westmoreland County, this town attracts visitors with its relaxing, friendly atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy its country pleasures, beautiful scenery, quaint shops, satisfying foods and good old-fashioned hospitality as they stroll around the town’s “Diamond.” Don’t call it a Town Square — the locals will correct you every time!

Campbell House B & B

For visitors who want to experience old-fashioned charm with today’s comfort, the Campbell House Bed & Breakfast offers charming accommodations with a Victorian flavor. Its uniquely decorated rooms, all with private baths, offer an eclectic collection of Campbell memorabilia. I guarantee you will see something in its décor that you will remember from your childhood. The Campbell House, an adult getaway, is a smoke-free bed and breakfast. Innkeeper Patti Campbell serves up a scrumptious breakfast each morning of your visit. She’s a pull-up-a-chair and sit-on-the front porch person who enjoys getting to know her guests. The Campbell House is within a short walking distance of the Diamond, shops and restaurants and within a short driving distance of Fort Ligonier, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob. The Campbell House was included in the Winter 2008 Edition of The Haute List—A Guide to the Best of Pittsburgh. It is located at 305 East Main St., in Ligonier. For information on rates and special packages, visit www.campbellhousebnb.com.

Fort Ligonier

To fully appreciate the history of the town, visitors should check out Fort Ligonier and take a tour of the full-scale, onsite reconstruction of the 1758–1766 original fort, situated on a hilltop in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. The Fort Ligonier Museum provides a portal to the 18th-century fort.

In the museum lobby, four reproduction colors (flags) of the British regiments that served at Fort Ligonier are displayed. This welcome hall orients visitors to the facility, directing them to the four exhibit galleries. You should begin your tour in the History Gallery, where you will view an eight-minute video, “George Washington Remembers,” highlighting the role of young Washington at Fort Ligonier. Visitors will then view the reconstructed/restored British fort with its recreated artillery train and interpreted buildings. Be sure to plan a trip during Fort Ligonier Days, always held the second full weekend in October, a very popular three-day festival commemorating the Battle of Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian War. There are many activities and events for the entire family.

Fort Ligonier is located at 200 South Market Street in Ligonier. It is open daily April 15–Nov. 30, Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday: Noon–4: 30 p.m. For information, visit www.fortligonier.org.

Mountain Playhouse

The Mountain Playhouse, located in nearby Jennerstown, is Pennsylvania’s oldest professional resident summer stock theater. The playhouse brings Broadway-quality entertainment to the local community. Housed in a restored 1805 gristmill, the nearly 400-seat theater is climate-controlled, and includes a snack bar overlooking a lake. The Jenner Art Gallery, located in the theater lobby, features the works of area artists. Each summer the Mountain Playhouse produces a season of exciting shows. For a schedule, visit www.mountainplayhouse.org.

Green Gables Restaurant

Before the show, have dinner at Green Gables Restaurant, a 1927 former roadside sandwich stand that has been expanded over and over again, into a popular restaurant and banquet hall that is next door to the Mountain Playhouse.

Green Gables Restaurant provides elegant dining in a unique natural setting surrounded by terraces, waterfalls, antiques, fireplaces and statuary. The menu is filled with traditional favorites, with an innovative twist.

A family enterprise, Green Gables is owned by Teresa Stoughton Marafino. Visitors will enjoy the unusual remembrances and collectibles located throughout the restaurant. Its banquet hall, the Tuscany Room, has massive oak trees (over 400 rings) dotting the four corners of the dance floor. The large hand-hewn beams and stones came from two barns in the region. Eight statues decorate the restaurant. Antique glass, china and pottery native to western Pennsylvania are displayed throughout the restaurant in antique corner cupboards and on display shelves. Each room has an expansive view of the stream that feeds Stoughton Lake and mountain wildlife.

On this memorable night out, visitors will enjoy the eclectic mix of natural beauty, hometown flair, excellent food and talent. For information, visit www.greengablesrestaurant.com.

Huddleson Court

Be sure to stay at the Huddleson Court, charming overnight accommodations in a unique country setting on the grounds of the Mountain Playhouse and Green Gables Restaurant. Accommodations are fully furnished, most include pillow-top queen-sized beds, luxury linens, cozy quilt bedspreads, cooking facilities and wood-burning fireplaces.

Mountain Theater Summer 2009 Schedule:

I’ll Never Be Hungry Again Satire Musical; June 2–14

Honus & Me Show for the entire family; June 16–28

Over the Tavern Comedy; June 30–July 12

The Pajama Game Musical; July 14–Aug. 2

Lend Me a Tenor Farce; Aug. 4–16

Bubba’s Revenge Country Musical; Aug 18–30