We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.
This year I spent time exploring Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, and let me tell you — it’s a destination that has everything: kitsch, history, whiskey, steel, mountains, and the cheesiest omelet you’ll ever put on a fork. It’s the kind of place where one moment you’re learning how coal becomes coke and the next you’re raising a glass of rye whiskey. That balance of grit and charm makes the Laurel Highlands unforgettable.
A Big Mac and a Big Smile
Let’s start with one of the quirkiest roadside stops you’ll ever find: the Big Mac Museum. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — a tribute to the iconic sandwich invented right here in Pennsylvania. Inside, you’ll find displays about the history of the burger, memorabilia from decades of advertising, and, of course, a giant Big Mac statue perfect for photos. Is it kitschy? Absolutely. But that’s what makes it fun. Sometimes travel is about embracing the silly, and this museum delivers a super-sized dose of nostalgia.
Whiskey and Warm Hospitality
From kitsch to craftsmanship, I headed to the Old Overholt Distillery, the oldest continually operating rye whiskey distillery in America. Touring the historic site is like stepping into a living timeline of Pennsylvania’s distilling legacy.
The tasting at the end was the highlight — smooth, spicy rye served with a side of local storytelling. Knowing that generations of Pennsylvanians have raised a glass of Old Overholt made my own sip taste even better.
Fire and Steel at Carrie Furnace
The Laurel Highlands also introduced me to an entirely different side of history: America’s steel legacy. Touring the Carrie Blast Furnaces was a raw, powerful experience. These towering industrial relics are awe-inspiring in scale and carry the echoes of thousands of men who once worked them.
I learned the difference between charcoal and coal, what it takes to turn coal into coke, and how critical steel was in shaping not only Pittsburgh but also the nation. Standing inside the furnace felt humbling — a reminder of the grit, sweat, and determination that built modern America.
Forging My Own History
One of my favorite hands-on experiences was a blacksmithing workshop. There’s something transformative about holding a hammer, feeling the heat of the forge, and striking glowing iron until it bends to your will. It’s difficult, sweaty, and louder than you’d expect — but so satisfying.
I walked away with my own forged iron project, not perfect, but proudly made by my own hands. It is a fancy “marshmallow stick” for use over those campfires – to roast weenies or make s’mores! It made me appreciate even more the skill and strength of the workers who once powered this region’s steel industry.
Breakfasts, Bites, and Al Fresco Dining
Of course, you know me — the food always matters. Breakfast at Braddock’s came with what I swear is the cheesiest omelet in Pennsylvania, gooey and delicious enough to make me consider a second round. Lunch at The Filling Station hit all the right notes: hearty, unpretentious, and made to fuel you for a day of exploring.
For dinner, the historic Summit Inn offered the ultimate reward — al fresco dining with sweeping mountain views, where every bite comes with a side of fresh air and sunset. And in between, a stop at Ridge Runner Distillery introduced me to locally crafted spirits that pack just the right amount of mountain character.
The Perfect Balance of Wild and Wonderful at Laurel Highlands
What struck me most about the Laurel Highlands is its balance. You can explore quirky museums in the morning, sip rye whiskey in the afternoon, and stand in awe of steel furnaces by evening. It’s a destination that’s proud of its past while celebrating its future — and it invites you to roll up your sleeves, raise a glass, and dig in.
If you’re looking for a getaway that blends kitsch with culture, history with hands-on fun, and hearty food with mountain air, the Laurel Highlands should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re chasing history, hiking trails, or just looking for your next unforgettable meal, this region has a way of surprising you — and staying with you long after you’ve gone.
