{"id":4581,"date":"2017-05-18T14:22:43","date_gmt":"2017-05-18T14:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.diningtraveler.com\/?p=4581"},"modified":"2017-05-18T14:22:43","modified_gmt":"2017-05-18T14:22:43","slug":"nemacolin-woodlands-resort-ultimate-luxury-in-rural-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2017\/05\/nemacolin-woodlands-resort-ultimate-luxury-in-rural-pennsylvania.html","title":{"rendered":"Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: Ultimate Luxury in Rural Pennsylvania"},"content":{"rendered":"
The pampering begins the minute I turn onto the driveway and past the giant outline of the famous \u201cfat bird\u201d mascot to the initial check-in gate at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, known as a 2000-acre playground in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania and most recently made famous for its host location on ABC\u2019s \u201cThe Bachelorette.\u201d<\/p>\n As I arrive at the gate, a friendly employee welcomes me and gives me directions to the property in which I\u2019m staying, the AAA five diamond Falling Rock (a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired boutique hotel). I zig zag across the resort, passing the famous signature Chateau and Lodge, the spa, shopping, golf courses and directional signs pointing me to everything from the safari to golf courses and the zip line. There\u2019s even a private air strip for guests arriving by private plane. I finally arrive at Falling Rock, where I\u2019m greeted by name and ushered inside to check in, where I\u2019m once again greeted by name, handed a glass of prosecco (yes, please!) and introduced to my butler (!), who brings me to my room.<\/p>\n I see the Frank Lloyd Wright influences immediately at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort\u00a0\u2013 the stone, the symmetrical designs \u2013 but where the FLW properties and furniture were known for aesthetics over comfort, here it\u2019s anything but. WOW. A giant, luxurious room overlooking the (while I was there) snow-covered golf course, pillows for DAYS, and a bathroom I\u2019m pretty sure was larger than my first apartment.<\/p>\n No time to relax though \u2013 there was exploring to be done. Now, I visited Nemacolin in early March, with snow still on the ground, but past the season of most of the resort\u2019s snow activities. But trust me \u2013 there are activities to be had. The adventure center has everything from dog sledding and snow tubing to go carts and off-road driving courses as well as zip lines and mini golf. The safari tools introduce guests to buffalo, wolves, lions, tigers and bears (oh my). There\u2019s an incredible art collection and eclectic sculptures dot the landscape. There\u2019s even Lady Luck Casino, but I refrained, having an almost uncanny ability to immediately lose my cash within about three minutes.<\/p>\n But that\u2019s not all. I head back to Falling Rock for dinner at Aqueous, Falling Rock\u2019s steakhouse, where FLW fans will notice his trademark chair styles and banquettes, and culinary enthusiasts will notice some truly remarkable artistry in the kitchen. The windows provide some fantastic sunset views, but the best view in town is going to be on the plate in front of you. My ribeye steak with a horseradish cream sauce was cooked to a perfect medium rare; the accompanying brussels sprouts were a vibrant green and had just the right amount of crunch. However, the real star of the meal were the scallops. Seriously. Get. This. Dish. Sweet scallops with just the ideal sear are served with maple pork belly, more sprouts (What can I say? I\u2019m a sucker for any dish that involves brussels sprouts) and a decadent truffle emulsion. I\u2019m still having dreams about those scallops.<\/p>\n I\u2019m glad I skipped dessert though, because as I returned to my room, I was greeted with milk-and-cookies turndown service. To top the night off, a\u00a0butler-drawn jasmine bath, complete with rose petals and candles. Kind of a shame I was there alone! However, I wasn\u2019t going to pass on the opportunity. The giant soaking tub may have been the largest I\u2019ve ever been in. Spoiler alert: the tub was so big my5-feet-tall-on-a-good-day self kept slipping underwater. All in all, a perfect way to unwind and relax before closing my eyes for the night in the lap of luxury.<\/p>\n Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017 with a variety of special deals and offers for guests. It\u2019s an incredible experience for anyone looking for a getaway from families to luxury travelers. \u00a0Resort owners say the only thing they don\u2019t have is the beach, however\u00a0they\u2019re working on it!<\/p>\n<\/a>
Photo Courtesy of<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Scene<\/h2>\n
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Photo Credit: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Architecture<\/h2>\n
The Activities<\/h2>\n
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The Food<\/h2>\n
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Photo Credit: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDream Bath!<\/h2>\n
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: The Verdict<\/h2>\n