THINGS TO DO IN Fayette county
Explore the Area: Uniontown, PA – Watson Estate
At Watson Estate, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the best of southwestern Pennsylvania. Spend your days hiking waterfalls and rafting rivers at Ohiopyle State Park, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, or touring the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Step into history at Fort Necessity, Uniontown’s Historic District, and along the National Road—then return to the Watson Estate for wine tastings, café dining, live music on select nights, and evenings by the fire.
Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend escape, a deep dive into local culture and history, or an outdoor adventure, the Laurel Highlands offer endless ways to connect, explore, and unwind. And at the end of each day, you’ll return to the welcoming charm of Watson Estate — with wine by the fire, live music on select nights, and a hot tub under the stars.
Best for:
Romantic escapes, cultural & historic getaways, outdoor adventures in the Laurel Highlands
Top Picks:
Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright homes), Ohiopyle State Park, Uniontown Historic District
Nearby Eats:
Everything from family-owned pasta spots and farm-to-table cafés, to hearty taverns and fine dining for a special night out
From Watson Estate:
Most activities ~30 minutes or less
Top Outdoor Adventures in
Laurel Highlands
From the front porches of Watson Estate, you’re just minutes away from some of Pennsylvania’s most iconic outdoor escapes. Chase waterfalls and whitewater thrills at Ohiopyle State Park, cycle along the world-famous Great Allegheny Passage, or explore hidden gems like Robinson Falls, the Sheepskin Trail, and Laurel Caverns. Scenic overlooks along Chestnut Ridge offer sweeping mountain views, while the Youghiogheny River gorge is a natural wonder in every season. Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling, or simply taking in the scenery, Watson Estate is the perfect base camp for adventure in the Laurel Highlands.
Ohiopyle State Park & Great Allegheny Passage
Chase waterfalls at Cucumber and Ohiopyle Falls, paddle or raft the Youghiogheny River, and take in the mountain gorge views. Cyclists will love the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)—a world-famous 150-mile rail trail that runs right through Ohiopyle, offering scenic rides along rivers, tunnels, and bridges.
Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright Homes)
Two of Wright’s most celebrated designs are within 30 minutes of Watson Estate. Fallingwater, built in 1935, is the iconic home perched dramatically over a waterfall, blending modern design with nature. Just down the road, Kentuck Knob is a Usonian masterpiece designed in 1953, set on a wooded bluff with sweeping views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and featuring a world-class sculpture garden. Together, these landmarks make Uniontown one of the nation’s most significant architecture destinations.
Fort Necessity & Nemacolin Castle
Step into the past at Fort Necessity National Battlefield, where George Washington fought his first battle in 1754 during the French and Indian War. Nearby, explore Nemacolin Castle, a 19th-century stone mansion filled with antiques, period furnishings, and stories of Pennsylvania’s frontier history. Combined with the National Road Heritage Corridor, these sites bring the region’s Revolutionary and frontier era to life.
Laurel Caverns & Chestnut Ridge Scenic Overlooks
Just 20 minutes from Watson Estate, Laurel Caverns is Pennsylvania’s largest cave system, stretching over three miles with guided tours and adventurous spelunking routes. Above ground, the drive along Chestnut Ridge delivers panoramic mountain overlooks and sweeping views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. Together, the caves and ridgeline vistas add a one-of-a-kind mix of underground exploration and breathtaking scenery to your Laurel Highlands getaway.
Watson Estate
Ready-Made Itineraries
2 NIGHTS
Adventure
& Outdoors
Waterfalls, GAP biking, whitewater, overlooks, and scenic drives.
2 NIGHTS
Romantic Weekend Escape
Wine tastings, hot tubs, Fallingwater day trip, and cozy evenings by the fire.
2 nights
Culture, History
& Wine
Fort Necessity, Nemacolin Castle, Searights Tollhouse, Uniontown Historic District.
4 nights
Ultimate
4-Night Stay
Wright architecture + Ohiopyle, GAP, caves, downtown Uniontown, lakeside day.
Visitor Essentials
Seasons
Best weather: April–October; cozy winter escapes, too
Distance
~45 miles from Pittsburgh; ~30 minutes to Fallingwater & Ohiopyle
Pets Allowed
Pet‑friendly cottages at Watson Estate for your furry friends
Eat & Sip Local
Where to Wine & Dine
From wine-paired bites at the on-site Watson Estate Café to cozy coffee shops, Italian favorites, and historic taverns in Uniontown, you’ll find plenty of ways to eat and unwind nearby. Local standouts include Bittersweet Café, Falls Market in Ohiopyle, O’Gillies, Meloni’s, Caporella’s, and Titlow Tavern—each offering a taste of Laurel Highlands hospitality just minutes from the estate.
FAQs
Planning a visit to Watson Estate? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often—from the best trails and scenic drives to nearby Frank Lloyd Wright homes, caves, and family-friendly activities around Uniontown.
