The Hoppy Hiker

The Historic Summit Inn, built in 1907, is an incredible hotel and resort perched atop Summit Mountain. Our family always called the pinnacle “Uniontown Mountain.” It sits along Skyline Drive on Historic Route 40, the nation’s first commissioned National Highway, and the ride is beautiful with plenty of historic stops along the way.

If you’re exploring the area, it’s the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat or enjoy a cold beer inside the tavern. The tavern is small and cozy, filled with antiques to admire. Their bar top, made from hundreds of pennies sealed under epoxy, clearly took patience and skill to create.

The interior décor has an old world charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Large stone fireplaces create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying breakfast or relaxing with a Bloody Mary or an ice cold Mimosa while you read your favorite book.

Before heading outside to the patio, take a moment to admire the century old Steinway parlor grand piano in the lobby. Local lore says George Gershwin himself once played it.

Patio dining has its own special magic. From the veranda, you can overlook Historic Uniontown, and on a clear day the view stretches all the way toward Pittsburgh and rural areas like Greene County, Pennsylvania.

As I took in the breathtaking views from the veranda, I enjoyed a perfectly portioned spinach, cheese, and veggie omelet with Jewish rye toast. Add in a Bloody Mary made with their own spicy house mix, and I was a very happy man.

For revitalization and relaxation, the hotel offers two pools. One is a large indoor pool, and the other is an outdoor pool with a hot tub that shares the same sweeping view over the Uniontown landscape. The outdoor pool is the standout feature. It was revamped within the last several years and is usually not crowded.

I have stayed and visited here many times over the years and always enjoy reading about the history of the hotel. The hallways near the main lobby and dining room display fascinating old fashioned photographs, along with information about the hotel’s past. One of the most interesting pieces of history is the ski resort that opened in December of 1939 and thrived into the 1960s. It was known as The St. Moritz of Penna and used a rope tow that carried skiers to what is now a nine hole golf course. The golf course itself is a pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon.

The hotel has also been a retreat for industrial titans such as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. A copy of the guest registry still hangs in the lobby, showcasing signatures and room assignments from that remarkable era.

If you exit the back of the hotel and take a short walk uphill, you will find a treehouse built by Pete Nelson and his crew from the television show Treehouse Masters.

Secluded from the main hotel, the treehouse can be rented for small events or booked for a tour. The forty five foot suspension bridge that leads to the Black Bear Bungalow is an impressive sight and adds to the charm of the experience.

Wedding venues thrive during peak season. The upstairs ballroom is spacious and filled with large windows. I attended a wedding there once, and it was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The downstairs room is smaller and has a more intimate feel. Events such as art shows are also held there.

I have stayed in everything from the bridal suite to single rooms. The rooms may appear a bit outdated, but for me that adds to the historic appeal. The bridal suite is large, with a spacious bedroom, a living area with a pullout couch, and a small bar. It is perfect if you are traveling with a small group of family or friends.

If you explore the surrounding area, be sure to visit Christian Clay Winery, which is located on an old farm. They now feature a distillery as well, and both have their own beauty and charm.

Ohiopyle State Park is also a must see. It offers gorgeous waterfalls, hiking trails, whitewater rafting, and bike paths that run in either direction toward Pittsburgh or Washington, D.C.

Other nearby locations include The Braddock Inn, General Braddock’s perceived grave site, and Fort Necessity. Fort Necessity is where a significant moment in our nation’s early history took place during its 250th anniversary, shaped in part by George Washington’s defeat there on July 3, 1754.

Block off a long weekend and come for great food, delicious drinks, and high adventure.

Cheers!

The Historic Summit Inn 101 Skyline Drive Farmington, PA 15437