Summer doesn’t have to mean crowded airports, delayed flights, or hours spent planning an elaborate vacation. Sometimes the most memorable escapes are just a scenic drive away. Within three hours of Pittsburgh, you’ll find mountain resorts steeped in history, lakefront retreats with endless water adventures, boutique hotels, luxury condominiums, and award-winning spas, all offering the kind of experiences that make you forget you’re so close to home.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a girlfriends’ getaway, or a family vacation filled with boating, hiking, golf, and evenings around the fire, these four destinations prove that luxury and adventure are waiting right in our own backyard.
Historic Luxury in the Alleghenies: Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
2198 Sweet Root Road, Bedford, PA 15522
814-623-8100
Tucked into the rolling Allegheny Mountains, Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa has welcomed guests seeking rest and renewal for more than two centuries. Rich in history and beautifully restored, the resort effortlessly blends timeless elegance with modern luxury.
Spacious guest rooms and suites feature refined décor, plush bedding, and balconies overlooking the picturesque mountain landscape. Six restaurants and lounges celebrate local flavors, while the historic golf course and beautifully manicured grounds invite guests to slow down and savor every moment.
The resort’s signature attraction is the award-winning Springs Eternal Spa, where mineral waters have been celebrated for their restorative properties since Native Americans first discovered the natural springs. During the summer months, guests can indulge in the exclusive Twilight Indulgence experience: a private evening escape featuring the famous Bedford Bath Ritual with aromatic steam rooms, hot and cold mineral pools, mineral deluge showers, hydrating mist rooms, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and peaceful relaxation beside a glowing fireplace. Food lovers should reserve a seat at the popular Friday night Chef’s Table, where talented chefs create an intimate multi-course dining experience highlighting seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity.
Lakeside Adventure Meets Mountain Serenity: Stonewall Resort
940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV 26447
304-269-7400
Surrounded by nearly 2,000 acres of pristine West Virginia wilderness, Stonewall Resort offers a breathtaking escape where luxury accommodations meet endless outdoor adventure. Guests can choose from elegant lodge rooms, private cottages, or spacious lake houses overlooking Stonewall Jackson Lake and the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. Mornings begin with coffee overlooking the water, while afternoons can be spent kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, biking, or enjoying a leisurely cruise aboard the Little Sorrel excursion boat.
When it’s time to unwind, the resort’s full-service spa, heated indoor/outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi provide the perfect retreat. Three on-site restaurants complete the experience with everything from upscale Appalachian cuisine to casual lakeside dining featuring fresh regional ingredients. Stonewall strikes the perfect balance between rustic beauty and refined comfort, making it ideal for couples, families, and anyone craving a peaceful escape into nature.
Maryland’s Premier Summer Playground: Deep Creek Lake
Just over the Pennsylvania line, Deep Creek Lake has become one of the region’s favorite summer destinations. Crystal-clear water, forested mountains, and miles of shoreline create the perfect backdrop for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel or a spacious lakefront condominium, you’ll find accommodations that make it easy to enjoy every minute on the water.
Cove Creek Lodge
19638 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550
(301) 387-5534
Recently reimagined as Deep Creek’s first upscale boutique hotel, Cove Creek Lodge combines modern mountain style with laid-back lakeside living. King rooms, double queens, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and pet-friendly accommodations make it perfect for couples and families alike. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, sip handcrafted cocktails at The Black Antler Lounge, gather around evening fire pits, or launch kayaks and paddleboards directly from the private docks. The expansive lakeside deck offers one of the area’s most peaceful spots to watch the sun dip behind the mountains.
The Suites at Silver Tree
565 Glendale Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
(866) 990-6852
For couples looking to elevate their getaway, The Suites at Silver Tree offer luxury accommodations where every suite includes a cozy fireplace and many feature spectacular lake views.
Guests can add thoughtful touches like in-room massages, gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries, or floral arrangements while enjoying on-site dining at Dutch’s, one of Deep Creek’s favorite waterfront restaurants. The marina offers convenient boat rentals, making it easy to spend the day exploring the lake before returning to relax by the fire.
Will O’ The Wisp Prestige Condominiums
20160 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550
(866) 976-2792
Sometimes the best vacations call for extra space. Will O’ The Wisp Prestige Condominiums feature beautifully appointed lakefront residences with full kitchens, private balconies or patios, and stunning water views from every unit. Ideal for families and larger groups, the property offers a sandy swimming beach, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, covered parking, and on-site dining. Spend the day boating, kayaking, tubing, or paddleboarding before gathering around the fireplace to watch another unforgettable Deep Creek sunset.
Ohio’s Hidden Luxury Escape: The Grand Resort
9519 East Market Street, Warren, OH 44484
330-856-1900
A short drive west brings travelers to one of the Midwest’s premier luxury destinations. The Grand Resort offers the perfect combination of relaxation, recreation, and indulgence. Guests can lounge beside cascading waterfalls at the outdoor resort pool, soak in the year-round heated Roman Bath, or enjoy access to multiple pools throughout the Avalon Golf & Country Club properties.
The Grand Salon & Spa is a destination all its own, offering customized spa packages that include massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, men’s grooming services, and advanced medical spa treatments. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply escaping for the weekend, the resort specializes in creating personalized luxury experiences. Championship golf, exceptional dining, beautifully appointed accommodations, and first-class service make The Grand Resort a hidden gem that’s surprisingly close to home.
Pack the Car, Not Your Passport
Sometimes the best vacations aren’t measured by miles traveled but by memories made. Within just a few hours of Pittsburgh, you can spend your mornings kayaking across a mountain lake, your afternoons enjoying championship golf or world-class spa treatments, and your evenings gathered around a crackling fireplace overlooking the water.
Whether you choose the historic elegance of Omni Bedford Springs, the outdoor beauty of Stonewall Resort, the lakefront charm of Deep Creek, or the sophisticated luxury of The Grand Resort, one thing is certain: you don’t have to travel far to experience a five-star summer escape. This season, skip the airport and rediscover the beauty that’s been waiting just beyond your own backyard.
