HISTORY Historic Hotels of America Get a glimpse into bygone eras when you get away at one of the many Pennsylvania properties that are part of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These beautifully preserved buildings throughout the state tell the story of Pennsylvania’s past and, to this day, the old-school charm and personalized service feels like stepping back in time. In Pittsburgh, stroll beneath the crystal chandeliers at Omni William Penn Hotel , built in 1916 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, and take in its gilded grandeur before sipping a cocktail in the clandestine Speakeasy lounge or retiring to one of the luxurious rooms. Escape to luxury in the midst of the Pocono Mountains’ rugged wilderness at Skytop Lodge , a 1928 Dutch Colonial-style stone manor in Skytop surrounded by miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, an award-winning golf course, and picturesque Skytop Lake. Dine on farm-to-table fare at the onsite Windsor restaurant before retiring to your suite or cozy cottage. Inspired by his own travels to the Mediterranean, chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey built The Hotel Hershey in 1933. This AAA Four Diamond-rated resort in Hershey incorporates Spanish-style patios, intricate tilework, a grand fountain, and a circular dining room. Stay at this historic resort in “Chocolate Town U.S.A” and enjoy free admission to nearby Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. Nestled in the heart of Wellsboro where gas-lit streetlamps line Main Street, the historic Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge is a beacon from the past—1869, to be exact. Get cozy by the lobby’s wood-burning fireplace and savor Sunday brunch in the Mary Wells Dining Room. been transformed into one-of-a-kind lodging. Sprawling across 150 acres in Fogelsville, the picturesque property of Glasbern Inn has grown from a modest spring house built in 1870 to numerous cottages, converted barns, an onsite spa, and event venues. Or, spend the night in one of the mansion rooms or carriage house suites of The Sayre Mansion , an 1800s Gothic Revival-style mansion in Bethlehem that was once home to Robert Heysham Sayre, chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Cork Factory Hotel Lancaster FORMER FACTORIES & FARMS Nodding to Pennsylvania’s past as an epicenter of industry, several hotels now occupy historic spaces where businesses once bustled with workers. The Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster formerly housed the Armstrong Cork and Kerr Glass companies within its brick walls. Now, you’ll find modern amenities in its plush rooms and upscale cuisine in its restaurants. At Hawley’s Ledges Hotel , which was the site of the O’Connor Glass Factory during the 1890s, sweeping views of the river gorge falls, streamlined architecture, and eco-friendly amenities are the draw. Meanwhile, in Leola, The Inn at Leola Village —originally an Amish tobacco farm established in 1867—is now a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Four Star experience. HOMES-TURNED-HOTELS Experience the life of luxury when you get away to historic homes that have The Sayre Mansion Bethlehem 12 visitPA.com
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2021: Page 12
