GO Laurel Highlands releases 2026 destination guide | News
Special events, anniversaries and commemorations are expected to draw tourists to Pennsylvania in 2026, and GO Laurel Highlands has released a new destination guide designed to help them explore the popular region.
“The nation’s centennial is just the beginning of reasons to visit Laurel Highlands,” said Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands, the destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. “Our 2026 destination guide will guide visitors and locals alike through authentic images and compelling stories.”
The 84-page, full-color edition is available at locations throughout the region, including the GO Laurel Highlands Visitor Center in Ligonier. A digital version can be found at https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/plan-your-trip/destination-guide/
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the world-famous home and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dressed in bright fall colors on the cover of the publication, which serves as the main promotional brochure for the Laurel Highlands.
“To celebrate its 90th birthday, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater was selected as the cover photo, and Bear Run Waterfall seems to come to life,” Nemanic said. “The water theme is reflected on the back cover, where you can almost feel the splashes of water coming off the page. History, nature, recreation, fun and family are all wrapped up in our guide. Add to that all our amazing partners and you have a passport to perfection.”
Pittsburgh-based Nino Comanici built Diamond View, a beautiful new short-term rental home just outside of Ligonier that opened in late 2024. The new guide marks the first time his property has been mentioned in the publication.
“I’m sure a lot of people are coming to the area because of the marketing that GO Laurel Highlands is doing,” he said. “It will be great to be in a play that is so widely seen. I’m excited to see what the next year looks like for Diamond View after being featured in the destination guide.”
Fred Zeigler, a Fayette County entrepreneur who owns lodging facilities, restaurants and the Timber Rock Amphitheater in the region, said the guide is as valuable to his businesses as it is invaluable to visitors.
“The destination guide reaches travelers who are actively planning trips to the area,” Zeigler said. “This audience is interested in exploring local attractions, lodging, dining and outdoor experiences. Companies like Timber Rock get year-round exposure to a targeted audience in the destination guide.”
Jennerstown Speedway is one of the oldest short-track auto racing facilities in the United States, but Cyndi Truscott, director of marketing for the speedway, said the ownership group is always looking to expand its fan base.
“Jennerstown Speedway proudly attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, introducing them to Somerset County and the many attractions that make it an unforgettable destination,” she said. “We enjoy being part of the destination guide.”
The inspiring content of the 2026 Laurel Highlands Destination Guide showcases some of the region’s iconic attractions, from one of the nation’s oldest amusement parks to Pennsylvania’s newest state park. It contains stories about:
Laurel Highlands’ events and attractions to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
Family adventures, from the classic theme park fun of Idlewild & SoakZone to thrilling racing action at Jennerstown Speedway
Embracing architecture with homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob and Polymath Park
Four seasons of outdoor adventure, from skiing to stand-up paddleboarding and everything in between
Where you can rock and groove at the best live music venues in the Laurel Highlands
How the Flight 93 National Memorial will commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Unique ways to explore the Laurel Highlands, from bleisure trips (combining business and leisure) to hurkle-durkling (the Scottish idea of staying in bed long after the alarm has sounded)
How sports fans can get in on the game in the Laurel Highlands, a favorite vacation destination of the Pittsburgh Steelers and also home to the team’s summer training camp
Where art comes to life through museums, events and festivals
Unique lodging options, from Diamond View – the new A-frame home high above Ligonier – to a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Polymath Park
A culinary cruise through the region, highlighting everything from farm to table to sweet treats and decadent treats
How to play golf the way Arnold Palmer did – or at least where he did
The best stargazing spots in the Laurel Highlands
Where you can find festival fun throughout the calendar
Why the Laurel Highlands is about to get Pennsylvania’s 125th state park – and its first underground park
How to Celebrate a Wedding in the Laurel Highlands
What it takes to shop like a local
How to Join the Popular Laurel Highlands Pour Tour 6.0
Readers will also find traditional favorites, including a 2026 calendar of major festivals and events, business listings and a regional map.
