There is so much you can find out but just having a few words with a stranger. Let me qualify that. I only talk to friendly strangers.
I was sharing space with a group of people recently at a bookstore. We were all looking at a sale table of books and calendars. All of a sudden I heard one of the men say, “Where is Hershey?”
Tour guide that I am I chimed in with all I knew of Hershey, Pa. and picking up on his southern accent I asked where he was from. He hailed from New Orleans and was in Pittsburgh for the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships.
Wow. I didn’t know such a thing existed. The event was actually held at the David Lawrence Convention Center and the truck driving competition was held indoors. Shazam! How cool is that?
The man I met from the N.O. was competing for the first time and this was his first time in Pittsburgh. He had been to Mt. Washington and was heading for his second ride on the Ducky Tour.
I made a few other suggestions of attractions that he and his wife could check out while they were in town and he was most appreciative.
It’s amazing how many things we do not check out right in our own backyard. I finally took a visit to Falling Water, a great attraction right in our own backyard. This is a great one tank of gas trip for the end of summer or wait until the leaves start to work their magic and take a road trip. If you don’t have someone to go with have no fear this is a trip that really does work if you go solo. There will be other people on the tour and you can make comments to them if you just have to talk to someone.
Often solo trips give you a chance to clear your head from the worries of your life. The docents at Falling Water are knowledgeable and personable. Of course there is a gift shop and a small café and it is very easy to find with Mapquest directions or put your GPS to work.
Along the way you’ll find stands that sell homegrown vegetables and antique shops and Christmas shops will peak your interest. Make it a leisurely trip and just stop when the mood hits you.
There are a lot of nooks and crannies that you can tour in the area near Donegal. There is another Frank Lloyd Wright designed home about seven miles away called Kentuck Knob, you don’t hear about this one but while you’re in the area check it out.
From Falling Water it was on to my favorite spot, Nemacolin Woodlands. Again, right in our own backyard we have a five star resort that is wonderful.
If you just need to get away from the city of Pittsburgh this is the spot for you. The spa is out of this world and the service is world class. Save this location for a special treat to yourself like a birthday, an anniversary, retirement or that big promotion at work. When you leave you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated, your batteries will be recharged, who knew.
(E-mail the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com.)
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