LAUREL HIGHLANDS, Pa. — The leaves are starting to change, and for communities in the Laurel Highlands, it means a whole new rush of tourists.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the area to see hues of red and orange and yellow.
After the dry, mild days and cool nights, the leaves in the region are popping.
“For seven years in a row, we’ve been recognized by USA Today’s 10 Best Contest for fall foliage, so it’s really known now throughout the country that some of the best fall foliage you’ll find anywhere is right here in the Laurel Highlands,” Laurel Highlands Tourism Director Eric Knopsnyder said.
There are dozens of events that capitalize on the beauty of the region, including this weekend’s Fort Ligonier Days with over 220 vendors and 100 thousand visitors who come to Westmoreland County.
“Fall is very important because this is a huge event that brings people in, but it’s really a kickoff for us. We will have events all throughout October here to invite people of all ages to come and see what we have,” Fort Ligonier board member Karen Markle said.
Other events include the 78th annual Ohio Pyle Buckwheat Festival, Idlewild’s Hallowboo and the three weekends of Autumnfest at Seven Springs where visitors can take a ski lift to the colors on the slopes.
“We had more spending in the Laurel Highlands than we’ve ever had before. I believe it was $2.35 billion for visitors spending in the Laurel Highlands, which was actually 9% higher than the previous year, and that led the state as far as regions go for visitor spending,” Knopsnyder said.
The Laurel Highlands also has 9 state parks, which are a nice free way to see the region’s colors.
The Laurel Highlands Tourism Office also has recommendations for other destinations to visit during the fall season.
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