Frank Lloyd Wright & Flight 93 - Somerset, PA

Duration: 3 Days | Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Frank Lloyd Wright's Kentuck Knob

Kentuck Knob, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a striking example of organic architecture, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings. Perched 2,050 feet above sea level, the house integrates indoors and outdoors with cantilevered overhangs and expansive glass walls. Constructed from native sandstone and red cypress, it harmonizes perfectly with the landscape of the Laurel Highlands. The 2,200 sq. ft., one-level Usonian home features a fully functional kitchen as its architectural centerpiece. Stone walls anchor the structure while rising to meet the copper roof, offering stunning views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge from the back patio. Kentuck Knob reflects Frank Lloyd Wright's principles refined over his career. Today, the interior reflects the taste and personalities of the current owners, Hayat and Peter Palumbo, who are committed to preserving and sharing Wright's architectural brilliance.

 

Flight 93 National Memorial

Explore the Flight 93 National Memorial, a solemn tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001. The memorial plaza overlooks the sacred ground where United Flight 93 tragically crashed as passengers heroically fought to resist a terrorist attack on our nation's capital. Our visit includes the Visitor Center featuring poignant exhibits, the Memorial Plaza adorned with the Wall of Names honoring the 40 heroes, and a stop at the Tower of Voices—a 93-foot tall structure housing 40 windchimes that ring with the breeze. This self-guided experience includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

 

Flight 93 Memorial Chapel

The Flight 93 Memorial Chapel, dedicated on the first anniversary of 9/11, stands as a poignant tribute to God and the memory of the 40 heroes of Flight 93. Inside, visitors encounter heartfelt mementos donated by family members and others seeking to honor these brave individuals. A visit to the chapel and the Flight 93 Crew Monument in the serene garden area behind it deeply touches all who come. The "Forever in Our Hearts" monument, a 16-ton black granite obelisk donated by the United Airlines Flight Attendants Cause Foundation and dedicated on 9/11/2006, stands as a solemn testament to their enduring legacy.

 

Quecreek Mine Rescue Site

Visit the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site where, on July 28, 2002 nine miners were miraculously rescued from 240 feet beneath the earth in a farmer's field just outside of Somerset, PA. Hear of the events from the time the accident occurred until the last miner was brought up and you will understand that God was at work here.  The rescue site has been developed into a beautiful garden and you will see the actual rescue capsule, the broken drill bit and many more artifacts from the Quecreek rescue and mining in general in the Educational Visitor Center.

 

Coal Miner's Cafe

Experience the Coal Miner's Cafe, a beloved local spot adorned with memorabilia celebrating the rich coal mining history of the area, including a special focus on the inspiring Quecreek Mine Rescue.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

This extraordinary home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is dramatically centered around a waterfall that flows through the home. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural marvel is celebrated as one of America's most significant buildings. On your guided tour, gain insight into Wright's organic architecture and design philosophy, and discover the beauty of Fallingwater and its natural landscape.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at the Historic Summit Inn

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a tossed garden salad, grilled herb chicken breast, sliced top round with mushroom sauce, green bean almondine, roasted red skin potatoes, and rolls with butter. Coffee and tea are included, along with a seasonal dessert. A vegetarian meal is available upon request.

 

Lunch on day two is included at Coal Miner's Cafe. Choices are (selections to be made the morning of day two):

Hot turkey with mashed potatoes, roast beef with mashed potatoes, or a grilled chicken salad. Meal includes coffee, iced tea, water, and dessert. A vegetarian meal is available upon request.

 

Dinner on day two is included at Pine Grill Restaurant

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a mixed greens salad, baked haddock (with citrus butter, paprika, and parsely), grilled chicken (with red onions & artichoke hearts in a lemon butter sauce), mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Also included is a seasonal cobbler for dessert and non-alcoholic beverages. A vegetarian meal is availble upon request.

 

Lunch on day three is included at Fallingwater. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Turkey Bacon Club: Oven-roasted turkey, hardwood-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, served on artisanal ciabatta

• Chicken Pesto Sandwich: Grilled chicken, arugula basil pesto, mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, arugula, served on artisanal ciabatta

• Garden Harvest Wrap: Avocado, onion, carrots, roasted chickpeas, spring mix greens, spinach, arugula, served in a whole wheat wrap

Lunch is served with chips, a fresh baked cookie, and water.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• There is considerable walking on this tour; comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.

• Kentuck Knob: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the house. Interior photography is strictly prohibited. Children must be at least 6 years old to tour inside the house; however, those under 6 can enjoy the Woodland Walk.

• Flight 93 National Memorial: Please dress for inclement weather, as the Western Overlook is situated on a windy hillside where temperatures may be cooler than the surrounding area.

• Fallingwater: Due to the gravel paths, we recommend visitors wear closed-toe shoes with a rubber non-slip sole that provides both comfort and support. The home is not air conditioned. Children under 6 are not permitted on tours. Interior photography is strictly prohibited. There are no public restroom facilities at Fallingwater; facilities are available at the Visitors Pavilion before your tour.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling and related gratuties are included.

 

Accessibility:

• Kentuck Knob: Tours begin on the shuttle bus and a short drive to the house. Some areas of the house are not wheelchair accessible. However, the tour remains rewarding and informative. There are 4 low stone steps from the courtyard up to the front door. A ramp will be placed over steps to the wide front door. This ramp requires installation, so we ask that guests please provide sufficient advance notice. If you need to sit at any point during a tour, please make your tour guide aware and there can be seating provided.

• Fallingwater: This tour involves considerable walking and standing. There is a 1/4 mile walk from the Visitor's Center to the house. The tour of Fallingwater includes over 100 stairs and one hour of walking and standing on gravel paths and uneven, stone surfaces. Fallingwater is a multi-story house museum with no elevator service; no seating is available during the tour. For visitors who are wheelchair users or who have difficulty walking, standing, and/or climbing steps, an Accessibility Tour can be provided that includes a guided tour of Fallingwater’s first floor, followed by a personalized and guided tour of images of the upper floors and guest house. Roundtrip shuttle van service can be provided between the Visitor's Center and the house for visitors with mobility challenges.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Hampton Inn Somerset (Somerset, PA)

 

Enjoy your stay at the Hampton Inn Somerset, PA conveniently located near a variety of local activities and attractions. The hotel features an outdoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.