Small Town, Big Destination
In early March, the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) will bring its 2014 Basketball National Championships to Fayette County for the sixth straight year. The 2014 tournament is scheduled for March 4th-8th and will feature 34 of the top small college men’s and women’s basketball teams in the country.
As players, coaches and parents prepare for travel, they should have an understanding of the historic Laurel Highlands area that they will be visiting. Situated southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands region is a popular area for hiking, hunting, fishing, and skiing. However, it’s the other hidden gems that make the area a vast tourist destination for those attending the USCAA Basketball National Championships.
Fallingwater
Perhaps the most unique house in the world, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater is located a half hour outside of Uniontown and just twenty minutes away from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the presenting sponsor and host lodging of the 2014 USCAA Basketball National Championships. During the dates of the tournament Fallingwater will be open to the public on March 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th. Advance tickets are required to tour and can be purchased here.
Kentuck Knob House
On your way to Fallingwater, be sure to check out another Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece that can be found in Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania. Just minutes away from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the Kentuck Knob house is one of the last houses designed by Wright. The house is constructed in a way where it appears to almost be part of the surrounding mountain. The Kentuck Knob house is open for individual tours from 9-5 daily. To visit reservations should be made through the Fallingwater website. If you’re interested in booking a group tour please call. 724-329-1901. More information on the Kentuck Knob house can be found here.
Ohiopyle State Park
If you’re making a day out of visiting Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, be sure to make a stop at Ohiopyle State Park, nestled in the mountains in between the two houses. Ohiopyle State Park has been named one of the “Twenty Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks” and attracts millions of visitors annually. The centerpiece of the park is the Youghiogheny River Gorge, which allows for some of the best whitewater rafting the eastern United States, as well as kayaking, canoeing, and scenic waterfalls. Trails through the park allow for additional activities such as hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Just off National Pike and down the road from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is yet another treasure of the Laurel Highlands. Named by George Washington, the Fort Necessity National Battlefield preserves the memory of the first battle of the French and Indian War and the first of Washington’s military career. Along with visiting the main site of Fort Neccessity, one mile away in a separate unit of the park is the monument symbolizing the grave of General Edward Braddock. The legendary British commander led a major expedition in the Fayette area in 1755 which included the construction of Braddock's Road, a wilderness trail through western Pennsylvania that is still visible today. The Fort Necessity National Battlefield also includes the site of the Battle of Jumonville Glen, Washington’s first encounter with the French, with outdoor exhibits telling the story of the battle.
Seven Springs/Flight 93 National Memorial
Outside of the National Pike corridor, more activities loom. Seven Springs Resort in Seven Springs, PA offers many cold-weather activities including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing over more than 285 acres of terrain. Further out, just northwest of Somerset is the Flight 93 National Memorial. Located at the site of the crash, the memorial was made to honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who stopped 9/11 terrorists from reaching their intended target. For all that you can see and do in the area please visit the Laurel Highlands website.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Whether staying on the resort or not, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort offers plenty of things to do. For parents, the brand-new Lady Luck Casino offers more than 600 slot machines and 28 table games. The Sundial Lodge houses the resort’s ski operations, as well as offering a bowling alley, arcade games, retail shops, a bar, and dining options. The Woodlands Spa offers 100 treatment options, a heated pool, saunas, whirlpool tubs, and a fitness center. The Nemacolin Field Club offers fly fishing, archery, a shooting range, and other outdoor activities. While visiting, be sure to check out the wildlife habitats, the multi-million dollar Hardy Family Art Collection, vintage airplane hanger, and rare and antique car museum located on the property.
Second Annual Fayette County Hoops Festival
Lastly, make sure to check out all the events that comprise the Second Annual Fayette County Hoops Festival. The Hoops Festival starts with the USCAA basketball skills competition at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 4th. Wednesday events include a youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament at 5:00 PM at the Uniontown YMCA, and a Downtown Celebration from 5:30-9:30 PM featuring entertainment and vendors at downtown restaurants. On Saturday a Youth Basketball Clinic at 10:00 AM will precede USCAA basketball championship games, beginning at 12:30 PM.
For information regarding the Fayette County Hoops Festival please make sure to follow the USCAA Basketball tournament website and theuscaa.com.