LIGONIER ― GO Laurel Highlands released its 2025 Destination Guide to see where and when in the Somerset County area and beyond are the best places to take the family or friends to visit.
The 2025 Laurel Highlands Destination Guide’s content tells the story of some of the region’s attractions, as well as some of its hidden gems and newest locations. The guide serves as the principal promotional brochure for Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties’ tourism information.
“The 2025 GO Laurel Highlands Destination Guide is a premiere publication that showcases our remarkable region through design and content,” said Ann Nemanic, GO LH’s executive director, in a press release. “Eighty pages will take readers on a journey to and through our 3,000-square-mile, three-county footprint. The extraordinary photography beautifully portrays the authentic experiences a visitor will encounter, and the intriguing stories will help them build an itinerary filled with adventure, intrigue and countless memories.”
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The guide highlights some of the unique lodging opportunities available in the Laurel Highlands.
“One of the most attractive tourism assets of the Laurel Highlands is the broad selection of intriguing lodging options,” said Laura Argenbright, senior director of creative strategy for GO LH, in the press release. “In addition to flagship hotels, the region offers a remarkable selection of boutique properties where guests can enjoy a unique lodging experience with scenic views while perched in a treehouse, secluded in a yurt, relaxing in a cabin or glamping in a luxurious tent. The destination guide provides information on how to find your ideal accommodations.”
One of the featured stories talks about our nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The celebration has already begun in the Laurel Highlands and “Celebrate America’s 250th” offers travelers a unique chance to experience key moments from America’s past.
“Great Outdoors All Year Long” explores Laurel Highlands adventures for the whole family in spring, summer, fall and winter. “Honor and Remember at Flight 93 National Memorial” provides a glimpse into the area outside Shanksville that was “a common field one day; a field of honor forever.”
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Readers will also find traditional favorites including a 2025 calendar of major festivals and events, photo contest winners, business listings and a regional map.
“Outdoor recreation in Somerset County draws millions of visitors every year and besides the immediate financial impact it has also created new homeowner investment from people seeking our outdoor quality of life,” said Ron Aldom, executive director, Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, in an email. “The Somerset County Chamber has been a long-time partner with GO Laurel Highlands and we support them in all they do to increase the number of visitors to our county and region. The destination guide is a huge tool in accomplishing that mission.”
Other story features highlight exploring the history, top golfing options, fun travel tips for bleisure (business + leisure) travelers in the Laurel Highlands. The “Laurel Highlands Pour Tour” encourages readers to raise a glass to the birthplace of American whiskey in the region that made it famous.
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“The Laurel Highlands is a distinct destination in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Page 32 will give you 10 reasons why USA Today thinks we are the best,” Nemanic said, in the press release. “Our guide is free and is the perfect planning tool for a getaway, day trip, or family vacation. The exemplary work of our GO LH team is ready for all to view.”
To order a free copy of the 2025 Laurel Highlands Destination Guide or download a digital copy, please visit www.golaurelhighlands.com/plan-your-trip/destination-guide.
Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 38 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. Contact the Daily American reporters at news@dailyamerican.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: GO Laurel Highlands guide lists places to go, things to do in the area