12/19/2023
In the heart of Somerset County, the holiday season unfolds each year with its own brand of magic. As we enter the week before Christmas, I wanted to share a little gift - A guide to the holidays in Somerset County! Whether you've been here forever, are visiting family for the holidays, or are thinking about setting roots in our corner of the world, I hope it provides you with some extra joy this holiday season!
Let's get to it!
🎄A Guide To A Merry & Bright Christmas in Somerset County for Locals, Visitors,& Newcomers🎄
**Courthouse Tree & Uptown Magic:**
The courthouse tree in the heart of town is a favorite each year, a familiar sight for old-timers and a newfound joy for those discovering it for the first time. This is also a perfect spot to begin exploring the charm of uptown. Admire the festive decorations adorning the shops and adding warmth and nostalgia to our town!
**Christmas Lights:**
Take a drive to the Zimmerman Family Lights in Boswell. This holiday-spirited family enjoys displaying Christmas lights synchronized to music; the show is so much fun! Check out the beautiful pink Victorian in Friedens just past the airport and stop by Weimer's Wonderland In Berlin!
**Cozy Cocoa Havens:**
Chilly December days are the perfect time to grab cocoa, cookies, coffee, and other goodies at Stacie's Sweets and Eats, Heirloom Pines Farm, Great Day Juice Company, Amy's Sweet Treats, G.I. Dayroom, Dough Girls Cakes, Cup of Soul Cafe, Ohiopyle House Cafe, Tissue Farm, or The Corner Cup.
**Lakeside Tranquility:**
Need a breath of fresh air? Escape to Somerset Lake for a moment of tranquility. Whether it's a spot you've frequented for years or a recent discovery, the lakeside offers a serene backdrop to the Christmas season.
**Local Spots For A Cozy Meal:**
So many charming options exist for a cozy meal with family or friends! Hank's Diner, Summit Diner, The Flyin Lion, The Fat Squirrel Ice Cream & Eatery, Coal Miner's Diner & Dutch Crumbs LLC, Turnpike Tavern, Blue Birds Cafe, Front Porch Bar and Grill, Pine Grill Restaurant, Skinny's BBQ, Rock City Cafe, Donges Drive In and Motel
**Unique and Handcrafted Gifts & Hometown Pharmacies:**
Have a bit of last-minute shopping to do? You'll find no shortage of unique gifts at local businesses like Cascio's Fruit Market, The Sewing Box Quilt Shop, Center St Emporium, Cinder_Shack, Somerset Hometown Hero Project, The Wooden Bucket, 1806 House, Michael Hertrich Art & Frame, Mayapple Marketplace, Curious Creations Studio, Covered Bridge Garlic Company, Sugar Grove Antiques, Whispering Pines Furniture, Byers Botanicals LLC, Duppstadt's Country Store, Small Town Wicks & Suds, LLC, Jar the zero waste store Somerset PA, Baker's Home & Garden Center, Yachere Feed, Inc., The Evergreens Candle Co., Miller's Olde Roxbury Store, Findley's Pharmacy, Mainline Pharmacy, Essentials for Health, Thomas Drug Store, or Berlin Pharmacy.
**Sweet Stops:**
Visit sweet spots like Hillegas Sugar Camp, Sechler Sugar Shak, Brantview Farms Maple, Copper Kettle Maple, Millers Maple and Honey, Four Season's Maple, Berlin Market, and Henrys Cake & Candy for your maple and sugar fix!
** Experiences:**
Treat yourself or pick up a gift certificate to try something new in 2024 at any of these locations: The Wellness Community, Laurel Highlands Guide, Harmony Hutch, Fringe Salon Co, The Makery on 601, Laurel Highlands Railroad Club, Laurel Arts, Sharon's Movement, Vi Straight Tattoo, The Somerset Historical Society, Alluring Edge Hair & Nail Salon, Meyersdale Area Historical Society, Acorn Artistry, Mindful Body and Wellness, On Fleek PMU, or Tattoos by Artful Alex.
**Live Music & Drinks With Friends:**
End the day with tunes and drinks at Glades Pike Winery, Trailhead Brewing Co, Whitehorse Brewing LLC, Rusty Musket Distilling Co, Mel's Restaurant and Bar LLC, Glades Pike Taverne, Forbes Trail Brewing, The Lodge at Indian Lake, or Tall Pines Distillery LLC.
**Local B&B's:**
Charming retreats abound in Somerset County. Meadow Creek Farm Guest House, The Inn on Main B&B, Stepping Stone Farm B&B, Yoders Guest House, Hanna House Bed and Breakfast, Ohiopyle Hobbit House, and Red Lantern Bed and Breakfast all promise an amazing experience.
** Unwind In Nature:**
Explore quiet spots like Laurel Hill and Kooser State Parks, Ohiopyle, and the ski resorts—Hidden Valley, Seven Springs, and Laurel Mountain. (Kim Hikes, PA, has several wonderful winter hiking itineraries!) The perfect places to unwind and enjoy the Laurel Highlands!
**Spin, Yoga, Work**
Are you looking for a spot to maintain your workout routine or catch up on those final work emails of the year? Check out Uptown Works, Somercycle, Morgainz Fitness, or Mystic Moonlight Yoga!
This is just a tiny peek at life in Somerset County. We have so many fantastic small businesses, services, and spots waiting to be discovered. Feel free to add your favorite holiday stops to the guide in the comments below!
I wish you warmth and joy this season, Somerset County! Happy Holidays! ✨
Karyn
