riving through the rugged and beautiful Allegheny Mountains, luxury feels like a world away. But just 1.5 hours southeast of Pittsburgh lies Nemacolin—a private, year-round luxury resort hidden in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. This self-contained wonderland of adventure offers an unparalleled array of activities, amenities, and real-life magic.
Nemacolin is home to three distinct hotels: The Grand Lodge, The Chateau, and Falling Rock, each offering its own unique charm and luxurious accommodations. The resort also features world-class restaurants, a spa, and a holistic wellness center, catering to those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
For the adventurous, Nemacolin provides a wide range of activities, including golf courses, fishing, clay shooting, and a ski area. Guests can also enjoy a year-round heated outdoor pool, cosmic bowling, axe throwing, art classes, an equestrian center, animal experiences, an ice cream parlor, a patisserie, and more. So much more.
And there’s nothing else like it.
The Nemacolin Story
The Nemacolin story began in 1987 with Joseph A. Hardy III, a self-made visionary and founder of the 84 Lumber Company. He was looking for a piece of property with water access so his daughter Maggie could go fishing. After attending an auction, he ended up with a few hundred acres, a small hunting lodge, and a golf course.
Fast forward more than 35 years, Joseph and Maggie Hardy worked together to transform the property into a year-round luxury resort, now spanning over 2,200 acres of lush woodlands.
Maggie now runs the resort with her son PJ Magerko Liquorice. They carry on the legacy of Mr. Hardy, while expanding the vision of Nemacolin, with one goal in mind – offering guests and members an unparalleled resort experience with a dash of magic. Mission accomplished.
Some may say there’s no such thing as perfect, but I found Nemacolin is as close as it gets.
We spent 3 magical nights at Nemacolin to experience it in all its glory. Here’s where we stayed, what we did, and where we dine during our visit.
Nemacolin: The Ultimate Destination Resort
DAY 1: Checking In To The Grand Lodge
The Grand Lodge is Like a Luxury Alpine Chalet in the PA Mountains
For our stay we had a room reserved in The Grand Lodge, a classic Tudor-style luxury hotel and the original hotel on the property. Here along with 56 suites, there’s also their signature restaurant Fawn and Fable, Circle Bar and The Study, and luxury shopping.
Pulling up to The Grand Lodge we were immediately greeted by a team of friendly valets. The concierge thoughtfully had our room ready earlier than scheduled with an offer of champagne and the keys to our room. Don’t mind if I do.
Nemacolin is known for their incredible service, but they take it step further than what you would expect at luxury resorts. One of those special touches is their personalized butler service. Stay at The Grand Lodge, Falling Rock, or the club floor of The Chateau and you get your very own personal butler.
They’ll get you anything you need including making and serving your morning coffee, unpacking your luggage, pressing your clothes, making reservations and itineraries, or delivering you a special treat late at night.
We were introduced to our very own friendly and helpful butler Kai, who escorted us and our luggage up to our stunningly beautiful expansive suite. With mountain views, a luxe living area, and king bedroom with a marble fireplace, it was like walking into a page from Architectural Digest.
