Wine, Berries and Burgers Tour

Wine, Berries and Burgers Tour

Experice fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands

When the season changes from summer to fall, the leaves also begin to change from green to lively hues of red, orange, pink, purple and yellow. The vibrant explosions of color seen across the Laurel Highlands region make this time of year a favorite for many people. Consider taking this scenic drive beginning in Greensburg to see the breathtaking views our region has to offer.

Drive straight through the route and enjoy the scenery from inside your car, or take an entire day to make several leisurely stops along the way for added fun. Enjoy wine, berries and burgers at the noted stopping points. The driving route covers 34 miles and will take 1.5 to 4 hours (depending on the number and length of stops).

Attractions along the Route

Attractions along the Wine, Berries and Burgers Tour are the following:

·         Stone Villa Wine Cellar - Corner of Clay Pike and Alice,  1085 Clay Pike Road, Acme, PA 15610 Phone: (724) 423-5604 (Approx. 30 minutes into the drive)

Stone Villa is located on a 150 acre site in the foothills of the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. The name comes from ancestors of co-owner of the wine cellar Randy, whose grandparents were wine makers and stone masons. Stone Villa features over 12 varieties of grapes and over 20 varieties of wines. With the new facilities, production is expected to be around 15,000 gallons a year, but can handle 20,000 gallons or 10,000 cases of wine. A relaxing atmosphere, beautiful landscape and patio and tasteful wine make a trip to Stone Villa a revitalizing and memorable trip.

·         Polymath Park Resort-187 Evergreen Lane, Acme, PA 15610 Phone: (877) 833-7829

Polymath Park Resort features the famous Usonian Style architecture of the Duncan House created by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as the Balter and Blum Houses. Take a tour to marvel at the work of one of the world’s most celebrated architects, and enjoy wine, dessert or a meal at Tree Tops Restaurant. Some tour options even include a walking tour ending with an outdoor picnic or a horse-drawn carriage tour. Call the (877) 833-7829 x2 to book a tour and learn pricing information for each package.

·         Sand Hill Berry Farm and Greendance Winery-304 Deerfield Road  and 306 Deerfield Road, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 Phone: (724) 547-4760 and (724) 547-6500 (approx. 26 miles into the drive)

Sand Hill Berries is a family-owned and operated small fruits farm specializing in red and yellow raspberries, red and black currants, gooseberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. The farm also creates a line of products including jams, jellies, vinaigrettes and unique gourmet products. Fresh daily baked goods including berry pies, cheesecakes and cookies are also available at the farm and farm markets. Call a day or more ahead of time if you wish to place an order for berries and baked goods to ensure they have what you need when you arrive.

Greendance is the winery at Sand Hill. The Lynn and Schilling families of Sand Hill Berry Farm partnered with the Vinoski family, who has been making wine and growing grapes for years. Because of their dedication and award-winning success as private enologists, the Vinoskis envisioned a winery to make their passion available for all to appreciate. Greendance offers over 40 wines that are free for tasting every day. Their Nectar Garden and outdoor Cafe are open daily for visitors to sit, sip, and enjoy the warm sun and gentle breezes through the flowers. Weekends provide added entertainment with live music on the patio stage. A full calendar of musical guests can be seen at www.greendancewinery.com.

·         The Olde Spitfire Grille-1517 Broad St, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone:(724)-205-6402(approx. 34 ½ miles into the tour)

The Olde Spitfire Grille in Greensburg provides an contemporary but comfortable atmosphere with delicious foods for any appetite.The Olde Spitfire Grille specializes in American, down-home fare. Out of their impressive smoker, comes everything from beef brisket, to their house-smoked wings...try the signature "Mitch's Mambo BBQ Sauce". It is open for lunch only on Sundays, dinner and late night beer and cocktails Tuesday through Saturday. Dine inside or enjoy an evening of live entertainment as local bands play on the outdoor patio.

Description of the Route

· Start outside Greensburg at the intersection of Route 30 and Mt. Pleasant Road (noted as the Greensburg / Mt. Pleasant exit).

· Proceed South on Mt. Pleasant Road towards the community of Norvelt.

· After passing the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg campus, turn left so to remain on Mt. Pleasant Road.

· At the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Road and Kecksburg Pike Road, turn left.  A BP gas station will be a landmark.

· Follow Keckburg Pike Road to the village of Keckburg (approx. 10 miles).

· At Kecksburg, continue straight onto Clays Pike Road which ends at Route 31 in Donegal.

· Turn Right at the intersection of Clays Pike Road and Route 31 (approx. 15.6 miles)

· Follow Route 31 to the town of Mt. Pleasant (approx. 23 miles).  Turn right onto Route 819 and return to Greensburg.

Choose one or all of the stopping points to create a memorable experience this fall, and enjoy your scenic drive through the beautiful Laurel Highlands! Alternate routes can be found at the Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau. Click the link to find out more: http://www.laurelhighlands.org/laurel-highlands/outdoor-activities/pennsylvania-fall-foliage.asp