Posted in Pennsylvania
January 22, 2017
This Road Trip To Pennsylvania’s Most Majestic Castles Is Like Something From A Fairytale
Once upon a time…there was a magical road trip that lead to perhaps Pennsylvania’s best castles, spectacular structures that house spas, museums, and memories of the past. Gas up your car and pack your bags because it’s time to hit the road on this fairy tale road trip that will lead you to some of Pennsylvania’s most stunning castles.
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The great thing about a road trip is you can adjust it to your needs. The following itinerary will take you to seven different castles - spanning over 600 miles in 10.5 hours. If you're short on time, you might want to focus on one particular area rather than driving the entire 600 miles.
Begin your fairy tale journey at Woodmont in Gladwyne, a place of peace. The site of the International Peace Mission Movement, a movement that kicked off during the Great Depression, beckons visitors with its sheer beauty. Visitors to the castle, which sits atop a hill on 72 acres, welcomes visitors on free guided tours. Woodmont is open to the public each Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October. The castle also welcomes visitors each year from September 10 through the 12.
Drink in the breathtaking architecture at Glencairn Museum, a stunning castle that serves as a museum of religious history and art. Originally the home of the Pitcairn family, the castle took 11 years - from 1928 to 1938 - to build. Today, visitors of all faiths visit to tour the museum, to celebrate Christmas in the Castle, and to embark on a one-hour guided Easter-season tour. To ensure you get to tour the museum, make reservations in advance.
The Mercer Museum - the inspiration of Henry Mercer - attracts visitors with its stunning architecture and for the very rare collection it houses. Mercer collected and preserved artifacts dating back to pre-industrial civilization, including a carriage, a whale boat, and photographs. Be prepared if you want to see everything the castle houses because it will take some time to see the 40,000 items displayed in more than 50 rooms.
Just over a mile from Mercer Museum proudly stands Fonthill Castle, the one-time home of Henry Chapman Mercer, a prominent American archaeologist. The palatial castle boasts a whopping 44 rooms with more than 200 windows, 10 bathrooms, and 18 fireplaces. Make reservations in advance to ensure you get to tour the castle.
Discover unparalleled beauty and rich Pennsylvania heritage at Grey Towers, a sprawling estate highlighted by the spectacular castle. Built in 1886 for the Pinchot family, Grey Towers eventually became the birthplace - thanks to Pinchot son Gifford - of the conservation movement and the U.S. Forest Service. Embark on a tour of the castle then stroll through the grounds when you visit this piece of Pennsylvania history.
Our second to the last stop of this statewide road trip brings us to a castle of luxury. The stately Buhl Castle hosts guests who want to escape from the harsh realities of every day life and offers spa treatments and luxurious getaways. Named the Best Weekend Getaway by Dream Vacation Magazine last year, Buhl Castle promises to pamper you and to allow you to relax in a fairy tale setting.
Our fairy tale tour ends at Nemacolin Castle, also commonly referred to as Bowman's Castle. The impressive structure dates back to the 1790s. Built by the Bowman family, Nemacolin Castle remained the family home until the final member died in 1959. Once the Bowman family was gone, the castle became a museum. Visitors flock to the museum for a dual purpose: To experience its beauty and to discover for themselves if, as local lure says, the castle is haunted.
Hit the road on this unforgettable road trip to Pennsylvania’s best castles then add these 10 amazing road trips to your PA bucket list.
Address: 1622 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne, PA. 19035
Address: 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
Address: 84 S Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Address: 525 E Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Address: 151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford, PA 18337
Address: 422 E State Street, Sharon, PA 16146
Address: 136 Front Street, Brownsville, PA 15417
