By Gary Bennett
For a luxurious getaway close to home, you can’t do much better than the Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, which is just up the road from Garrett County in far Western Maryland.
My wife and I recently visited and were enormously impressed. Be forewarned: Like most resorts, it is quite pricey, but for a special occasion, it is well worth it. They do offer frequent discounts of up to 25%, so keep your eyes peeled for those (check nemacolin.com for prices and special deals).
Nemacolin is in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region of the Allegheny Mountains that Shaun Butcher wrote so evocatively about recently in the pages of this publication. It is located just 140 miles northwest of Frederick on more than 2,200 acres of woodland bliss. It is an easy and picturesque two-and-a-half-hour drive from Frederick, mostly on Interstates 70 and 68.
Nemacolin is consistently recognized in the hospitality and travel industry as a superior destination. Its rankings include No. 1 best Pennsylvania resort, No. 3 best Pennsylvania hotel, No. 97 best resort in the U.S. and No. 221 best hotel in the U.S. Recently, Nemacolin was nominated for the Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2025 World’s Best Award. That puts it in very good company.
The resort is named after Chief Nemacolin, a native Delaware Indian who in 1740 trailblazed a route through the Laurel Highlands mountains between what is now Cumberland and Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
WELL-SEASONED
Nemacolin works well in any season. You can bring your swimsuit or your parka, and sometimes both! (We did.) Our visit was in early spring, but you can’t go wrong at any time of year.
In the summer, you can beat the heat with a visit to this elevated resort. The aptly-named Peak at Nemacolin is the go-to place for summer fun and a vibrant atmosphere. It features two spectacular pools, private cabanas, live entertainment and fantastic dining and cocktails. You can challenge yourself with the High Ropes Course or Jeep off-roading, then relax in the AC with a round of cosmic bowling or indoor axe throwing.
On a winter morning, there’s no greater luxury than sleeping in, curling up under a cozy blanket and letting your butler — that’s right, your very own butler — bring you breakfast in bed. You can enjoy that experience with Nemacolin’s bed and breakfast package. Alas, we could not afford to do that, but I’m told that waking up to the smell of nearby smokehouse bacon is the best way to start the day.
Winter fun at the Peak also includes everything from winter sports and heated pools to hot tubs and sipping cocoa by an enormous firepit.
Our springtime adventure included a day at the Woodlands Spa. The staff spoiled us with hot stones, a seaweed bath and “time-out” massage. Once your treatments are over, you can relax in the fireside lounge, spa pool, whirlpool, steam room or sauna.
WHERE TO STAY
Nemacolin’s three luxury hotels have their own distinct personalities. Most are in the $800 to $1,200 per night range (I told you: pricey).
Falling Rock is Nemacolin’s most sophisticated. It was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and features breathtaking views and unsurpassed amenities including a welcome gift, butler service and a daily happy hour with champagne.
The Chateau has a European feel including glittering chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sitting rooms and private balconies. Visitors can choose from suites or adjoining rooms. A harpist welcomes you in the grand lobby.
The Grand Lodge is Nemacolin’s most family-friendly hotel. It has a woodsy yet luxurious charm. It is perfect for groups or extended families since an entire floor can be reserved.
For the even more well-to-do, there are private homes available for leasing.
WHAT TO DO
The Peak is only the beginning. When visiting Nemacolin, there are 2,200 acres of fun awaiting you. You can feel the thrill of whitewater rafting and horseback riding, treat the kids to a tortoise encounter or a romp in the Fun Zone, and recharge with a five-star spa experience or wine tasting.
The Bleu Room is one of Nemacolin’s most coveted spaces, well-known for its numerous accolades, one-of-a-kind decor and handcrafted details. It is valued as a setting for private events, bridal suites, wedding photoshoots and even an afternoon tea experience.
You’ll be able to get your toes tapping with live jazz or cabaret served over cocktails at Nightcap, a new onsite nightclub.
If you go at Christmastime, you can enjoy “Elves After Dark,” a humorous review featuring Santa’s elves as you’ve likely never seen them.
For an evening of high-stakes thrills, the Casino at Nemacolin is a sure bet. It includes 26 table games, 500 slot machines, keno, video poker machines and an elevated dining area above all the excitement.
Nemacolin’s family-friendly experiences include two ropes courses, fishing some of the finest streams on the East Coast, practicing Ninja skills in the Fun Zone, paintball and meeting animal friends ranging from armadillos to tigers. Other wildlife adventures include Painting with Ponies, Big Cat Encounter, Furry Farm Friends Meet & Greet, Creature Feature, Dogsledding and Miniature Horse Mingling. You can even lead your family in the thrill of soaring through the treetops with two side-by-side zip lines, reaching speeds of 30 to 45 miles per hour.
If shopping is your thing, I recommend the Nemacolin outlet beside the casino, the pro shop at the Rod & Range Club, or the boutique at “Woof-land” Pet Resort & Spa.
When you need some adult time, you can try your luck at sporting clays at the Rod and Range Club, or play one of two championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye (babysitting services and a Kid’s Club fit the bill nicely).
WHAT TO EAT
The secret to a perfect evening at Nemacolin is to start in the afternoon! First, whet your appetite with a hands-on pizza-making or Italian cooking class at Gusto!, and then go for a wine or whiskey tasting with curated food pairings and a guided tour of Nemacolin’s wine cellar, one of the largest in the country.
No evening at Nemacolin would be complete without a delightful dinner. No matter what you crave, you’ll likely find it among the 18 restaurants, lounges and eateries.
You can sample casual dishes poolside at The Peak or indulge in a steakhouse feast at Fawn & Fable. The Forbes Four-Star Aqueous specializes in fine dining inspired by the sea in a sophisticated, art-deco setting for guests 16 and older. Nemacolin’s restaurants use locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal dishes.
Finish off the evening at Nightcap, where appealing cocktails and unique flavors are served alongside live entertainment.
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.