Fly-Outs: Enjoy The Finer Things
Fly to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Flying In: Nemacolin Airport (PA88)
Tall trees and buildings line the north side of the paved 3,845-foot by 50-foot Runway 5/23; expect low-level interference turbulence if winds are out of the north. The runway slopes uphill to the southwest, so landing on Runway 23 is preferred, wind permitting. PAPIs at both ends of the runway help you judge the correct approach angle, which can be tricky because of the runway slope. The runway is lighted with pilot-controlled lights, but night operations are not recommended unless you’re familiar with the surrounding terrain at this mountain airport. There is no fuel on the airfield, but numerous airports nearby offer fuel and other aircraft services. Free tiedowns are on the ramp on the south side of the runway, across from the lodge. It is prohibited to walk across the runway. Call on unicom or cellphone for a courtesy van. Permission is required prior to landing at this private airfield; reservations should be made with the resort’s security department, 724-329-8555 or 800-422-2736.
It is the kind of place where you can enjoy the finer things in life without taking yourself too seriously. A 2,000-acre destination in the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania, Nemacolin is practically its own little town. Numerous hotels, buildings, and activity centers varying in style spread out across open fields and dense woods. Once you touch down on the private airstrip and park your aircraft, you’ll never need to leave this remote resort.
There aren’t many places where you can start your day with an off-road Hummer driving experience and end it at an AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurant. Look for fascinating “wacky factor” features such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, Indian bark canoes, mountain goats, or Humphrey the Moose. This world-class vacation getaway has it all: casual or classy restaurants, shops, kids’ activities, art tours, wine tastings, and cooking classes. The resort also features three hotels, the internationally acclaimed Woodlands Spa, Equestrian Center, Adventure Center, Wildlife Academy, and Shooting Academy. Plus there are two world-class golf courses: The Links and Mystic Rock. The Links is Nemacolin’s original course, and Mystic Rock, the former site of the PGA Tour’s 84 Lumber Classic, is said to “make most men cry for their mama.”
The Nemacolin Airport (PA88) is a private airfield in the Laurel Highlands region of the Allegheny Mountains, 52 nautical miles southeast of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Its runway is in the heart of the resort, directly behind the resort’s Chateau LaFayette and its lodge.
Take a moment to pause as you enter the grand lobby of Chateau LaFayette. The soaring ceilings, glitzy chandeliers (some weighing one ton), and elegant décor give you a taste of what to expect upon entering your guest room or suite. Adjacent to the lodge, the chateau is a tribute to the grand hotels of Europe. Modeled after the Hôtel Ritz in Paris, Chateau LaFayette has 124 guest rooms with jetted tubs, roomy glass showers, mini bars, bathrobes, and king or two queen beds. The suites offer the additional comfort of a sitting area with sofa, chair, and armoire with a television, $309 to $689 per night. Guests may also choose the chateau club level with 24-hour butler service and a hospitality club lounge, $559 to $959 per night.
The Lodge Hotel, constructed in 1968 as a hunting lodge, is original to the resort. The 98-room, English-style Tudor hotel offers the warmth and charm of a country cottage. The spacious rooms and suites are available with king or double beds. Extra amenities such as cable television, mini bar, and internet access are standard. Lodge rooms range $199 to $439 per night, lodge suites $259 to $569 per night.
This article first appeared in Pilot Getaways magazine. For this and other fly-in destinations, visit AOPA’s Destinations website.
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