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Whether taking in the soft sound of a mandolin on a summer night or enjoying the texture of an abstract sculpture by an up-and-coming artist – the arts have a way of transporting you. What better way to enjoy the arts than to visit a spot where they are celebrated? While exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, stay at nearby Wright-inspired Falling Rock, a luxury boutique hotel. Try a peaceful Shenandoah Valley weekend at The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, the former home of painter John Chumley. Or head seaside to Newport, RI, where you can get cozy at the chic Cliffside Inn and groove to the sounds of the area’s annual jazz festival.
Falling Rock at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
The Laurel Highlands area of Pennsylvania has long attracted folks seeking Fallingwater, and its lesser known cousin Kentuck Knob, retreats designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. His fans can stay at nearby Falling Rock, a boutique hotel designed by David Merritt, who studied at Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin schools, Taliesin and Taliesin West. “When guests come to Falling Rock, they should feel like they are at home,” Merritt says. The 42-room property sits on the 18th green of Mystic Rock, one of two courses at the 2,800-acre Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
The resort’s atmosphere is both soothing and revitalizing; the three-story atrium with copper leaf ceilings, glowing fireplaces, trickling water walls, and earth tones of cherry and copper warm the spirit. After enjoying a candlelit dinner, you can indulge in a refreshing sleep with 1,200-thread count sheets and a selection of nine different pillows from the hotel’s pillow menu. Outside, it’s easy to enjoy the mountain air while soaking in the soothing waters of an outdoor hot tub. Butlers seem to magically appear, bringing such pampering treats as freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Be sure to tour the Hardy Family Art Collection. The resort displays works through September from the 6th Annual Hardy Family Art Gala.
The Inn at Vaucluse Spring
Inspired by the views of the Shenandoah Valley, late painter John Chumley lived here in the ’60s with his family. Decades later, Washingtonians Neil and Barry Myers bought the 103 acres and manor house, built circa 1780, and converted the residence into The Inn at Vaucluse Spring. Works by Chumley (which Barry describes as “Wyeth without an attitude”) are displayed at the property, which includes rooms in the manor house, and cozy cottages, which come with whirlpools, fireplaces and magnificent views.
“Most people don’t get any further than the rocking chairs on the porch,” Barry says. “These days, people don’t have time to take a breath. It’s a cliché, but it’s true – we’re not that far from DC, but we’re a million miles away from everything. That’s why we fell in love with it.” Barry’s wife, Neil, creates sumptuous breakfasts and dinners. Afterward, visitors love to take in the views with the family dog Biscuit.
Cliffside Inn
Art lovers can discover Newport from the former home of legendary artist Beatrice Turner, whose self-portraits adorn the walls of this B&B named by Frommer’s as Rhode Island’s top luxury inn (its 16 suites and rooms are outfitted with fireplaces and whirlpool baths). Located near the famed 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, which winds between the sprawling lawns of the area’s opulent mansions and the Atlantic, the Cliffside Inn offers its guests full breakfast and afternoon tea served in its Victorian parlor.
Guests enjoy visiting the Gilded Age mansions of the wealthy as well as listening to the soulful sounds of musicians playing at the legendary JVC Jazz Festival-Newport (taking place this year from August 11-14). Art galleries welcome patrons (Anchor Bend Glassworks features daily glass-blowing demonstrations) and open their doors on the second Thursday of every month for Newport Gallery Night. Be sure to check out the “Jet Set to Jeans: The Wardrobe of Doris Duke” exhibition, a microcosm of 20th century fashion history, at Rough Point, the heiress’ 105-room mansion. Take your time getting to Newport; you can fly or take the train into nearby Providence and then either rent a car or take the ferry.
