There’s something about spring that makes a weekend road trip feel less like a plan—and more like a calling.
Just a couple hours east of Pittsburgh, the Lincoln Highway winds its way through the Laurel Highlands toward Bedford—a stretch of road that feels especially alive this time of year. Budding trees, open trails, small towns shaking off winter… it’s all there, waiting just beyond the next curve.
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic getaway, here’s how to spend a perfect spring weekend along the Lincoln Highway.
Day One: Hitting the Road
Start your journey heading east along Route 30—America’s first coast-to-coast highway.
Your first stop: the Lincoln Highway Experience in Latrobe. Before you even reach Bedford, take time to immerse yourself in the story of the road itself. From vintage vehicles to roadside culture and the fully restored Serro’s Diner, it’s the perfect way to set the tone for the trip ahead.
From there, continue east into the Laurel Highlands, where spring is just beginning to stretch across the ridgelines.
If you’re ready to get out and explore, carve out time for a section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Whether you opt for a short out-and-back or a longer stretch, the trail offers quiet forest paths, emerging greenery, and that unmistakable feeling of being back outside again.
As the day winds down, check in for the night at the Lincoln Motor Court—a lovingly preserved vintage roadside motel that feels like stepping back into the golden age of American road trips. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s part of the experience.
Day Two: Small Town Charm & Scenic Stops
Ease into the morning with a stop at HeBrews Coffee Company in downtown Bedford. Grab a coffee, take a stroll, and explore the small shops that give this historic town its charm.
While you’re there, step back even further in time with a visit to the Fort Bedford Museum, where the story of the region’s frontier history comes to life.
From town, head just a few miles out to Shawnee State Park. Spring is one of the best times to visit—cool air, quiet trails, and lakeside views just starting to reflect the season’s return. Take a hike, wander the shoreline, or simply enjoy the slower pace.
When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Woodhaven Brewing Company in Schellsburg. Set in a beautifully restored barn, it’s the kind of place that feels both relaxed and memorable—perfect for refueling before the drive home.
One Last Stop Before the Road Home
Before heading back west, treat yourself to a final meal that captures the spirit of the region.
Dine at the historic Jean Bonnet Tavern, where travelers have been stopping along the Lincoln Highway for generations—or opt for a farm-to-table experience at Horn O Plenty, where the menu reflects the season itself.
Either way, it’s a fitting end to a weekend built around good roads, good food, and the simple joy of getting away.
The Road Back
The drive home feels different.
Maybe it’s the fresh air, the quiet trails, or the small discoveries along the way—but somewhere between Pittsburgh and Bedford, the road does what it’s always done best: it gives you something you didn’t know you were looking for.
And in spring, that feeling is just getting started.
