This 5-Star waterfront lodge just outside of Pittsburgh may very well be Pennsylvania’s coziest getaway. It is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to relax and unwind in nature, or if you’re just simply looking to escape to somewhere quiet where you can read a book while sipping coffee on the patio and watching bald eagles fish over the Slippery Rock Creek.
We recently spent a few days here, where we chased waterfalls, made savory s’mores around the fire, practiced yoga, rode ATVs into underground mines, bopped around the cutest towns and family farms, and soaked in the fall foliage in all its glory. The lodge was the perfect home base for all of that and more. If you enjoy getaways that push you to slow down and center yourself in nature, you should look into spending a few days creekside at The Lodge at Water’s Edge.
The Property
Aptly named The Lodge at Water’s Edge, the property sits on the banks of the beautiful Slippery Rock Creek and overlooks McConnells Mill State Park. Gwen, the property’s owner, has poured her heart and soul into this place, and it shows. Her warmth, paired with her personal touches and impeccable styling, makes you feel right at home from the moment you set foot on the property.
This mid-century woodland venue can host events for up to 50 people and boasts overnight accommodations for up to 20 in three distinct spaces. All of the accommodations here are dog-friendly, so your furry friends will feel more than welcome as well!
The back patio provides the best view of the creek and is complete with two fireplaces and a fire ring set upon a concrete deck. Below is a stone patio that provides access to the creek, and the whole area had to be one of our favorite parts of the lodge. We spent nights sitting around the fire listening to crickets and far-off critters in the woods while the creek babbled below.
The Accommodations
We stayed in The Lodge’s West Suite, which was perfect for the two of us. The styling of this spacious one-bedroom, one-bathroom space was to die for, and let us tell you, the view of the creek from your bed, just wow!
Gwen’s Cottage, perched just up the hill, is also great for couples. With a quaint little deck and the coziest touches (like a built-in fireplace), we would consider moving in tomorrow.
Nate’s Cabin, which sleeps eight, is ideal for a family or friends’ trip. Walking through, we definitely had vivid images of a weekend (or week) well spent with friends laughing and playing card games, reminiscing on past memories, and making new ones. All of these spaces are beautifully renovated, dog-friendly, and overlook the creek, so you really can’t go wrong no matter where you choose to stay.
Events at the Lodge at Water’s Edge
We recommend checking if any special events or workshops are taking place on-property during your stay. The lodge’s owner, Gwen, regularly works with local business owners to curate bespoke experiences that are not to be missed. The Lodge has hosted sound baths, yoga retreats, hat decorating workshops, and with a chef’s kitchen and a bowyer’s shop on-site, the opportunities for creativity and wellness are truly endless. We were lucky enough to be staying there during a hosted yoga retreat that we were able to join.
The Lodge is also equipped with a full chef’s kitchen for events and a kitchenette complete with coffee, tea, other beverages, fruit, and little snackies, which are available to all overnight guests. Outside, there is a spacious patio and deck with tons of seating, fireplaces and a fire pit (perfect for making s’mores), and private access to the creek all under a veil of string-lights that hang from trees above. It’s one of those “the vibe is vibing” kind of spaces. If you’re looking for the perfect venue to host your next event in the area, this place is THE place.
Things To Do Nearby (in Lawrence County & Beyond)
There are ample opportunities for hiking, ATVing, brewery + winery hopping, and charming small towns to bop around just a stone’s throw from The Lodge at Water’s Edge. We spent our time in town hiking the nearby state park trails, taking an ATV tour into an abandoned limestone mine, shopping the quaint little shops in Volant, and checking out one of the country’s most haunted manors.
We visited in early autumn, but we knew instantly that this place is perfect any time of year. It has the kind of charm that makes the getaway special in any season. Below is our “quick and dirty must-do” list while in the area.
- For a real adventure, take the Mine tour via ATV at Mines & Meadows and hike to see all four waterfalls that call McConnells Mill State Park home.
- If you’re into all things spooky and paranormal, tour the haunted Hill View Manor in New Castle, PA.
- Visit Apple Castle for some farm-fresh goodies and seasonal apple and pumpkin picking.
- Go antique and craft shopping at Briar Brook Barn and bop around the adorable shops in Volant, PA.
- As far as food goes, we recommend grabbing dinner and drinks at VentiSei Winery, Ben Franklin’s Taproom & Grille, and Vinny’s Pizzaria. Hit Maria’s Country Store for breakfast pizza, and stop by The Tavern on the Square for an elevated lunch.
- And don’t leave the area without grabbing a craft beer at Big Rail Brewing, Cobblehaus at the Falls, or North Country Brew Pub, or all three!
For a complete three-day long weekend itinerary and map of all of our recommendations, check out our blog post on exploring Lawrence County. And being just under 20 minutes from so many little towns makes this place that much more special. You get the serenity of spending some time in the sticks while having the luxury of nearby restaurants, bars, and activities. So whether you just need an escape, a space for your next event, or a dreamy home base for exploring Pittsburgh’s countryside, this spot is not to be missed.
