Ligonier, Pennyslvania for a Laborless Labor Day

When a very sunny and hot Labor Day rolled around, I found myself itching to get away. A peaceful stay in Ligonier, Pennyslvania was just what I needed.

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com
A cool, foggy morning in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

There was a time in my life when I had very, very, very little in my bank account. Did I emphasize that enough? I was capital B, BROKE and in search of a job. However, that summer of funemployment was one of my best. I said yes to so many adventures and just followed the yeses wherever they led me. I biked to all the farmers’ markets, went to the public pools, went to free concerts and dance parties, played tennis a lot, joined a soccer team and simply enjoyed my backyard.  

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com
Do you spy Toby, the English Setter running to greet me?

That summer feels like a lifetime ago. It was pre-social media distractions. It was pre-self-employment. It was kind of pre-adult. While I love my life, the work I do and my inclinations to hibernate, I do occasionally miss the spontaneity of my younger self. 

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

When a very sunny and hot Labor Day rolled around, I found myself itching to socialize and soak up the sun. I hadn’t been sure what my schedule would be, so I had failed to plan anything, and by that point, it felt too late. I was alone, and don’t tell my mom, but I dare say I was bored. 

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Luckily, my friends Dana and Scotty came to the rescue. They invited me to join them for a day and night in the beautiful mountain town of Ligonier, Pennyslvania (not far from this adorable cabin). I ignored all the rational reasons why I shouldn’t go, ignored the to-do lists that my brain was trying to offer me. I packed a swimsuit, put on a podcast and hit the road! 

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Scotty’s family home (incidentally, where I worked as a stylist for her sister’s wedding earlier this summer) sits atop a hill with a 360° view of lush mountains. It was quiet and peaceful. It was perfect for a country stroll with eager dogs, a barn tour, catching a glimpse of the sheep, swimming and simply sitting and soaking in the view. I was gone for less than 24 hours, but I felt so recharged, as if I had vacationed for a week. 

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com
Strolling farmland in Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Dana’s dog, Lucy Loo, living her best life. I wish Julep could have joined us, but she doesn’t play nice with new dogs, but Lucy was more than grateful for my undivided attention. 

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Can’t you see Lucy Loo as a 50-year-old woman, who eats whatever she wants, wades all morning, then dons an incredible house dress and robe and maaaaybe drinks martinis before noon?

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Sugar, another adorable guest for the Labor Day festivities, summed up just how relaxed I felt…

Labor Day in Ligonier, Pennyslvania // www.WithTheGrains.com

Here’s to a little more spontaneity and soaking up the sunny days! Do you have any relaxing adventures in store?

Cheers,

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Anne Lively

    That was lovely. I feel relaxed now, too!

Leave a Reply