h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Located between the villages of Mill Run and Ohiopyle in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is often described as one of the most beautiful buildings in the history of American architecture.

Designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright, the house stradles Mill Run Creek at the top of a waterfall. The design utilized native stone and large concrete terraces which paralleled the nearby rock strata to create a shining example of 'naturalism' in architecture. The house was created for the wealthy Kauffman family of Pittsburgh as a summer 'cottage' at their favourite spot in the forests of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Admission is $10 for adults on weekdays and $15 on weekends and reservations are suggested as more than 125,000 visitors tour the home every year.

Driving Directions from Pittsburgh: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike eastbound to the Donegal exit (Exit 9). Turn left onto State Route 31 east, and after going 2 miles, turn right onto State Route 381 south. Follow Route 381 south for about 20 miles to Fallingwater which will be on the right.

The home and grounds are now maintained by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and more information can be found at the group's website.

And yes, I *am* planning to write a full entry on Fallingwater sometime in the near future!

- Jimi X

Erm, of course the village just to the north is Mill Run, the stream which the house stradles is *Bear Run* - my appologies!

- X

Good one, nearly mentioned it myself.

And hi!

What's new in the 'Burgh?

I'll probably be bringing the family out to Ohiopyle in the fall for our annual heritage trip to Fayette County (it's where my father's family comes from). We love it out there - hiking, mountain biking, splashing in the water...

It's probably my favo(u)rite corner of the state.

Did you know there's another Frank Lloyd Wright home near there as well called Kentuck Knob and while it's nice, it isn't nearly as beautiful as Fallingwater.