Forget staycations. It’s been a long year, and you’re ready to get out of the city. But despite the need to escape the daily grind, you’re concerned about your spending and your carbon footprint. No worries. You can enjoy a great weekend away without booking an e-ticket. Next stop: the Laurel Highlands.
For inspiring panoramic views and fresh air, head south to these beautiful mountains near Uniontown.  The State Parks are serious power hitters, not just fenced-off areas with a couple of picnic benches. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss …

Everyone knows that summer is the time for travel. Whether for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or simply visiting loved ones, people are on the go in the summer. Even though we love our friends and family, sometimes having guests in our homes can be difficult and exhausting — for us and them, so many people choose to stay in hotels or motels during their out-of-town stays. And for many, especially in a challenging economy, those stays oftentimes mean using the large, national chains.
While the chains are …