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Photos by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
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Photos by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
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Photos by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
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Photos by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
Mercer County is home to many hidden gems, from mid-century modern department stores that cater to the customer, to historic inns and fine dining. Visiting the area is like stepping back in time to a simpler era where service was king.
Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa
There are those who are “to the manor born,” but for the rest of us, there is the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa, where being pampered like royalty is more than just a dream. The luxury B&B located approximately 75 miles northwest of Pittsburgh in quaint Sharon, Pennsylvania, recently celebrated 20 years in the hospitality business and has been rated among the Top 10 Romantic Inns by iloveinns.com.
Every Home Tells a Story
Buhl Mansion stands out amongst other, more modest homes in a residential section of Sharon. The stunning 2.5-storey structure is built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and is crafted of ashlar sandstone, featuring round arches and several turrets with copper-capped spires. The residence was built in 1891 for the Buhl family who ran Sharon Iron Works. Yale-educated Frank H. Buhl left Detroit to assist his father in running the business—a decision that proved to be a pivotal part of the history of the area. In just one year, the company grew to become Mercer county’s largest employer. Buhl then proceeded to establish the Buhl Steel Company in 1896, which three years later merged into the National Steel Company. Frank eventually became known as the “Father of the Industrial Shenango Valley.” Shortly before his retirement, the company merged again, this time into the United States Steel Corporation.
Buhl and his wife Julia Forker, having no children of their own, used their substantial wealth to help the children of their community through their many philanthropic endeavors.
Many years after the couple passed, the mansion fell into a state of disrepair, that is until the property caught the eyes of Jim and Donna Winner, a local couple with a passion for saving historic landmarks. In 1996, they purchased the structure and restored it to its former splendor with a multi-million-dollar renovation. Today the Inn features 10 guestrooms, a full-service spa and elegant sitting areas among bronze sculptures and attractive artwork.
Perry county novelist Dennis Royer chose the Buhl Mansion to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary. “We enjoyed being treated like royalty from the time we arrived,” he said, mentioning champagne served at check in. “We also loved strolling through the estate and gardens,” he said, adding that they hope to return sometime soon.
Tara Celebrates the Old South
The attention to hospitality is carried over to a sister property in nearby Clark, Pennsylvania. Tara—A Country Inn, dates back to 1854, features 27 guest rooms and is chockablock with antiques and “Gone with the Wind” memorabilia.
Stonewall’s Tavern, located on the inn’s lower level, is a must visit for its cozy ambience alone. With exposed stone, copper and wood bar, and old high-backed booth seating, it’s like stepping back in time. Menu items include prime rib, New York strip, chicken Marsala, ribs, scallops, and more. Also notable is a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” recognizing the establishment for “having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world.”
Helen Wallace is enthusiastic about Tara and is positive that fans of a certain movie will fall in love with the place. “Each room is related to “Gone with the Wind,” said the Harrisburg resident, who is particularly enamored with Rhett’s Room, located in the original 1854 master bedroom and decorated in hues of purple and blue. A framed photo of the famous actor Clark Gable casts a watchful eye from his perch above the fireplace.
Wallace remarks on an extensive collection of memorabilia, including a dress worn by Vivian Lee. “I couldn’t believe how tiny it is; it looks like it was made for a doll,” she said. Another item of note that Wallace mentions is a letter written by Hattie McDaniel, the actress who won an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in the movie.
Shopping in Downtown Sharon
Guests can walk from the Buhl Mansion to Daffin’s Candies. Established back in 1902, Daffin’s makes more than one million pounds of chocolate annually.
Located a short drive from the Buhl Mansion in downtown Sharon are a variety of shops that focus on customer service. Employees at Reyer’s Shoe Store still use foot-measuring devices to determine the best size for their patrons. The nearby Winner department store features a grand piano, chandeliers, helpful salespeople and a men’s lounge of all things. Men who join their wives on a shopping trip can sink into a comfortable La-Z-Boy and peruse a newspaper, or check out a game on the television.
These are just a few highlights to help make the most of a visit to quirky and quaint Mercer County. To learn more about the area, visit its website at visitmercercountypa.com.
Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa
422 E. State St., Sharon, PA / 866-345-2845 / buhlmansion.com
