Falling Water, PA

On our way back from Pittsburgh to New York we visited The Fallingwater. I wanted to see this place for a long time and when I finally did, it exceeded all expectations. You can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuZ0x5Qkgzg&feature=related to get an idea of what it is like, but books, postcards and movies do no justice to this amazing architectural wonder.

Fallingwater was built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936 for Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar Kaufmann Sr. who used it as a mountain retreat for his family.

Frank Lloyd Wright was a genius and this place is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture. The view away from the house is so stunning that even if you're not an art or architecture buff you will find the place fascinating and realize what a genius F. L. Wright was.

Fallingwater is listed among Smithsonian's Life List of 28 places "to visit before you die." It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. In 1991, members of the American Institute of Architects named the house the "best all-time work of American architecture" and in 2007, it was ranked twenty-ninth on the list of America's Favorite Architecture according to the AIA. It really does feel like you could just settle right in, so very inviting is the architecture.

Pay attention to the building, of course, but don't forget to check out the amazing collection of furniture and decorative pieces (some of them gifts from Wright himself).

Visiting: There are several types of tour offered. The most common is the regular tour that features all the major rooms of the house and lasts approximately one hour.

Advance ticket purchase or reservations are essential for all tours at Fallingwater. Tickets may be purchased on-line at http://www.fallingwater.org/105 or by calling Visitor Services at 724-329-8501 daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm ET.

The visitor's center is worth checking out: great gift shop, minimal junk, lots of real art pieces and solid design items; yummy things in the cafe, also minimal junk, lots of inside seating with beautiful views, as well as plenty of outside sitting for those preferring to eat al fresco.