The Century Inn Beckons in Scenery Hill Along the Historic National Road

Scenery Hill is located 25 miles south of Pittsburgh on the Historic National Road, also known as Route 40 or the National Pike. This route was the first federally funded road in the U.S., built in the early 1800s to carry travelers to the new frontier, playing a key role in westward expansion. It connected Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. Hundreds of roadside taverns dotted the route as well as livery stables and blacksmith shops. Scenery Hill, then known as Hillsboro, was one of the small towns that catered to the needs of weary travelers. Nestled above some of the most scenic vistas in Western Pennsylvania, this historic village is an ideal destination for a day trip or overnight stay.

The storied Century Inn is the grande dame of Scenery Hill. It was formerly known as Hill’s Tavern and was constructed between 1788 and 1794. It was a popular stagecoach stop on the National Road and is one of its oldest continuously operated taverns. Famous guests have included Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, James K. Polk, Albert Gallatin, David Bradford, the Marquis de Lafayette, and General Santa Anna.

Step through the doors and Megin Harrington, owner of the Inn, will immediately make you feel at home. Exquisite antiques, soft background music, an elegant ambiance, large comfortable rooms, and impeccable service offer guests a very special experience. Megin received her degree in voice and drama and is a business owner and former jazz singer who has performed as a backup singer for Dizzy Gillespie and has lived in cities throughout the country. Art and antiques lover, gardener, singer, and avid reader, Megin has put her heart and soul into the stewardship and decoration of Century Inn.

In 2015 an overnight fire destroyed much of the Inn. Megin and her son Gordon were able to escape unharmed. The family had no doubt that they would rebuild, and rebuild they did. The Inn has been lovingly restored and updated and opened its doors again in 2018. It remains on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Inn also offers a memorable dining experience. Chef Gordon Harrington sources many of his ingredients from nearby farms and, with his innovative entrees and decadent desserts, will prepare a meal to remember. Step into the tavern and try one of bartender and historian Tom Karolewic’s signature drinks, the Mingo Mule, while he entertains you with the story of its origin. And there are seven rooms available for overnight lodging, with each one named after an historical figure with a connection to Scenery Hill.

Century Inn is a premier wedding venue as well as a destination for showers, anniversaries, corporate retreats, and other special occasions.

The gazebo, located behind the Inn, is a popular location for events. The gardens are a delight from spring through fall, and during the winter months the landscape possesses its own distinct charm. April Harrington, the Inn’s event planner, can help customize and coordinate any gathering (Century Inn, 2175 E. National Pike #1002, 724-945-6600, hillstavern.wordpress.com).

After your visit to Century Inn, don’t miss these three unique Scenery Hill businesses located within walking distance of the Inn.

Jan’s Tea Shoppe & 2nd Street Coffee Roaster is a real treat. With its wooden floors, tall ceiling, and cozy atmosphere, walking through the doors of this shop is like taking a step back to a time when the pace of life was slower and friends and neighbors stopped by for a friendly daily chat. Jan Dunker is the matriarch of Scenery Hill as well as its local historian. She opened the tea shop in 1981 and today creates the numerous blends roasted and sold on the premises. The circa-1880 building has a colorful history. Previous to the opening of Jan’s, it served as a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership/showroom that held six cars. Jan’s great uncle, Frank W. Huffman, was the owner. Walter P. Chrysler himself was known to have made several stops to the showroom. Within the Tea Shoppe you’ll find Frank Huffman’s collection of license plates from 48 states and six provinces dating from 1936 to 1938. And, while you indulge in a free sample sip of the coffee of the day, the personable Jan will regale you with tales of Scenery Hill past and present (Jan’s Tea Shoppe, 2183 E National Pike, 724-945-5385).

Two Score Reserve Mercantile is a modern general store reminiscent of the type found in the early 20th century. Owner Robyn Bracco Schultz says that “Reserve” comes from the history of the building itself. The First National Bank of Scenery Hill opened its doors in 1904 and remained in business until 1935. You can step inside the original vault and check out how it’s been repurposed for modern use. The shop is filled with constantly changing merchandise made by local artisans, baked goods, and unique women’s fashions (Two Score Reserve Mercantile, 2184 E. National Pike, 724-945-5145, twoscorereserve.com).

Beck-Ringland Tavern is a federal-style tavern dating to 1827 that now serves as the taproom for Scenery Hill Brewing. It was originally a public house providing food, drink, lodging, news, and essential services to travelers. The community and visitors alike socialized here. Brian Allen, the owner, has meticulously restored this historic building to again make it a gathering place. Savor the popular Elias James Irish Red Ale and enjoy fun events like vinyl, boozy bingo, and trivia nights. There is also a large outdoor patio with covered seating (Beck-Ringland Tavern, 2206 E. National Pike, 724-986-7148, beckringlandtavern.com).

There are many other not-to-be-missed stops in Scenery Hill located a short drive from the center of town.

Heading west on Route 40 and 1.6 miles from the Century Inn is Westerwald Pottery, a family-owned-and-operated studio that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Westerwald stoneware has a distinct gray glaze decorated with a brilliant cobalt blue accent and is based on the designs of early Pennsylvania stoneware. Each piece is signed, stamped, and dated. Phil Schaltenbrand, an expert potter, author, historian, and professor, was the founder, who was committed to the revival of this ancient art form. His daughter Cassandra and her husband Sean are now carrying on Phil’s legacy, with the help of Barry Gray and local artisans Mark, Alden, and Carol. There are studio tours Monday through Wednesday before noon; call first for large groups (Westerwald Pottery, 40 Pottery Lane, 724-945-6000, westerwaldpottery.com).

Continuing west on Route 40 you’ll arrive at Tradesmen’s Inn, which opened its doors in 2005. Owner Jerrod Dunker was born and raised in Scenery Hill. He says that the restaurant is known for its hot wings, and triple-decker Reuben sandwiches, and “the best burgers on the pike.” The patio in the back offers an expansive view of the valley (Tradesmen’s Inn, 1769 E. National Pike, 724-945-6115, tradesmensinn.com).

Cattleman’s Pantry, located at Vistamont Farm, is a general store housed in a 1930 Sears, Roebuck home. Owners Rich and Susan Blank specialize in grass-fed, grain-finished, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef. Black Angus cattle are born and raised on the farm and remain in the pasture year-round. Branden, the farm manager, says that meat from Cattleman’s is sold to Century Inn, Red Lion in Elizabeth, and several other eateries. An original fireplace adds interest to this antiques-filled shop. Plus, there are wood-fired breads, cage-free eggs, coffee, and other local goodies (Cattleman’s Pantry, 1634 E. National Pike, 724-747-6976, cattlemanspantry.com).

The last stop in Scenery Hill and 3.5 miles from the Century Inn is the 27-acre Crescent Farm. Aram Asarian was born and raised here and resides in the 230-year-old farmhouse previously known as Ward’s Tavern, a stagecoach stop on the National Road. Take photos in front of a spectacular view of the valley (or before the sunflowers, rose trellis, wildflowers—even emus) or request the professional photographer to do so; plan photo shoots for a wedding, anniversary, graduation, or other special occasion. Reservations are required (Crescent Farm, 23 Crescent Rd., 724-263-3788, crescentfarm.org).

Scenery Hill will transport you to a world that evokes the past but revels in its business proprietors’ knowledge and deep respect for the history of this area and personal pride in their shop, building, or farm. Explore the back roads to find a covered bridge, sheep and cattle farms, browse the shops, dine, listen to music, relax, immerse yourself in the area’s history and treat yourself to an overnight stay at Century Inn in this one-of-a-kind village.

Anne M. Oyler enjoys visiting historic areas and researching local history. She is the founder of the Paul Riis Legacy Preservation Volunteers, whose mission is to play an active role in the maintenance and stewardship of the structures in South Park, Allegheny County Park.