Fallingwater aka: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. Residence,Falling Water

Links:

http://www.visitpa.com/things-to-do/attraction-details/index.aspx?id=9091

http://www.fallingwater.org

http://www.paddlerslane.com

Books:

Unforgettable Walks to Take Before You Die by Steve Watkins and Clare Jones

It was under renovation, but it was still worth the trip down. I look forward to going back some time soon.

Now that I live in Pennsylvania, it was only natural for me to get this one checked off my list. After being an architectural engineering student for a couple years, I’ve studied this house. Our tour guide wasn’t too bright, so I found myself whispering explanations about the building to my family behind her back. This house makes it evident how much thought Frank Lloyd Wright put into his houses, and really makes me want to see more of his designs.

My advice, if you’re planning a visit, is to eat first. There’s a decent cafe at the visitor’s center here, but it’s a bit overpriced. The house is located in a really out-of-the-way part of PA, and there really aren’t any places to stop nearby. Also, make reservations. I was very surprised at the amount of people who come to visit the home (and we were on a Thursday, nonetheless!). If we hadn’t had reservations, the wait was about 45 minutes to an hour. And finally, give yourself lots of time to tour the grounds, especially if you want to take pictures.

I was just there over Memorial Day weekend and was surprised at how many people visit! It was so crowded that the 15-person tours were leaving every 10 minutes or so. Definitely book ahead to avoid the wait by calling them up and making reservations over the phone. You can book online but there’s a $2 surcharge per ticket.

You know, despite the fact that I live pretty close to Fallingwater, I’ve never actually been there. I even think I tried to go there once, if I remember correctly, but got lost along the way and never ended up actually getting there. Guess I should put it on my list.