All work and no play makes theantikitty a dull girl

October 28, 2006 8:31 AM

I'm looking for a private place to write for a weekend (with the possibility of multiple weekends if it seems extremely productive) within about 30-45 minutes of the city of Pittsburgh. I'm thinking a little cabin in the woods, or something similar. I'm also thinking cheap!

I'm trying to finish a manuscript under a deadline, and I am finding it increasingly difficult to work at my home. I need a place where there are no computers, phones, cable TV sets with hundreds of channels, husbands, or pets. I don't feel comfortable working at the place set aside for me by my university or at the library, but even if I did, I'm really looking for a secluded place where I will be able to focus on the writing for the entire weekend. No going home and no dinner plans.

It's cold, so I need a place that is heated. And it definitely needs electricity; I do my best writing at night. I've only been living here a few years, so I'm having a lot of difficulty thinking of a place that fits this bill. I've asked several friends, and their suggestions have either been too expensive or too far. I definitely don't want to spend over 100 bucks a night, and much less than that if it's possible. It doesn't have to be a cabin, but I would prefer someplace more inspiring than Motel 6. I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks guys!

posted by theantikitty to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

The state of PA rents out cabins in the state parks and the VisitPA site has a decent proximity search feature.
posted by octothorpe at 9:33 AM on October 28, 2006

There are a lot of good B&Bs just outside of the city. The Laurel Highlands area would be a good place to look. Here is a list of B&Bs in the area and one with a room for $65 per night.
posted by Alison at 10:13 AM on October 28, 2006

Many PA state parks have CCC-era cabins which have electricity and some sort of heat. You may have to hunt around for a park that has cabins available but the online reservation system is pretty good. There are also modern cabins with more amenities but they cost more.
posted by maurice at 10:18 AM on October 28, 2006