What is Great Drives?
Great Drives are social and driving events with an opportunity to stretch your Porsche’s legs in beautiful countryside with pampered lodging and delicious meals. It’s designed to appeal to both the driver and navigator although a navigator is optional.
This year’s event will be based at the Omni William Penn Hotel from Wednesday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 26th, 2026.
Who can attend?
Any Porsche Club of America member is entitled to participate although you do not need to drive a Porsche on this event. Be sure to have your PCA membership number available before you register.
What kind of car can be driven on Great Drives?
Any road-worthy car can be driven in this event, however, the Laurel Highlands area has lots of fairly sharp, curvy roads which are enjoyed best in a Porsche.
How do I register?
All registration is via Ticket Tailor website which does not require establishing an account and password. It’s super easy. Just have your PCA member number handy and your credit card. Here’s the link: buy tickets here
What does the registration cost include?
Registration includes 3 dinners and 2 lunches, as well as entry fees and gratuities. Our arrival dinner on Wednesday evening and the farewell dinner on Saturday evening are at the hotel and include two drink tickets per person (for soda, beer or wine). The Thursday and Friday drives will include entry fees and lunches for both days. Thursday there is also a dinner which is a 140’ walk from the hotel and that includes two drink tickets per person as well. Registration also includes some swag and general costs of the event.
When is the last day to register?
We have room for about 25 cars. Registration will open on Sunday, April 19th. Please register promptly. If you register later, we will have a wait list pending cancellations.
What if we have to cancel our registration?
If you cancel within 21 days of the event you will get a full refund of your registration and drive fees, less a $25 administrative fee.
Are there meals included in the registration fee?
Yes, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday dinners with two drink tickets per person for each dinner (soda, beer or wine), and lunches on Thursday and Friday.
Is the hotel included in the registration fee?
The hotel is not included in the registration fee, and you must make reservations on your own with a link that we will provide. The group rate is $169 plus taxes. Parking is $20 per day or $55 for valet. The discounted fee expires June 8th. The link is included on the Ticket Tailor registration site.
Can I stay at a different hotel and still participate?
You can stay a different hotel just realize that both the Wednesday and Saturday dinners will be at the Omni William Penn hotel. Or you can stay with your cousin Eddy and his enormous dog!
What is the itinerary for the trip?
Please find your way to the Omni William Penn hotel in Pittsburgh by 4:30 Wednesday the 22nd. Registration will be open from 5:30 to 6:30. Ask the front desk personnel for directions to our registration tables.
Parking at the Hotel
There is a public parking garage less than a block from the hotel with daily parking for $20 and valet for $55.
Where do the drives go?
Comfort stops will be incorporated into any drive more than about 90 minutes. Thursday we will drive to Stonehouse Inn arriving about 11:30 for a special lunch in this historic restaurant. They are opening the restaurant just for us! Then we will drive about 14 miles to Fallingwater. The tour ends at Fallingwater, and you can explore the grounds before driving back at your leisure. We will have directions for the more direct route to the hotel via interstates.
Friday we will drive to the Flight 93 Memorial after stopping for lunch about 11:30 at the Pine Grill in Somerset. We will have the restaurant to ourselves as they opening just for us. Then after lunch we will drive about 16 miles to the Memorial. This tour ends at the Memorial, and you can explore the grounds before driving back. We will have directions for a direct route back.
Saturday is your day off until our closing dinner at the William Penn. We have a list of places to visit in the area later in this FAQ.
Walking & Mobility Topics
The regular Fallingwater tour includes climbing over 100 steps per their website. Of course, the stairs are not climbed all at once. They also have an Accessibility Tour that includes guided tour of Fallingwater’s first floor, followed by a personalized, and guided tour of images of the upper floors and guest house. The Accessibility Tour includes an optional shuttle ride to and from the house to the Visitor Center or for anyone who requests a ride. They recommend comfortable walking shoes for all. Their website is fallingwater.org if you wish to make an evaluation of which is best for you.
Flight 93 National Memorial is a National Park Service memorial. The Visitor Center is a relatively short walk from the parking lot. There is a road and parking leading to the Visitor Shelter which includes easier access to Wall of Names and Memorial Plaza Access.
Who are the MORPCA organizers and their contact info?
Chair, Mike Stoner – vicepresident@morpca.org
Committee: Jose Isern, Ken Goodrum, Chris Engel
Will we have GPS and/or instructions to follow on the drives?
As last year we will be using the Scenic App (see Apple App store – Android must use browser-based app). It’s a free app that is exceptionally easy to use. We will have written instructions regarding the app as well as written directions and GPS to use on the drives. We will also have lead cars and sweep cars who will be in contact with one another. You will have their phone numbers in case you have an issue. If you have participated in one of our Drive and Dines, then you know exactly what to expect.
How fast will we drive on the roads?
Again, it’ll be like our Drive and Dines, following PCA regulations. This means we will be driving at normal legal speed limits although we might not slow for turns as much as others. As you know, other drivers are also using these roads and safety is literally our most important concern. We will have a lead and sweep car. You must drive within your capabilities. The Laurel Highland roads are very curvy and sometimes narrow. We must drive with the expectation that there are bikes, farm equipment and trucks sharing the road. This is an event centered on having fun for both the driver and the navigator. Safety is always paramount.
Friday Night – Pittsburgh Pirates Game
An optional excursion is to attend the Pirates vs. Cubs game at PNC Park @ 6:40 Friday night. This is not covered in the registration largely because of difficulties arranging bulk ticket sales. Contact Chris Engel (chris@bluemarlingraphics.com) if you are interested in attending..
Places to visit on your day off:
- Market Square, Strip District, Duquesne Incline and Point State Park
- Andy Warhol Museum
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- North Shore Riverfront Trail, Riverwalk Point State Park, Emerald View and Grandview Parks Loop
- Fort Pitt Museum
- John Heinz History Museum, Roberto Clemente Museum
- Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park
What’s the dress for this event?
This is a casual event but for the reception and dinner, we would recommend dressier or resort casual. No jackets needed for men, for instance, but better than a t-shirt and shorts.
Name Tags
You will be issued special souvenir name tags for this event. This name tag is your ticket to each event throughout the weekend. Admission to the reception, both drives, lunches, tours, and closing dinner requires this name tag.
Will we travel as a group to Pittsburgh?
There will not be organized caravans to or from Pittsburgh, but of course you can always contact some buddies and travel together if you wish.
What if the weather is bad?
This event will proceed unless there is a safety issue.