If you’re looking for a getaway that resembles a Hallmark movie set, Ligonier, Pennsylvania may be as good as it gets. I spent the weekend there with a friend.

We each had our own suites in a charming 1906 bed and breakfast just off the town diamond. In Ohio we would call it a town square but it does have a sort of diamond shape and that’s what the locals call it – the diamond. There’s a beautiful green space with trees, benches and a gorgeous gazebo in the center. This is surrounded by charming restaurants and specialty shops with mostly top notch customer service.

The people here are friendly and this walkable town is packed with history. Plus, all the Christmas lights and music helped push me into the holiday spirit which has been a struggle again this year.

In fact, I’m writing this early on Sunday morning from my cozy bed at the Colonial House on Main Bed and Breakfast. I have Christmas music playing softly and the electric fireplace is providing both warmth and atmosphere in this surprisingly large suite.

I don’t know how to express to you how quaint and charming this place is. If it hadn’t been too cold, I would have sat on the diamond and stared at the lights for hours both nights.

We saw young families decked out in their holiday finest as they posed for Christmas card photos. We saw grown adults transform into little kids as they stepped up to the vast candy counter at O’Shea’s Candies. We met a lady who is the third generation owner of a small clothing and shoe store. We shopped and ate our way through town, making friends with shopkeepers, before relaxing by the fire after dark.

Many businesses are located in charming old houses and even places like the plumbing supply store are decked out for the season.

It was a perfect way to start the Christmas season.