A Relaxing Weekend At Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Bedford is located in the Allegheny Mountains of south Pennsylvania. The countryside is beautiful, the people are friendly and there are many family oriented activities to enjoy. The pace is a little slower than most places, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming!

Bedford is steeped in history. In the late 1700’s, Fort Bedford and the surrounding area grew as a transportation and lodging center because of its strategic location on the major route through Pennsylvania. In fact, in 1794, George Washington, stayed at the infamous Espy House. The President's arrival was in response to one of the Country's first tax crisis, the Whiskey Rebellion.

The discovery of healing spring waters, by Native Americans, and the establishment of the Bedford Springs Hotel, attracted prominent guests to Bedford during the 19th century. Actually, President James Buchanan used the hotel as his summer White House when the humidity and heat were unbearable in DC! It was at Bedford Springs that the President received the first trans-Atlantic telegram, sent by Queen Victoria, from England.

Few properties can boast the historic significance of Omni Bedford Springs Resort. The resort has hosted 13 U.S. presidents, seven of whom visited during their presidency.

Bedford Springs became home to one of the first golf courses in America, and, in 1905, the resort opened one of the nation's first indoor pools – fed by the property's spring waters. With its appealing atmosphere and prestigious guest list, Bedford Springs became the “in” place to vacation.

In 1984, Bedford Springs was designated a National Historic Landmark. In the early 2000’s, the resort expanded and went through a major restoration. It reopened in 2007 and returned to its original grandeur.

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is truly the perfect blend of the past and the future. A stay at Bedford Springs restores your enthusiasm for adventure! Spend quality time with friends and family by taking a hike on one of their many trails or partaking in one of their many fun activities like biking or fly fishing.

Communal Dinner at LIFeSTYLE with new friends and great food! Picture from LIFeSTYLE Facebook Page.

We arrived on a Friday evening and went straight to Bedford’s Main Street where we had reservations at LIFeSTYLE. Lifelong friends Stefano Ferrari and Luca Fanni were born and raised in northern Italy. In 2007, Stefano moved to the States and opened an Italian gourmet retail store, LIFeSTYLE, in Bedford. Luca joined him in 2015 and together, they’ve made this an arena for authentic Italian products from pottery to pasta; salt to olive oil.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they host trattoria dinners, where you can enjoy a traditional Italian meal. No menu, fixed price and communal dining! You’re served five different courses depending on what Stefano and Luca feel like cooking that night! You bring your own wine and there’s no corking fee.

Saturday and Sunday, we relaxed at Bedford Springs. Springs Eternal Spa is amazing! It’s a 30,000-square-foot destination spa, and is one of the few spas in the country that uses natural spring water in all of its treatments. You can sign up for the renowned "Bedford Baths" which use the resort’s original product line containing local herbs. You can relax with a massage or treatment and, by all means, spend some time in the peaceful spa garden.

Spa Lounge. Picture by Omni Bedford Resorts

The indoor pool is a must for families! In 1905, Bedford Springs Resort debuted one of the first indoor pools in the United States. Many moons ago, musicians would serenade the swimmers and visiting VIPs dove into the pool from the upper level. The heated pool is ideal for wintertime with the kids and is very relaxing and spacious.

For sure one of the weekend’s highlights was dinner at the resort’s main dining room, the Crystal Room. This restaurant offers delicious food, in a sophisticated, chic environment.

The cuisine combines local and regional foods beautifully and they make the best dirty martini and service I’ve ever had!

The executive chef partners with family farms, ranches and fisheries across the region and the result is fresh, simple, satisfying and seasonal food.

For many travelers, Bedford County is an easy place to visit, but a difficult place to leave.

Many thanks to Omni Bedford Springs Resort for hosting me and my husband for dinner in the Crystal Room. My opinions are my own; when they aren’t you will be the first to know.