Ninety minutes southeast of Pittsburgh, Bedford Springs is a stunning historic resort situated on and around eight mineral springs in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania.
We dined at Bedford Springs several times when my sister lived in Maryland, and my husband and I stayed at the resort with our kids for the first time in June. We loved it so much that we booked a stay for twice as long in August, and it's easily our new favorite vacation spot. I've been to the resort in every season, and the hotel is beautifully decorated for each.
Here are some reasons we keep coming back to Bedford Springs:
Two beautiful pools. Both have comfortable loungers and upscale, timeless designs. The outdoor area has poolside service and breathtaking mountain views. The indoor pool is spring fed (and heated!) and has some of the most beautiful tile and architecture I've ever seen in a pool.
Lawn games like corn hole and horseshoes and a couple giant, comfy hammocks. These entertained my kids for hours or even a couple minutes as we waited for the car to be brought around. (Did I mention that there's complimentary valet parking at the resort?)
Hiking to springs and caves that range in ability level from short and simple to strenuous and challenging. This spring, in the wedding grotto, is about five minutes from the front door of the hotel.
Historic plaques and markers are dotted throughout the hotel and draw you in like a good book. If you're at all interested in American history and American presidents, you'll love reading them, too.
Cozy chairs and nooks throughout the hotel that beg to be lounged in for hours while you read your book. The entire hotel is so thoughtfully and beautifully decorated, and the staff so friendly, that you really feel welcome to make yourself at home wherever you please.
Great restaurants and attractions onsite and nearby.
We really enjoy the Frontier Tavern at Bedford Springs. They have seasonal menus, and it's reliably good.
In downtown Bedford we loved the sandwiches, burger, and duck fat fries at the Golden Eagle Inn. The dining room decor is akin to eating at your fancy grandma's house, but the food is much more modern and thoughtfully prepared than the decor suggests.
If you take Pike south out of downtown Bedford, you'll pass a kitschy coffee pot roadside attraction on your way to two great dining options.
Horn O Plenty is a farm to table restaurant in a historic building with a charming interior, inventive offerings, and a menu that changes daily in order to utilize the freshest ingredients. Their cake with fresh peaches was one of our favorite foods from our entire vacation.
The Jean Bonnett Tavern is another local favorite that we've been to several times, and it was our favorite restaurant from the entire trip. The tavern dates to 1762 (George Washington and his troops stayed here!) and does a great job embracing the old and new. The first floor is like dining at a historical museum (similar to the Eagle Tavern at Greenfield Village); it's dark and cozy with candle light, huge hearths, and heavy pewter dishes. The second floor also has huge fireplaces but is open and brightly lit by huge windows as well as a breezy porch when the weather is nice. The menu uses local produce, and everything we had was outstanding. Other notables about the menu: the kid's menu is generous and varied. The desserts are homemade and tasty. Leave room for old fashioned oatmeal pie.
We took a short driving trip to see covered bridges. There are three not far from the Jean Bonnett and a map to take you further afield if you're in the mood.
In short, Bedford Springs is an outstanding resort unlike any other I've been able to find. It somehow manages to be family friendly, perfect for couples, and priced in a range that makes it feel luxurious while being no more (and sometimes less!) than a hotel in a beach town during high season.
What attractions have you enjoyed in and around Bedford? Do you have any other historic resorts you've been to and enjoyed?
Interior pool photo by Bedford Springs; Jean Bonnett photo by the tavern.
All other photos by Aimee Eldon. Find more on Instagram.
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