The Heart of Hospitality in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
I’m a planner when it comes to getaways. So when Seth and I were invited out to stay at The Omni Bedford Springs, I knew exactly what to expect, at least, I thought I did. From my research (thanks, Google), I was well aware that we’d be checking into a AAA Four Diamond award-winning property that’s been named the Mid-Atlantic’s Best Resort Hotel.
I expected to sip signature cocktails and savor locally-sourced, farm-to-fork meals. I envisioned slow mornings spent taking in the views from our balcony, afternoons walking the property’s beautiful wooded trails and soaking in one of the country’s first-ever indoor pools, and evenings cozying up around a fire pit to recount the day’s adventures over s’mores.
And while our visit exceeded those expectations, what I didn’t realize was that a stay here would also open the door to exploring one of Pennsylvania’s most charming towns. So, if you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, or if you simply just want to escape to the mountains and relax for a while, believe me when I say, this resort is the place for you!
History & Heritage in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains
Located 2.5 hours from both Washington, DC and Baltimore and just two hours from Pittsburgh, PA, this landmark property has been a favorite of presidents, celebrities, diplomats, and those seeking to “take the waters” and reap the benefits of the site’s eight mineral springs for centuries. James Buchanan deemed the resort his “summer White House” during his time in office, and the springs themselves served as a significant gathering place for Native Americans well before that. In 1984, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and today, after a $120 million restoration, it serves as Bedford County’s premier getaway destination and a gateway to discovering the rest of the county.
With its 200-year legacy, the Omni Bedford Springs seamlessly blends history with modernity, and timeless elegance with contemporary, upscale amenities. And while the resort’s rich past is part of what makes it so special, its current bespoke offerings bring that heritage to life in new and elevated ways.
One of those offerings that you have to experience during your stay is a meal at the 1796 Room, named for the year that Dr. John Anderson purchased the land where the resort stands today. It’s housed in one of the property’s original buildings and made from stone that was quarried on the mountain adjacent to the springs. This fine-dining steak and chop house uses only the highest-quality 21-day-aged USDA Prime beef, and we had the best meal of our weekend here.
Ride and Roam: From Resort to Downtown
During our stay, we had the chance to experience their new Ride and Roam package. This partnership between Omni Bedford Springs and Downtown Bedford includes daily bike rentals, a curated map of local bike-friendly businesses and places of interest, and added perks like discounted rates and a dining credit for Tillie’s at the Clubhouse.
Eager to explore beyond the resort, we woke up bright and early on Saturday morning, picked up some bikes from The Omni’s Pro Shop, Tally Ho Outfitters, and set out to experience Bedford County for ourselves. We spent our afternoon riding along the Heritage Trail from the resort to Downtown Bedford, stopping at local businesses and historic sites along the way.
Some of the unique places that our ride led us to include one of Bedford County’s fourteen covered bridges, a giant (18-feet-tall) coffee pot, and a bike shop that is home to a brewery, distillery, and speakeasy combo. Along the way, we were lucky enough to meet some of the business owners who’ve poured their hearts into creating these spaces. After just a few moments of chatting, it was abundantly clear how much love and passion each of these individuals has for this community, which made the experience even more special.
When lunchtime rolled around, we parked our bikes and sat down at LIFeSTYLE NEXTDOOR. Here we enjoyed coffee, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and healthy, flavor-packed grain bowls. Afterwards, we indulged in authentic Italian gelato at LIFeSTYLE Trattoria & Food Store before pedaling over the Juniata River to Olde Bedford Brewing Company for some local craft beer. We browsed Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters and capped off our time in town with a cocktail at the newly opened Cork & Compass Craft Spirits.
Cycling about 15 miles round-trip left us ready to unwind, and the resort delivered with dinner, drinks, live music, and a stunning sunset that we caught from Tillie’s at the Clubhouse, which proved to be the cherry on top of a day spent exploring the best of Bedford.
Adventure & Recharge at The Omni
After returning from our day in town, we turned our full attention to the property’s on-site experiences. The resort features a full-service fitness center, tennis courts, archery, fishing, paintball, and off-road vehicle tours, making it a haven for those seeking an active, adventurous getaway.
If you’re like us and want to amp up the adrenaline, we couldn’t recommend getting some mud on your tires (and everywhere else) on the resort’s off-road trails. We took a guided ATV tour that allowed us to learn more about the property’s history from our guide while taking in its beautiful scenery. Along the way, we stopped to admire some of the mineral springs before reaching an overlook with a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of the historic golf course and catch-and-release fishing pond below. It was a moment that perfectly captured the blend of nature, recreation, and history that defines this place.
Seth couldn’t help but head back to the resort’s catch-and-release fishing pond after our tour. His rod is always in the bed of our Jeep, and this was the perfect opportunity (and most picturesque spot) for him to break it out!
By Sunday morning, we were ready to slow things down. Omni properties pride themselves on being places where wellness is a tradition, not just a trend, meaning we simply couldn’t leave without taking part in one of their signature wellness experiences. So after breakfast and one last dip in the heated mineral springs pool, we closed out our trip in the most restorative way– by practicing yoga and forest bathing with the peaceful, steadfast roar of Magnesia Spring as our soundtrack.
Before heading home, we made one last trip to the springs, this time for a cold plunge at Black Spring, which pumps out over 600,000 gallons of chilly mineral-rich water daily. It was freezing cold, but oh so refreshing, and the ultimate ending to our adventurous weekend away. Check out a recap of our little springs plunge here.
The Perfect Getaway Destination
It’s safe to say that we left feeling rejuvenated and more connected to ourselves, to each other, to the local community, and to the landscape that’s made the area a refuge for centuries. Our time at Omni Bedford Springs provided us with the perfect balance of everything that we prioritize in a getaway. It was fun and adventurous, yet restorative and relaxing, and our stay introduced us to the local community and the individuals who make it special. So if you’re looking for a home base for discovering Bedford County, Omni Bedford Springs is the place for you.
