Much to Explore in Bedford, Pa

If you love history and you're looking for something special to do on a long weekend, Bedford, Pennsylvania is sure to fit the bill, from a village that takes visitors back in time, to a museum that commemorates the construction of the original French and Indian War Fort built in 1758, to a hotel that was built to take advantage of the healing waters of the area.

My first recommendation upon entering town, however, is to stop at the Visitors' Center, which, you'll discover is larger than most and is full of pamphlets and helpful guides who can describe the many diverse activities available to those in the area.

One of the first things my husband and I did last time we visited Bedford was to take the 90-minute, self-guided tour, which combines walking and driving to visit various places.  Founder's Crossing, located on Juliana Street, is one of the first stops on the list and is home to an array of merchandise from home goods, to antiques and collectibles. Look down upon entering and you'll see a reminder of a store that once operated there.

G.C. Murphy once operated at Founder's Crossing.

Founder's Crossing carries home decor, antiques, collectibles and more.

Also, on the tour is the Anderson House. Built in 1815 for Dr. John Anderson by Solomon Filler, designer of the nearby Bedford Springs Resort, the courthouse and the art museum, the Anderson House is characteristic of the Federalist style of architecture.

The Anderson House built in 1815.

And no trip to Bedford would be complete without a glimpse of a piece of programmatic architecture, also referred to as mimetic architecture and even as "ducks." The famous "Coffee Pot" has been the site of many a selfie and was built in 1927 by David Koontz. It was slated for demolition in the 1990s, but cooler heads prevailed and it was saved and restored in 2004.

The Coffee Pot in Bedford, built in 1927.

After becoming familiar with the area on the architectural tour, you can continue your history lesson by visiting a living history site known as Old Bedford Village. Old Bedford Village opened in 1976 and portrays life in Pennsylvania from 1700 until 1899.

Old Bedford Village Welcome Center

Visitors are provided with a map upon arrival to help them navigate their way around the sprawling village. On the back of the map is a short description of the 40 buildings situated on the site, some of which are authentic and others which are reproductions. 

Old Bedford Village is especially attractive to families with children of all ages because they can take off and run from building to building, while learning from re-enactors who are skilled in commanding tots' attention.

Log homes like these are the first structures visitors see on the self-guided tour.

The first house on our stop was the Biddle House and inside was a re-enactor who explained the concept of Bedford Village and how it became a mixture of old and replicated structures to assist in aiding visitors to understand what life was like in the days of yore.

A re-enactor at an 18th-century log farmhouse moved from an area nearby called Dutch Corner.

The 8-square (sided) public school built in East St. Clair Township in 1851 by Quaker Nat Hoover.
It closed in 1932.

The Pendergrass Tavern

The Pendergrass Tavern is a recreation from a historical novel titled, Bedford Village. The original Pendergrass Tavern operated just outside the walls of Fort Bedford in the 1750's.

The volunteers/re-enactors are extremely dedicated to sharing their knowledge of history with all guests who visit. The gentleman above drives from West Virginia to share his passion. Everything displayed on the table is crafted by him.

The tin shop.

Children are invited to engage in various activities around the village. In the tin shop they can try their hand at making their own tin punch by choosing from a variety of patterns ranging from liberty bells to puppies and hammering away on the wooden blocks in the shop.

Families can visit Bedford Village Memorial Day Weekend through October 31, Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another educational site located in Bedford is the Fort Bedford Museum, built in 1958 to commemorate the construction of the original French and Indian War fort in 1758. Today the museum houses approximately 4,000 artifacts.

The Fort Bedford Museum houses thousands of artifacts.

In 2019, the museum decided to bring to life the story of "Indian Eve" Ernst, whom guests will learn about when they visit. "Indian Eve" spent nine years in captivity before being able to return to her hometown of Bedford. Below is a small, deer-hide covered trunk that she took with her when she was able to head for home. It was donated by the family.

Indian Eve's trunk manufactured in 1777.

A model of Fort Bedford.

The "Becoming Bedford" exhibit displays many relics of days gone by like the items shown below.

An early mail sleigh.

Another exhibit titled, "Cave to Empire," helps guests understand the clash of cultures that set the stage for the French and Indian War in the mid-1700's. 

Those interested in visiting the Fort Bedford Museum will find it at 110 Fort Bedford Drive. Hours and admission prices can be found at the website by clicking here. 

The Omni Bedford Springs

The history continues, only this time we skip ahead quite a bit to the Omni Bedford Springs. You may recall Dr. John Anderson who was mentioned earlier. Dr. Anderson was also responsible for purchasing the 20,000-acre property where the Omni now stands after learning about the eight mineral springs onsite. He then set about building bathing facilities for his patients there, offering them prescriptions for their ailments and housing them in tents on the property.

As "taking the waters" grew in popularity, Anderson decided to take the next step and erect a hotel for his guests. In 1816, Attorney James Buchanan visited the Springs for the first time, followed by Thomas Jefferson, who suffered from acute rheumatism. By 1842, the resort had earned luxury status. Frequent guests included Presidents Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor. Other dignitaries included Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. As the hotel gained a reputation as a retreat for the elite, it attracted top businessmen and industrialists, including such luminaries as Henry Ford and John Wanamaker, who maintained a suite on the first floor. 

Buchanan famously used the resort as his "Summer White House" from 1857-1861 and received the first transatlantic cable from England's Queen Victoria while staying at the Bedford Springs Hotel in the summer of 1858. 

Guests can explore the springs themselves. Of the eight springs on the property, three are capped: the Sweet Spring, the Sulphur Spring and the Crystal Spring. The Sweet Spring was used by the early hotel for cooking and washing and is marked by a lion's head sculpture. The Sulphur Spring, formerly known as the Yellow Spring, was used to treat moderate bleeding, constipation and chronic diseases. The Crystal Spring, located south of the resort, was once compared to the "Carlsbad of Europe." Part of a mammoth was also discovered nearby during an excavation.

The Iron Spring is one of eight springs on site.

Non-capped springs include the Magnesia Spring, the Limestone Spring, the Black Spring, the Iron Spring and the Eternal Spring. The Magnesia Spring, located behind the wedding grotto, was demonstrated to have many curative properties and was used to treat liver disease, malaria and stomach and kidney disease. The Black Spring is said to contain the most potable water and is responsible for the irrigation of the golf course. The effervescent Iron Spring contains iron and common salts and was used for blood and bone disorders. The Eternal Spring was discovered beneath the hotel during the most recent renovation. It feeds the indoor pool and the on-site spa. 

One courtesy that the Omni generously offers non-guests is the opportunity to explore the springs on the property. They are also encouraged to take advantage of any scheduled tours and are welcome to visit the restaurants on site as well.

Let's Go Shopping

In addition to Founder's Crossing mentioned earlier, there are many other shops in the walkable town of Bedford. One of the first shops I usually make while visiting is Bedford Candies. The small business located at 132 East Pitt Street has been making handmade, hand-dipped chocolates since 1929. The bright and cheery store was operated by the Sotirokos family for three generations before employee Tammy Wiley and her son Adam assumed ownership. She continues the daily tradition of making products onsite using old family recipes.

Bedford Candies run by Tammy Wiley and her son Adam.

Next up, is Pigeon Hill Studios on Juliana Street, for those who enjoy art. Below are a few works that commanded my attention while visiting.  I love how they repurpose horseshoes here. 

A stool crafted with horseshoes.

More local art.

Also located on Juliana Street is the Peppercorn Market where you'll find an array of jams, jellies, olive oils and more to purchase for yourself or a foodie friend. The owner is very friendly and so are her customers; we all ended up having a lovely conversation when I visited.

The Peppercorn Market carries an array of jams, jellies, olive oil and more.

Another fun shop for the foodie is LifeSTYLE, which carries everything from pasta, to Pannettone and pesto. One item that stands out to me now after I had a chance to get a good look at the picture below is the pasta made with hemp flour. Hemp flour is notable for being high in protein--a good choice if your goal is to increase your protein levels. I have yet to try it, but if any of you have, please let me know what you think. 

LIFeSTYLE carries an array of Italian specialties.

Other downtown shops include the BellaTerra Vineyards, Hebrews Coffee Company, KJ Seasonals and Juli's Wearable Art to name just a few.

BellaTerra Vineyards and tasting room below.

Juli's Wearable Art offers artisan and vintage apparel.

A Trip to the Art Museum

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) was founded in 1976 and operates the longest-running museum satellite system, with facilities in Altoona, Bedford, Johnstown, Ligonier and Loretto. It maintains a permanent collection of more than 7,500 works of local, regional, national and international artists. 

When we visited the Bedford location, the work of Michael Mosorjak was on display.  The Johnstown artist is skilled in working with oils and several of his pieces are shown below.

Middle Street, by Michael Mosorjak.

Red on Blonde, by Michael Mosorjak

Christmas Amaryllis, by Michael Mosorjak

Upstairs, the museum usually offers classes for the community. While I visited, a group of ladies were working on fiber art.

Fiber art class.

The SAMA is open from Wednesday to Sunday and admission is free.

Accommodations

The Golden Eagle Inn is within walking distance of most destinations.

Accommodations in the heart of the action can be found at the Golden Eagle Inn. Our room was bright, spacious and comfortable. Free breakfast is offered at their onsite restaurant, which is known for its excellent food. 

The room at the Golden Eagle.

These are just a few ideas you may want to consider on a trip to Bedford and are ideal for a three-day weekend. For more ideas, I'll invite you to visit the Bedford Visitor's Bureau website at: https://www.visitbedfordcounty.com/.

Omni Bedford Spring's Resort Stands the Test of Time

The older I get, the more I enjoy history, which is not all that uncommon from what I am learning. I have to admit that I am rather late to the party when it comes to visiting the many interesting and unique properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To date, I haven't made much of a dent in that list since since Pennsylvania alone is home to more than 3,000 such structures. Nevertheless however, I am always excited to set eyes on a property that makes it on the list. Learning the backstory from those who carefully present a case for preservation is intriguing as well.

I visited the Omni Bedford Springs for the first time this Valentine's Day. Until then, I knew little about the property and its rich history, but soon learned more thanks to a knowledgeable guide who conducts group tours throughout the week. 

Omni Bedford Springs, view from the bridge.

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of south Pennsylvania, the Omni Bedford Springs is home to eight mineral springs which, for centuries, were used by Native Americans for drinking and bathing. The water, with its rich mineral content, was said to contain curative properties, which eventually caught the attention of a local doctor by the name of John Anderson. In 1796, Anderson purchased the 2,200-acre property on which the resort now stands. Anderson began building bathing facilities for his patients and offered them custom prescriptions based on their individual health issues, while housing them in tents during their stay.

As "taking the waters" grew in popularity, Anderson decided it was time to erect a structure to accommodate visitors. Aaron Burr, with grandson in tow, were among the first notable guests of the Bedford Springs Hotel. Many others would follow.

In 1816, Attorney James Buchanan visited the Springs for the first time, followed by Thomas Jefferson, who suffered from acute rheumatism. By 1842, the resort had earned luxury status. Frequent guests included Presidents Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor. Other dignitaries included Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. As the hotel gained a reputation as a retreat for the elite, it attracted top businessmen and industrialists, including such luminaries as Henry Ford and John Wanamaker, who maintained a suite on the first floor. Buchanan famously used the resort as his "Summer White House" from 1857-1861 and received the first transatlantic cable from England's Queen Victoria while staying at the Bedford Springs Hotel in the summer of 1858. 

The Bedford Springs Hotel also laid claim to other "firsts," including one of the first golf courses. Designed by Spencer Oldham in 1895, the course at Bedford Springs is one of the oldest in the United States. In 1905, the resort also installed the first spring-fed, Olympic-sized indoor pool in the nation.

The hotel's heyday lasted approximately two decades--from 1900 through 1920. During the 1920s,  its popularity began to wane as the country suffered the economic impact of The Great Depression, followed by World War II. In the mid-1940s, the hotel experienced an uptick in business thanks to the construction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the subsequent popularity of hotel tourism, which was fortuitously followed by a post-war economic stimulus. 

In 1984, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best remaining examples of "Springs Resort Architecture." Two years later the property ended what was a good run in the hospitality industry. This, of course, dismayed the citizens of Bedford, who held out little hope that their crown jewel would ever return. It wasn't until 2004 that the property would undergo a rebirth due to the efforts of a development company that specialized in historic renovation. The three-year, $120 million project was completed in 2007 and was purchased by Omni Hotels and Resorts in 2009.  Today it stands as a mixture of old and new. To wit, a rare, 39-star United States flag dates back to 1865 and hangs behind the modern front desk. Historians may question the date so it's important to note that although only 36 states were in existence at the time, the creator, in a spate of optimism, added an additional three, making the acquisition a rare, one-of-a-kind specimen.

The lobby of the Omni Bedford Springs.

Cozy.

Plenty of Activities

Packing a bathing suit for a dip in the heated indoor pool is a must and guests who gaze upwards will see an elevated opera box where musicians once serenaded swimmers back in the days of yore.

Those hankering for a little pampering will find plenty of opportunities at the 30,000 square foot "Springs Eternal Spa." The spa at the Omni is just one of just a few in the country to use natural spring water for treatments. The "menu" includes an array of services ranging from body scrubs, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and even reiki. The popular destination is usually booked for weeks on end, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead. Staff recommends six-to-eight-week's advance notification.

Products solds at the "Hope Springs Eternal" spa.

For guests who enjoy the great outdoors, Omni offers a variety of activities like fly fishing, trap shooting, off-road vehicle tours, hiking trails, lawn games, horseback riding, tennis and segway tours beginning on April 1.

A Focus on Dining
The Omni Bedford Springs is known for its quality culinary program and many take advantage of the opportunity to watch chef demonstrations held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

During our stay, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of sea bass and steak in the formal Crystal Room where chandeliers are a focal point and pictures of guests from a bygone era adorn the walls.

The Crystal Room

Sea bass over wild rice served in the Crystal Room.

Steak with carrots over polenta and pesto served in the Crystal Room.

A lovely Valentine's Day dessert served with a rum "injection."

One afternoon we made it a point to grab a drink at the Frontier Tavern and settle into the oversized comfy chairs to enjoy the view overlooking the front of the property. Directly outside is a fire pit that  is pulled into commission during warm summer evenings for toasting s'mores.

Additional dining is available in the 1796 room named for the year when Dr. John Anderson purchased the property. Known for its USDA 21-day-aged prime beef and world-class wine list, the 1796 Room is a less formal alternative to the Crystal Room known for its historic atmosphere in an older part of the building.

An antique stove is on display at the front of the Frontier Tavern.

.

An antique tapestry hangs on the walls of the 1796 room. 

Our tour guide describing the 1796 room as one of the oldest rooms on the property.

Boutique Shopping

Shops line the hall of the first floor.

An array of merchandise ranging from gifts, to books, logo items, clothing and accessories can be found in the shops that line the first floor. And since the Omni Bedford Springs is home to one of the top 100 golf courses in the nation, it stands to reason that they'd offer golfers the opportunity to choose from a variety of accessories and attire at the onsite pro shop. According to the tour guide, panes of glass were salvaged from the original property, so be sure to linger a bit in the "Duke of Bedford" library, where, if you look closely, you'll see names etched into the windows by various guests over the years. Called "the truing of the ring," newly married visitors would etch their names into the glass to test the authenticity of their diamond rings.

Visiting the Springs

Crossing the bridge to the springs.

View from the Bridge.

The Iron Springs and Wedding Grotto.

Of the eight springs on the property, three are capped: the Sweet Spring, the Sulphur Spring and the Crystal Spring. The Sweet Spring  was used by the early hotel for cooking and washing and is marked by a lion's head sculpture. The Sulphur Spring, formerly known as the Yellow Spring, was used to treat moderate bleeding, constipation and chronic diseases. The Crystal Spring, located south of the resort, was once compared to the "Carlsbad of Europe." Part of a mammoth was discovered nearby during an excavation.

Non-capped springs include the Magnesia Spring, the Limestone Spring, the Black Spring, the Iron Spring and the Eternal Spring.

The Magnesia Spring, located behind the wedding grotto, was demonstrated to have many curative properties and was used to treat liver disease, malaria and stomach and kidney disease. 

The Black Spring is said to contain the most potable water and is responsible for the irrigation of the golf course.

The effervescent Iron Spring contains iron and common salts and was used for blood and bone disorders.

The Eternal Spring was discovered beneath the hotel during the most recent renovation. It feeds the indoor pool and the on-site spa. Consult your concierge for directions to these natural wonders.

One courtesy that the Omni generously offers non-guests is the opportunity to explore the springs on the property. Guests are also encouraged to take advantage of any scheduled tours and are welcome to visit the restaurants on site as well.

Exploring Bedford 

After our stay at the Omni, we decided to explore Bedford's quaint downtown. One of our stops was at Bedford Candies. The small business located at 132 East Pitt Street has been making handmade, hand-dipped chocolates since 1929. The bright and cheery store was operated by the Sotirokos family for three generations before employee Tammy Wiley assumed ownership. She continues the daily tradition of making products onsite using old family recipes.

Bedford Candies was founded in 1929.

Bedford Candies sales floor.

Another Bedford shop worthy of a visit is Founder's Crossing Artisan and Antique Merchant  located on the corner of Juliana Street. The historic building was built in the 1890s in the Italianate style, originally serving as Oppenheimer's Clothing Store. Later it became home to a G. C. Murphy's--as evidenced by the stoop leading to the front entrance. Inside, you'll find an array of merchandise, from gifts, to home decor, crafts, antiques and collectibles. If you have some time to spare, you can easily wile away an hour inspecting all the unique items for sale.

Founder's Crossing Artisan and Antique Merchant--look closely at the steps and you'll see evidence of the old G.C. Murphy's.

Founder's Crossing offers two floors of crafts, antiques and sundries.

This shotgun shell flag gave me a chuckle.

G.C. Murphy's Lunch Counter.

I would have loved to have taken the free guided walking tour of Bedford, but it was too early in the year when we visited. Tours last 90 minutes and are conducted every Friday at 3:30 p.m.. starting in June. 

A mural of a young George Washington

As we poked around the town, I snapped a picture of this attractive house and later learned that it was owned by Dr. John Anderson--the individual mentioned earlier who was responsible for founding the resort in  Bedford Springs. Built in 1815, it is characteristic of the Federalist style. Federalist homes often featured American symbols and Dr. Anderson's house was no exception. If you look closely at the front door, you'll get a glimpse of American eagle partially obscured by the wrought iron railing.

The Anderson House

Before we left the area, we ducked into another Anderson building. The Golden Eagle Inn was built in 1794 and was known as The Anderson Mansion. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known as one of  the oldest buildings downtown.We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the downstairs pub before proceeding home. In retrospect, I wish I had ventured upstairs to take a few shots of the interior of the old hotel. Unfortunately all I can share here is a not-so-stellar picture of the outside and the downstairs pub, but if you follow the link, you can get a little better idea of what lies beyond.

The front of the Golden Eagle Inn, once known as the Anderson Mansion.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch of Korean chicken and a Reuben at the pub downstairs.

When we wrapped up our short visit, I was fairly confident that we had seen much of what Bedford had to offer, although I wouldn't mind returning to the interior of the Golden Eagle Inn and taking the walking tour I mentioned. If you're looking for a unique way to spend a long weekend, Bedford offers much to explore.