Omni Bedford Springs Resort is one of the best

It’s always enjoyable to explore a new place, especially when it’s a wonderful location like the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs PA, just shy of three hours from Baltimore. Take I-70 west to I-220 north, just before Cumberland. The resort also happens to have a 4 Star and 4 Diamond rating. I discovered the resort during a separate trip to the Rocky Gap Casino in Allegany County, Maryland.

There are 216 rooms spread out over many buildings, most of which are quite historic. I don’t have the space here to go over the history of the resort, but it goes back many centuries when it was just a small building in the woods.  Over the years, as you would imagine, it has undergone many changes.  Actually it was closed for nearly 20 years before re-opening in 2007.   It is one of  the Historic Hotels of America.

First of all, you won’t be bored. There is plenty to do regardless of the season. A few of the many activities include Segway rides. I tried this and actually traveled about 10 feet before giving up — I didn’t have the right balance. Don’t try this if you have a tendency to break bones, though youngsters were doing very well.

OK, back to the other activities — fly fishing, volleyball, tennis, golf, hiking on many trails in the woods located just out the front door, a spa with numerous treatments, mountain biking, and indoor and outdoor pool (you’ll have to hurry to use it).

It does however come with a whirlpool and cabanas. I tried one of the cabanas and was asleep in a matter of minutes. There’s a fire pit for roasting s’mores and off road UTV rides — that’s utility train vehicle. It’s okay I didn’t know either.

One activity that should be a must is a hotel tour. They depart from the concierge desk at 10 a.m. and it’s free. On the tour you’ll get a great lesson in history.

The town and resort are called Bedford Springs for a good reason. There are indeed many springs located nearby, some only 50 yards away. They are said to have medicinal qualities, but I can’t attest to that. Many people over the centuries came here just for the springs.  The medicinal qualities come from the elements, like sulfur, contained in the springs. I tried one of them and looked like a movie star in a matter of hours. Of course that could have been the Brad Pitt mask.

For dining you have your choice of the Crystal Room, the 1796 Steakhouse and the Frontier Tavern, where I ate. My dinner consisted of a tasty salad and fish and our waitress was very attentive and capable.

For more formal dining, try the 1796 Steakhouse.

Rates generally go from $289 to $329 depending on time of year and location of room, but any room would be just fine.  There are of course various sizes, but all are clean and comfortable.

There is one more thing to mention: the town of Bedford Springs is about five minutes away. It’s definitely worth the drive over. The best way to see the town is to park the car and walk.

Some suggested attractions would include the Bedford County Arts Center, National Museum of the American Coverlet (bedcovers), Briars Valley Winery and the Fort Bedford Museum. At one time Bedford was located along an Indian path that later grew into a major transportation center for east/west and north/south settlers.

To contact the resort call 814-623-8100 or go to the Omni Hotel website.  I count this resort as one of my better finds.

By the way, I did try one of the spa treatments, the mudpack. It worked very well, at least until the mud fell off.