When it comes to getaways, New Yorkers are spoiled for choice. But instead of driving to the same old tired and overrun spots (like the Hamptons and Hudson Valley), why not venture out to Pennsylvania for a real escape and to experience brilliant fall foliage – which happens to be peaking this very minute?
Tucked away in the South Central town of Bedford is Omni Bedford Springs Resort. Famed for its eight mineral springs and picturesque setting in the Allegheny Mountains, the historic destination dating back to 1806 has quietly attracted visitors from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond (including 13 U.S. presidents) with its world-class offerings. And thanks to a sweeping the completion of a $1.4 million renovation completed this summer, the beloved resort feels more inviting than ever.
Greeting guests upon entry is the new Lobby Bar. Located at the foot of The Grand Staircase, the handsome, circular nook specializing in prohibition-era cocktails (think Old Fashioneds and Bees Knees) and single barrel bourbons is the perfect place to close the day and kick off the evening. Another welcome addition is Evitt House Coffee. The daytime cafe located on the ground floor exclusively pours STANCE Coffee, a proprietary blend of beans sustainably and ethically sourced from over 7,000 farmers in four countries. The recently-renovated Tally Ho Sports Shop is stocked with everything you need to organize all your outdoor adventures, from archery to off-road vehicle tours. But if breaking a sweat indoors is more your speed, the new, light-flooded fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment (including a Peloton bike) has you covered.
What’s remained unchanged is the resort’s legendary, nostalgic charm and unparalleled offerings. Though they could benefit from a refresh, the 216 guestrooms and suites are airy, spacious, and classically appointed. The 18-hole A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross-designed course offers scenic, yet challenging play for golfers of all levels, while the menu at the 30,000 square-foot Springs Eternal Spa thoughtfully bridges the old and new with cutting-edge services like HydraFacials and traditional ones like the signature Bedford Bath Ritual, a self-guided, restorative water circuit. Dining and drinking well also come easily at the resort, thanks to a variety of enticing options such as the lively Frontier Tavern and polished Crystal Room.
But no matter when you visit Omni Bedford Springs Resort or why, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in a tranquil, under-the-radar setting. As General Manager Dave Nostrand puts it: “We’re small enough so you can easily do what you want, but big enough so you have lots of options. We have everything you need here.”
