There’s a particular kind of welcome that greets you in Bedford County — the kind that doesn’t rush or shout for your attention, but instead invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel something familiar yet long forgotten. You’ll find it in the gentle roll of the Allegheny hills, the hum of a downtown morning, and most memorably, in the stillness of the mineral springs that have flowed here for centuries.
At Omni Bedford Springs Resort, that welcome takes form in one of America’s most storied retreats — a place where history, wellness, and genuine hospitality converge. Once a healing sanctuary along the Forbes Trail and later a summer refuge for President James Buchanan, the resort has spent generations perfecting the art of restoration, both for the land and for the people who visit it.
Today, the same waters that once drew dignitaries and dreamers invite modern travelers to rediscover what rejuvenation truly feels like. Mornings begin with mountain air drifting through open windows. Afternoons bring adventure, perhaps an off-road tour through forested hills or a bike ride through historic downtown Bedford, where heritage and innovation meet at every street corner. Evenings end gathered around a fire, laughter rising into the Pennsylvania sky.
And yet, Omni Bedford Springs is more than a resort. It’s the heart of Bedford County hospitality — a gateway to a region defined by craftsmanship, community, and connection. From the Giant Coffee Pot, a beloved Lincoln Highway landmark, to the friendly clink of glasses at Olde Bedford Brewing Company inside Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters, every encounter feels like an extension of the warmth that begins at the springs themselves.
“The same waters that once drew presidents now draw travelers seeking restoration and connection.”
Discovering Bedford By Bike
Many guests take advantage of the Omni’s perfect location just a quick bikeride away from downtown Bedford and trade in their car keys for handlebars for the day. Guests can pick up bike rentals at Tally Ho Outfitters, follow the route into town, and discover a county that rewards wanderers. The Heritage Trail winds through rolling farmland, past one of Bedford County’s iconic covered bridges, and into a downtown alive with creativity and charm.
In a single afternoon, you might sip locally roasted coffee at LIFeSTYLE NEXTDOOR, cool off with Italian gelato at LIFeSTYLE Trattoria, or browse handcrafted goods and outdoor gear before stepping into the shared space of Fat Jimmy’s and Olde Bedford Brewing Company — a perfect pairing of recreation and relaxation.
Just down the street, Bedford’s creative spirit shines at Rebellion Books, a cozy independent bookstore brimming with stories and conversation; Twila’s, a boutique that celebrates refined Appalachian style; and Pigeon Hill Studios, where local artists display original works that capture the region’s heart. For an inspiring stop that bridges art, wellness, and global connection, Mahendi Projects offers handmade goods and community-driven initiatives that reflect Bedford’s compassion and creativity.
Each stop reveals something about Bedford County’s essence: a love of authenticity, a respect for heritage, and a hospitality that runs deeper than routine.
Adventure & Renewal At The Springs
Back at the resort, the rhythm shifts from exploration to restoration. Omni Bedford Springs continues its centuries old tradition of wellness, offering experiences that balance adventure and serenity. Guests can hike, fish, play tennis, or join a guided ATV tour that winds through wooded trails and forgotten mineral springs before cresting at a scenic overlook with sweeping views of the golf course and valley below.
