The large and luxurious Omni Bedford Springs Resort has been around for over 200 years. Being just two hours away from Washington, it is the ideal place to get away.
The land that the Omni Bedford Springs Resort now sits on - all 2,200 acres of it - was purchased in 1796 from the Indians by Dr. John Anderson because of its natural springs and their healing properties. The Indians were already using it for this purpose. Dr. Anderson soon built his home here and then started offering spas and treatments for visitors according to their particular needs. It rapidly became known for its spas and healing springs.
Eventually, the Resort would become known as a place for the rich and famous. As many as 10 Presidents of the United States would visit. President Buchanan even made the resort his summer White House while he was in office.
The Resort was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1984. Just two years later it was closed. After a very extensive restoration in which its original splendor would be restored, at a cost of $120 million, it was then reopened to visitors in 2007.
The Resort has reopened after seeking to combine the best of technology and its original splendor. There are 216 guestrooms and suites, and every room has a balcony and flat-panel television. There is both an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool that uses mineral water from the eight mineral springs. A 30,000 square foot Springs Eternal Spa is ready to receive guests looking for treatments from the mineral springs. A state-of-the-art fitness center with professional staff is also available to help get or stay in shape.
A world class 18-hole golf course has been a feature of the Resort for many years. In fact, it had one of the first few golf courses in the country. A.W. Tillinghaust and later Donald Ross worked to design the present course. Jogging trails are available and so are outdoor tennis courts. Nearby, activities such as horseback riding, snow skiing, and shopping are also available at a nearby mall. The Shawnee State Park is just 12 miles away.
There is also a state-of the-art conference center on the grounds. This building provides 20,000 square feet of meeting space with all the latest features needed to host most any conference. There are 13 different meeting rooms and the largest one will hold 4,800 people.
On the Resort grounds, there are over 25 miles of biking and hiking trails. Trout fishing is also available on the property. For dining pleasure, there are 5 restaurants providing regional cuisine.
The Resort is a popular place for weddings, too. With its scenic property and beautiful buildings, it is the ideal place for a memorable wedding. Special facilities are available to make it the perfect event, such as their Outdoor Wedding Chapel, the Wedding Grotto - A White Gazebo at the Magnesia Spring, the Grand Ballroom with Veranda, the Eisenhower Room with Fireplace, and more special choice spots, as well.
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is located in the northern part of the Cumberland Valley, and it is surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains. It retains its early splendor that it had in 1905, but has added new technology to make it the place to go when you want luxury and beauty - and plenty of space.
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