A Little Bit of Magic

I spent this weekend at one of my favorite places on Earth--the Bedford Springs Resort  & Spa.  Tucked in the Laurel Highlands of South Central Pennsylvania, the resort has always seemed to be a little bit magical to me.

The resort dates to the beginning of the 19th century, when Bedford Springs was still the frontier.  Travelers would brave what was then the Wild West to visit this luxury resort and experience the mineral springs, which were hailed as "healing waters."  Numerous presidents and dignitaries stayed there, and President James Buchanan even called it his "summer White House."

By the late 20th century, the resort had closed and fallen into disrepair.  But a coalition of historians, architects, and builders undertook a meticulous renovation, restoring the resort to it's former glory (and beyond, with all of the modern conveniences one would expect at a top resort).

Today, Bedford Springs is just amazing.  There are gorgeous grounds and colorful gardens, hiking trails, a beautiful outdoor pool, big porches, a heavenly spa, and comfortable rooms.  And, perhaps best of all, there's a cozy fire pit where you can make s'mores at night!  One thing that I really like is that there are so many places to sit and read, think, dream, talk, or just take it all in.

There are also tons of historical pictures all over the resort, so you get a real feel for how it might have been to be a guest at the resort 150 years ago (petticoats and all!).  You can almost feel the ghosts of people who have stayed there walking and laughing in the halls.

The only bad thing about the weekend was that it had to end!  I'm counting the days until I can go back!!