Monica and Daria say:
When we tell people that last week we were so fortunate to accompany Monica’s husband and Daria’s dad, Lewie, on his business trip to Bedford, their first question is “Oh, where’s that?”
How is it that this beautiful little gem has not been on our vacation radar?
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa, where his conference was held, is located in western Pennsylvania at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains, just two hours east of Pittsburgh and two hours west of Harrisburg.
What an exquisite place with such a great history!
Bedford’s seven mineral springs, which boast of healing properties, made it an acclaimed destination as early as 1796. Its reputation grew and throughout the 19th century it became a full-service resort. Celebrated guests, including at least six US Presidents, many senators and congressmen, Civil War generals, and countless other dignitaries, fill the hotel’s ledgers through to the 20th century (the ledgers are on display in the main lobby!).
Later in the 1980s, the hotel, although listed on the National Register for Historic Places, fell into disrepair and endured major flood damage which forced its closing. Then in 2003, an architectural firm from Richmond, VA, 3north, was commissioned to restore the resort to its previous splendor.
Now the transformation can be seen throughout the property…and what a grand property it is!
We could seriously have designed a brochure ourselves with all of the pictures we took! The 28-acre site is just incredible! We enjoyed the pool, hiking trails and the great atmosphere Bedford offers.
Of course wherever we go, we are on the lookout for great gluten-free food and we were not disappointed in Bedford or its surrounding area!
Take a little tour with us as we share some of our food photos….
A taste of gluten-free chocolate flourless cake to end my meal of a grilled chicken Caesar salad at the Frontier Tavern located on the resort premises….notice that there is no picture of the salad!
Daria’s friend, Chef Thomas (a present colleague of hers) was employed at Bedford Springs Resort and Spa several years ago, and sent these delights to our room……gluten-free chocolate flourless cake with ganache and a fruit plate….yummy treats to munch on!
It’s so nice to know chefs!!
Dinner at the Jean Bonnet Tavern, circa 1762,….such a historic place that takes you back in time.
Grilled pork chop with a blueberry/blackberry sauce, fresh green beans, and whipped mashed potatoes.
All gluten-free and oh so tasty!
And we saved the best for last! Our favorite meal, hands down, was at 10/09 Kitchen.
Here we had the gluten-free brandy mushroom cream soup (packed with wild mushrooms) as an appetizer. Yummy flavor and the perfect temperature!
And then, our amazing gluten-free entrees…
3, 2, 1…
Lewie had lemon thyme chicken which, of course, was roasted chicken, three cheese polenta, and asparagus.
What great flavor and the polenta was so creamy and delicious!
Daria had the pan-seared halibut with tri-colored fingerling potatoes, artichokes, and broccolini.
Such a flavor profile! Delightful!
And Monica had the seared scallops with a forest mushroom risotto and asparagus.
Oh my heavens….it was to die for!
Voted the best entrée of the night by us three!!
Two very happy bloggers, for sure!!!
The morning we departed Bedford, we stopped at the cutest little place in the downtown called the Bird’s Nest Café & Bakery. And while we didn’t take a picture of our gluten-free eggs and toast, here is a picture of the place.
Adorable, right?
So if you are looking for a beautiful and quiet retreat… check out the lovely little town of Bedford…now you know where it is!
© 2014, Monica & Daria of glutenfreedoubletalk
Gluten-free double talk 