Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bedford Springs Resort

Recently we meandered to the newly renovated Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs Pennsylvania. Attracted by this resort's amazing history, I was excited to visit a place where presidents and historical figures had stayed. In the 1800s, President James Buchanan made Bedford Springs his summer White House and Henry Ford came to this idyllic place to "take the waters". The three year, one hundred twenty million dollar renovation was well worth the time and expense. It has been restored to the way it looked in the 1800s. There is a Greek style portico with Doric columns at the entrance, wallpaper, fabrics, furnishings, wooden floors and carpets of the era, and a 1905 spring fed indoor swimming pool, one of the first in the whole country. In addition, there are tennis courts, a spa, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The original inn opened in 1809 with twenty four rooms, but now there are two hundred sixteen rooms with goose down comforters, armoires, free standing Chevalier mirrors and marble bathrooms. You can choose from five restaurants including one that has part of an original cabin wall in it. This is the perfect getaway, so what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to age old elegance at the Bedford Springs Resort. Did I forget to mention that they serve afternoon tea and treats every afternoon?

Historical Charlottesville

The Charlottesville Virginia area presents a plethora of ideas to the weekend traveler. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Ashlawn, the Michie Tavern and the University of Virgina are some of the locations you can visit to pass the time. For your overnight stay, try the Inn at Monticello. Built in 1856, this English style country manor house has five guest rooms with private baths. Our room had a canopy bed, colonial furnishings and quilts on the walls. Upon arrival we enjoyed wine and cheese presented by the roaring fire while we became acquainted with our fellow guests. In the morning we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast.
Touring the University of Virginia's sprawling campus was a special treat. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson and has some of the same elements of Monticello. Nearby are the quaint shops of this college town.
For a taste of history and a break from big city life, try Charlottesville and the Inn at Monticello.

L'Auberge Provincale

The L'Auberge Provincale is an elegant inn located in White Post Virginia. This lovely place captures the essence of Provence with its golden sun drenched walls, cozy oversized furniture and warm log fireplaces. In the afternoons french treats with warm drinks are served by the fire. Gourmet breakfasts are enjoyed in the morning. The dining is an experience that should not be missed. The prix fixe menu includes choices of Maple Farms Duck Breast, Garlic Coated Filet Mignon, Pan Seared Salmon, Butter Poached Lobster with Truffle Risotto, Grilled Quail with Pomegranate or Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Do not skip dessert! Indulge in Warm Apple Tart with Creme Anglaise, Bananas Brulee with Pecan Ice Cream or Gingerbread Souflee with Rum Creme Anglaise and Almond Tuile. There is a small town nearby to browse in, but the inn is so inviting that you may prefer to take a book and chillax (my daughter Ari's word) by the fire for the whole weekend.

Hanover, Pennsylvania

The town of Hanover, Pennsylvania is a scenic ninety minute ride away from the Washington area. Along the way, through Westminster and Littlestown are several interesting craft, antique and novelty stores as well as orchards and nurseries. Gettysburg is a few miles from Hanover and there are state parks for nature walks. In the town of Hanover there are two bridal shops and an inexpensive men's clothing store, so if you are looking for formal attire, the evening dresses and tuxedo prices can not be beat. The quaint town book store is an excellent place to grab a delicious lunch while browsing the unique book selection. Then take a stroll down the main street to read the signs that describe the civil war action that took place here. The house where the terrified women watched the menacing confederate soldiers advancing on the town and heard the shots that are still in the bricks of this home can be viewed "up close and personal". Every Saturday there is a farmers market in a historic building where you can purchase fresh baked goods and fruits and veggies.
Tucked in the historic district is the lovely Sheppard mansion. It was built in 1913 by the cofounders of the Hanover Shoe Company. The mansion is the top choice in town for an elegant dinner, cooked by the chef who apprenticed at the Inn at Little Washington. You may start with the warm pretzel rolls, a delicacy like none you have ever tasted! Continue with the sweet corn fritters or the lump crabmeat salad. For the main course, you can choose from the Crispy Skinned Rockfish, the Roasted Beef Tenderloin or the "Picnic", a buttermilk fried squab. The side dishes are delicious and the chef throws in some surprise freebies as the meal progresses. If you order dessert, he presents you with a pre-dessert and he sends you home with homemade cookies! In addition, the inn offers a bed and breakfast. The lovely rooms complete with oversized soaking tubs and private marble baths take you back to another, simpler time in our history. A gourmet breakfast is included in the rate.
So if you are looking for some civil war history, delicious food, and an amazing inn experience, visit Hanover and the Sheppard Mansion in nearby Pennsylvania.