This Pennsylvania resort hosted Presidents Taft, Harrison, Buchanan et. al., it was the landing point of the first transatlantic telegram. The mineral springs were legendary among those seeking a natural cure, a 1920’s golf course an early favorite with the eastern elite. Thousands of naval recruits were trained here, Japanese diplomats were interned here. And then, as happens, Bedford Springs, fell apart and remained shuttered for nearly 20 years. You’ve probably never heard of it.
That’s about to change – hopefully. A consortium of developers/ owners/managers/grant givers have poured millions of dollars reviving the old girl, located a short hop off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. On the team (interestingly enough) is the Ferchill Group, gaining a name for itself doing high-risk projects where they see future potential (they’re the ones that got Westin to come in on their renovation of the 455 room Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, a challenge to be sure).
Luckily, it appears there’s plenty of potential for this renovated grande dame – the Pennsylvania mountains are beautiful at any time of year. A 30,000 square-foot spa touting the mineral cures the hotel was once so famous for should help things. People like a spa. Ditto golf on the restored 1920’s course. People like golf too.