9 Best Things to Do in Bedford, PA

By VI Staff on July 27, 2019

Located at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains, Bedford is a historic village full of beautiful nature, wineries, and museums. Home to the Whiskey Rebellion, you’ll find stories and remnants of the quelled rebellion. Whiskey is still a fantastic treat to be found in the Bedford area, whether in food or history. Be sure to check out the historic village and wineries for a full-scale experience.

1.Old Bedford Village

Old Bedford Village is a living, open-air museum. Visitors to the museum will step back in time to the pioneer days when things were simpler and living was hard work. This village was once home to an archaeological dig site, but eventually became the restored museum with around 40 buildings! Some of the buildings include a broom shop, homes, a tavern (with food and drinks available), a bakery (with items for purchase), a village press, an octagonal schoolhouse, and many more. Along with self-guided tours, watch reenactment, craft some colonial crafts, and join in the festival/holiday activities. There are even murder mystery evenings held throughout the village.

220 Sawblade Road, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-1156

2.The National Museum of the American Coverlet

The National Museum of the American Coverlet is dedicated to showcasing the history and beauty of the coverlet as an art form. While quilts were made with pieces of fabric stitched together, coverlets were made on a loom in one piece. These were then used as the top-most cover on a bed, for decoration, protection, and warmth. Current visitors can check out the 500 coverlets currently on display at the museum. Along with the coverlets, visitors will get looks at the furniture used with the coverlets from that time period, as well as the looms and spindles that were used to create these types of coverings.

322 S. Juliana Street, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-1588

3.Fort Bedford Museum

Bedford was once the place of a great military fort. Today, the Fort Bedford Museum looks at the history and importance of that fort. Today, the museum has cataloged over 5,000 artifacts, including the original footprints of Fort Bedford. This museum isn’t just about the fort; it looks at Bedford’s history and the role it played in the French and Indian War. During the summer, camps and fortnight craft days are put on by the museum’s staff for kids to learn more about the time and history of Fort Bedford. Be sure to check out all that the museum has to offer, including adult events, the reenactments, the herb garden, and all the vehicles, weapons and objects housed here.

110 Fort Bedford Drive, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-8891

4.Briar Valley Vineyard and Winery

The Briar Valley Vineyard is located at 1,200 feet above sea level, which provides the perfect environment for their favored grapes: the vinifera grapes. When you stop by the tasting room, you’ll be welcomed by tables and comfortable furniture to enjoy. Consider sitting out on the terrace or in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine. When you’re ready to taste or buy, Briar Valley sells Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Riesling, Proprietor’s Red, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris by the bottle (note the reds are unfiltered, so sediment will settle over time). Though food is not served at the winery, many local restaurants carry the Briar Valley wines.

107 E. Pitt Street, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-0900

5.Bedford Speedway

Bedford Speedways’ first race was held in 1936, making it the oldest dirt track in Pennsylvania. Those who love auto racing can get a glimpse at some fantastic old racing cars in action on the track, including pure stock cars, E-mods, 4 cylinders, and late models. Tributes and classic runs are held throughout the summer months. Those visiting can check out one of the Stock car races held every Friday evening, or one of the PA Sprint Car Speedweek Series. The goal of this speedway is to continue the great tradition of dirt racing in America.

702 W Pitt Street, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-0500

6.Olde Bedford Brewing Company

Using hops grown on their Hideaway Ranch, the owners of Olde Bedford Brewing Company want to be sure that every craft beer that put together is locally sourced and tastes just how they want it. Olde Bedford Brewing Company (or OldeBBC, as it’s called by locals), was the very first brewery to be licensed in Bedford County. Despite its youth (established in 2018), OldeBBC brings out plenty of good brews to try and events to keep guests entertained. Check out the cornhole tournament, for example, or the Drink It or Dump It event, where you taste a beer, and if you like it, you drink it, if not dump it out for another!

109 Railroad Street, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 907-229-7942

7.Jean Bonnet Tavern

Open seven days a week, Jean Bonnet Tavern is housed in a pre-Revolution building, dating back to about 1762. Originally, the building was a fort and trading post for the French. Today, patrons can stay overnight in one of the historic rooms at the inn and dine at the tavern. When you stay at the inn, a country breakfast is included with the room. When you go to the tavern for dinner, check out one of the mouth-watering bison burgers or a seafood-inspired dish, like bacon-wrapped scallops, corn and crab chowder, or the crab cake sandwich. Be sure to also check out the Cabin Shoppe which is housed in an old log cabin that was moved beside the inn.

6048 Lincoln Highway, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-2250

8.Bad Boyz Bistro

If you didn’t see the special on Bay Boz Bistro on Food Network, your visit to Bedford is the perfect chance to learn what all the buzz is about. Founder, Bryan Speck, created two challenges that are sure to bust the biggest and toughest appetites. Try the Hellraiser challenge (10 Wings from Hell), or the Terminator challenge (a quadruple burger and 2 lbs of fries). Those interested in regular fare can check out the generous portions of soups, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and other entrees. All menu items are named after infamous characters or pop culture bad boys. The deserts, of course, being sweeter, are named after famous bad girls, like Laura Croft.

120 South Juliana Street, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-2111

9.Ed’s Steakhouse

Open since 1954, Ed’s Steakhouse was founded by Ed and Ruth McDevitt to provide upper-scale food and cocktails to locals. Today’s customers can come in for lunch, dinner, or the full-service bar. Open all week, except Mondays, Ed’s serves up great surf and turf food. Be sure to stop by on Friday for a fish fry, or splurge on a King Cut Filet Mignon. Start the meal off with some shrimp cocktail or crab stuffed portabella, and end your meal with chocolate mousse or the Wigle Whiskey Bundt Cake. While the surf is great, and the turf is delicious, consider trying out one of Ed’s surf and turf combos to really get the best of land and sea.

4476 220 Business, Bedford, PA 15522, Phone: 814-623-8894