May 8, 2008. Chevy Chase, Md. Bedford, Pa.

What a surprise to discover that the little town of Bedford has become a fancy shopping destination, full of high end trendy shops. Bedford is the County seat of Bedford County, and when we first saw the town in 1973 , it seemed that it had once been a busy important town, but now it definitely was neither busy nor important. It was sleepy in 1973 when we went to the office of the attorney doing the settlement our first farm. The old town was in the process of loosing the businesses to the outlying areas. Dusty antique stores were everywhere. For a few years the downward trend continued, as Walmart and the Tractor's Store opened out closer to the highway. But bit by bit,the old buildings in town were restored, one at a time. First a big building built in 1778 or so was opened as an art association and shop. The the very old house next to it was all gussied up and opened as an Inn. Across the street opened a very nice small restaurant, and then another down the street. The antique stores are no longer dusty with last years dust. Starting six years ago, we noticed Bedford looking much more alive. Now an Italian store selling cheese and all other things Italian has opened. They seem to be doing just great. This is probably because the old Bedford Springs Inn and Golf course had opened last year, after a many million dollar renovation. Now the wealthy of Pittsburgh and Washington and Baltimore are coming for the Inn, then coming to Bedford to walk areoun this charming town. There are even several ladies stores selling elegant dresses..

It is interesting to have observed the transformation. We have been going to Bedford regularly for the past years, but it wasn't until last Saturday that we finally realized that the old Bedford has gone and now it is transformed into an interesting town with a history, which it always had, and also a place to stroll and shop and spend money. When we were having lunch in our favorite very good restaurant, people kept coming in carrying fancy shopping bags. After lunch we too wandered around and spent some money at these fancy stores. Ken bought a cook book for Christina, which he said was self serving for him, because every recipe was made of Chocolate. And wouldn't you know, Christina made chocolate souffle for desert on Wednesday at our weekly dinner. And it was good.