We spent a day wandering around historic Bedford, Pennsylvania, ambling down the street and browsing little shops.

They have found a nice, balanced way of living so that their history is ever present but so that it doesn’t feel stuffy or outdated. Downtown shops are packed with interesting merchandise and there’s a lovely park that honors their veterans of 20th century wars. Ample parking, plenty of street signage, and locals who seem to appreciate their visitors make this town more enjoyable to navigate than most.

We shopped for antiques, gourmet food, books and more. We admired ghost murals and sampled candy. We chatted with one particular shop owner whose store was so welcoming I hated to leave.

And we began to imagine how beautiful it would be to visit during the holiday season. It came as no surprise to either of us when we started planning a return trip.

A nearby covered bridge and church spires that soar to the heavens are pretty as a postcard. A meal at the nearby Jean Bonnet Tavern will make you wonder if you aren’t a well fed time traveler.

Bedford is ready for visitors and welcomes you. I’m so very grateful for the opportunity to experience it first hand and look forward to the day I return.