The Lodge At Glendorn Named Number One Resort Hotel In US.
Credit: Glendorn Resort
When I first said to our friends that we were having my wife’s 50th birthday party several years ago in Bradford, Pa. they cringed and all remarked, “In the middle of the winter in the icebox of Pennsylvania?” They were sure surprised when they all drove through the wrought iron gates and entered a winter wonderland from yesteryear.
The Lodge at Glendorn not only is a nationally known Relais and Chateaux property, but it was acclaimed by Travel and Leisure as the Number One Resort Hotel in the nation in their recent Best Awards of 2016. This historic 1500 acre property which abuts the Allegheny National Forest has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by its owner ( and curator) Cliff Forrest and his lovely wife Tracy.
Credit: Glendorn
The property was once a retreat created by the oil and gas financier C.G Dorn in 1927 as a place for relaxation for his family. The original cabins were created for each family member and the spacious log lodge was the central family gathering for dinners and holidays. In 1995, it was opened to the public and in 2009, the property was up for sale. Due to the vision of Cliff and Tracy Forrest, they purchased Glendorn and have lovingly restored its original grandeur with 16 luxury cabin and lodge accommodations.
Cliff Forrest, a senior skier, hunter, and golfer, is an active outdoors person who founded Rosebud Mining Co. in 1979. Rosebud is currently the third largest coal producer in the state as well as the 21st largest producer in the country. Cliff’s success has made it possible for him to invest in this truly unique property which has many opportunities year round for seniors.
Aside from being an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing property, the hiking, and sporting clays opportunities exist year round. But in our experience, there is nothing as enjoyable or scenic as taking in Glendorn in the winter. The cozy atmosphere of the cabins and the lodge with the crackling fireplaces and first class cuisine make the winter experience one to remember. My wife and I have enjoyed Glendorn in the fall with the beautiful leaves of the Allegheny National Forest greeting us along the way, but the snowshoeing and cross country skiing available on the well-marked trails of the resort offer an exercise opportunity that is unparalleled. All the equipment you would require is available at the resort including cross country skis, snowshoes, and skates.
Credit: Glendorn
On Saturday evenings, the resort employees provide a bonfire up at the lake with s’mores and beverages with the opportunity to ice skate. We also take advantage of the close proximity of Holimont Ski Club which is 40 minutes to the north and is open to the public weekdays for fabulous alpine skiing with the equally famous Lake Erie fluff blowing in and covering the slopes with a light, delightfully pleasant skiing experience. Ellicottville, New York is the quaint town adjacent to the ski areas with a fabulous brew pub, Ellicottville Brewing, and many other dining establishments and outdoor recreation shops. Again, it’s an easy drive from Glendorn adding to the total winter experience. My wife and I have been making it an annual affair for her birthday. It is truly top rate.
For Reservations and Rates click here or call 1800-843-8568.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main lodge and picnic lunches for outdoor activities are available upon request.
Access: Three hour drive from Pittsburgh, PA, two hours from Buffalo, NY, five hours drive from Philadelphia.
Holimont lift tickets weekdays only: Adult Full Day, $56.00; Seniors( 70+) $50.00 full day. Groups of 15 of more who register two weeks in advance are offered a $39.00 lift ticket weekdays only. The property is closed to the public on the weekends unless a club member is a sponsor. Alternate opportunity is Holiday Valley Resort.
Photos courtesy of the Lodge at Glendorn
