The Bedford Post Inn, Bedford, New York

BEDFORD, N.Y.--Some things are just worth the effort. And the Bedford Post Inn is on my short list of places to go.

Located just above Manhattan in New York State is Bedford and the Bedford Post Inn, an intimate eight-room luxury inn nestled in the woods of Westchester County.

The inn, owned by A-list celebrity Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell, provides an eco-friendly experience and farm-to-table restaurant helmed by Chef Brian Lewis.

Guests will find luxury rooms, many with working fireplaces, and all well-stocked with Frette linens and towels.

Gracious baths lined with Carerra marble feature custom- made double soaking tubs designed to emulate an antique claw-foot tub.

Chef Lewis’ Farmhouse restaurant features a contemporary American menu offered as a chef’s tasting menu or an off-the-menu dining experience.

Reviewing the menu, there are many tempting tastes in what appears to be a creative offering.

Handmade pastas range from an accessible Soft Farm Egg Ravioli, made with spinach, sheep’s milk ricotta and rosemary crumbs, to a more adventurous Capellacci of Escargot & Prosciutto di Parma with black garlic and parsley-garlic brodetto.

Main courses are equally bold, including a Maine Lobster Poached in Kafir Lime Butter with vadouvan curry, cauliflower, candied lime and red Swiss chard.

Or the Cervena Venison roasted in juniper oil with chestnuts, red cabbage, bacon, licorice and rutabaga--a heavenly combination of robust venison highlighted by the juniper, which is then supported by the tart/rich combination of cabbage, bacon, licorice and rutabaga.

This dish alone would be worth the drive from the Washington, D.C., area.

The menu also includes artisan and farmstead cheeses.

Wake up in the morning and enjoy a yoga session in the Yoga Loft, which appears to be an uplifting and meditative place to enjoy classes from the gentler Anusara to Vinyasa experiences.

Following yoga and a walk through the beautiful New York countryside, visit the Barn for morning coffee and fresh bakery treats, or stop by for a country-inspired lunch where a choice of crisp salads or, for a heartier appetite, Pepe’s Pressed Cubano Sandwich of pulled Berkshire pork, hot mustard and manchego cheese. They all sound extremely tasty.

Without a doubt, when I received information about this property--even before I knew that Mr. Gere might possibly be seen on the grounds--I thought this was one of those places worth the effort to visit.

If I ever make it up there, I will let you know if it is all as good as it sounds. And if you beat me there, drop me a line.

Bedford Post Inn Winter Travel Packages

Through March 31, book a three-night stay, Sunday through Thursday, and enjoy a 30 percent savings (rates start at $277). Rooms include complimentary breakfast and daily yoga sessions.

For guests wishing to visit and enjoy an evening of dining with Chef Brian Lewis’ Signature Five-Course Tasting menu with wine pairings, try the One-Night-Only package, which includes a tasting-menu dinner for two adults, breakfast and restorative yoga classes in the Yoga Loft. It is available on Sunday and Wednesday evenings ($700).



Neither the writer or Donne Tempo Magazine, set, control or can be held responsible for final costs or promotional package availability.

Jacquie Kubin is a 15-year, award-winning veteran of travel and culinary writing. Today, Jacquie edits and directs a staff of writers for The Communities at The Washington Times where you can read more of her entertainment, travel and culinary reviews in Donne’s World.

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