Looking for a unique dining experience this winter? Try dining outdoors inside an igloo

Cold, ice, snow, skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing are some of the images that come to mind when thinking about winter.

But what about dining outside?

Outdoor dining igloos have become a popular new experience in the region, and Bella Terra Vineyards in Bedford and Balance Restaurant in Johnstown, are two local places where people can try this outdoor dining opportunity in winter.

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The igloos are equipped with a table, chairs, heaters, lighting, blankets, pillows and cozy decor, providing a warm and memorable dining experience under the stars and snow of a frosty Pennsylvania winter. Each igloo accommodates two to eight guests and each reservation allows for a two-hour dining experience.

Bella Terra Vineyards

Bella Terra Vineyards actually kicked off igloo dining at its Hunker location in the winter of 2020, in response to COVID-19.

"We started with two igloos as a novelty item for people to try. It quickly became a sought-after dining experience and we decided to bring it back each winter," said Joanna Bell, founder and creative director. "We now have eight igloos, including our 'Party Dome,' which is a little bigger and can seat up to 14 people. We outfit each igloo with a fireplace, heater and cozy seasonal decor."

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Bell said once they moved the Bedford location to its current place at 113 S. Richard St., they saw the patio space and knew they had to bring igloos to Bedford.

"In 2023, we built three igloos on the patio and have had a great response to them in Bedford as well," she said.

Each igloo seats up to eight people and has a designated server to help with wine tastings, ordering food and taking pictures, Bell said.

"The igloos book up quickly so it’s best to plan ahead and join our waitlist on the website," she said. "It truly is a magical experience to dine outside, under the beautiful bistro lights, while it’s lightly snowing!"

Book an igloo at bellaterravineyards.com/bedfordreservations.

Balance Restaurant

Igloo outdoor dining is the newest option available to guests at the Balance Restaurant, 411 Main St. in downtown Johnstown. Two igloos opened for reservations in the restaurant's Courtyard space on Jan. 19, and the response has been "overwhelming support," according to a post on the restaurant's Facebook page.

The igloos can be reserved for a two-hour seating at lunch (either 12 p.m. or 2 p.m.) or dinner, from Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner seatings are available at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

According to the restaurant's Facebook page, they've also created an "Under the Stars" menu for igloo diners, with comfort food favorites like a deconstructed chicken pot pie or steak burgundy among the available selections.

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"We're thrilled to offer this unique outdoor dining experience to our guests," said Amanda Artim, Balance Restaurant owner, in a release announcing the igloo opening. "Our igloos are a perfect blend of comfort and enchantment, allowing everyone to enjoy the winter season in a new way."

Advance reservations and a non-refundable reservation fee are required to book the igloos, which will be open to guests until March 30. Guests can reserve a seating online at the Balance Restaurant's website or by calling 814-254-4838.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Bedford, Johnstown restaurants offer igloos as a unique winter dining experience