When I moved to Virginia in 2016, I had only visited Virginia a few times to go to DC. I didn’t know about Shenandoah or the Allegheny mountains. I new nothing about Williamsburg, or Virginia’s rich colonial history. Now that I have lived here for 6 years, I just keep discovering more places that I love. I have shared about my love for Williamsburg, and DC. Now I can also say I love Hot Springs, Virginia.
I recently put together a travel guide on Hot Springs, VA. In it, I share some of my favorite parts of Bath County, Virginia. Today, I will be focusing on The Omni Homestead Resort.
The Omni Homestead Resort
The original resort was built in 1766. It has been renovated MANY TIMES over the centuries, but still has so much original charm. It’s currently under re-construction again. With only 1/4 of the rooms currently open in the resort. However, it is set to completely reopen next year, and I’m sure it will be beautiful.
The Omni Homestead is located in Bath County. Bath County is filled with natural “hot” “warm” and “healing” baths. Hence the name Bath County, because of its healing mineral waters. Hot Springs was immediately identified as a special area. George Washington had the area commissioned for a resort in the 1750/60’s. The initial resort only held a small amount of people. But has grown into The Omni Homestead that we know and love today. Thomas Jefferson also visited the resort, as well as many other presidents and famous people.
Restaurants
The Omni Homestead Resort has multiple restaurants on site. Featuring both upscale and casual dining. If you’re looking for an upscale experience, you’ll probably want to visit Jefferson’s Restaurant, the Dining Room or Jefferson’s Taphouse. Jefferson’s Taphouse has a more casual seating arrangement, but shares a kitchen with the main restaurant.
There’s also a special Virginia focused Wine experience. The menu is specially crafted around the wine. And you get to meet local wine makers. It’s a smaller event. So, if there’s a Wine Experience available when you’re planning your trip; make sure to get a reservation quickly.
If you are looking for more casual dining options, you will likely want to check out Woody’s. I also went to Rubino’s at the Cascades. It requires a shuttle ride of a couple miles to the golf course, but the views are breathtaking, and the food was delicious. There’s a Lobby Bar, right when you walk into the main foyer, but it does not sell food. Martha’s Market is also a must, with a Starbucks like vibe. The baristas will make you a variety of coffee beverages. Or you can get breakfast sandwiches or snacks until 10pm (on weekends). All meals can be charged to your room, or paid with a credit card when you check out.
What To Do
There is tons to do at The Omni Homestead. A lot of activities cost an additional fee, but the campus is huge, and you could easily walk around exploring for hours. There are pools, a playground for kids, and a Kids’ Club for kid’s ages 5-12 for a fee (reservations are required).
Daily you can pay to do horseback riding, falconry exhibits, guided hikes, mini golf, archery, shooting club, carriage rides and more. There’s also an arcade, and small bowling alley. There are seasonal activities throughout the day (like water slides, lazy river, skiing, afternoon tea and more). Or in the evening the S’mores Express where you take a tractor ride to make s’mores or nightly movies.
I personally had an amazing time on the Gorge Hike, and would definitely recommend it to anyone. It snowed on the hike, which was a really neat touch. But the mini rapids and waterfalls would be amazing year around.
Accommodations
The rooms are beautiful, with colonial touches and east coast charm. Some of the ballrooms date back hundreds of years, and are frequently rented out for conferences, weddings and more. If you’re a light sleeper, plan to bring a sound machine, because there isn’t the same noise protection that a newer hotel might bring, but the lush feather pillows, and mountain window views more than compensated for my own needs.
Even in mid-April it snowed multiples times, so make sure to check the weather and plan accordingly. I would absolutely love to visit again in summer, because I’m sure the weather would be perfect. I had plans to wear spring dresses and pastels, but the snow had other plans, so I need to go back for that, LOL. Fall would surely have breath taking mountain views as well.
All in all, if you’re looking to get out of the city and have a mountain adventure, filled with southern hospitality then The Omni Homestead will not disappoint. If you want to go to a beautiful place, where it’s so quiet outside, all you can hear are the birds, but still get dressed up fancy, and be treated with luxurious touches, then this is your next vacation spot.
Thanks so much to The Omni Homestead for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.