Hotel at a Glance: The Omni Homestead Resort

Since it first opened in 1766, The Omni Homestead Resort has enjoyed a reputation as one of the country’s most luxurious resorts, with a prestigious guest book that includes more than 20 US presidents. Golfing legend Sam Snead honed his game on the onsite Cascades Course, and the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts once strolled the grand halls and gaming lawns. Today the Homestead—set on 2,300 acres in the Allegheny Mountains—is as grand as ever. An outdoor water park was recently added to the property, and from 2011 to 2014, the resort was named one of the world’s best by Travel + Leisure magazine, which called it “the uncontested grande dame of the Allegheny Mountains.”

The AAA Four Diamond resort’s popularity has always been influenced by its proximity to natural mineral springs. Take a soak in the healing waters that Thomas Jefferson claimed to be “of the first merit” at the Jefferson Pools, where the mineral content is so high you’ll float with ease. Other presidents, including William Howard Taft and Dwight D. Eisenhower, favored the resort’s golf courses. Play a round on the Old Course, which dates back to 1892 and boasts the oldest first tee in continuous use in the nation.

The property’s mountainous environs make it an ideal base for outdoor recreation. Catch a glimpse of waterfalls on a guided hike along the Cascades Gorge trail, or paddle down the Jackson River in a canoe or kayak.

The onsite restaurants and bars include Jefferson’s Restaurant and Bar and the sophisticated Main Dining Room. At night, you’ll retire to a guest room or suite decorated in a traditional Virginian style.

Bath County, Virginia: Warm Mineral Springs amid Allegheny Mountains

Bath County—a highlands region in western Virginia—is so named for its wealth of natural thermal springs that can reach temperatures upward of 100 degrees. Since the early 1700s, visitors such as George Washington have traveled to Bath County for a relaxing soak said to promote mental and physical well-being.

This area is also known for its unspoiled scenery. Spend an afternoon hiking the trails that wend through forests next to freshwater streams. Or hop in your car for a scenic drive on country roads that crest over the Allegheny Mountains.

Bath County supports a prolific arts community. At the Garth Newel Music Center, you can enjoy an intimate concert followed by a gourmet meal with the musicians. The center also hosts festivals and champagne brunches throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What restaurants are located on property? The Omni Homestead has a variety of restaurants from the casual Casino and Sam Snead’s Tavern, to the refined, contemporary Jefferson’s and the formal Main Dining Room. The resort also offers 24-hour room service.

2. Are reservations required for dining on property? Reservations are required for dinner in all restaurants. Please call (800) 838-1766 ext 3.

3. What activities are available on property? The Omni Homestead offers a wide range of recreational activities including two championship golf courses, an expansive spa, tennis, horseback riding, carriage rides, miniature golf and fly-fishing. Allegheny Springs is the resort’s year-round outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool. In summer, the area features a 400-ft lazy river and two 100-ft water slides while in winter months, an ice skating rink completes the experience. The Shooting Club offers trap, skeet, five-stand and two sporting clays courses. Other resort activities include mountain biking, paintball, archery, falconry, the Cascades Gorge hike, history tours, movies, indoor swimming, croquet and lawn games. DownTime is a family friendly game area with billiards, mini bowling, air hockey, and arcade games. In winter, guests can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, as well as tubing at the Mountain Lodge facility.

4. Are reservations required for activities on property? Reservations are required for most resort activities except for swimming, movies, lawn games, miniature golf, skiing, snowboarding and DownTime. Please call (800) 838-1766 ext 3.

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