Historical Four-Diamond Resort with Mineral-Springs Spa
Since it first opened in 1766, The Homestead has enjoyed a reputation as one of the most luxurious resorts in the country, with a prestigious guestbook that includes more than 20 US Presidents. Golfing legend Sam Snead honed his game on the resident Old Course, and the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts once strolled the Grand Halls and gaming lawns. Today, The Homestead—set on 3,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains—is as grand as ever. An outdoor water park was recently added to the property, and in 2011 and 2012, the resort was named one of the best in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine.
The 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 that you’ll float with ease. Other presidents, including Taft and Eisenhower, favored the resort’s golf courses. Play a round on the Old Course, which dates back to 1892 and boasts the oldest tee in continuous use in the nation.
The resort's mountain environs make it an ideal base for outdoor recreation. Catch a glimpse of waterfalls and edible plants on a guided hike along the Cascades Gorge trail, or cast your line into a stream stocked with rainbow trout during a fly-fishing adventure. The Homestead also operates one of the few downhill ski resorts in the South, so when the slopes open, grab a complimentary lift ticket and race snowmen on 45 acres of scenic trails.
The Homestead’s 10 restaurants and bars include Sam Snead’s Tavern and the main dining room, which draws a sophisticated dinner crowd with fine dining and live music. In the morning, you can enjoy pancakes, pastries, and cooked-to-order omelets at the breakfast buffet.
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 upwards of 100 degrees. Since the early 1700s, visitors such as George Washington have traveled to Bath County to soak in the hot springs, whose healing properties are 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 also supports a prolific arts community. Just 3 miles from the resort, 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.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
