WE’RE OUTTA HERE

a weekend destinationkeeping you on the backroads

In the Old Dominion state there are 95 different counties – but Bath County, Virginia is one of the most stunning of them. Running along the border with West Virginia, Bath is a magical combination of small and avorful towns, valleys, wilderness and mountains.

The county also has, along with the adjoining Highland County, over 400 cave systems – mostly found in limestone Karst. One cave has 17 miles mapped deep under the Earth.

Just 590 square miles – nearly 90% still wild – and is known for its mineral springs and hospitality. To say Bath County is unique in many ways is an understatement. It’s the hospitality that we wish to share this month with y’all. As you ride south on Route 220, called the Sam Snead Highway after the famed golfer, you will nd a Bed & Breakfast that has something we never see enough these days… Under the sign telling you that you have found The Vine Cattage Inn, you will see “Riders Welcome.” And, we certainly are. The owners Tammy and Dave Hahn have long been in the hospitality business. In the 1980’s, Tammy fell in love with the TV series “Hotel” and decided that she wanted to own her own hotel. We’re glad she didn’t fall in love with The Love Boat or Fantasy Island. Tammy attended Michigan State University and, in 1992, earned her degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. While going to school, Tammy started her hospitality career working entry level positions for various hotels - behind the front desk, housekeeping, and even spent some time in the kitchens.

In 1983, after an impromptu interview with the General Manager, Dave took a position as a busboy at the Hyatt Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, he has done everything and anything within the Food and Beverage industry from Hyatt Hotels to Taco Bell!

A few years back they spotted The Vine Cottage – loved the place and soon were the new owners.

The Inn has a long history of taking care of travelers and, now riders looking for an escape.

Vine Cottage Inn was built as a private residence in 1900. That only lasted for 5 years. In 1905 it started accepting overnight travelers and has been operating as a lodging establishment in Hot Springs, VA for 116 continuous years. The Inn was expanded in 1913 (ish) when they encompassed the wraparound porch to expand the living and dining rooms. In 1928, the owners decided to expand again, enlarging the kitchen and adding the back wing of the house (three oors), creating 8,500 square feet. Additionally in 1928, they brought in the current stove which is a 1928 Commercial Magic Chef with 6 burners, 2 ovens, a griddle and a broiler. While they say the ovens are a little out of calibration, heck, we don’t know may things that aren’t out of calibration after 94 years!

After the 1928 expansion, the Vine Cottage Inn had 20 guest rooms with common bathrooms, a fairly large staff including 3 housekeepers, a cook and a butler, and had guests that stayed all summer long to partake of the cooler temperatures and the mineral waters of the public baths.

These days the inn currently has 10 guest rooms, each with its own private bathroom and a common bathroom on the 2nd oor.

Staff consists of Dave and Tammy, Tim and their housekeeper, Diane. This foursome run a most marvelous B & B!

The Inn offers a huge front porch, large living room and cozy library where guests can relax and recharge. We love books and the amount and quality of their various libraries, scattered through the Vine Cottage, would make both Barnes and Noble smile!

The bed, with the most comfortable sheets, was very welcome that night after a few days on the road and breakfast, taken out on the porch, was a superb way to start another long riding day. Frittata with peppers, onion and mushroom along with sausage patties and biscuit were delicious, a side of fresh fruit and the coffee – well, speaking as a serious coffee guy – I was very happy… and awake!

Coffee, sodas, water and fresh baked cookies are available 24 hours a day. The inn is located at the entrance to the Omni Homestead Resort; slightly known for haughtiness and lack of ‘Rider Empathy.’

At The Vine Cottage “Five Star Service Always” is not only a motto and slogan, it is an everyday attitude. It makes no difference if there are 2 people at the Inn, or 26… each and every guest will be taken care of fully with the respect reminiscent of days gone by, when the hospitality business meant just that.

But, and I saved the best for last…

They have ice cream – lots of ice cream. Their ice cream window, ‘Treats from the Vine’, was serving ten avors from Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, VA the day we were there. You can bet Shira was a happy camper.

Looking for a place while riding around western Virginia? A place that welcomes motorcycles and riders? A place that can make an excellent “base camp” for a few days exploration?

Then book a room with Tammy and Dave - we promise you will not be disappointed.

Our ride to The Vine Cottage Inn will start in Front Royal and is, we think, one of the best we have ever offered.

Enjoy, and see you on the road. Ride safe, Ride smart, Ride the Backroads. ,

Download route here: