Road Trip

road trip Destination: Homestead Resort: Hot Springs, Virginia

My family was introduced to the Homestead Resort in the late 1990’s—before it became part of the Omni Hotels group, and now named The Omni Homestead Resort. When I was working with a local family theater group as their scenic and production director, the founder of the company had planned for us to provide entertainment to the resort guests during the holiday season. The Homestead Theater was an intimate space with a small stage and limited room backstage. Hugh Copeland, founder and director of the Hurrah Players, and I thought it wise to take a trip to scout out the logistics of bringing a production to the mountains. My wife and I, Hugh and his companion planned to meet at the resort one weekend. Prior to this road trip, we mapped out our route not quite knowing what to expect or see. As with any typical trip, getting out of the city is usually the worst part. Traffic through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel often slows down for no apparent reason. Williamsburg traffic was par for the course. In spite of it all, our maiden voyage to Hot Springs surpassed our expectations. The more we drove, the more excited we became. This would be a welcomed working vacation (although just an overnighter), with relaxation and adventure as our chief reward. Our planned route north led us past Richmond, Charlottesville, Natural Bridge, down I-81 to I-64 until we headed to our final destination. Driving through our home state of Virginia offers such picturesque scenery. Ribbons of long winding roads, rolling hills, and rural vistas dotted with sprawling

[ by david polston ]

Admit it, you could use a getaway. And what better place than visiting an historic resort and spa with so much to offer in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains?

[ PHOTOS courtesy of The Omni Homestead Resort ]

farmlands. The higher the elevation, the more majestic the views. As we closed in on Covington, we followed the Jackson River to the heart of mill town. The WestVaCo Pulp Mill is quite a sight to behold. Personally I find these treasures quite fascinating. The engineering that drives this mill is simple, and this alone is what intrigues me. In recent years the pulp mill has invested a quarter of a billion dollars in its operations. Impressive. Leaving the town of Covington, you find yourself driving up beautiful, winding two-lane roads that can leave some people clutching their armrests a little tighter as cliffs appear to plunge hundreds of feet straight down to the valley below. This sense of “danger” is the best part of the drive. Again, the two-lane roads, centuries-old majestic trees, and the awe of the mountains teeming with wildlife and waterfalls is quite a sight to behold. As one approaches The Omni Homestead, it becomes very clear as to its attraction. You start driving past farmlands and open fields. What a peaceful place. After passing an area hospital, you can follow a wellmarked set of signs toward your final destination. Welcome to The Omni Homestead: an iconic seven-story tower and hotel that first opened its doors more than two and a half centuries ago. Guests are welcomed by friendly, accommodating bellmen as they usher you toward a vast, open lobby. Here you will find two-storied columns, fireplaces and plenty of seating throughout. Feel free to mingle and talk with other guests. They are probably as shy as you are. Depending on the time of day and season, there is a pianist in the lobby as you enjoy tea, coffee or my family’s personal favorite: hot chocolate. What better reason is there to visit The Omni Homestead! Honestly, the hot chocolate is heavenly. The grounds offer a wide variety of seasonally appropropriate activities spanning 2,300 acres of land. Among the amenities are two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, a world-renowned day spa, pools, a water park, equestrian grounds, walking and riding trails, a shooting center, hiking and biking trails, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fly fishing, zip lining, kids club and falconry. Whew! No wonder my family loves it here. There are other local attractions and educational resources available as well.

Our first trip was quick. Since that initial visit, we have traveled to The Omni Homestead many times. My wife and daughters always pamper themselves with a visit to the Spa at The Omni Homestead, which offers services like facial and body treatments, hair and nail salon services, the adults-only Serenity Garden and even a teen and youth spa that caters to their specific needs. I can be found in one of the indoor or outdoor pools while the rest of my family enjoys the spa. The indoor pool was built in 1904 and its naturally hot spring waters make the area famous with yearround accessibility. There is an adult

option offered to guests 18 and older. The Serenity Garden Pool is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily and is included if you are participating in any of the other spa services, 60 minutes or longer. Otherwise, you must purchase a guest pass for $75. Well worth whatever you pay for this self-indulgent service. The Allegheny Springs Water Park sadly is closed for the fall and winter seasons. The park has daily hours (in season) and boasts 2 slides over 100 feet and a 400-foot lazy river. The large pool has an adjacent whirlpool for family relaxation whereas the kids love the water play zone and sandy beaches. Golfing on the two world-class golf courses is a time-honored tradition at The Omni Homestead. Former U.S. Presidents William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George H.W. Bush have all shared some fairway time on the manicured golf courses. The resort even claims to have the nation’s oldest first tee in America still in use. There are professional services and rentals as well as lessons available to all. Please visit the resort’s website for details. As you plan your trip to the links, familiarize yourself with the dress code and rules before you head out. This will guarantee a pleasant time as you play one or both of the courses, 9 holes or if you are seeking private lessons. The resort also offers plenty of family-friendly winter activities, from skiing and snowmobiling to ice skating and a tubing park. Incidentally, they were recognized in 2017-18 as one of the best Beginner Friendly and Family Friendly ski resorts in the Southest Best in Snow Awards, powered by Liftopia. Additional local attractions are within comfortable driving distances. Gear up for kayaking the Jackson River, or visit Douthat State Park. Here you can engage in boating, swimming, hiking nature trails, rent a cabin, or simply spend a relaxing day fishing to your heart’s content. Roughly an hour away from The Homestead—in neighboring West Virginia—you will find Smooth Ambler Spirits, a local grain-to-glass craft distillery where you can tour the facility and shop for gifts and spirits to remind you of this luxurious experience. Smooth Ambler prides themselves on making award-winning

whiskies and bourbons. Once you have enjoyed some of the sights and activities offered, retreat to your cozy room to freshen up. Enjoy a delightful meal or an intimate dining and dancing experience at one of nine on-site restaurants, all of which are simply delightful and exquisite. Meals are all prepared for you by world-class chefs and food artisans that will satisfy the most peculiar palate. Reservations are required for more formal dining and dress codes apply. Speaking on the topic of meals, I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the breakfast buffet is. Most of us race from the house with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cold danish in the other. Never at The Homestead! Their meals make memories, with hot and cold entrees served to you by an eager staff offering to feed you incredibly tasty cuisine. There is no way possible that I can put into words all of the things that you can do there. Please take the time to explore the possibilities. If you do, making the reservation will come naturally—no regrets. We have to admit that we all have the need to get away and forget the stresses of life. You must visit Omni’s Homestead Resort. If you love the idea of a spa weekend with your friends, or that long-overdue golf trip, there is but one place to be: The Omni Homestead Resort. One final gem for you: on Sam Snead Highway, a couple of miles down from The Omni Homestead Resort, is the Country Cafe. The name says it all. Homecooked, simple meals served in a quaint atmosphere. Take my advice on this one: Pull up a chair, enjoy your meal and then save a little room for a delicious slice of pie. They are also known for their incredible breakfasts.

David Polston is the scenic designs, carpentry and production supervisor for CBN. He is also an internationally published freelance photographer, blogger and writer, and the resident professional photographer for Seven Venues, LiveNation, Virginia Beach, Regent University Theater, Hampton Coliseum, The VaArts Festival and the Virginia Symphony, among others.

The Omni Homestead Resort

7696 Sam Snead Highway Hot Springs, VA 24445 www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ homestead-virginia

Douthat State Park

14239 Douthat State Park Rd. Millboro, VA 24460 www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ douthat#general_information

Smooth Ambler Spirits

745 Industrial Park Rd. Maxwelton, WV 24957 smoothambler.com

Country Cafe

6156 Sam Snead Hwy Hot Springs, VA 24445 www.facebook.com/ countrycaferestaurant1994

Planning to take a road trip somewhere within a day’s drive? How about an overnight somewhere? Tell us about the experience. Send in your piece (and any photos you take) for us to consider publishing in a future issue of Boulevard. Email: julie@blvdmedia.io