Two summers ago, we visited The Omni Homestead Resort for the first time—just Curtis, Catherine, and me. Margaret was at her first week (ever) of summer camp, and we wanted to stay within a reasonable driving distance of North Carolina in case she needed to be picked up for any reason. (Spoiler alert: She loved it and most definitely didn’t want to leave early!)
Originally, we had our friend, Mary Helen Law of Law Luxury Travel, book us three nights, thinking we’d be ready to make our way down to North Carolina a little early for camp pick up. WRONG! We were enjoying ourselves so thoroughly that we extended an extra night. And then another night! We finally had to leave to pick up our girl, but as we drove away from this magical spot, we knew we wanted to get back as soon as we could.
Last week, we had the privilege of returning as hosted guests of The Omni Homestead. It is a privilege to partner with such a iconic resort with which we have a genuine, existing connection. Leading up to our stay, Catherine was bubbling over with excitement to show Margaret all of the fun things she remembered, and we were excited to see the property fully refreshed after the extensive restoration.
It was almost completely reopened when we were first there in 2023,but not entirely, so we were looking forward to seeing her in all her glory! It is no shock to learn it is on TIME’s Top 100 Places In The World – we cannot speak highly enough about The Omni Homestead and thoroughly recommend a stay. You can read here to learn more about WATG’s approach to preservation and renovation.
The Ultimate Family-Friendly Spot
The Homestead Resort is incredibly family-friendly and offers tons of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Some are basically right out the back door of the resort – for instance, Allegheny Springs, their two- acre waterpark.with two, 100-foot water slides, a lazy river, a family swimming pool, an adjacent hot tub, and an expanzive, zero entry splash pad. And just in case the outdoor swimming isn’t possible, there is an impressive indoor pool too!
Surrounding the water park are the private cabanas that are available for full-day rentals and come with a stocked mini fridge, water stand, TV, lounge seating, ceiling fan, and a dedicated server and pool attendant. Right next to all this swimming fun are two other amenities our girls love – their beautiful 18-hole miniature golf course and the perfect fishing pond. Every day they grabbed some poles and lures to catch (and release) some beautiful rainbow trout. last time, and had a They also have tennis courts and soon-to-open pickleball courts—racquets and balls are included on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each day they offer the Homestead S’mores Express, an hour-long tractor-driven wagon ride through the resort grounds, topped off with s’mores by the campfire. Or simply pop by the crackling fire near Woody’s and pick up a box of s’more ingredients to go and make your own oooy gooey treat! And what’s better for the sugar rush, than a whole range of yard games to play from corn hole to croquet, badminton and more!
For indoor fun, we there’s a bowling alley and arcade, located below Jefferson Tap Room, which also has a golf simulator and other sports games, . The Homestead Indoor Movie Theater was another hit —every evening at 6:30 p.m., there’s a children’s movie complete with popcorn! At 8:30 each day, they screen more adult/PG-13 titles.
Our girls got the chance to try out the Kids Club, which is available for a fee on Fridays and Saturdays each week. We were able to enjoy the spa, while they played, made crafts, and had lunch with the supervision of the resort’s counselors.
The rooms also make it easy and comfortable to travel with kids. We stayed in the Premier View Room with 2 double beds, an arrangement that also includes a sitting area. In our case, that meant also a pull out sofa if we wanted an extra bed for spreading out.
Recreational Activities at the Homestead Resort
I’ve already shared some of our favorite family-friendly activities, but if you’re visiting the Homestead Resort with older kids or teens, as a couple, or with friends, there’s a whole other world of recreation to explore.
- Archery: This was a top memory of ours and Tom was a wonderful coach for all of us! We walked away with a few bullseyes under our belt and a fun new sport to enjoy!
- Golf: If you’re a golfer, you’ll love the Homestead Resort’s courses. The Cascades, where Sam Snead started his illustrious career, is consistently ranked as as one of the best public golf courses in the country. And at The Old Course, discover the nation’s oldest first tee! Right now, you can purchase the Homestead Signature Golf Package, which offers unlimited golf at the historic Old Course.
- Hot Springs Spa: I love a good spa day and in particular a spa with amenities. The Hot Springs Spa is a masterful blend of state of the art offerings while also harnessing the incredible benefits of the natural springs and mineral waters. Be sure to make a reservation for one of their services like the deep tissue massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and salon menu, then allow plenty of time to take advantage of the amenities.
- Tennis & Pickleball: We’re big fans of racquet sports, so we were thrilled to learn that the Homestead Resort offers four tennis courts and as of this summer, pickleball!
- Equestrian Center: I briefly mentioned horseback riding earlier, but it’s worth highlighting again. The resort’s Equestrian Center offers lessons for beginners as well as leisurely carriage rides through the beautiful Virginia countryside.
- Fly Fishing: One of the most popular activities at the Homestead Resort is fly fishing. The Cascades Stream provides a serene and scenic setting to enjoy this relaxing pastime.
- Virginia Wine Experience: Learn about the rich history of winemaking in Virginia, then enjoy a guided tasting in the resort’s Tasting Parlor. The Homestead Resort also hosts monthly wine weekends, each featuring a different local winery.
- Historic Tours: This resort has been welcoming guests for centuries—even before the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Its rich history includes visits from U.S. Presidents, royalty, and celebrities. You can schedule a historic tour to learn more about the resort’s fascinating past.
- Afternoon Social Hour: I love when thoughtful extras are included in your stay, and the Afternoon Social Hour is one of those lovely touches. Guests can enjoy a sweet treat from the pastry chef, along with their choice of hot or iced tea. It’s the perfect midday break!
Delicious Dining
One of the biggest promotions right now is their KIDS EAT FREE special! All summer long, until September 14th, Kids 10 and under eat free at breakfast and lunch with the purchase of an adult entrée, and 50% off at dinner.
The Homestead Resort offers some truly delicious cuisine. There are plenty of casual and formal dining options to choose from, depending on your mood or the occasion. Each spot does a great job of featuring local Virginia specialties along with classic, continental menu staples. For breakfast, it was recommended by so many Homestead fans to try their buffet in the American Audubon Dining Room and they were right! Omlette stations, classic hot bar options like grits, potatoes, breakfast meats, etc … fresh fruit and a generous spread of lox and accouterments, pancakes, waffles, and the famous Homestead donuts. For the other two mornings we grabbed a quick but delicious bite at Martha’s Market. Their cold brew is so good, which having a great iced coffee can add a lot of points in our book!
For lunch, we enjoyed a mix of Jefferson’s Taproom and poolside dining. Plus it was easy to pick up snacks like charcuterie plates and such at Martha’s Market.
For dinner, we jumped at the chance to try the American Audubon Dining Room Prime Rib and Seafood buffet (held on Fridays) especially given how delicious the breakfast buffet was. It is worth every bit of hype! The oysters and dhrimp, the salads, the prime rib – we were all full and happy! The piano player was such as lovely touch as well, and there’s a dance floor right there whenever the mood strikes for a spin! Another fine dining spot we tried out was Jefferson’s and as elevated as these experiences are, they are still family friendly! We loved the lobster appetizer, the hot stone Waygu and the tuna. The Virginia blue crab soup is a must try, and Curtis is a big fan of their shrimp and grits! For steak lovers, they have all sorts of cuts and sauces and tasty sides for pairing. Their casual spot, Woody’s, was just a wonderful. We enjoyed their woodfired pizzas and capped off that particular evening with s’more kits.
Perhaps the most important dining detail when staying at the Homestead Resort is that kids ten and under eat free all summer long, now through September 14th! It’s such a thoughtful perk for families that quickly adds up to be quite the savings.
Holidays at the Homestead Resort
Our first visit to the Homestead Resort was over Memorial Day weekend, and we were blown away by the full schedule of festivities. From live performances at cookouts to music, dancing, fireworks, face painting, and crafts—the list truly goes on! The atmosphere was festive and family-friendly, and there was something for everyone to enjoy.
I have no doubt that Fourth of July weekend at this resort will be just as exciting. And looking ahead to fall and winter, the resort offers amazing seasonal programming, including skiing, ice skating, and cozy holiday celebrations that make it a perfect year-round destination.
Hospitality with History
The Homestead Resort has a rich and fascinating history from the indigenous people who first used the famous springs medicinally and ceremonially, to Presidents Washington and Jefferson on record detailing their fascination with the water’s miraculous healing properties.
During the French and Indian War, members of the militia and land surveyors—Captain Thomas Bullitt and brothers Charles and Andrew Lewis—purchased 300 acres of land for 30 shillings. This parcel included seven of the natural mineral springs.
By 1766, an 18-room wooden hotel was built on the site and opened to the public as The Homestead. Captain Bullitt and his family operated the resort until 1832. Captain Bullitt had died in battle during the American Revolutionary War, but his family continued running the resort. Over the centuries, the Homestead Resort has seen only a handful of owners. Gradually it has expanded to include the East and West Wings, the Tower, the Garden Room, the Theater, and a Grand Ballroom. In the 2000s, the resort added several exciting features, including the Allegheny Springs Water Park, a miniature golf course, Jefferson’s Bar & Restaurant, and a renovated spa. And in 2016, the Homestead Resort celebrated an incredible milestone—250 years as America’s first resort and spa! There’s history around every corner of the property, and to dig even deeper, there’s a complimentary tour each day at 10 AM.
The Warm Springs Pools
Last but not least, the springs that started it all! Located just five miles from the Homestead Resort, the soothing mineral waters of the Warm Springs Pools offer a truly serene and relaxing experience. This region of Virginia has a long and fascinating history with its crystal-clear springs rich in minerals. Some archaeologists believe these pools have been used by humans for over 9,000 years and local history suggests that Native Americans discovered the springs hundreds of years ago.
In 1761, the first spa structure in America was built here, known as the Warm Springs Bath or Great Bath. The original spa featured an octagonal stone basin and wasn’t covered by a bathhouse until the 1820s. A second structure, the Ladies Bathhouse, was added in the mid-1870s. The Homestead Resort acquired both historic spa buildings in 1925 and has since worked diligently to preserve and restore them.
The waters at Warm Springs Pools are truly one of a kind. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the pools maintain a steady flow and temperature year-round, remaining unaffected by seasonal changes. They consistently stay between 98 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit—perfect for soaking and relaxation. These mineral-rich waters are so clear you can see straight to the bottom. We booked a family soak session and took the resort’s shuttle over to the pools for our reservation. Not only is is a neat opportunity to participate in an experience shared by others for centuries, we left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed in a way that is incomparable to anything else we’ve ever done. The waters are studied and lauded for a reason! Besides family soaks, there are co-ed time slots as well as reservations separated by gender where clothing is option. You can even enhance your visit with a sound bath experience, featuring gongs, chimes, and singing bowls. However you choose to “take the waters”, make sure to secure reservations in advance.
The Homestead Resort: An Unforgettable Experience
The Omni Homestead Resort is a place our family truly loves, and we’ll certainly return in the future- perhaps for a fall or winter adventure. The backdrop of the idyllic Allegheny Mountains always leaves us feeling relaxed, refreshed, and reconnected. From its rich history and beautiful architecture to its fine dining and incredible family-friendly amenities, the this resort offers something special for everyone and I can’t recommend it enough!
Here is information on how to get to The Omni Homestead.
For more travel inspiration and summer favorites, be sure to check out these posts:
- Summer Camp Packing List
- TRVL Backpack: All the Details (This comes on all of our trips!)
- Everything I Wore on Nantucket
