The Homestead
We set out on Friday night after work and it was a bit of a drive to get there, about four hours, but it was worth it. The resort is beautiful and we were given a great room with our own balcony, which had spectacular views of the resort. Since we arrived late on Friday and we were given an agenda of the many activities available for the holiday weekend, we decided to retire early so we could start the next day bright and early!
Darren hanging out on our private balcony
Our package included breakfast buffet for both days and unlimited use of the pool and gym. So, Darren hit the pool early on Saturday while Michele slept in a bit, and then we both visited the breakfast buffet. From omelets to Belgian waffles, there was plenty to choose from for breakfast, and everything was delicious! Afterwards, we definitely needed some exercise, so we decide to explore the town of Hot Springs, VA, where the Homestead resides. We also came across one of The Homestead’s hiking trails and decided to do a short hike where we got some great views of the resort.
Our package included breakfast buffet for both days and unlimited use of the pool and gym. So, Darren hit the pool early on Saturday while Michele slept in a bit, and then we both visited the breakfast buffet. From omelets to Belgian waffles, there was plenty to choose from for breakfast, and everything was delicious! Afterwards, we definitely needed some exercise, so we decide to explore the town of Hot Springs, VA, where the Homestead resides. We also came across one of The Homestead’s hiking trails and decided to do a short hike where we got some great views of the resort.
Michele enjoying the view of The Homestead
Then, it was back to our room to change and hit the gym for a quick workout. Afterwards, we decided to walk around the resort and check out all of the available activities. That was when we found the bowling alley. We had never bowled together, so we figured now was the time. It was a close game, but Darren ended up winning at the very end. Next, it was time for a quick sandwich for lunch and then more exploring. We checked out their ski resort and ice skating rink (which were closed of course) and watched some guys play paintball. We headed back to the resort on one of the other hiking trails. We were ready to go back to our room when we saw the croquet set and decided to play. Neither of us really knew the rules so we made them up as we went along!
Then, it was back to our room to change and hit the gym for a quick workout. Afterwards, we decided to walk around the resort and check out all of the available activities. That was when we found the bowling alley. We had never bowled together, so we figured now was the time. It was a close game, but Darren ended up winning at the very end. Next, it was time for a quick sandwich for lunch and then more exploring. We checked out their ski resort and ice skating rink (which were closed of course) and watched some guys play paintball. We headed back to the resort on one of the other hiking trails. We were ready to go back to our room when we saw the croquet set and decided to play. Neither of us really knew the rules so we made them up as we went along!
Views around the resort
Darren with the winning stroke in Croquet
Before returning to our room to read books and relax, we saw that they were serving afternoon tea in the Great Hall. We enjoyed a few cups sitting in front of the fireplace and then retired to our room to get some rest before the evening activities. There are many options for dinner at The Homestead, and you really should make reservations. We decided to go the casual route and chose Sam Snead’s Tavern. We hadn’t made reservations but there was plenty of room at the bar, which worked out perfectly, because we wanted to watch some of the NCAA games. The tavern had a relaxed, casual atmosphere and was surrounded by photographs and memorabilia from Sam Snead's years with the PGA Tour, and his life in Hot Springs. After dinner, we decide to check out the bars in the resort. First, we went to The Presidents Lounge, which has portraits of a number of presidents. We couldn’t understand why only some of the presidents were there, but then we realized that it was all of the presidents who had visited The Homestead over the years. Next, we headed to The Players Pub to play some darts, pool and watch more of the NCAA games.
Sunday morning, we had another great breakfast at the buffet, and then decided to take the scenic route home. Darren took Michele to Douthat State Park and showed her where he usually mountain bikes and camps with the guys. Then, we stopped at James Madison University, so Michele could show Darren where she went to college. It was a great holiday weekend, and we hope to get back to The Homestead to try out all of the activities that we missed, especially the spa and golf course!
Before returning to our room to read books and relax, we saw that they were serving afternoon tea in the Great Hall. We enjoyed a few cups sitting in front of the fireplace and then retired to our room to get some rest before the evening activities. There are many options for dinner at The Homestead, and you really should make reservations. We decided to go the casual route and chose Sam Snead’s Tavern. We hadn’t made reservations but there was plenty of room at the bar, which worked out perfectly, because we wanted to watch some of the NCAA games. The tavern had a relaxed, casual atmosphere and was surrounded by photographs and memorabilia from Sam Snead's years with the PGA Tour, and his life in Hot Springs. After dinner, we decide to check out the bars in the resort. First, we went to The Presidents Lounge, which has portraits of a number of presidents. We couldn’t understand why only some of the presidents were there, but then we realized that it was all of the presidents who had visited The Homestead over the years. Next, we headed to The Players Pub to play some darts, pool and watch more of the NCAA games.
Sunday morning, we had another great breakfast at the buffet, and then decided to take the scenic route home. Darren took Michele to Douthat State Park and showed her where he usually mountain bikes and camps with the guys. Then, we stopped at James Madison University, so Michele could show Darren where she went to college. It was a great holiday weekend, and we hope to get back to The Homestead to try out all of the activities that we missed, especially the spa and golf course!
Enjoying the views at Douthat State Park
