This winter, head over to The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs to experience southern hospitality, elegant charm, and winter fun. This historic 250-year-old resort has been a premier destination for 23 U.S. presidents. Located in rural Bath County, it spans 2,000 acres of scenic Virginia landscape, and provides timeless comforts and access to an exciting array of activities no matter the season of your stay. Their most popular winter activity is family skiing and snowboarding. There are 9 trails including 3 beginner, 5 intermediate, and 1 expert. Each year, an average of 10,000 guests take advantage of these trails and they primarily visit from Virginia, Washington DC, North Carolina, and Florida. The resort also offers ice skating (open daily until March 31), tubing, and mini snowmobiles (until March 9). The resort also has year-round pools, an extensive spa, shopping, a vast gym, lots of outside areas, multiple ballrooms, a conference center, restaurants, two bars, a library, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

On the drive over, tune into their recently launched a PODCAST series called “Beyond the Tower.” This series offers an insider’s look at the people and stories behind the resort. In the second episode (there are a total of 10) Matt Fussell, the resort’s director of recreation, discusses winter activities including skiing, making snow, lessons, etc. In our interview with Matt he tells us, “Guests appreciate that our ski area is very beginner/intermediate friendly and that our trails are well-groomed. They know that this is a great place for someone who wants to learn how to ski or brush up on their skiing. And it’s not only the terrain that is ideal for novice skiers, but also our knowledgeable instructors. For ages 5-11, we offer a “Little Penguins Program.” This is taught in a very kid-friendly manner. Plus, being a Rossignol Experience Center, we offer quality ski and snowboard rentals from Rossignol.” Rossignol is a French manufacturer of alpine, snowboard, and Nordic equipment and accessories. Athletes using Rossignol products won at both the Winter Olympic games in Albertville (1992) and in Lillehammer (1994).

Matt goes on to say, “Don’t forget to stop by our BBQ restaurant Kober’s for some delicious eats before topping your day off with a dip in the heated pool at Allegheny Springs.” Kober’s is the resort’s winter smokehouse at the Mountain Lodge. Here, you and the family can enjoy their signature K-burger that’s topped with smoked brisket, jalapenos, onion jam, and cheddar cheese. There are also several smoked meats inspired by the American south including Texas beef brisket, East Carolina pulled pork, St. Louis pork spare ribs, and South Carolina chicken wings. This restaurant also offers vegetarian options including local greens, vegan barbeque and burgers.

After a day on the slopes, head to the pools. One of them is self-described as “magnificent.” This is the indoor pool, built in 1904, that is fed by naturally warm mineral spring waters. It is open year-round and is located adjacent to the Spa. The resort’s Serenity Garden Pool is also open year-round and is an outdoor spring-fed spa pool. Relaxing in their mineral pools and enjoying the Hydro Therapy Spa rooms make for fantastic February snow days. “We came for the spa – which was delightful: spacious, multiple levels, inventive in the technology (sauna and steam rooms were very appeasing in “cove” like design and steam intensity; the digital waterfall walls was a smart way to make the indoor area feel airy.)  The co-ed lounge room was nice, with blankets, a fire, and views, nice fixtures and high ceilings.” – Elle H.

Another fun winter activity is afternoon tea on the foyer, called Southern Social Hour. Guests are welcome to join and enjoy a special treat created by the pastry chef with a selection of hot and iced teas from 2p-4p each afternoon. There is an extended experience of Afternoon Tea on Fridays and Saturdays.

From February 16-18, it’s President’s Day Weekend at the Omni Homestead. They invite you to celebrate with the finest food and family fun, including Brew and Q Lunch, Children’s Craft Classes, Wilderness Wonders Presentations, and all the best winter activities.

In the warmer months, the resort offers several outdoor activities such as the golf courses, outdoor pools and waterpark, zip lines, horseback riding, and falconry. The town of Hot Springs is just a short walk away from the resort and offers restaurants, shopping, hiking trails, an overlook, and the Garth Newel Music Center.  There’s also an 80’ waterfall just 11 miles south of Hot Springs. Falling Spring Waterfall is conveniently located on Rt 220 and is one of the most visited and photographed spots in the Alleghany Highlands.

Make a “bucket list” this February: Ski, spa pedicure, shopping, and grab a couple specialty drinks at the bar. Check out the resort’s current ski conditions with their Live Ski Cam at omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia/things-to-do/ski. They are located just an hour from Lewisburg, at 7696 Sam Snead Hwy. To book your stay, call 540-839-1766. To learn more, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia and follow them on instagram and twitter @OmniHomestead and on facebook @OmniHomesteadResort.

– HashtagWV #110. February 2019.