Respites
A Hot Springs Escape
This month’s Respite feature is actually a repeat from a visit I made to one of my favorite places, The Homestead Spa and Resort. I thought with this month’s theme of Escape, this is the perfect place to run away to.
In this “new economy”, many forward-thinking businesses are once again recognizing the power of the American family. It seemed for years, attention was focused primarily on targeting the professional or very up-scale luxury markets. Fast-forward to then, 2010, and the reality of a long recession and the attention once again is on the foundation of what continues to fuel this economy, that being the family.
I had the pleasure of revisiting the Homestead, after having been away for many years, and they have thrown in everything but the kitchen sink in what appears to be a successful attempt at tapping into the vibrant family market. The Homestead Resort has masterfully created all kinds of activities and special events for families and their success at doing this was very apparent during my recent visit to the resort.
Nestled in the mountains of Hot Springs, Virginia this is for certain the absolute ultimate week-end getaway for families. Whether taking advantage of the many sporting activities designed for children or relaxing with them in the luxurious kid spa, you are sure to be pleased with what the Homestead has to offe. You can also rest assured that the miles upon miles of classic golf courses, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking, for which they are known, continue to be the main attraction for the resort.
After a very peaceful night’s sleep fueled by the clean mountain air and exquisite, but comfortable accommodations, we began our day in the resort’s main dining room for a breakfast fit for a king or queen. I enjoyed fresh fruit, tea and whole grain toast which was complimented by a very friendly and efficient wait staff. I must admit that it took every ounce of will power to pass up the made-to-order omelets and fresh pastries that were in ample supply.
Our day’s activities began with a lesson in fly fishing taught by Donald Essex, a retired Washington, DC police officer. I was very impressed with his level of knowledge and the occasional peppering of anecdotes which help to make the lesson interesting. At the end of the 45-minute session, I had learned pretty much everything I wanted to know about the sport and decided to keep buying my trout at the local fish market. I think it was the part about the occasional visit of bears and snakes that helped to change my mind about foraging for fish in the mountain streams. For the adventurous however, it is certainly something you might want to give a try, if for just the beauty alone.
Later that morning, I enjoyed a very relaxing pedicure at the resort’s spa while my husband headed off for skeet shooting. He claims to have hit a large percentage of what he aimed at, but I had my doubts with him being left-handed and all. I should mention too that just outside the spa are natural hot springs that one can simply stop for a moment to relax your feet if you so desire.
After a wonderful lunch at Martha’s Marketplace, and a short break, we went off to what was to be the highlight of our trip to the resort. Led by the most interesting and knowledgeable tour guide I have every had the pleasure of meeting, Brian La Fountain, made the gorge hike something I will always remember!
From beautiful waterfalls at every turn to the magnificent plant and insect species that mesmerized us along the way, this was indeed worth the 3 and ½ hour trek. We hiked 450-ft up the mountain and were wowed every step of the way. Brian educated, entertained and connected in a way to let you know that for him, this was indeed his lifelong journey. There were some young children on the hike and surprisingly, they too were engaged throughout the course of our adventure. I think the splash in one of the mountain pools helped a lot to keep the interest high.
There are a few places in and around the property to satisfy your appetite; that you are sure to work up; from pubs for more casual meals and drinks to dinner in the main dining room; which is a must during your stay. One word of advice, for male diners — be sure to bring a dinner jacket as you cannot dine in the main dining room without it. And whatever you do, do not miss the afternoon tea that is absolutely divine. This afternoon tradition, which is served at the traditional tea time — 4:00 p.m. — is very simple, but elegant and the orchestration alone makes it worth the experience.
The Homestead Resort — a definite “Breather.” For more information on the resort and available packages, please visit their website at www.thehomestead.com.