FETING THE GRANDE DAME OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY The Omni Homestead Resort celebrates its 250th annive
- Brad King
- Aug 20, 2016
- 6 min read
A full decade prior to the American Revolution, The Omni Homestead Resort in historic Hot Springs, Va., welcomed its first guests. Like our country itself, the story of “The Homestead” began with George Washington, who granted to Capt. Thomas Bullitt a parcel of land on which the first hotel was built. Ten years before America was founded, The Homestead opened its doors as a humble, 18-room lodge tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia.
Throughout two and a half centuries the resort has evolved, sharing milestones with America and memories with generations of guests. Twenty-two American presidents have visited The Homestead either before, during or following their administrations: from Washington to Thomas Jefferson — whose name lives on at the resort’s Jefferson Pools — William Howard Taft to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan to Bill Clinton. Other famous names that have been drawn to The Homestead during the years include those of royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and captains of industry and high-society — among them the Windsors, Astors, Rockefellers and DuPonts, as well as J. P. Morgan, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford.
An iconic Grande Dame affectionately known as one of the birthplaces of Southern hospitality and owned since 2013 by Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts, The Omni Homestead celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. The resort is commemorating the momentous milestone with 366 days of anniversary festivities. For example, guests are served a different flavored cake every day in the Great Hall — along with sweet tea, of course.
GOLF
The Omni Homestead Resort’s golf tradition dates back more than a century. The resort is home to two storied golf courses — the Old Course, a Donald Ross design that boasts the country’s oldest tee box in continuous use; and the Cascades Course, perennially ranked as Virginia’s No. 1 public access layout and long considered one of the finest mountain designs in the nation. Both courses take full advantage of their breathtaking mountain setting; particularly the spectacular waterfalls and rushing stream of Cascades Gorge.
Golf came to The Homestead in 1892 with construction of the first six holes of The Old Course. Ladies elegantly turned out in long, lacey white dresses with broad brimmed bonnets or parasols, watching and chatting as gentlemen in the club colors of bright red and white whacked away at primitive balls with even more rudimentary clubs. Golf tournaments began at the resort in 1897 and received plenty of publicity in prominent newspapers around Washington, Richmond, Atlanta and Philadelphia — even New York City.
As the tournaments grew, so did the golf course, which was expanded to nine holes for the first tournament in 1897. The game quickly became so popular that by 1901 the Old Course was expanded to 18 holes and 6,000 yards — a prodigious golf course at the time. By 1913, it was clear The Homestead needed a professionally designed course, so they brought in Ross to put his indelible signature on the Old Course. He constructed a “wonderful and artful course, which bears witness to his philosophy that power is secondary to precision in the game of golf,” as one expert of the day aptly described. Then as now, the 6,227-yard, par-72 course demands accurate second shots, though unusual fairway contouring gives most shots a side hill, uphill or downhill lie to the green. Therein lies the challenge.
Golf quickly became The Homestead’s most popular avocation and golfers flocked to the resort in droves. By 1919, another course was deemed essential. Architect William S. Flynn was chosen to design the new layout due to his developing reputation as an architect who was able to work with the terrain and make the most of the landscape that nature provided. The Cascades Course turned Flynn into a renowned golf architect and earned him commissions on many future projects.
Don Ryder, the resort’s former director of golf, says the Cascades Course possesses a collection of the finest par-3 holes a golfer will find anywhere, and it’s hard to quibble. Newly restored to Flynn’s original vision, the 6,679-yard, par-70 course is known for long, narrow fairways, fast greens and spectacular scenery, including the beautiful headwaters of the Cascades Stream. The Cascades Course boasts a proud championship legacy, counting eight USGA championship events and numerous PGA Tour events. Moreover, local resident Sam Snead learned the game on the Old Course and launched his career on the Cascades.
“I like to think The Homestead has been to amateur golf what Pebble Beach and Pinehurst have been to professional golf,” said Ryder. “I take a lot of pride in how much we have given back to amateur golf.” Ryder, who served 43 years as the resort’s director of golf and was Snead’s longtime golfing, hunting and fishing companion, recently handed the reins to his nephew, Barry.
To encourage family play, junior tees and scorecards for younger players are available on the Old Course, along with kids’ golf equipment rentals. After 5 p.m. in July and August, the Old Course offers family-friendly Twilight Golf, with free rental equipment for kids and 50 percent off for adults, plus discounted green fees.
ACCOMMODATIONS The Omni Homestead Resort offers 483 luxurious guest rooms and suites, each beautifully appointed with rich fabrics and furnishings, and framed prints reflecting the resort’s historic legacy. Private baths feature modern pedestal sinks and abundant lighting. Modern amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as luxurious robes and plump feather pillows. In 2010, the resort unveiled complete room renovations in the resort’s historic Tower, including the Governor’s Suite. The Tower’s 67 guest suites have distinctive new fabrics, porches and corridors as well as marble tile floors and new pedestal sinks in the bathrooms. The West Wing (built in 1904) received the same updates to its 90 guest rooms, also keeping with The Omni Homestead Resort’s signature décor. Among the most distinctive accommodations are five President’s Suites, which pay homage to the many U.S. Presidents who have visited throughout the resort’s history. Located in the East Wing, the spacious Madison, McKinley, Taft, Wilson and Eisenhower suites each feature two comfortable bedrooms, two grandly appointed bathrooms, a luxurious parlor, foyer, and a sitting porch with unparalleled views of the surrounding Alleghenies.
DINING The Omni Homestead Resort offers a range of fine and informal dining options. Dining outlets include the formal Main Dining Room, renowned for traditional dinner and dancing each evening — jacket required — and sumptuous breakfast buffet; and the casual but refined Sam Snead’s Tavern, where Certified Angus Beef and Allegheny Mountain Trout enjoy quite a following. Jefferson’s Restaurant & Bar, opened in 2013, serves regional farm to plate dishes. Seasonal dining choices at The Omni Homestead Resort include Rubino’s at the Cascades, Casino Restaurant, Allegheny Springs Grill and Mountain Lodge. The Lobby Bar is located in the Great Hall featuring a great selection of signature and classic cocktails, wines by the glass and regional craft beers. A new family game area, “DownTime,” opened in the former Player's Pub in 2013, offers a casual menu featuring sandwiches, wings, pizza, and ice cream.
THE SPA The Spa at The Omni Homestead Resort stretches 60,000 square feet with striking décor throughout. Guests can choose from a rich sampling of services. The Aqua Thermal Suite is a European-inspired oasis that aligns with The Omni Homestead’s historic healing tradition of “taking the waters,” which has drawn travelers since the mid-1700s. The aqua thermal experiences feature spa cabins that expose the body to a contrast of hot and cold temperatures enhanced by light, sound and smell. The Spa offers 28 treatment rooms, one of which is the Spa Ritual Suite with a couple’s tub and relaxation area. The Spa also offers an exclusive, adults-only Spa Garden with unique features such as the historic hot springs, private poolside cabanas and a naturally pressurized geothermal deluge shower. An expansive fitness area includes resistance equipment, cardiovascular machines and three movement studios for yoga, cycling and other classes. The Spa also offers family spa services, with special treatments and activities for children ages five to 13. Spa services and activities for guests aged 14 – 17 are geared to fitness level and interests.
OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES • Two-acre Allegheny Springs water attraction with two 100-foot water slides and 400-foot lazy river, water play zone, year-round family pool and whirlpool. • New 18-hole Mini Cascades miniature golf course, inspired by the legendary Cascades Course. • Five-stand skeet, trap and sporting clays at the Shooting Club • Horseback riding through the resort’s Equestrian Center • Archery • Four clay tennis courts • Orvis-endorsed fly fishing • Segway tours • Mountain biking • Cascades Gorge Hike • Homestead History Tours • Falconry • Carriage rides • 270-seat historic theater with nightly movies • Canoeing • Kayaking • Indoor swimming pool • Paddleboarding • Hayrides • Lawn Games - volleyball, badminton, croquet, etc.
GETTING THERE The Omni Homestead Resort is located 70 miles north of Roanoke and 170 miles west of Richmond. The resort is within driving distance of many metropolitan centers throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Bath County Airport is 20 minutes by car; Roanoke Regional Airport is 90 minutes. For information visit https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia
