Cooperative Living February 2016 - 17

CoverStory | by Gwen Woolf, Contributing Writer
The Omni Homestead Resort
Celebrates 250th Anniversary in Style
A
decade before America was born,
a small lodge was built in the
Allegheny Mountains of Western
Virginia for travelers to
experience the " healing " waters of the
natural mineral springs.
Over the next 2½ centuries, the property
grew to become The Omni Homestead
Resort, a world-class venue that has
welcomed generations of vacationers,
presidents, royalty, celebrities and Virginia
governors.
" The Homestead Resort is a jewel of
Virginia's tourism economy, " said Gov.
Terry McAuliffe in response to a writer's
query. " As a destination for travelers from
across the globe this magnificent historic
hotel offers a truly Virginian experience for
all. I've enjoyed many personal and
professional trips to this wonderful
economic engine and look forward to
going back any chance I get. "
Now the luxury resort 210 miles from
Washington, D.C., in the county of Bath is
observing its 250th anniversary with a
year-long celebration.
" We have so many activities and events
planned, we couldn't fit them all into one
weekend, or even one month, so we're
going to celebrate every day, " says
Managing Director David Jurcak.
For starters, the pastry team presents a
different cake flavor every afternoon. One
lucky guest is invited to blow out the
candle before everyone samples the day's
sweet delight, perhaps triple chocolate or
carrot cake.
Not to be outdone, the culinary team
showcases menu items and classic cocktails
from the resort's past on Saturdays in the
Main Dining Room.
Each month has a theme - such as
presidents, fashion, entertainment,
transportation, golf and architecture -
with daily " fun facts " about the area. For
example, the movie Sommersby, starring
Richard Gere and Jodie Foster, was filmed
in the county and many of the actors were
spotted around the resort. In addition,
Eugene Allen, who inspired the film The
Butler, was a Homestead employee before
going to the White House.
Concerts, fireworks, fireside chats, a
speaker series and special retail items, such
as pewter ornaments, mugs and apparel,
are part of the festivities celebrating the
resort's 1766 founding - 10 years before
the Declaration of Independence.
ENDURING APPEAL
" Magical " is a word that's often used to
describe The Homestead. After a long drive
on scenic mountain roads, a first-time
visitor is astonished at the first glimpse of
the Georgian-style, red-brick complex
rising like a castle over the village of Hot
Springs. The hotel is sumptuous and
chock-full of modern amenities, yet it
retains old-fashioned Southern ambience, a
throwback to the perceived grandeur of
bygone days. It's a place where guests still
" dress " for dinner in the formal dining
room, sip afternoon tea in the Great Hall,
and relax in the veranda's rocking chairs
admiring the view - especially splendid in
autumn. People come to vacation, play
sports, attend parties and conventions, get
married and celebrate special occasions.
The resort wears its history like a
favorite sweater.
Back in 1766, guests reached the original
18-room wooden hotel by horseback and
stagecoach. It was named The Homestead
for the homesteaders who built it, drawn
by the stories of American Indians and
surveyors about the rejuvenating mineral
springs that seemed to remedy assorted
ailments.
The Homestead between 1902 and 1929,
before its trademark tower was added.
www.co-opliving.com
February 2016 | Cooperative Living | 15
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living February 2016

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