The Allegheny Mountains serve as a springboard to a rich variety of recreation at The Homestead, catering to all interests and ages and reflecting the change of seasons. From championship golf and horseback riding, downhill skiing to ice skating, and the genteel pastimes of sporting clays and fly-fishing, guests find endless diversions to fill their vacations. The resort’s historic legacy is reflected in its European-style spa, where the tradition of “taking to the waters” in naturally heated, spring-fed pools has continued for more than two centuries.
Golf:
The resort’s 18-hole championship golf courses are as historic as they are challenging. They include the Cascades Course, the finest mountain course in the country, established in 1923 with a William Flynn design and the Old Course, a Donald Ross design, boasting the nation’s oldest first tee still in continuous use. The Cascades Course and the Old Course offer a driving range and short-game practice facility. Individual and group instruction is available in the spring and summer on the Old Course.
Spa/Hot Springs:
The Homestead Spa is renowned for its soothing natural springs, a drawing card for more than 200 years. The spa features a tempting array of treatments for men and women, including massage, hydrotherapy, body wraps, facials, salt scrubs, and the signature mineral bath soak. Among other enticing features: spring-fed indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s pool; a Spa Suite ideal for small groups and families; and a KidSpa exclusively for children up to the age of 16, offering original treatments such as the vanilla cupcake pedicure, the strawberries and cream manicure and a Teen Facial. There is also a Spa Salon offering hairstyling, manicures, pedicures, waxing and makeup applications. The resort is also home to the historic Jefferson Pools where guests can enjoy the healing properties of the pools mineral waters at the Men’s and Women’s bath houses. Established in 1761, the Men’s Pool at the Jefferson Pools holds the honor as the nation’s first spa.
Shooting Club:
The Homestead is home to one of the most challenging and scenic shooting facilities in the country, with a diversified presentation of targets that has no equal. The Shooting Club plays host to tournaments such as the Golf and Sporting Clays Tournament. Among its features: a .22 caliber rifle range, four skeet fields, a trap field and a five-stand layout constructed to the specifications of the National Skeet Shooting Association, and two sporting clays courses for a total of up to 30 stations that can accommodate large tournaments. Guests are equipped with necessary accessories, such as shotguns, ammunition, eye and ear protection and shooting vests. The pro shop has a variety of local apparel and shooting accessories. A full staff of N.S.C.A. certified instructors, from level one to level three, offer individual instruction and group clinics by appointment.
Tennis:
The Homestead has four Har-Tru and two all-weather tennis courts, with lessons available from the resort’s professional instruction staff.
Equestrian Center:
Guided horseback rides on mountain bridle paths are available through The Homestead’s own Equestrian Center, a complete horse facility that also offers carriage rides and hand-led rides. The stable features a selection of up to 48 horses available for English or Western saddles and all levels of riding ability.
Fly Fishing:
The Homestead offers Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing and instruction on one of the finest private trout streams in Virginia: a four-mile, clear-running stream stocked and maintained by the resort.
Mountain Biking/Hiking:
Guests can explore an extensive array of nature trails through the scenic mountains and valleys surrounding The Homestead. The resort offers: Mountain bike and protective gear rentals, as well as guided mountain biking tours; self-guided hiking and walking trails; guided walks with a naturalist along the Cascades Gorge Trail: a two-and-a-half-hour hike led by one of our naturalist through the spectacular gorge with 13 waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Winter Sports and Ski Area:
Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, The Homestead offers a wealth of cold weather activities. Indeed, the resort pioneered southern skiing in 1959. Winter sport offerings include: Ice skating, with lessons and rentals at The Homestead’s outdoor skating rink, located on the Casino Lawn; tubing; Kids Snowmobile rides; cross-country skiing; guided snowmobile tours; and snowboarding. An experienced staff of ski instructors offer group and individual instruction for all levels. In addition, the Bunny School offers a wonderful opportunity for children, ages five to eleven years to participate in full or half-day sessions of supervised skiing and indoor activities. The Homestead also features a 45+ acre ski area that includes one expertly groomed downhill ski slope, nine trails and full snowmaking capabilities.