Today’s post is all about our Omni Homestead family vacation! Last summer, our family traded the daily grind for the rolling hills and refreshing charm of the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. If you’re looking for a quintessential Virginia family vacation that blends historic elegance with endless activities, look no further.
From the moment we arrived, the grandeur of the resort captivated us. Known as “America’s First Resort,” the sprawling grounds and magnificent architecture hint at centuries of hospitality. It truly felt like stepping back in time to an era of refined relaxation—but with all the modern comforts a family could wish for.
Omni Homestead family vacation: Indoor and Outdoor Pools
One of the biggest hits with everyone, from the littlest splasher to the grown-up loungers, were the pools. We spent countless hours enjoying both the outdoor and indoor aquatic havens.
The Allegheny Springs water park (the outdoor pool) has a stunning mountain backdrop and is perfect for soaking up the summer sun. We spent a lot of time going down the water slide as well as relaxing in the lazy river. Meanwhile, the historic indoor pool offered a fantastic escape on cooler afternoons or when we just needed a change of scenery.
Adventure and Relaxation: Archery to Hot Springs
We were seeking outdoor activities and our Omni Homestead family vacation did not disappoint. Here were a few of our favorites:
- The Hike: One of our most memorable evenings was the hike up the mountain overlooking the resort. The panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the top were absolutely breathtaking.
- Archery: We took a shuttle up to the ski area to try our hand at the archery range, which was a surprisingly fun and engaging activity for the whole family.
- The Warm Springs Pools: Of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing the namesake! The historic hot springs were incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating—a truly unique way to soak in the local history. We took a short shuttle ride here. We took a dip in the hot springs and we all loved our experience here.
The archery and the hot springs did cost us additionally. You can view a comprehensive list of their outdoor activities here.
Life in the Great Hall: More Than Just a Lobby
One of our favorite low-key traditions was just hanging out in the Great Hall. It’s not your average hotel lobby; it’s a massive, elegant space with soaring ceilings and cozy fire pits. Every afternoon, we’d find a spot to relax during the Afternoon Social Hour (the tea and cookies are a hit!), but the real draw for the kids were the games scattered throughout.
We spent many afternoons at the Omni Homestead over oversized chess boards and classic board games like checkers and Scrabble. There are also several puzzles always in progress on the side tables—it was so fun to add a few pieces every time we walked by and see how much the “community” had finished since we last saw it. It’s those small, quiet moments of family competition in such a grand setting that really made the trip feel special.
Omni Homestead family vacation: Dining at Woody’s
Evenings became a delightful tradition with dinner at Woody’s. Seriously, we found ourselves drawn back there every single night! The laid-back atmosphere and delicious food made it the ideal spot to unwind and recount the day’s adventures. If you’re visiting, their casual menu is a must for families.
My Top 5 Tips for Your Homestead Family Getaway
If you’re planning your own trip to this historic Virginia gem, here are a few things we learned that will help you make the most of your stay:
Check the Daily Schedule: The resort is huge and always has something going on—from movie nights to lawn games. Grab the “Daily Homestead” newsletter at the front desk every morning so you don’t miss out.
Don’t Miss Afternoon Social Hour: Every day at 3:00 PM in the Great Hall, they serve tea and delicious cookies. It’s the perfect time to grab a board game or work on the communal puzzle!
Book Your Activities Early: Popular things like archery and spa treatments for the hot springs can fill up fast, especially during the summer. We recommend booking a few weeks before you arrive, or, as soon as you get there.
Pack Comfortable Hiking Shoes: You’ll definitely want them for that hike overlooking the resort. The view is 100% worth the climb, but you will want comfy shoes!
Embrace Casual Dining at Woody’s: While the resort has fancy dining options, Woody’s was our favorite for a relaxed family dinner. The atmosphere is great, and it’s very kid-friendly. We loved sitting on the patio every night and roasting s’mores afterwards.
You can check availability, rates, and book your stay for your own Omni Homestead family vacation HERE.
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