A Lucky Break: The Homestead

As the fortunate recipients of a gift certificate, we recently enjoyed a marvelously relaxing weekend at the Homestead Resort in Bath County, Virginia.  Halterman weekends aren't usually about calm, but it was lovely to spend a few days in such a grand yet welcoming setting.  It's true what friends have told me:  the Homestead is a unique combination of upscale and low key, luxurious and laid back.  Best of all, we had a true vacation feeling while we were there; just like going on "island time," we went on "mountain time."  Justin and Kim were very happy, and four-month-old Gwen was very welcome.  Four-year-old Elijah enjoyed a weekend at Nana's.

Located on a mountainside in a very rural area, the Homestead is a place to "get away" that's still within driving distance of several East Coast metro areas.  The resort offers a large variety of adventurous and outdoor activities in a gorgeous setting:  guided hikes, off-road driving courses, segway riding, year-round outdoor swimming, falconry, skeet shooting, you name it.  Feeling more laid back, we walked the grounds frequently, and even this simple activity was a delight.  We enjoyed the resort history tour in particular, and Kim "took the waters" in the Jefferson Pools--a fabulously relaxing, inexpensive, and one-of-a-kind type of spa treatment.  The resort is a Canyon Ranch Spa Club site now as well, and there are numerous splurges available. 

If you go, make activity and dinner reservations in advance, even if you are not visiting on a holiday or convention weekend.  We recommend having at least one of the famous buffet breakfasts--they are more expensive than the typical breakfast, but they include just about everything one could ever want for a morning meal.  On the days we attended, there were traditional breakfast bar staples as well as an omlet station, sauteed veggies, fish, and a full complement of bagel toppings including Nutella, honey, and other goodies.   Dinner at Sam Snead's Tavern is casual and cozy, and there's a small coffee shop on grounds, too.  Don't miss afternoon tea in the lobby--a great opportunity to eat dainty chocolates and get to know your fellow guests.  We also recommend visiting during the holiday lights, and note it is possible to stay in nearby Covington and visit the resort for a special meal or activity. 

The Tiniest Train Museum: The Augusta County Railroad Museum

Let us introduce you to the Augusta County Railroad Museum, a wonderful storefront museum full of intricate model railroad layouts.  Staffed by welcoming railroad club members, the large displays on view are well-loved and detailed.  There's even a scavenger hunt all ages can enjoy that will help you focus on those details, including a funeral procession, a ski lift, and a subway station.  The museum was a real treat for our 4-year-old railfan:  he very much enjoyed wandering among the trains, working the controls on the young engineers model, and picking up a free back issue of Model Railroader magazine.  We're sure Elijah will mention it all when he sees club members at Virginia Museum of Transportation events in Roanoke. 

If you go, check the museum schedule:  they are only open on particular weekends.  Plan to spend at least a half hour enjoying the displays and the company of club members.  From the museum, you are within easy driving distance of the Green Valley Book Fair, the giant Factory Antique Mall, and other Halterman adventures tagged Up I-81.

Farm Day: Homestead Creamery Affords Families a Day on a Working Farm

We just enjoyed our first Farm Day at Homestead Creamery, an annual fall event full of farm fun and yummy dairy product tastings.  At Farm Day, kids can pet farm animals, ride a "trackless train" made of 50-gallon drums, climb up on tractors, and play on a mountain of sawdust.  There's a hayride, a blacksmithing demonstration, and a few local crafters, too.  It's a great way for this local, responsible business to "give back," and visitors partake in a really inexpensive day of adventure.  We spent $6 to buy ice cream--and that was it.  Unlike many of the local fall pumpkin farms, attraction-type activities are free.  We were impressed with the staffing, too:  golf cart shuttles from parking, local law enforcement helping direct traffic, and unharried employees explaining cow milking to kids over and over again.  The downside?  It's just one day.

If you go, plan to be outside in crowded situations, and bring a vehicle you are comfortable parking in a field.  We recommend arriving early.  The farm is stroller-navigable if you work at it; we toted our 5-month-old in her car seat carrier and found this convenient, as we could "sit" her down while our 4-year-old enjoyed attractions.  Bring hunger and cash for really good ice cream and fair food...or plan to drive to nearby Rocky Mount for fast food and other conveniences.  For the best online information on Homestead Creamery, search for them on Facebook.  If you are looking for something else to do in the area, try the Booker T. Washington National Monument, blogged here in a Halterman Weekend from a few years back.