From Hitting the Slopes to Enjoying a Soak: How to Enjoy a Perfect Weekend in This Winter Town in Virginia

For centuries, travelers have flocked to the Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia for a humidity-free summer escape. Built in 1766, it's known as America's First Resort, named for the Homesteaders who built the resort and its famous mineral bathhouses. I've been traveling to this corner of Virginia for many years now, and while I can agree that the Omni Homestead really is an all-seasons resort, there's something magical about spending winter in Hot Springs. We've planned out a couple of days of winter fun, including everything from skiing to soaking. After spending some time in the Allegheny Mountains, you'll feel refreshed, restored, and ready to take on the year ahead.

The Omni Homestead Resort has one of the most iconic exteriors imaginable, famous for its red brick, clock tower, majestic old-growth trees, and a glimpse of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're a winter vacationer looking for a day at the spa or on the slopes, you'll find plenty of winter magic here. To take advantage of all there is to do this time of year, we'd recommend booking at least two nights at the resort.

After checking into your room, take time to explore the property, joining in for the 3:00 p.m. social hour for tea, coffee, and treats in the Great Hall. If you're traveling with family, be sure to hop aboard the Holiday S'Mores Express, a fun-filled tractor ride complete with s'mores making at the Mountain Lodge. In the evening, head over to the ice skating rink. When you've had enough of the cold, return to the Great Hall and cozy up by one of the many fireplaces.

The next morning, you're headed up the mountain for a day on the slopes! The Omni Homestead Resort offers private ski lessons and even a little ski school for children. In fact, the ski area is the oldest in Virginia, having been established in 1959. When everyone is ready for lunch, you can stop by Kober's, a winter smokehouse that specializes in barbecue. In the afternoon, enjoy some snow tubing at the resort's Penguin Slides Tubing Park.

No trip to Hot Springs is complete without a soak, so be sure to schedule some time at the Warm Springs Pool or one of the naturally heated pools on the property. The minerals are known for their healing properties, and there's nothing quite like a warm soak on a frigid winter day. If you're in the mood for a more casual lunch, be sure to stop by the Dairy Market, located just down the road from the Warm Springs Pools.

In the afternoon, feel free to book a spa treatment, including facials and massages. And just wait until you see the stunning Aqua Thermal Suite, complete with an herbal sauna and steam room. When you're ready to celebrate with a memorable dinner, you can't go wrong with any of the hotel's restaurants, including the American Audubon Dining Room and Rubino's at the Cascades.

Have you visited Hot Springs or the Omni Homestead Resort in the winter? To learn more about all the fun things to do in this Virginia winter town, visit the official Omni Homestead Resort website. We bet you'll be packing your suitcase in no time!

Looking for more inspiration? We've put together a list of our favorite winter destinations in Virginia to help you make the most out of this season. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.