A Visit to the Omni Homestead Resort Brings an Unexpected Thrill
I returned recently to what is now known as the Omni Homestead Resort to do another feature on this luxurious resort (I know, tough assignment, right?) But this time I found myself experiencing something I never, not in a million years, thought I'd ever get the chance to do. Here's a little snapshot - but be sure to watch the video below to see why this was such a thrill. So cool!
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This historic resort is located in the heart of Bath County, Virginia and sits on a 2-thousand acre estate. If you haven't heard of it, do yourself a favor and log onto their website and plan your visit soon. It is an incredible place with world-class accommodations. It's known for its golf course where golfing legend Sam Snead perfected his game and where Thomas Jefferson would come to soak in the healing waters of the Jefferson Pools. It was THE destination for 22 of our past U.S. presidents dating all the way back to the 18th century. And it's where the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts would stroll the grounds. But don't let that rich history intimidate you. They have made this an affordable getaway destination for couples and families alike, and no, your family won't be bored when you're out on the golf course. A ton of family friendly games and activities have been added here that will keep you and everyone in the family busy for days.
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This is your view off of the patio. Gorgeous setting. You definitely can relax here!
The biggest issue I have when I come here on assignment is deciding which activities we'll feature. With over 30 activities to chose from, we can't feature them all in one 5- minute segment. Our goal usually centers around some of the new additions (like the Allegheny Springs, complete with lazy river and massive water slides) and on those activities that you just can't get anywhere else. And what I've found most enjoyable about this place is that each time I visit, I get a different experience. Bring the kids, you get one adventure. Bring your husband (wife) and you've got yourself a whole new trip. That's the beauty of it and the reason why you should visit more than once.
I can't name a favorite activity yet (although the spa is definitely in my top 5 ) but I will tell you their new off-road obstacle course (you literally drive through an engineered obstacle course similar to what's taught by our nation's military and Special Forces teams) is fantastic and pretty unique. I also think tooling around the grounds in one of those segues (have you been on one of those things??) is a must when here - the setting is just so beautiful. You can check out the story that we did that featured both here
During my most recent visit, we decided instead of featuring some of the new amenities, we would go back in time a bit, to check out a tradition that's known as the "sport of Kings" - falconry - which dates back nearly 400 years (and the Omni Homestead its one of only 2 other resorts here on the east coast where you can experience it so definitely take advantage of that fact.)
Now, I have to admit, I knew nothing about falconry. I just thought a bird flew in the air a couple of times and that was it. Well, let me tell you, the falconry experience here is so much more than that-- if you want it to be.
We headed to their falconry facility and met Linda, one of the trainers. She introduced us to one of their falcons, Remington, a beautiful young falcon that Linda has worked with for a couple of years. For the first few minutes Linda talked to us about Remington, how this bird of prey hunts and how they see with binocular-like vision. She was also very clear to point out that her relationship with Remington is a working one.. one that revolves around food. ( I thought, "gee that's good to know, as long as I'm not food I should be safe., right? ") After talking with Linda, I thought, ok that's it. We're done here. Let's move on, right? Killer bird, two feet away from me, we should run along now. Nope. Not. so fast. I did NOT expect what was to come next.
Linda wanted us to see what Remington really was capable of doing. She asked me and my photographer to stand side-by-side to demonstrate how this falcon can squeeze through the most narrow of spaces. Great! Before I could really protest, Linda held up a piece of food for Remington (a chicken leg) and instantly she this bird's attention. Remington instantly locked in on that food and swooped down to grab it from her. Problem for me, I was in FRONT of that food. Whoosh!! There goes this fierce bird of prey, RIGHT BY MY FACE!! Time and time again, Linda had Remington fly between us, then around me, over my face, head and shoulders. And it was amazing. Every time that bird would only lightly brush me with her feathers - never hurting me - to grab food out of Linda's hands. Wow! Let me tell you, nothing gets your heart pumping like that. Seeing that bird come at you, and feeling those feathers on your face like that was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. And really, I was just happy I didn't poop my pants. I kept thinking to myself, this bird could gouge my eyes out at any moment. And here we are dangling a chicken leg for it to grab right by my head. (Thank goodness for sunglasses on this day!) But I gotta tell you - it. was. awesome. Check out these photos!
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How cool is that?? You can check out our feature story we ran recently below.
After falconry, I wanted a bar, but instead we took some time to enjoy some great food! They just installed a new brick oven where they make hand-tossed pizzas to order. It's made with flour that's imported from Italy- for a truly authentic Italian flavor and trust me - you'll love it! If you're looking for a more formal style, make sure you check out "Jefferson's" where you can dine inside or out. This was my favorite on a beautiful day.
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Me outside on the veranda - this is a view of inside looking at the bar area. Great place to relax and watch the big game on TV!
Go and see it for yourself - and tell Linda Natalie sent ya!!
This historic resort is located in the heart of Bath County, Virginia and sits on a 2-thousand acre estate. If you haven't heard of it, do yourself a favor and log onto their website and plan your visit soon. It is an incredible place with world-class accommodations. It's known for its golf course where golfing legend Sam Snead perfected his game and where Thomas Jefferson would come to soak in the healing waters of the Jefferson Pools. It was THE destination for 22 of our past U.S. presidents dating all the way back to the 18th century. And it's where the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts would stroll the grounds. But don't let that rich history intimidate you. They have made this an affordable getaway destination for couples and families alike, and no, your family won't be bored when you're out on the golf course. A ton of family friendly games and activities have been added here that will keep you and everyone in the family busy for days.
This is the view from the patio of "Jefferson's" where you can relax and eat or have a drink around the fire pit and chill out
The biggest issue I have when I come here on assignment is deciding which activities we'll feature. With over 30 activities to chose from, we can't feature them all in one 5- minute segment. Our goal usually centers around some of the new additions (like the Allegheny Springs, complete with lazy river and massive water slides) and on those activities that you just can't get anywhere else. And what I've found most enjoyable about this place is that each time I visit, I get a different experience. Bring the kids, you get one adventure. Bring your husband (wife) and you've got yourself a whole new trip. That's the beauty of it and the reason why you should visit more than once.
I can't name a favorite activity yet (although the spa is definitely in my top 5 ) but I will tell you their new off-road obstacle course (you literally drive through an engineered obstacle course similar to what's taught by our nation's military and Special Forces teams) is fantastic and pretty unique. I also think tooling around the grounds in one of those segues (have you been on one of those things??) is a must when here - the setting is just so beautiful. You can check out the story that we did that featured both here
During my most recent visit, we decided instead of featuring some of the new amenities, we would go back in time a bit, to check out a tradition that's known as the "sport of Kings" - falconry - which dates back nearly 400 years (and the Omni Homestead its one of only 2 other resorts here on the east coast where you can experience it so definitely take advantage of that fact.)
Now, I have to admit, I knew nothing about falconry. I just thought a bird flew in the air a couple of times and that was it. Well, let me tell you, the falconry experience here is so much more than that-- if you want it to be.
We headed to their falconry facility and met Linda, one of the trainers. She introduced us to one of their falcons, Remington, a beautiful young falcon that Linda has worked with for a couple of years. For the first few minutes Linda talked to us about Remington, how this bird of prey hunts and how they see with binocular-like vision. She was also very clear to point out that her relationship with Remington is a working one.. one that revolves around food. ( I thought, "gee that's good to know, as long as I'm not food I should be safe., right? ") After talking with Linda, I thought, ok that's it. We're done here. Let's move on, right? Killer bird, two feet away from me, we should run along now. Nope. Not. so fast. I did NOT expect what was to come next.
Linda wanted us to see what Remington really was capable of doing. She asked me and my photographer to stand side-by-side to demonstrate how this falcon can squeeze through the most narrow of spaces. Great! Before I could really protest, Linda held up a piece of food for Remington (a chicken leg) and instantly she this bird's attention. Remington instantly locked in on that food and swooped down to grab it from her. Problem for me, I was in FRONT of that food. Whoosh!! There goes this fierce bird of prey, RIGHT BY MY FACE!! Time and time again, Linda had Remington fly between us, then around me, over my face, head and shoulders. And it was amazing. Every time that bird would only lightly brush me with her feathers - never hurting me - to grab food out of Linda's hands. Wow! Let me tell you, nothing gets your heart pumping like that. Seeing that bird come at you, and feeling those feathers on your face like that was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. And really, I was just happy I didn't poop my pants. I kept thinking to myself, this bird could gouge my eyes out at any moment. And here we are dangling a chicken leg for it to grab right by my head. (Thank goodness for sunglasses on this day!) But I gotta tell you - it. was. awesome. Check out these photos!
How cool is that?? You can check out our feature story we ran recently below.
After falconry, I wanted a bar, but instead we took some time to enjoy some great food! They just installed a new brick oven where they make hand-tossed pizzas to order. It's made with flour that's imported from Italy- for a truly authentic Italian flavor and trust me - you'll love it! If you're looking for a more formal style, make sure you check out "Jefferson's" where you can dine inside or out. This was my favorite on a beautiful day.
Go and see it for yourself - and tell Linda Natalie sent ya!!
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