The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA

CheckJV · July 18, 2011

Where to eat, which tracks to play?

Planning a trip to The Homestead (Hot Springs, VA) this fall with scheduled play at the Old Course and the Cascades. Questions: If you had two more days to play, would you play each of the tracks again, play the Lower Cascades, or some other tracks in the area?

Also, besides the resort, what are the best spots for casual food in the area? I have Googled a bit but I'm looking for specific comments from WRXers that have been there. Thanks a bunch.

CheckJV · July 19, 2011

[size="3"]Did a bit more Googling and there are not many reviews of any of The Homestead tracks and nothing of recent vintage. I did find the usual advertising. Almost nothing on food or beverage spots either. Did they close the place down in 2007? LOL.[/size]

Golfrnut · July 19, 2011

[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1311078035' post='3403765']
[size="3"]Did a bit more Googling and there are not many reviews of any of The Homestead tracks and nothing of recent vintage. I did find the usual advertising. Almost nothing on food or beverage spots either. Did they close the place down in 2007? LOL.[/size]
[/quote]

I am from that area...about a half hour south of there actually. In all honesty, the Homestead is in the middle of woodland country. There isn't a whole lot of places up there outside of the hotel. It lies in the middle of Bath County, which is mostly mountains and woodland areas. It is absolutely beautiful around that area but not very populated as a larger city would be. I have to admit, I am military now, so I haven't been up there in a few years. As far as I know, the area really hasn't grown a whole lot in that time span anyway. I can't really offer much in the way of dining but you may want to check out the bath county website. Try to maybe pick out some places from there and see if they have some websites or other independent reviews around the net.

[url="http://www.bathcountyva.org/index2.htm"]http://www.bathcountyva.org/index2.htm[/url]

I haven't played the two upper courses myself, have only played the Lower a few times through high school and a couple of times after that years ago. If the weather is good, the courses are kept in really nice shape. You might either want to try playing the Lower but the other two courses are their premium courses and are up-kept a little better. If you are up for a short drive, you might even think about trying to play over at the Greenbrier in White's Sulpher Springs WV. It would be about an hour or so drive(maybe a little shorter) from the Homestead. I think they have one or two courses that can be played without staying at the hotel. Or you could just take in some of the other stuff the Homestead has like the river trips, fishing, or trap shooting. The area around there is wonderful, so you might even find it worth wild to take some of the scenic routes around and enjoy the area.

Best of Luck!

CheckJV · July 19, 2011

[size="3"]Hey Golfrnut,

Thanks for the link, the info., and for your service![/size]

Golfrnut · July 19, 2011

[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1311119352' post='3405780']
[size="3"]Hey Golfrnut,

Thanks for the link, the info., and for your service![/size]
[/quote]

No problem, No ploblem, and No problem. :wave:

If you up there in the fall after the leaves turn, you should have an awesome time. That is absolutely the best time of the year to go if you have never been to that area before. I'm down in the flats of NC right now, and miss the mountains every day of my life.

VAgamecock · July 26, 2011

I have been to the resort several times and played the courses numerous times and here is my brief review:
Golf courses: The Cascades(upper) is by far one of my favorite courses. It is a great test of mountain golf, usually in great condition, and in the fall should be beautiful. The hotel course is a good course. It's nothing special but is usually in good shape, has great views of the hotel, and makes for a fun round of golf. I would say the lower cascades is the little brother of the three. If you have a third day and don't want to play one of the others I would say go ahead and tee it up on the lower. As far as other courses in the area. There is the Raven at Snowshoe mountain alittle over an hour away that is suppose to be pretty nice or you could hop over to the Greenbrier resort in WV about an hour also.
Eating spots:
Sam Sneads is right across the street from the hotel and a pretty good restaurant. I believe it is affiliated with the hotel but isn't as "stuffy" meaning you don't have to wear a jacket. I would suggest going to a place called John's Steakhouse. It is about 10 minutes up the road. It has a German theme with great steaks and amazing mountain views if it is not to chilly to sit outside.

Anyways, that's just my two cents. The Homestead is one of my favorite places and I hope you enjoy! Just expect a few days of relaxation and old time charm.

CheckJV · July 31, 2011

[size="4"]Thanks from a fellow Gamecock![/size]

niccisjl · August 13, 2011

Have to eat at Sam Sneads’ tavern, great food and awesome atmosphere

Golfrnut · August 18, 2011

Not sure if this of any use to you or anyone else here...but there was a very nice deal posted on DEALTRACKERGOLF today for a nice package from the Roanoke times.

[url="http://dailydeal.roanoke.com/2011/08/18/50-off-at-The-Homestead-2-nights-double-occupancy-plus-activities"]http://dailydeal.roanoke.com/2011/08/18/50-off-at-The-Homestead-2-nights-double-occupancy-plus-activities[/url]

Can be used through December of this year.