While the farm-to-table movement is growing all across Virginia, here in Bath County, you can find exceptional dining options, plus, you can actually visit some working farms for a fun and educational agri-tourism experience. This non-traditional itinerary does not suggest an order for visiting the places listed because they require advance notice or reservations. We hope you will visit them all in whatever order you wish.
• If you’re staying at a local B&B Inn, your breakfast may include locally sourced food such as local eggs, jams, syrup or sausage from farms in Bath or neighboring Highland County. Offerings vary by season. Ask your innkeeper. They would be happy to discuss their menu.
• Addison Patch Farm in Hot Springs has been carrying on the tradition of working the land for three generations. They offer a variety of beef and pork products, plus eggs and fresh baked breads. They happily offer farm tours with advance reservations.
• Oakley Farm was founded in 1834 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been owned by three families during its nearly 200 year history.
Today, Oakley Farm is home to two operations:
– Troddenvale at Oakley Farm is producing superior quality cider using old-world methods. Tasting and tours are available by appointment
– Fireside at Oakley Farm is a pastured poultry operation. Visitors may see broilers forage between Troddenvale’s newly established orchard rows. Fireside at Oakley Farm’s product may be purchased through their online store.
• Fort Lewis Farm is a unique place that has been welcoming visitors for over 30 years. It’s a combination B&B and all-inclusive resort that happens to be a working farm and includes a farm-to-table restaurant. Guests can explore the hiking and biking trails, or fish a private stretch of the Cowpasture River. Guests can learn about the farm, interact with some animals, and see where the vegetables that go into their meals are grown. It is not necessary to be a guest of the lodge to dine in the restaurant. Reservations are required.
• Rock Roadhouse Winery is Bath County’s first winery. It’s housed in a historic building constructed during the Great Depression. Their wines are a combination of organic farming and conventional wine making practices. Located in Hot Springs, Rock Roadhouse may be the most scenic vineyard in Virginia. Tours and tastings are available by appointment.
• Bath County is home to some outstanding restaurants with loyal customers who return to Bath County time after time to enjoy the food. The creative chefs at these restaurants are always finding new ways to incorporate local products into their dishes. You will have a great experience at any of these excellent restaurants – Sam Snead Tavern, the Tavern at the Inn at Warm Springs, Waterwheel Restaurant, Garden Room & Café, Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm or any of the restaurants at The Omni Homestead Resort.
