Any getaway is a good getaway, but one with your best gal friends is extra special.
It should be a long weekend at an extraordinary destination. Bath County, in the mountains of Virginia, is the perfect choice. In Bath County, you will find legendary hospitality, great accommodations, excellent food and fun experiences that range from outdoor recreation to shopping to spas.
Enjoy this two-day Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary:
Day One:
• Sleep late and make the most of your accommodations at one of the county’s unique B&B Inns, a rental cabin or at The Omni Homestead Resort. Enjoy breakfast at your place of accommodation or at Country Café in Hot Springs. Don’t forget to pack a lunch or snacks for your outdoor adventure.
• Choose your favorite kind of outdoor recreation:
– Take a hike at either Douthat State Park or Bolar Mountain Recreation Area on Lake Moomaw. Either choice will be relaxing and reward you with beautiful mountain views.
– Head to neighboring Alleghany County and rent bikes from Alleghany Outdoors for a ride on the Jackson River Scenic Trail. This rail-to-trail route runs parallel to the Jackson River. It’s a mostly flat ride with great views of the river and the nearby mountains – Alleghany Outfitters can also provide equipment and a shuttle ride for kayaking or tubing on the Jackson River. On a hot summer day, tubing is a popular choice.
• After your outdoor adventure, you have earned a treat. Head to Bath County’s only winery for a tour and tasting. Plan on spending a couple of hours at Rock Roadhouse Winery, not just to enjoy the wine but also to relax, take in the beautiful view, and to learn about the history of the property.
• A few minutes away from the winery is Troddenvale at Oakley Farm, Bath County’s only cidery, which also offers tours and tastings. This is a unique experience that you and your friends will always remember.
• Be sure to contact the winery and cidery in advance because tours and tasting are by appointment only.
• Deciding where to go for dinner will not be easy. Bath County has several special occasion restaurants. The Tavern at The Inn at Warm Springs and The Waterwheel at The Inn at Gristmill Square are located in Warm Springs. Fort Lewis Lodge and Farm in Millboro features a farm-to-table experience, featuring products raised right there on their own property whenever possible. Sam Snead Tavern and The Omni Homestead Resort are located in Hot Springs. All of these restaurants will provide a great dining experience. On this visit and on future visits, you’ll definitely want to try them all. Reservations are recommended.
Day Two:
• Spend the first half of the day doing some retail therapy. There are clothing and specialty shops in Hot Springs, including some in The Omni Homestead Resort. You’ll want to include stops at some antique shops around the county to search for a unique treasure and at The Warm Springs Gallery to browse the work of local artists.
• Enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch at Garden Room & Café (seasonal), Milk House Market at the Old Dairy, and perhaps, a latté and pastry from The Coffee House at The Inn at Warm Springs.
• With retail therapy behind you, unwind and de-stress with a visit to a spa. After a lengthy restoration, the Warm Springs Pools are now open to the public. Reservations are required. Other spas in the county include Warm Spirit Spa in Warm Springs and the Spa at The Omni Homestead.
• Once again, it will be time to choose from one of the amazing restaurants mentioned earlier. Tonight, be sure to allow some time for before- or after-dinner drinks at Bacova Beer on Main Street in Hot Springs. Bath County’s only craft brewery is a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors. Be sure to take home a growler.
• Enjoy a good night’s sleep as your weekend comes to an end. Remember, there are many more outdoor adventures, shops, restaurants and much more to experience on your next visit to Bath County.
