Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
An Historic Hotel of America Tour!
If you love the history, elegance, and luxury of The Greenbrier Resort and Grand Hotel in Mackinac, then you will fall in love with the comparable Historic Hotel of America, the Omni Homestead Resort, located across 2,300 acres of scenic Virginia landscape amid restorative natural hot springs.
Named in honor of the Homesteaders who built the resort and bathhouses in 1766, the Omni Homestead doesn’t just have history, it actually made history by being the first resort in the United States – 10 years before America even became a country. Experience the southern hospitality and elegant charm that have made the Homestead a premier destination for 23 U.S. Presidents as we explore both the property and the surrounding natural area.
There’s so much to discover on our travels among the waning fall foliage of the Allegheny Mountains including waterfalls and gorges, art and crafts, farms and scenic mountain views. We’ll delve into the resort’s storied history, enjoy Southern teas, classic movies and delicious S’mores along with a full-service spa that taps into the same mineral waters that President Jefferson experienced in 1818.
Don’t miss out on this natural treasure, one that will take you back in time with all the modern-day amenities. And if we’re lucky, the pastry chef will be cooking up his famous donuts with a recipe that’s been around since 1902!
Day One: Shepherdstown, WV
Let’s head South! Along our way, we’ll make a stop in one of America’s coolest small towns, the hip and picturesque Shepherdstown, West Virginia. What a great place to stretch our legs and delight in a delicious lunch in an eclectic, laid back, slightly bohemian café with a diverse menu complimenting the atmosphere.
Day One: Omni Homestead Resort
South is still our direction through Virginia until we hit Hot Springs and our home for the next 4 nights at the wonderfully luxurious Omni Homestead Resort. There will be oohs and ahhs as we witness the grandeur of the iconic tower after the cresting the hill leading to resort.
Once we make our way up the drive to the grand, columned entranceway, we’ll be welcomed with warm Southern hospitality while entering the Great Hall Lobby. How fun it will be to discover all the hidden, intimate seating areas and fireplaces accented by the stately columns. Special surprises await your discovery in the fabric of the custom carpets; you may see ladybugs or other colorful creatures.
Spend the evening exploring this expansive 483 room resort while enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants.
Day Two: Resort Activity Day
Enjoy all the activities the resort has to offer over the next 3 days from horse back riding and falconry to Tomahawk throwing and archery (extra fee, advanced registration required). Don’t forget to use your $75 spa credit for your choice of decadent treatments including the exclusive adult oasis, Serenity Garden hot springs fed pool and River Reflexology Walk to soothe and massage your feet.
Day Two: Cascades Gorge Walk
Each day we’ll also include optional, included activities that may interest you.
Join us today on the scenic Cascades Gorge Hike led by a naturalist through a series of beautiful waterfalls along a deep, Allegheny Mountain gorge trail. On our 1.8-mile journey, we’ll learn about regional and unusual flora and fauna in this semi-tropical environment along with the medicinal and edible properties of many of the local plants.
Day Two: History Tour & S'mores!
There will also be the option to join the Omni Homestead History tour where we’ll hear all the fascinating stories of over two centuries of its existence.
This evening a special treat awaits! Hop on board our wagon ride through the beautiful landscape of the resort, then enjoy making and eating s’mores by the campfire at the Mountain Lodge.
Day Three: Falling Springs Falls
The optional outing today will first include a local lunch then will take us to a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall, Falling Spring Falls where its only a short walk for a magnificent view.
Day Three: Fall Festival Art Show
We then travel to the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center for their annual Fall Festival Art Show where local artists exhibit their work and you can vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Day Three: Island Ford Cave
On our way back to the Homestead, we’ll stop by the intriguing and mysterious Island Ford Cave where we can walk through the 50-foot opening and explore the hidden crevices containing a subterranean creek and waterfall.
Once back at our resort, we can savor our last night of luxury.
Day Five: Bonnie Blue Lunch - Winchester, VA
It may be sad to leave all this luxury behind but a fabulously fantastic place for down home comfort food at Bonnie Blue’s in Winchester, VA will make coming home a special treat!
Pricing & Departures:
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool, Linwood Ave & Northern Pwy at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 7:30 PM.
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 6:45 PM.
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Avenue at 830 AM and returns at approximately 6:00 PM.
Price per person is $1,995 Twin & $2,650 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel, and mail to the above address. Final payment is due September 10, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before September 10, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after September 10, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour), but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
