Hot Springs sits in the Shenandoah Valley in Bath County, Virginia. Natural hot springs, acres of scenic forests and streams and rich wildlife lure many visitors to the area. The springs drew visitors to the region as early as 1750. The first hotel, which was on the site of what is now the Homestead Resort, was built in 1766. The area offers tourists a wide range of activities.
The Warm Springs Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest, located in Hot Springs, features plenty of interest for outdoor enthusiasts. The district offers some of the best fly-fishing in the Shenandoah Valley, with area streams and lakes abundant with trout. Visitors enjoy camping, swimming, boating and water skiing on Lake Moomah. There are 120 miles of scenic wilderness trails ideal for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.
George Washington National Forest
Warm Springs Ranger District Office
540-839-2521
Allegheny Outdoor Center provides mountain bike and canoe tours and rentals, to introduce visitors to the picturesque Allegheny Divide. The center features guided kayak tours on Lake Moomah, guided hikes following mountain trails, and pedal and paddle tours. Half-day, full-day and three-day trips are available.
Allegheny Outdoor Center
888-752-9982
304-536-3596
The Homestead is a luxury resort in Hot Springs, offering a golf, spa and ski destination. Guest activities include horseback riding, trout fishing, skeet, tennis, lawn bowling, ice skating, downhill skiing and snowboarding and a "ropes course." Other guest amenities include a supervised children's program, guided nature walks, movie theater, conference facilities (100 max), indoor and outdoor heated pools and carriage rides. A full range of spa services is available. The resort features three golf courses, including the nationally ranked Cascades Golf Course. Expert instruction is available at the Golf Academy School. The golf course was recently restored to the original 1923 William S. Flynn design.
The Homestead
1766 Homestead Drive
Hot Springs, VA 24445
540-839-1766
thehomestead.com
Ashwood School, built in 1908 as a high school, was the first commercial school in Bath County. After serving as an elementary school from 1927 to 1969, it was restored and is now an antique store and museum. Ink wells, bats, balls, pocket knives, books, coins, marbles and desks are on display, recovered from archeological digs of the school grounds. The store sells antique cupboards, vintage textiles, farm tables, chairs, books, glass and American folk art.
Ashwood School Antiques
5604 Sam Snead Hwy.
Hot Springs, VA 24445
540-839-2348
The Homestead resort in Hot Springs offers more than 20 specialty shops, offering women's clothing and jewelry, kitchenware, children's clothing, photography, bath and spa products, and a number of shops specializing in ski apparel, spa wear and golf gear.
Laura's Boutique and Loft on Main Street in Hot Springs offers an eclectic range of brand name women's clothing and accessories. Twice a year, (first weekends in March and September) big clearance sales are held.
