Beyond the Tower

Pure, delicious maple syrup is made just north of the resort in Highland County. Hear from Tim Duff of Duff's Sugar House, a small, family-run, old-time sugar house where the trees are still “opened” by hand and the sugar water collected in buckets and Kevin Conner from Mill Gap Farms, where they use the latest technology to produce the only USDA-certified organic syrup in Virginia.

With magnificent mountain views, lush farmlands and country hospitality, Highland County offers a true escape from city life. Explore the Barn Quilt Trail and see more than 50 exquisitely painted barn quilts, watch a local craftsman work with antique tools and experience life on a working farm, all within about an hour's drive from the resort.

Each day, The Homestead team balances the resort's rich history with the needs of today's travelers. In this episode, hear from The Homestead's Managing Director Mark Spadoni as he shares his insights as well as the exciting plans for the future of the resort.

Whether you prefer your bourbon neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, this episode is for you! Bourbon aficionado and Homestead Executive Chef Todd Owen and Director of Food & Beverage Kyle Fellner, talk about all things bourbon, including the resort's partnership with regional distiller Smooth Ambler Spirits.

Hit the road and find what you love with Omni Hotels & Resorts. Explore an array of family-friendly attractions, historical sites, outdoor adventures and more…all right here in Virginia. Discover must-see experiences in Charlottesville, Richmond, and Hot Springs. What you love is just a drive away.

It's the most important meal of the day and Senior Sous Chef Roderick Ottey takes extra care to make sure each guest enjoys their meal. Whether he's overseeing the resort's expansive breakfast buffet or whipping up an allergen-free dish, Chef Roderick serves up love in every bite.

In late 2018, Seth Ellis took his 10 years of home brewing experience and created Bacova Beer Company. Hear about his passion for craft brewing and the welcoming community environment he built at Bacova Beer, which is located just steps away from the resort.

Since 1924, The Cascades has challenged some of the game's greatest. Mark Fry and Barry Ryder share stories about the famed course from how one golf course architect turned down the job to the eight national championships hosted there.

Executive Chef Todd Owen and his wife, Junior Pastry Sous Chef Kelly Owen, understand the demands and what it takes to be successful in the culinary industry. From collaborating on whimsical chocolate Easter Eggs to their own wedding cake, these two have created the perfect recipe.

With a mix of natural and manmade terrain, the mountain biking trails at The Omni Homestead offer an exhilarating adventure for all skill levels. Avid outdoor enthusiasts John Hess and Seth Ellis provide insights into the creation of these trails and what they love about mountain biking in the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachian Mountains.

Taking the waters at the Warm Springs Pools, the oldest spa structures in America, has been an integral part of the Bath County experience for centuries. Julie Langan, Director/State Historic Preservation Officer for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Ed Pillsbury, associate and senior architect with 3North share details about the plans to restore these beloved landmarks.

What started as a small feat to save an old house in Roanoke, Virginia, has become a salvage success story that can only be known as Black Dog Salvage. From carefully extracting architectural elements from historic properties to disassembling old hospitals, co-founder/owner Mike Whiteside and his team have discovered a way to look past the old paint to recreate and repurpose artifacts so the story can continue to be told for years to come.

Music has been a special part of The Homestead experience for generations. Whether it was a first father-daughter dance in the Dining Room or hearing your favorite song playing in the Great Hall while you’re nestled next to a cozy fire, music adds a magical touch to each guest’s stay. Join Sarah Braxton, special events manager, and David Hill, Homestead pianist, as they share stories about special musical moments, reveal the most popular song requests and give a sneak peek into what you might hear over the holidays.

From delightfully fragranced handmade soaps, lotions and candles to exquisitely handcrafted pottery pieces and intricate jewelry, The Sparrow’s Nest showcases masterfully handcrafted items from Virginia. Discover how this little shop instills a large sense of community through partnerships with dozens of skilled artisans in this interview with owner Heather DeBoe.

Since 1933, The Shooting Club has been a highly sought after activity at The Omni Homestead appealing to beginners and avid sportsmen alike. Whether watching a novice hit a target for the first time or welcoming back the Green Jackets year after year, the Shooting Club is a place filled with incredible memories and breathtaking views. David Judah, sporting club manager, shares some of his favorite stories in this fascinating episode.

Travel back in time with Rick Armstrong from the Bath County Historical Society, as he shares stories of the area’s rich history, including that of a family divided by the Civil War. He also highlights some of the unique artifacts on display such as historic glass plate negatives and an early 1900s guest register from The Homestead as well as the genealogical search assistance they provide.

Taking the waters has been a part of The Omni Homestead Resort’s spa experience for more than two centuries. With a wide array of spa services, expansive fitness facility, experiential Aqua Thermal Suite and exclusive, adults-only Serenity Garden explore the spa with Brandi Mesner, spa director.

Scenic drives, world-class fishing, breathtaking mountain views and The Omni Homestead are just a few of the reasons why visitors come to Bath County time and time again. Join David Mikula, president of Mikula Harris and leader of the county’s tourism office, as he uncovers the ways you can experience a relaxing and unforgettable getaway made in Bath County.

Saddle up with equestrian experts Debbie Ryder and Tara Wolfe as they share stories straight from the horse's mouth. They'll share how the equestrian center caters to guests of all experience levels, from scenic riding lessons to nostalgic carriage rides, as well as insight into the eccentric personalities of their stable residents.

Discover the passion that begins at the farm and transitions to The Homestead’s kitchen to produce savory southern fare that is sure to please every palate. Jon Donaldson, owner of Meadow’s Pride Farm, and Severin Nunn, director of food and beverage for The Omni Homestead, talk about their culinary collaboration which highlights the tastes of the region.

Whether gliding like a bird through the tree canopy on a zip line, or kayaking the serene Jackson River to the soundtrack of nature, find out how The Omni Homestead has an activity to inspire every soul. Explore the great outdoors with Travis Braxton and Brey Batten, recreation supervisors, as they talk about the adventure waiting to be discovered in the Allegheny Mountains.

Discover how Omni Hotels & Resorts gives back to local communities through Say Goodnight to Hunger, a program that has provided nearly 16 million meals to food banks across North America. Peter Strebel, President of Omni Hotels and Resorts, tells the story of the program’s origin and impact at The Omni Homestead — and beyond.

See our iconic resort through the lens of two teenagers, Emily and Ben in this fun-filled episode. Zip into adventure, discover new interests and skills and delight in culinary experiences from a different point of view.

Tee it up with Barry Ryder, Mark Fry and Don Ryder as they share tales of the fairways from their Homestead golf careers. With more than 100 years of combined service, these three have seen it all from tee to green.

Join Executive Chef John Ferguson and Junior Sous Chef Michael Adams for a culinary journey through The Homestead. From chef’s garden to table, our delectable dishes and inspiring cuisine draw from the Allegheny Mountains’ natural wonders.

As a special bonus episode, we have the full length version of "Welcome to My Homestead," a beautiful piece written and performed by David Hill. This is the gorgeous song at the beginning of each episode that truly captures the essence of The Homestead.

Explore the tranquility of fly fishing in Virginia's Cascades Stream with fly-fishing guide, Matt Thomas. Discover Matt's passion for fly fishing, tips and tricks for the sport and what to expect during your fly fishing experience at The Homestead.

Discover Garth Newel, a world-class chamber music venue located only a few miles from the resort. Learn about its rich history and talented musicians from Executive Director Shawn Puller. Presenting more than 50 concerts annually and supporting music education in the region, Garth Newel is a musical gem in the heart of Bath County.

From the resort’s decadent doughnuts to the popular Allegheny Mountain trout, dining at The Omni Homestead is a sweet and savory delight. Join Executive Chef John Ferguson and Executive Pastry Chef Leen Kim as they take you into the kitchens for a behind the scenes look at our culinary experiences.

In 2016, The Omni Homestead celebrated its 250th anniversary and highlighted fascinating facts and tidbits from the resort’s history through daily fun facts. Lynn Swann, director of marketing and communications shares some of her favorites, such as dairy production in the 1920s and America’s first President to play golf.

The Cascades Gorge is a breathtaking semi-tropical environment with an array of flora and fauna not commonly found in Virginia. Discover this remarkable ecosystem and the healing wonders it possesses with Brian La Fountain, one of the resort’s knowledgeable naturalists.

Snow making technology has changed since Sepp Kober, the father of Southern skiing, introduced the sport to Homestead guests in 1959. Matt Fussell, director of recreation for The Omni Homestead, explains how he and his team create a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and mini snowmobiles here in southwestern Virginia.

In this inaugural episode, Brett Schoenfield, the resort’s managing director, shares what makes The Homestead such a special place. Hear about the tenured staff and generations of families who have found a “home” at The Homestead.