Area Attractions for Your Vacation in the Allegheny Highlands

Since the mid 1700’s visitors have been drawn to Bath County in the mountains of Virginia. Considered part of the Alleghany Highlands, Bath County is one of the most beautiful places in the USA. The area offers rich wildlife, scenic views and natural mineral springs. Hot Springs continues to be a popular destination today, and Vine Cottage Inn is honored to welcome you to the area.

When was the last time you visited an area without a single traffic light? That is right – There are no traffic lights in the entire county. It is the perfect location to visit, relax and let the stress of your everyday life float away – perhaps on one of the many water features in the county.

No matter what you are interested in, Bath County has something for you! Guests to the area can hike, bike, fish, observe wildlife, hunt, shop, eat great food at one of our wonderful restaurants, visit Bacova Beer Company for local microbrews, or listen to world class chamber music.

More than 60% of the County of Bath is contained in the George Washington National Forest. Running through the forest is the Jackson River. Completed in 1979, Gathright Dam holds back the waters of the Jackson River to create Lake Moomaw. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great way for visitors to enjoy the lake. The area provides boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, picnic area, volleyball and a playground.

The Omni Homestead, a world-class resort, is located a block from our Inn. When you stay with us, you can enjoy paid use of their two golf courses, zip lines, horseback riding, falconry, skeet/trap shooting, hiking, skiing/ice skating and various other activities.

For additional information on things to do in Bath County, visit the county’s travel guide , review the Chamber of Commerce website, or call your knowledgeable innkeepers, Dave and Tammy.

Two white buildings, one round and one square near a creek with a hill behind

Warm Springs Pools

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The Warm Springs Pools (formerly the Jefferson Pools), owned and operated by the Omni Homestead Resort, recently completed a $4 million renovation and re-opened to the public in December 2022. The Warm Springs Pools are unique – they maintain a constant flow and temperature year-round of 96-98 degrees Fahrenheit and a flow of approximately 1,700,000 gallons of water per day. The thermal waters have been known for centuries for their curative qualities.

A 50-minute soak in the pools will cost $30 and will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm. Family time will be from 10 am to 1 pm, adult co-ed soaking time (ages 16 and up) will be from 1 – 3 pm, and gender specific (18 and up) in appropriate pools will be from 3-6 pm daily. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 540-839-3777. More information on the pools can be found on their website using the link above. Prices are subject to change at any time.

A small white building on a sloped road surrounded by tall green trees

Garth Newel Music Center

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One of the hidden gems in Bath County is the Garth Newel Music Center. Just 4 miles from Vine Cottage, Garth Newel is a year-round chamber music venue presenting over 50 concerts per year. Established in 1973, Garth Newel draws world renowned artists in addition to its own Piano Quartet. The intimate setting creates an amazing, unique ambiance and allows for personal interaction with the musicians. Enjoy the concert on its own, or pair it with a gourmet meal created by the resident chef. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Activities

Golf

Two championship golf courses are within 4 miles from the Inn and are part of the Omni Homestead Resort. The Cascades is where Sam Snead earned recognition. The Old Course, originally designed in 1892, is home to America’s oldest tee in continual use. Both courses offer challenging play and breathtaking scenery.

Horseback Riding

Let’s Ride Horses – Offering private trail rides that last for an hour or all day, Let’s Ride Horses provides a unique way to experience the beauty of Bath County.

Their horses are trained to accommodate all riders from beginner to advanced. Located just 15 minutes from the Inn.

Omni Homestead Resort

The Omni Homestead Resort is a world-class resort and located just a block from our Inn. When you stay with us, you can enjoy paid use of many of their activities such as zip lines, falconry, skeet/trap shooting, Cascades Gorge River hike, Virginia Wine Experience, fly fishing, mini-golf, tennis, tomahawk throwing, skiing/ice skating and various other activities depending on the season.

Spa/Massage Services

Bath County has several options for spa/massage services. Stone Mountain Massage offers therapeutic massage and reflexology and is located within a 5-minute walk from the Inn. Warm Spirit Spa is located 5 miles from the Inn and provides a variety of services including therapeutic massage, facials, skin care, and Ayurvedic body treatments. Depending on availability, Vine guests can also inquire about a day pass for the Spa at the Omni Homestead although resort guests do receive 1^st priority.

Gorgeous river valley flanked by densely forested hills with blue skies above

Outdoor Recreation

Alleghany Outdoors

Looking to rent Kayaks, tubes, rafts or bikes? Alleghany Outdoors in Covington rents them all. Whether you are looking for a short trip down the Class I and Class II rapids on the Jackson River, or want to spend most of the day, they can assist with equipment and shuttle service so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Jackson River Valley. Bike the 13-mile Jackson River Scenic trail, ride the river, or do both; a variety of packages await.

Bolar Mountain/Lake Moomaw Recreation Area

Lake Moomaw is created by the Gathright Dam on the Jackson River. This 2530-acre lake has 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline and crystal clear water. Guests can hike, boat, fish, swim, picnic and camp in the area. The recreation area has over 11 miles of hiking trails.

Douthat State Park

Rated as one of the top 10 state parks in the US, Douthat State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. With 4 miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake with trout, bass and channel catfish, boat rentals and a sandy beach, the park calls to water recreationists. In addition, the park maintains over 43 miles of hiking, biking and bridle trails. Picnic area, an amphitheater and playgrounds round out the numerous recreational options.

Fly Fishing

Bath County has many miles of clear mountain streams perfect for the fly fishing enthusiast. Contact Vine Cottage for information on guided fly fishing trips.

Hidden Valley Recreation Area

Hidden Valley provides a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, fishing, bird watching and more.

The Jackson River Gorge is a beautiful hike along the Jackson River. Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast is the site for the movie Somersby. Located approximately 10 miles from the Inn.

Hiking

Over 60% of the county consists of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Numerous trails are available for hiking and details can be found on the Bath County website or by visiting https://www.alltrails.com/

Off-Road Adventures

The 1,100 mile Mid-Atlantic Back Country Discovery Route runs right through Bath County. Ride the route to get to us or plan several day trips from the Inn.

Stunning waterfall in the middle of a densely forested area

Attractions

Dan Ingalls Overlook – Located at the top of Warm Springs Mountain, the overlooks offers spectacular views to the East, along with interpretive displays which explain the historical significance of the area.

Falling Springs Waterfall – 80 foot waterfall located approximately 11 miles from the Inn.

Gathright Dam – The 1,310 foot long, 257-foot-tall earthen dam on the Jackson River which created Lake Moomaw. A visitor center provides historical information about the dam and the land and villages that are now covered by the lake.

Humpback Bridge – Virginia’s oldest covered bridge, Humpback bridge was built in 1857 and crosses Dunlap Creek. Approximately 23 miles from the Inn, the bridge is part of a lovely wayside park.

Rock Roadhouse Winery – Bath County’s first winery, Rock Roadhouse is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day for tours and tastings.

Troddenvale Cidery – The only cidery in Bath County, Troddenvale is open for tours and tastings by advance reservations only.

Storefront of a beer company with windows with white trim and a black awning

Restaurants

Bacova Beer Company
Country Café
Duck-in Deli and Subway
Garden Café at Warm Springs Gallery
Jefferson’s at the Omni Homestead Resort
Jefferson’s Taproom at the Omni Homestead Resort
Lindsay’s Roost

Main Dining Room at the Omni Homestead Resort
Milkhouse Market at the Old Dairy
Pioneer Kitchen
Tavern at the Inn at Warm Springs
Waterwheel at the Inn at Gristmill Square

Storefont of a shop with large bay window next to a red brick building

Retail Therapy

Ashwood Station
Laura’s Boutique and Loft
Lady Sarah’s Thrift Store & More
McGraw Minerals
Mountain Grove General Store
Mountain Laurel Creations
Martin Antiques
Rockin W Western Wear
Shops at the Omni Homestead
Sparrow’s Nest
Springhouse Antiques
Webb’s General Store

Day Trips

Clifton Forge – Located 45 minutes from the Inn, Clifton Forge offers attractions such as the Masonic Theater, C&O Railway Heritage Center, Museum of Antique Coffee Mills, Antique stores, unique shopping and great restaurants.

Lexington – An hour from the Inn, Lexington is the home of both Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University. Stonewall Jackson House, Miller’s House Museum, University Chapel and Museum, and Virginia Safari Park are some of the activities in the area. Vibrant downtown with great restaurants and unique shopping.

Natural Bridge – Just over an hour from the Inn, Natural Bridge offers a state park, Natural Bridge Caverns and the Natural Bridge Zoo.

Staunton – Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Inn, Staunton has the Woodrow Wilson Library, Camera Heritage Museum, Frontier Culture Museum, and a thriving arts and music scene.

Caverns – Grand Caverns, Fountain Cave Adventure Tours, Shenandoah Caverns, and Luray Caverns. All caverns are between 90 minutes and 2 hours from the Inn.

West Virginia – Bunker tour at Greenbrier Resort, Pomona Himalayan Salt Cave, Lewisburg, Cass Scenic Railroad, and Green Bank Observatory, which are all less than 90 minutes from the Inn. White water rafting with Class II – IV rapids on the New and Gauley rivers are approximately 2 hours from the Inn.

Plus much more. Talk to Tammy or Dave for additional ideas.

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Vine Cottage Inn

7402 Sam Snead Hwy Hot Springs, VA 24445
Phone: (540) 839-2422
https://www.vinecottageinn.com innkeeper@vinecottageinn.com
Latitude: 37.9941657 Longitude: -79.8321488