Omni Hotels is the official partner of Macaroni Kid's Mac Academy 2018.
When I arrived at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA I was a bit startled by what I saw. There were moms, dads, and children of all ages walking around smiling, laughing, chatting and enjoying each other’s company. You know what was missing in this picture? Cell phones! No one was walking around with their face buried in a device. It took me a minute to realize why everything looked out of the ordinary. This isn't a sight you see nowadays. But, you know what I learned from a few days at the Omni Homestead? This is the norm! There is so much family fun to be had here you honestly don’t even think about checking your phone.
Tip: The Homestead will have a photographer on hand this summer for family photos so you don’t even need your phone as a camera!
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The Omni Homestead is where you go to get away from it all. To get away from the hustle and bustle of work and your day-to-day life. I mean, isn’t that what a vacation or a weekend getaway is all about? The Homestead is where you go to relax, unwind and most importantly, reconnect as a family.
Tip: It’s hard to play an Xbox or PS4 when you are playing corn hole or lounging in a hammock.
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Let me back up a bit because I need to set the mood by first talking about the drive to the Homestead. A lot of times when you travel you get off the highway, make a few turns and arrive at your destination. You do get off the highway and make a few turns but before you arrive you drive miles and miles through the beautiful Alleghany Highlands of Virginia. This is a gorgeous part of Virginia and each mile closer to the Homestead you can feel your stress floating away.
Tip: When you first arrive I recommend sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch, kicking your feet up and breathing in the mountain air.
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A few fun and interesting facts about the Omni Homestead which sits on over 2300 acres:
- In 2016, The Omni Homestead Resort celebrated 250 years as America's first resort.
- 23 Presidents have visited from Washington to George Bush.
- The Ryder family won the associate contest for the 225th anniversary because she was able to list 96 family members (past and present) who have worked at the Omni Homestead. 96!
The Homestead is clearly a great place to stay and work. The warm and welcoming feeling you get from every associate is genuine and real.
Tip: There is a not to be missed Southern Social Hour in the lobby each day from 3-4pm with pastry treats and hot and iced tea.
Speaking of that stay at the Homestead, what does the perfect family vacation look like for you? Lazy mornings sipping coffee in the shade while the kids play corn hole or badminton outside? Spending a few hours splashing in the pool or floating down the lazy river? And how about an afternoon adventure with ziplining, horseback riding, playing lawn games or doing crafts? Then ending the day with a delicious dinner and s’mores by the fire? Oh, and what about fireworks? Because it’s summer vacation and every evening should end with fireworks.
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How about repeating that routine for a few days with new fun activities each day, making your hardest decision between checking out the petting zoo or making a tie-dye backpack?
I know it all sounds too good to be true but let me tell you, the Omni Homestead is the real deal. This is why the resort is full of happy families not checking their phones. There is family fun and adventure to be found around every corner. If you want that for your family, and I know I sure do, it makes perfect sense that the Omni Homestead is your destination for the Great American Family Vacation.
Tip: Sign up for their special offers and exclusive deals by clicking here to help you plan YOUR Great American Family Vacation!
During my stay at the Homestead, I was given the opportunity to enjoy horseback riding. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
