The magnificence of Rome, the Eternal City, unfolds through its rich art, iconic architecture, delectable food, high fashion, and vibrant neighborhoods. A visit to this 2,000-year-old city offers a fascinating journey back in time, immersing you in the era of emperors and gladiators. Strolling through the historic center, you'll witness the genius of Roman and [...]
Sleep in Style aboard Vintage Railcars You do not have to be a train enthusiast to appreciate the one-of-a-kind escape offered at Hideaway on the Hocking, 15 minutes south of Athen, Ohio. They've transformed colorful, vintage train cabooses into cozy cabin suites, each parked on sections of the original rail tracks that once passed by [...]
Contemporary Cabins If you're in the market for a fun, easy escape, look no further than Athens County in southern Ohio! Our recent family road trip to Hideaway on the Hocking, 15 minutes south of Athens, was quite the rejuvenation vacation. We were greeted by warm spring weather and sunny skies, making for the perfect [...]
The Warm Springs Pools at the Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia offer a one-of-a-kind, rejuvenating experience, where nearly two million gallons of natural mineral waters flow daily from the heart of the Allegheny Mountains through the town and into these historic natural pools. The soothing thermal springs maintain a steady 98-degree temperature and have been [...]
Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, the Omni Homestead Resort transforms into a winter wonderland when the temperatures drop. January is nothing short of magical, especially when it comes with heated pools, soothing thermal waters, crackling fire pits, cozy snow-covered domes, and delicious dining—all under one roof. With its charming blend of historic [...]
The Junto: A Lifestyle Hotel We used The Junto Hotel as our home base for a staycation in Franklinton as part of my research for The Insiders Guide to Columbus, 3rd ed. It was our first time staying here and we had a really nice experience. The king suite was spacious and modern with nice [...]
Keeping the birthday golf tradition alive on the gorgeous and highly challenging Old Course at The Omni Bedford Springs Resort. The beautiful Allegheny Mountains surround the historic course (c. 1895) while a babbling trout stream criss-crosses through it. Our room overlooked the golf course, allowing us to watch the blazing autumn sunsets. We both really [...]
We excel at spa-ing. It might be Dan's and my favorite thing to do together, besides golfing, cooking, gardening, and many other things... but knowing that a fabulous spa day is approaching, I tend to get a little giddy. As a longtime patron of Omni Hotels, the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has been on [...]
I have been on an Afternoon Tea odyssey for years. There is something genteel and charming about the formality of it all. Tea cups with roses. Tiny sandwiches. Tiers of miniature sweets. We accepted a gracious invitation to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Driskill Hotel, Austin's classic Grand Dame located downtown on Brazos and 6th. [...]
Old Course at The Omni Homestead Resort I love a good history lesson! While researching the two golf courses at The Homestead- The Old Course (1892) and The Cascades (1924) - I learned the Old Course has the nation's oldest first tee in continuous use. It was a little geek-out golf moment to think we [...]
As a longtime patron of Omni Hotels, the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has been on my to-go list since they acquired the property in 2013. I appreciate the hotel group's custodianship of beautiful resorts often on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, both of which [...]
This classic German apple cake is given a hint of fragrant nuttiness by adding almond paste to the batter. Use a variety of tart and slightly sweet apples, but wait to slice them until it is time to add them to the cake, otherwise, the apple's flesh will oxidize and discolor. When it comes time [...]
