The Omni Homestead Resort is a massive property, with restaurants ranging from strictly upscale (no jeans allowed) to fireside s’mores.
Credit: Eva Kis, Metro
The Omni Homestead Resort
This is the Southern estate of the movies, massive and old but so classy, it’ll make you stand up straighter. The spa has more shower varieties than you could possibly take, and the indoor and outdoor pools vie for opulence. Looking to loosen your tie? Take your s’mores out to the communal fire pit or have a drink at the downstairs bowling alley.
7696 Sam Snead Highway
866-354-4653
www.thehomestead.com
The River and Rail’s banana pudding is worth ordering for all three courses.
Credit: Eva Kis, Metro
The River and Rail
From a charcuterie plate you’ll want to pack for lunch every day to a roast chicken that’s anything but the backup option on the menu, executive chef Aaron Deal has a lot to be proud of with this modern eatery. But the dish our tour guide talked up the whole trip was the banana pudding. The coconut sorbet is infused with jalapeno, and the crust stands up to the last bite. Even if you don’t like bananas, even if you don’t like pudding, even if you don’t like dessert, try this dish.
2201 Crystal Spring Ave.
540-400-6830
www.riverandrailrestaurant.com
State Route 39
Farms, red barns and one-horse villages give way to a winding one-lane road through misty mountains amid dense forests. Follow the path of a white-capped river through Goshen Pass, the oldest nature preserve in the state. Foliage is expected to be best around mid-October.
Follow Eva Kis on Twitter @thisiskis or email eva.kis@metro.us.
State Route 39 takes travelers through Goshen Pass, the oldest protected land area in Virginia.
Credit: Eva Kis, Metro
