Fodor's Expert Review The Omni Homestead

For centuries, American glitterati have retreated to this genteel Southern resort to soak in the healing springs and pursue their recreational passions. While the grand lobby still reflects the elegance and formality of the early 19th century, The Homestead has a casual atmosphere that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Daytime activities include far more than shuffleboard: there are three championship-grade 18-hole golf courses, 4 miles of streams stocked with rainbow trout, 100 miles of riding trails, skeet and trap shooting, and nine ski slopes (The Homestead was the site of the South's first downhill skiing in 1959). The venue has evolved from a country spa to a 15,000-acre resort-and-conference facility. Rooms in the sprawling redbrick building, built in 1891, have Georgian-style furnishings; some have fireplaces. European-style meal plans are a better value than paying just the room rate.