A Weekend Trip to Bath County: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do
Let’s go to Bath County!
If you’re looking to revitalize your body and mind, it’s time to hit the road to Bath County. Bath County has a long and rich history of welcoming visitors for centuries to experience the healing waters of the natural mineral springs. The mountain air even seems to revitalize the spirit and calm the soul!
We spent a night in this nearby locale so we could sniff out all the best things to eat, drink, see, and do while we were there — as well as the best place to stay. (Spoiler: The answer for that last one is The Inn at Gristmill Square.)
Read on for your complete guide to enjoy the best weekend possible in this sweet mountain town in Virginia’s mountains, west of the Shenandoah Valley.
— by Paige Poprocky, Social Media Manager (and the brains behind Sips & Trips with Paige. Follow her @sipsandtripswithpaige!)
Basic Info
Bath County, VA, is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia and is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Richmond, VA. It offers incredible views, healing waters, and a vibrant history dating back to the 1700s. Here are a few fun facts:
There’s not a single stoplight in the county!
The quiet back roads of Bath County offer fantastic mountain views.
At night, make sure to look up at the sky. Because of its remote location, Bath County is a great place to explore dark-sky travel and have incredible star viewing. Bath County is a Class 2 on the Bortle Scale (1 being the darkest).
Find a complete visitors' guide on Bath County here.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Gristmill Square
The Inn at Gristmill Square is Bath County’s premier boutique inn and restaurant in the heart of the George Washington National Forest. Its 18 rooms and suites are comfortably appointed with beautifully selected antiques and modern furnishings to create unique spaces. Each morning, guests of the inn experience a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to their room with a basket full of chef’s goodies, freshly squeezed juice, and deliciously hot coffee to create the perfect beginning for a full day of enjoying all Bath County offers.
Onsite amenities include an outdoor pool (during summer months), select rooms with wood-burning fireplaces (during fall and winter months), a gift shop, and an award-winning restaurant complete with a wine cellar from which guests can select their wine.
Location: 118 Old Germantown Rd (Warm Springs)
Booking link: Found here
What to Do
Soak in the Warm Spring Pools
Local legends say that Native Americans journeying through the valley discovered these magnificent crystal springs hundreds of years ago. Unaffected by seasonal changes, the waters remain at a natural body temperature all year and flow at the astounding rate of 1,700,000 gallons per day. They have an unusually high mineral content and are crystal clear.
The Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathhouses are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Reservations are required and available by the hour, priced at $30 per person per 50-minute soak.
Location: 11 Bath St (Warm Springs)
Douthat State Park
A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with a snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop, and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tents, and trailer camping. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges accommodating 15, 16, and 18 guests.
Location: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd (Millboro)
Fish on the Jackson River
In recent years, Bath County has become a favorite destination for fly fishing. Large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, brown brook, and rainbow trout are common catches. The Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers attract enthusiasts from all around the country. Below are a few seasoned guides:
Near Bath County, Matthew Thomas provides guided fly fishing experiences from the upper to lower Jackson River.
The Omni Homestead Resort offers exclusive, guided fly fishing tours in the Cascades Gorge and Jackson River.
According to Wesley Hodges, “Virginia is the new West.” Wesly offers guided fly fishing expeditions in the region and frequently visits Bath for special fly fishing events.
Hiking & Biking
Between the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Douthat State Park, and The Nature Conservancy, over 100 miles of trails make up Bath County. Popular trails include Flag Rock, Bear Loop, Blue Suck Falls, Falling Springs Falls, Lookout Rock, and Dan Ingalls Overlook + Ingalls Overlook Trail.
Explore trails here.
Shopping
In Bath County, you’ll find small shops, mostly locally owned, where products are unique and the service is personal. Here are a couple of our recs:
Springhouse Antiques: A fun antique shop in Warm Springs | Location: 15857 Mountain Valley Rd (Warm Springs)
Main Street Gallery: A fine jewelry and gemstone design shop featuring original works from regional artists | Location: 2809 Main St (Hot Springs)
The Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort has been delighting vacationers — including 23 US presidents — for over 250 years. The one-of-a-kind resort in Hot Springs, VA, features a two-acre water park and top-ranked golf courses, including the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use. Deepen the experience with a soothing massage at The Spa at Omni Homestead. Enjoy local favorites at eight charming restaurants and bars, and taste wines from fine regional vintners.
Location: 7696 Sam Snead Hwy (Hot Springs)
Where to Eat & Drink
The Waterwheel Restuarant
Need to know: Bath County’s most iconic Gristmill is home to the award-winning Waterwheel Restaurant. Within the walls of a hundred-year Mill, the Waterwheel has been one of Bath County’s premier dining destinations since 1973. Explore the creative menu featuring the freshest local and sustainable ingredients, often featuring vegetables and herbs from the onsite garden. Don’t miss the wine cellar deep within the old mill foundation.
Location: 118 Old Germantown Rd (Warm Springs)
Hours: Found here
Simon Kenton Pub
Need to know: One of the Commonwealth’s smallest bars is located in The Waterwheel Restaurant — one of the “best four seats in Virginia.”
Location: 118 Old Germantown Rd (Warm Springs)
Hours: Found here
Warm Springs Gallery Cafe
Need to know: The café provides healthy and beautiful food for the community and visitors — food that’s good for the body and soul! It uses top-quality, seasonal ingredients and combines them in a delicious and creative way.
Location: 12 Katydid Trl (Warm Springs)
Hours: Found here
Bacova Brewery
Need to know: Bacova Beer is a small, family-run brewery on Main St in Hot Springs. Bacova Beer focuses on brewing traditional beers in a laid-back atmosphere, and its mission is "brewing truth, not trends.”
Location: 2814 Main St (Hot Springs)
Hours: Found here
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