For many years the
state’s tourism
slogan has been “Virginia is for lovers,” but
following a golf trip
there last year I’m convinced a better slogan would be
“Virginia is for
golfers, wine lovers, spa goers and history buffs.” My slogan
is a bit
cumbersome but a lot more inclusive when it comes to defining the
character of this southern, mid-Atlantic state where most of its golf
courses can be played year-round.
My five-day itinerary promised a few rounds of golf , several indulgent
spa treatments, wine-tasting excursions at a couple of
Virginia’s top
wineries and visits to some of America’s most important
historical
sites. It was the kind of
itinerary that would appeal to golfers
wanting more than a one-dimensional golf destination.
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Kingsmill
Resort - overlooking the 18th hole of the Pete Dye designed River
Course with the James River in the background.
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First
stop on the agenda
was the Kingsmill Resort and Spa at
Williamsburg, an upscale property hugging the edge of the scenic James
River in eastern Virginia. Spread over 2,900 acres of former colonial
plantations, the resort has 425 guest villas with most rooms
overlooking the river. A late afternoon arrival still provided
sufficient time to play the resort’s par-3 Bray Links where
several of its holes rim the river bank. This is a picturesque little
course that’s a perfect warm up for play on
Kingsmill’s three championship 18-hole courses.
The Pete Dye-designed
River Course is the resort’s jewel
currently ranked in Virginia‘s top ten, however, its Curtis
Strange-designed Woods Course happens to be the local favourite. This
is a classic parkland layout with a mix of long and short holes, a
rolling terrain, plenty of trees and a huge double green that features
a bunker in the middle.
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Kingsmill
Resort overlooks the Bray Links
Executive Course
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Kingsmill’s
threesome of awesome
tracks is rounded out by the Arnold Palmer-designed Plantation Course,
a par-72 layout that responds to accurate iron play, good putting and
has water on eight of its 18 holes. Overall, the Kingsmill golf
experience, complete with its teaching academy, was expected from a top
notch facility--great layouts, impeccable conditioning and flawless
service.
The
resort overall has all the bells and whistles including a
state-of-the-art spa just steps from the villas. It offers a variety of
massages and other treatments that can be tailored to limber up muscles
for better game performance.
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The
luxurious
Boar’s Head Inn Resort and Spa
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In addition
to golf and spa, what’s particularly appealing
about Kingsmill is its proximity to a host of local attractions that
are literally minutes away. Probably best known is Colonial
Williamsburg, America’s largest re-created 18th-century
village where it’s walking-friendly streets feature 90
original buildings, shops, taverns, restaurants and costumed
interpreters practicing pioneer trades. This is a fun spot to visit
after a round of golf and a good place to enjoy dinner at one of the
colonial-style taverns like King’s Arms where the experience
replicates dining and drinking in the same establishments where, on the
eve of the American Revolution, patriots railed against the policies of
the British Crown over mugs of ale.
Again,
just minutes from
Kingsmill are the Jamestown Settlement and the
Yorktown Victory Centre. Even if you’re not a history buff,
both of these sites are well worth a visit. The two attractions are
situated just minutes apart and both feature gallery exhibits and
re-created historical settings presenting the story of
America’s beginnings.
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Boar’s
Head Inn Resort accommodations are comfortable
and spacious
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The resort is
also a short drive from the Williamsburg Winery, the
largest of the state’s nearly 150 wine making facilities.
Situated in a replicated Old World-style village, you can sample the
wines at either the on-site restaurant or during daily wine tasting
tours. Almost within shouting distance from the resort is Busch
Gardens, one of Williamsburg’s top attractions. This family
fun theme park has more than 50 thrilling rides, entertainment
attractions and stage shows.
Boar’s
Head Inn Resort overlooks the 18th hole
Next
stop on
the itinerary was the Boar’s Head Inn Resort and
Spa about a two hour drive northwest of Williamsburg. Like Kingsmill,
this turned out to be a premier property with a challenging golf
course, great spa and plenty of things to see and do in close
proximity. The 170-room hotel itself is a grand old edifice that
marries vintage character with all the modern amenities. Here, I played
the resort’s Birdwood Golf Course where its 18-hole
championship layout is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge
Mountains. The front nine has clearly visible landing areas and good
approaches to greens while the scenic back nine meanders through a less
forgiving, densely wooded area and a rolling terrain. Beyond golf, the
Inn has a full-service spa, an outstanding dining room and one of the
finest wine cellars in Virginia.
Rounding out a junket that explored this multi-dimensional region of
the Old Dominion was a visit and guided tour of Monticello, famous home
of Thomas Jefferson, third U.S. President and author of the American
Declaration of Independence. This architectural masterpiece designed by
Jefferson himself is one of the most visited historical sites in the
country.
| Travel
Planner |
| Travel
Planner: For
additional information on golf and travel in Virginia, go online at www.virginia.org
or call 1-800-671-4195. |
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