Just minutes up the road from the Homestead is the Gristmill Inn and Waterwheel restaurant. Accomadations are rustic but comfortable.
Besides the Homestead - the reason for our trip was to soak in the warm springs of the historic Jefferson pools - open since 1761 and America's first Spa! a favorite of Jefferson. Washington himself was reported to have joined him on one occasion.
The pool house remains pretty much as it did when Jefferson visited. Dressing rooms just as rustic as they were. But once you step into that
98 degree mineral water - your aches and pains just melt away. The high mineral count is believed to have therapeutic properties. There is a list of them just outside the bath house itself. Some experts say the water has no therapeutic properties at all...I say 'tell that to my back' ! It felt brand new for a week!!! Oh, and you don't have to be a Homestead guest to use the springs, enjoy the porch and lobby for afternoon tea and used their dining facilities if you dedide to splurge. Join them for breakfast - bring your appetite and your Mastercard!!!
*Pictures of pools themselves would not upload for some reason - working on it! **
I have never been in the pools. My husband and I had our honeymoon 28 years ago at a B&B near the Homestead, I think it was called Meadow Lane Lodge. It is a beautiful area.
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