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M is for…

M is for Morven Park Mansion, Monticello, Montpelier,  music and dancing -  and making cookies!  M is for meeting, meandering, mulling over hot tea and making new memories. M is for this MARVELOUS holiday tour to the Homestead Resort nestled in the mountains of Virginia. What better way to rest up before the holiday madness than at the healing springs of this elegant resort and join a guest list that includes princes and presidents!

The Morven Park estate, 1,000 acres just west of Leesburg, Virginia, was home to two governors: Thomas Swann, a governor of Maryland in the 19th century, and Virginia’s reform Governor Westmoreland Davis. The mansion evolved from a fieldstone farmhouse in 1781 to its present turn-of-the-century appearance. It is actually three structures moved together. Entering through a Greek Revival portico, you will see a Renaissance great hall, a Jacobean dining room, a French drawing room, a library and a display which highlights the life and times of Governor Davis. Because the Davis’ traveled widely, the furnishings are of varied styles and eras, including 16th century Flemish tapestries, Renaissance and neo-Renaissance pieces, l’art nouveau, silver and glass, fine paintings and porcelain figurines.   All dressed in its holiday décor, the mansion is a wonderful beginning to this holiday happening.

Monticello is an incredible tribute to the genius that was Thomas Jefferson.
Every visit provides another astounding tribute to the brilliance of this forefather. Be sure to notice the portico on the east front. The ceiling of this portico incorporates a wind plate connected to a weather vane showing the direction of the wind.   Also a large clock face on the external east-facing wall has only an hour hand since Jefferson thought this was accurate enough for outdoor laborers. The clock reflects the time shown on the “Great Clock”, designed by Jefferson, in the entrance hall. I am a clock person and find these little tidbits fascinating.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange, Virginia, Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison. Madison was raised at Montpelier, lived there after his marriage to Dolley, returned there after his presidency, and died there in his study surrounded by the books and papers that marked so much of his life’s work. It was at Montpelier where Madison researched past democracies and conceived of the system of government that became our republic.  A true patriot, his home is a great reflection of the man and his time.  Located in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you have an opportunity to spend some time learning more about the man whose contemporaries called “Father of the Constitution,” and the woman who inspired the title “First Lady.”  Dolley’s recipe for bouillion is truly a keeper.

The highlight of this holiday happening is the Homestead Resort. While there you’ll have the opportunity to attend a cookie making class, and visit the indoor mineral pool and spa – decadent!  If you choose you also have a Holiday Decoration Class available to you.  The Homestead also offers a wide variety of specialty shops with unique items, local fare and apparel for that last minute Christmas shopping!  The dining facilities are exquisite as well.

The European-style Spa at The Homestead is among the nation’s most historic retreats, well-known for its naturally heated healing springs. The spa menu offers pampering and rejuvenating treatments  using local indigenous ingredients which include the Mineral Springs Mud Wrap; Sunflower Soak with Buttercup Bath; the Southern Harvest Apricot & Sweet Vanilla Wrap and the Virginia Dogwood Pedicure.  This could easily be a Christmas present from you to you.  The authentic Jefferson Pools are a relaxing retreat for both mind and body featuring natural mineral spring waters. The pools are named for the third president, who journeyed to The Homestead for three weeks in 1818, and soaked in the spring waters of the Gentleman’s Pool House, which was built in 1761, and remains largely the same today as when it first opened. The inside pool, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Virginia Historic Landmark, is about 120 feet in circumference, and holds 40,000 gallons of constantly flowing, crystal clear, mineral spring water. It is considered the oldest spa structure in America.

In June 1836, a separate Ladies Pool House was opened at the Jefferson Pools, fed by another spring whose waters have the same properties as those which supply the adjacent Gentlemen’s Pool House. The crystal clear spring waters at the Jefferson Pools are rich in minerals, and are a constant 98 degrees at their source – perfect, natural body temperature. “Taking the waters” at the Jefferson Pools continues to be a favorite activity today, and I strongly encourage you to visit the pools while at the Resort.

When booking this escorted vacation, you join a list of distinguished guests which include twenty-two American Presidents. Other famous names that have been drawn to The Homestead over the years include those of royalty, captains of industry and high-society – among them the Windsors, Astors, Rockefellers and DuPonts, as well as J. P. Morgan, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford and – YOU.

I guarantee that after experiencing this wonderfully paced tour, you will be filled with the holiday spirit – relaxed –rejuvenated – refreshed.  I truly hope you treat yourself to this well-planned adventure as a gift to yourself.

The Homestead Resort’s 5-Star Christmas (click here for itinerary)
(5 days, 4 nights)

• Escorted vacation (0% fuss, 100% vacation!)
• Tour for active adults (share a great experience!)
• Includes home pickup and return (for clients in Marion and adjacent counties)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

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