Boar's Head Resort

"The Boar's Head Resort A bucolic resort in the Virginia Piedmont, the Boar’s Head Resort is as deeply rooted in Virginia as its owner and neighbor, the University of Virginia. The land has hosted travelers since 1759, with the original Birdwood mansion dating to 1830. A short drive from downtown Charlottesville, Boar’s Head has plenty to keep a visitor occupied without even leaving the property, including an 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa, a fitness center with squash and tennis courts, and three swimming pools. The resort has 175 rooms spread over 573 acres; suites feature a seating area and balcony or patio, and some have fireplaces. Dining options range from healthy café fare (necessary fuel for all those tennis matches), to a grill overlooking the golf green, to an elegant meal in the restored Old Mill Room. The Blue Ridge mountains are renowned for their fall foliage, but visit in summer for fewer crowds (and UVA students) and the English-inspired grounds and gardens in full bloom. Be sure to ask for details on arranging a hot-air balloon ride over the countryside to appreciate all of historic Virginia."

"The Boar's Head Resort A bucolic resort in the Virginia Piedmont, the Boar’s Head Resort is as deeply rooted in Virginia as its owner and neighbor, the University of Virginia. The land has hosted travelers since 1759, with the original Birdwood mansion dating to 1830. A short drive from downtown Charlottesville, Boar’s Head has plenty to keep a visitor occupied without even leaving the property, including an 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa, a fitness center with squash and tennis courts, and three swimming pools. The resort has 175 rooms spread over 573 acres; suites feature a seating area and balcony or patio, and some have fireplaces. Dining options range from healthy café fare (necessary fuel for all those tennis matches), to a grill overlooking the golf green, to an elegant meal in the restored Old Mill Room. The Blue Ridge mountains are renowned for their fall foliage, but visit in summer for fewer crowds (and UVA students) and the English-inspired grounds and gardens in full bloom. Be sure to ask for details on arranging a hot-air balloon ride over the countryside to appreciate all of historic Virginia."

"So, start us off: What can you tell us about the property?The historic Boar's Head Resort, which dates back to 1834, sits on 600 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In service to its extraordinary setting, the hotel is fresh off a painstaking renovation that took into account its rich history and surroundings. What’s the crowd like?Boar's Head is owned by the University of Virginia Foundation; given its proximity to campus, it's a popular spot for visiting parents and prospective students. Abundant activities also make it popular with weekend-trippers. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs.There are four buildings here, each with its own feel. Rooms in the Lakeside, Hunt Club, and Ednam buildings have private outdoor space, while the Main Inn is built with pieces of a historic gristmill transferred here from a nearby river, and it has the architectural details to match. All have notable touches in the form of vintage photographs, period-appropriate furniture, and memorabilia that references the region's rich ties to Thomas Jefferson and the university. And all the amenities were solid?Rooms have everything you'd expect: coffee makers, terry cloth robes, and plush bedding. What's the food situation?The main building houses The Mill Room, where chef Paul D’Amelio uses locally grown produce, Chesapeake Bay seafood, and wild game to create a modern, uniquely Virginian dining experience. There are three casual restaurants onsite, too if you want something quicker. Anything else you want to shout out about the hotel?Four pools, a golf course, a rock climbing wall, miles of walking trails, fishing equipment, and mountain bikes are just a fraction of the activities here. The resort also has a new Davis Love III (the PGA pro) golf experience, with an 18-hole course and putting course. The par-3 course will debut in fall 2020 or spring 2021 Bottom line: why should we book a stay here?This is a great home base for exploring the surrounding area. Then again, with so many top-quality activities right onsite, you might never want to leave." - Laura Ratliff

"The historic Boar's Head Resort, which dates back to 1834, is set on 600 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In service to its extraordinary setting, the hotel is fresh off a painstaking renovation that took into account its rich history and surroundings. There are four buildings, each with its own feel. Rooms in the Lakeside, Hunt Club, and Ednam buildings have private outdoor space, while the Main Inn is built with pieces of a historic gristmill transferred here from a nearby river with architectural details to match. All have historical touches in the form of vintage photographs, period-appropriate furniture, and memorabilia. The main building houses The Mill Room, where chef Paul D’Amelio uses locally grown produce, Chesapeake Bay seafood, and wild game to create a modern, uniquely Virginian dining experience. There are three casual restaurants onsite, too. This is a great home base for exploring the surrounding area. Then again, with so many top-quality activities right onsite, you might never want to leave." - Laura Ratliff, Kristen Schott

"A historic hotel providing southern charm and hot air balloon rides over its sprawling property." - Rachel Waldman