The nooks and crannies of The Homestead ... memories are made here

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 2013

Sleet, ice, snow in forecast for Hot Springs, Bath County from National Weather Service

The National Weather Service forecast is out with a winter storm warning for Sunday's expected wintry weather at The Homestead in Hot Springs.

The weather has been the talk of those attending this year's Republican Advance because the big Gala is tonight. Some have made reservations for Sunday night in anticipation of the predicted snow and ice while others have decided to check out Saturday before it hits.

I heard it more than once yesterday: plan to check out Saturday or Monday because Sunday's travel conditions will likely be treacherous on these hilly, mountainous roads.

So here it is at 6:00 Saturday morning ... the latest from the National Weather Service:

Winter Storm Warning - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Today: Mostly cloudy this morning...then becoming partly sunny. Much cooler. Near steady temperature in the upper 30s. North winds around 10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow after midnight. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the upper 20s. North winds around 10 mph in the evening...becoming light and variable. Chance of snow 50 percent.

Sunday: Snow and sleet in the morning...then freezing rain and sleet in the afternoon. Snow and sleet accumulation around an inch. Ice accumulation of up to one quarter of an inch. Near steady temperature in the upper 20s. Light and variable winds. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Sunday Night: Freezing rain in the evening...then freezing rain and rain after midnight. Lows in the upper 20s. Light and variable winds. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Monday: Rain and freezing rain in the morning...then rain likely in the afternoon. Not as cool with highs in the lower 40s. West winds around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Lows around 30. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

Check out the entire seven-day forecast here. Be safe out there.

The Homestead Resort lights up the night at Christmas

The dark December night is alive with thousands of lights at The Homestead as they celebrate the holiday season. Lighted arches and a life-size snowman family as well as dozens of other colorful figures dot the landscape. In the past, outdoor Christmas lights were turned off at night but they now stay on all night, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The lighted arches are an invitation to follow brick pathways for a romantic stroll around the grounds.

At the ice skating rink there's music of the season and twinkly lights galore ...

... with these Christmas trees covered in colorful lights dividing the rink from ...

... the pool and hot tub.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 5, 2013