Virginia Golfer May / Jun 2017 | Page 33

FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SHORELINE, VIRGINIA HAS IT ALL. And that topographical bonus makes Virginia’s golf resorts especially appealing to players who want variety in their golf destinations. Whether you prefer to traverse fairways against a backdrop of cool mountain air or enjoy the challenge of a steady Atlantic breeze in your face, Virginia golf resorts offer memorable rounds for everyone. But it’s not just the golf that makes Virginia such a great place for a “staycation.” An abundance of outstanding eateries, breweries, wineries, historic sites and other attrac- tions are around every corner. COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG Kingsmill Resort (800-852-5665) is a fami- ly-friendly resort that offers two exceptional golf courses, including Pete Dye’s championship The River Course that has played host to the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour for more than 30 years, and The Plantation Course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, a fun resort course that features generous fairways and large greens. If you need to work on your game, there’s a golf academy to help get you on track. There are also 15 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-ser- vice spa, four restaurants and lounges, and a well- stocked fitness center. If you prefer to pilot your boat for a golf outing, this expansive 2,900-acre resort is located on the James River and features a full-service marina. Visitors to the resort often opt to stay on site for lunch or a casual dinner at the James Landing Grille (800-832-5665). Called the “best view in Williamsburg” with its scenic riverfront dining spot on the James River, enjoy fresh- farmed seasonal vegetables and locally sourced meats. And don’t miss the restaurant’s house oyster, the “York River Oyster,” farmed less than a half mile away from the site where General Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown to General George Washington in 1781, ending the American Revolution. Sure, the golf is grand in Colonial Williamsburg, but you can’t leave this historic town without a tiny dose of our state’s deep history. Visit The Magazine, built in 1715 to house gunpowder and firearms. Virginia’s colonial arsenal now houses a collection of 18th-century arms. You can even take part in musket-firing demonstrations and drills, watch reenactment militia or listen to the patriotic sounds of fife and drums. CHARLOTTESVILLE Keswick Golf Club vsga.org The Boar’s Head Inn (855-452-2295) is a four-dia- mond resort located on a former 573-acre country estate with 175 recently renovated guest rooms and suites. Steeped in Southern hospitality, Boar’s Head is owned and operated by the University of Virginia Foundation. A popular spot, especially after golf, is the Birdwood Grill that overlooks the 18th hole. The Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head is also the home course for the Cavaliers’ men’s and wom- en’s golf teams. This par-72 championship course earned a 4½ -star rating among Golf Digest’s Best Places To Play and has hosted several Virginia State Golf Association championships. Keswick Hall & Golf Club (888-778-2565) fea- tures designer Pete Dye’s new Full Cry course, an M AY / J U N E 2 0 17 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R 31