Bring Your Desire to Explore
Kingsmill’s natural beauty along the banks of the James River so enticed English settlers in 1607 that they considered founding their colony there before moving on to Jamestown the next day, where their ships could anchor closer to shore.
That enduring beauty from the shoreline to the hardwood forest coupled with opportunities to explore the resort on foot, bike, Segway, kayak, pontoon boat and Jet Ski make the AAA Four Diamond Kingsmill Resort a great destination for outdoor lovers.
The Overland Routes
Need to escape the grind and find peace in nature? Welcome to the right place. The golf courses are certified Audubon sanctuaries and the grounds are home to bald eagles, hawks and other endangered birds. Bring along your camera. There’s a good chance you’ll spot some wildlife or a fantastic sunset over the river.
Trails, trails and more trails snake throughout the 300 acres of the resort under tree canopies and past the river and ponds. Stride past Wareham’s Pond, Kingsmill’s version of Walden. Or explore the shoreline. Change elevations by heading down to the marina and then back up. Get in those daily 10,000 steps.
If you prefer wheels, there are biking trails, including some over wooden bridges with open vistas of the golf courses. Three-speed and 10-speed bikes as well as helmets are available to rent. For a real trip, hop on a Segway at the resort. Guided tours require advance reservations and start at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, lasting for about 90 minutes. It’s an effortless — and quiet — way to indulge in the natural pleasures of a place that served as a bustling plantation for nearly three centuries.
The Courts and Courses
Golfers, rejoice. With two championship18-hole courses, a celebrated golf academy, and year-round golf schools, Kingsmill is a golfer’s paradise. The famed Pete Dye-designed River Course has hosted the world’s best players on both PGA and LPGA tours. As its name implies, it borders the calm waters of the James River, a beautiful backdrop for a round. Meanwhile, the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed Plantation Course, dotted with landmarks from the original 1736 Kingsmill plantation, offers enough variety and challenge for every type of player.
Tennis players can find their nirvana, too, at one of Kingsmill’s 15 courts — 13 clay and two hard surface. Pros provide private lessons, camps and clinics for adults and juniors, and the resort hosts tournaments, too. Rackets are available to rent.
The Welcoming Waters
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it,” wrote the novelist Norman Maclean, whose short story became a hit movie.
At Kingsmill, a river runs along the resort, ever present, ever beckoning. So, naturally, there are more options than you’ll possibly be able to enjoy during your stay.
Start with Maclean’s favorite, fishing. What could be more therapeutic? Ok, ok, maybe a trip to the spa.
But we’re talking nature, here, and baiting a hook and casting that line has a calming effect like little else, especially if you’re in the company of family or friends. You’ll find croaker, perch, catfish and stripers in the river and maybe bass and sunfish in the pond. Rent fishing poles at the marina and cast a line. You’re sure to come back with a tale or two, even if the fish aren’t biting.
Fishing poles are just one of the outdoor play toys available at the marina. Get that pulse racing on a Jet Ski or paddling a kayak. Take it nice and easy in a pontoon boat as the sun sets. Who knows? Maybe you’ll spot a river otter or even dolphins if you’re lucky. Rentals become available when the water reaches 50 degrees so check before trying to reserve. All are for rent by the hour.
Finally, what’s outdoors in warm weather without a pool? At Kingsmill, there are several pools, but the one you don’t want to miss is the winding River Pool, guaranteed to keep you busy all day long with a waterslide, tubing and swimming. When you need to dry out, you’ll find the most comfortable lounge chairs, food and drinks nearby and a fire pit for after dark.
See. You’re already imagining a day filled with outdoor fun. Time to schedule a big dose of the healing power of nature at Kingsmill Resort.
For more information and reservations, call 800-832-5665.