Virginia’s Blue Ridge: Two Unique Escapes
While we often focus on international destinations, we can’t forget about the incredible stays right here in the U.S. Over the past few winters, while escaping the Maine cold to "snowbird" in Florida, we’ve broken up the drive with a lovely stopover in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Last year was Glen Gordon Manor and this past month we stopped at The Lodge at Primland. Whether you are looking for a standalone long weekend or a scenic addition to an East Coast road trip, these two properties offer world-class hospitality in equally gorgeous settings.
The Lodge at Primland (Meadows of Dan, VA)
Located on a massive 12,000-acre private estate in the southwestern Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland offers country-style high luxury with a sophisticated level of service.
When to Stay Here: If you are visiting North Carolina, it’s an easy 2-hour drive from Charlotte or 1 hour from Winston-Salem. It is a perfect addition to a Carolinas itinerary or a larger road trip including Asheville.
Who It’s For: Families and multi-generational groups looking for spacious accommodations and "something-for-everyone" activities. It is equally suited for couples seeking a high-end spa and luxury-focused retreat.
Design & Vibe: The design is all about massive scale and organic materials. The main Lodge features soaring ceilings with reclaimed wood beams, expansive fieldstone fireplaces, and a striking European slate roof. One standout feature is the retro-wallpapered check-in area, which boasts a gold drink cart where they’ll fix you a bourbon or a glass of bubbly while you’re checking in.
Accommodations: With approximately 60 guest accommodations, choices range from sophisticated rooms in the Main Lodge to secluded Pinnacle Cottages and adult-only Treehouses perched over the Dan River Gorge. We stayed in a Pinnacle Cottage and it was amazing—offering a huge amount of space, including a family room with a fireplace and a private deck with mountain views. All rooms lean into a "warm modern" look with sleek oak floors and floor-to-ceiling glass that beautifully accents the surrounding mountains.
Dining: Leatherflower offers refined Appalachian cuisine with stunning views, while the Laurel Bar provides a casual spot for cocktails. Don't miss the Stables Saloon for a Southern, family-style supper in a beautifully converted horse stable.
Activities: The resort features its own observatory for guided stargazing (we got incredible views of the moon!), an award-winning golf course, a full-service spa, and miles of private hiking trails. Seasonally, guests can enjoy falconry, horseback riding, ATV tours, and fishing.
Glen Gordon Manor (Huntly, VA)
Nestled on 45 acres in Northern Virginia’s wine country, this intimate estate was once a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop and a favorite retreat for members of the British Royal Family.
When to Stay Here: Add this to a trip to Washington, D.C. - it’s a welcome respite after days of city sightseeing. It’s also a fantastic home base for a visit to Shenandoah National Park.
Who It’s For: Couples looking for a romantic, low-key escape centered around fine dining and relaxation.
Design & Vibe: While just as luxurious as Primland, the design here is more intimate and classically inspired. It feels like a refined English manor house, featuring wood-paneled walls, cozy open fireplaces, and antique furnishings.
Accommodations: This is an intimate B&B experience with just 10 uniquely decorated rooms. Each is styled with high-end, traditional fabrics and antiques - like the houndstooth fabric and brass monkey soap holder featured in our suite—proving that a B&B can be so much more than grandmotherly chintz curtains.
Dining: The Houndstooth Restaurant is the main draw here. Dinner is an exquisite, five-course prix fixe affair served by romantic candlelight with a focus on local ingredients. The multi-course breakfasts are equally legendary.
Common Areas & Activities: The vibe is decidedly "slow travel." Spend your afternoon with a book and a glass of wine in the wood-paneled library, play games by the fireplace (we enjoyed some competitive rounds of backgammon), or visit the adorable cows and chickens on the manor’s farm. In summer, an outdoor pool offers a refreshing mountain view.
Which Blue Ridge is Right for You?
If you want a high-energy adventure with endless activities and 12,000 acres to explore, head south to Primland. If your idea of heaven is a five-course meal followed by a quiet night in a library with an Old Fashioned, Glen Gordon Manor is calling your name.
Planning a road trip down the Atlantic Coast? Reach out to us at Jetsettery - we’d love to help you weave these Virginia gems into your next itinerary! It’s as easy as clicking this link >> Let’s Start Planning!
