How one can Plan a Journey to Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Whereas I’m from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, it wasn’t till my late 20s that I first heard of Meadows of Dan. Positioned at Milepost 178 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, lower than two hours from the place I grew up, the city is deceivingly inconspicuous. It has the entire options of a small, rural neighborhood, and the closest industrial airport is about 90 minutes away — however “the mountain,” because it’s identified by locals, has extra to it than initially meets the attention.

One of the photographed spots on the parkway, the historic Mabry Mill, sits a brief drive from the village (or the middle of city). Meadows of Dan can be house to Primland, a 12,000-acre personal mountain property that Journey + Leisure readers beforehand voted as one among their favourite resorts within the South — and it simply unveiled new tree home suites. There’s even an old school sweet manufacturing facility the place guests can attempt over 45 totally different flavors of fudge.

Nonetheless, the Meadows of Dan motto, “an easier place in time,” rings true all through the world. It is a place the place you’re inspired to decelerate, absorb your environment, and strike up an extended dialog, whether or not it’s along with your touring companion or somebody fully new. It’s a small Southern city, in spite of everything — and, in line with Kayla Galecki, proprietor of Primitive Espresso Market, it’s “crammed with the friendliest folks you may ever meet.”

The place to Keep

Primland, Auberge Resorts Assortment

You don’t must be a golfer, and even an avid hiker, to understand the sheer magnificence and expansiveness of Primland. You do, nonetheless, must take pleasure in quieter moments, Virginia mountains, and the everlasting likelihood of recognizing wildlife. Once I first stayed on the resort in 2021, there was an virtually austere high quality to the design, each within the widespread areas of the principle lodge and the visitor rooms. Upon visiting for a second time in Might 2024, proper after the completion of the property’s newest spherical of renovations, I used to be pleasantly shocked on the heat that Chad Dorsey Design, a Dallas-based agency, dropped at each the foyer space and the Nice Room, which sits between two of the resort’s eating places. As a substitute of strictly cool and impartial tones, there are actually plaid and floral materials, customized cowhide quilts, and a group of vintage and customized furnishings items.

The true spotlight of Primland’s updates, nonetheless, is its Mountaintop Tree Homes. Becoming a member of three barely smaller tree homes, the 2 450-square-foot (not counting the sweeping decks) one-bedroom suites are a brief drive away from the lodge, however they arrive with a full roster of five-star facilities. An out of doors bathe, sizzling tub, Adirondack chairs, and even the power to order room service make sure you by no means have to go away the pink cedar tree home — until you wish to benefit from the remainder of the resort’s actions, in fact. 

The Oaks RV Resort 

For these guests touring with an RV, Galecki says The Oaks RV Resort, which simply opened, is “stunning.” The resort has 61 websites, and it’s beneficial to guide forward if potential. Each comes with a concrete parking pad and patio, a fireplace pit, a picnic desk, and free Wi-Fi. Different on-site facilities embody a heated outside swimming pool, a pet park, and a strolling and mountain climbing path.

Stargazer Park

Billed as “classic glamping,” Stargazer Park is your likelihood to get some shuteye in a renovated Seventies (or perhaps a Forties) trailer. One of many choices, a 1975 Airstream, is even decked out in refined Disney decor. Every camper comfortably sleeps two folks and incorporates a stand-up bathe, bathroom, fridges, and air-con. Exterior, you’ll discover a lined deck pavilion, a fireplace pit, and an outside kitchen outfitted with a Blackstone griddle.

Finest Issues to Do

Go to the historic Mabry Mill.

“Mabry Mill is an ideal place to be taught concerning the historical past and older methods of life within the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Tim Branham, a local of the world and a naturalist at Primland. Constructed within the early 1900s, the sawmill is called one of the crucial photographed locations alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway, so vacationers will certainly wish to snap an image of two. You can even embark on the half-mile Mountain Trade Path, which takes you thru the property’s different historic buildings, or spend a while on the restaurant and present store (open seasonally).

Decide up some candy treats at Nancy’s Sweet Firm.

There’s maybe nothing as nostalgic as old school sweet — and whenever you’re in Meadows of Dan, you’ll get a heavy dose of that sentiment at Nancy’s Sweet Firm, the model’s manufacturing facility outlet retailer. Right here, Branham says, you’ll be able to “decide up some scrumptious fudge and different treats,” like peanut brittle, cookie dough bites, and chocolate-covered pretzels, and watch the sweet being made by the commentary home windows.

Go for a hike within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The pure splendor surrounding Meadows of Dan is greatest skilled on a hike. “For those who’re eager to go on a fast hike, Buffalo Mountain or Rocky Knob are nice household hikes,” suggests Branham. Galecki additionally provides Buffalo Mountain, a 2.1-mile out-and-back route, her stamp of approval. Moreover, company of Primland have the choice to finish the 1.6-mile Pinnacle Loop Path, which grants among the greatest views of the Pinnacles of Dan (mountain peaks that stand up from the Dan River Gorge).

Drive alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Relying in your trip’s timeline — and which path you’re headed in— you might wish to save this exercise for the start or finish of your journey. One of the well-known drives in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its overlooks and the sweetness that defines each mile. Simply make sure to drive slowly, look ahead to wildlife, and take a look at this interactive map to plan your journey.

Play Primland’s award-winning Highland Course.

A must-visit course for many golfers, Primland’s Highland Course is likely one of the greatest within the nation — and it’s open to each resort company and most people. The mountainous terrain provides method to a difficult recreation, however gamers of all ranges are welcome — and so they’re frequently rewarded with unimaginable views.

Finest Eating places

Jane’s Nation Cafe

Branham and Galecki each agree that Jane’s Nation Cafe is a non-negotiable whenever you’re in Meadows of Dan. “At Jane’s Nation Café, not solely will you take pleasure in good homestyle cooking, [but] additionally, you will get a style of the native tradition and meet among the residents,” says Branham. Open seven days per week, ranging from 11 a.m., the cafe frequently shares its specials on its Fb web page, with posts that includes all kinds of consolation meals — from baked spaghetti to barbecue and baked beans.

Primitive Espresso Market

For “native espresso and native farm items,” Branham recommends testing Primitive Espresso Market. It’s actually the very best place to gas up earlier than a hike — professional tip: attempt the lavender latte made with lavender from a close-by farm — however Galecki and her staff have additionally curated a choice of groceries, together with pasture-raised meat, which you can take again and cook dinner again at your campsite or Airbnb.

Poor Farmer’s Market

Half mercantile, half deli, Poor Farmer’s Market is a vacation spot the place Branham says “You will get every part from a pair of overalls to a pound or two of dried pinto beans.” Its sandwiches additionally come extremely beneficial by Galecki — and previous vacationers give it high marks for its salads, pimento cheese, and fried pies. Plus, says, Branham, “For those who’re fortunate, you’ll get to fulfill the proprietor, Felecia Shelor, typically affectionately generally known as the ‘Mayor of Meadows of Dan’.”

Leatherflower

As a part of Primland’s latest spherical of enhancements, one among its on-site eating places, Parts, remodeled into Leatherflower, an idea that conveys “the whimsical spirit of the South.” The staff focuses on the flavors and traditions of this a part of Virginia. For those who’re fortunate, you’ll be seated by the window, the place golf course views complement any entree. Non-resort company are additionally in a position to make reservations on-line or by calling Primland.

Finest Time to Go to

As Branham notes, there’s magnificence to each season in Meadows of Dan, however fall is actually spectacular — and the busiest. “Normally, we get most of our guests within the fall. Everybody likes to see the attractive fall foliage, which often happens across the finish of October,” he says.

To keep away from ready in line at a restaurant or on populated mountain climbing trails, Galecki recommends “any time exterior of October.” In January and February, she says, “you’ll be able to see for miles,” and “sunrises and sunsets over the white mountains are breathtaking.” You could face inclement climate this time of 12 months, so Branham suggests checking highway circumstances earlier than departure. For the very best of every part — superb views, fewer vacationers, and temperate climate — Galecki says to come back from April to June, when “the flowers are simply beginning to bloom, and the climate is a bit cooler however not freezing or too sizzling.”

How one can Get There

For those who’re hoping to fly into this a part of Virginia, you’ll must be ready to hire a automobile and drive to Meadows of Dan. The 2 closest airports are Piedmont Triad Airport (GSO) and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), and so they every require an extra 90-minute automobile journey to make it to your closing vacation spot.

How one can Get Round

You’ll want a automobile to discover Meadows of Dan and the encircling space — however driving alongside these lengthy, winding roads is a part of the magic.  For those who’re staying in one among Primland’s tree homes — or have plans to go additional into the mountains — it’s beneficial to have a automobile with four-wheel drive.