How to Plan a Trip 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 group, and the closest business airport is about 90 minutes away — however “the mountain,” because it’s recognized 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 also be dwelling to Primland, a 12,000-acre non-public mountain property that Journey + Leisure readers beforehand voted as considered one of their favorite resorts in the South — and it simply unveiled new tree house suites. There’s even an old style sweet manufacturing unit 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 realm. 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 keeping with Kayla Galecki, proprietor of Primitive Espresso Market, it’s “crammed with the friendliest individuals you may ever meet.”

The place to Keep

Primland, Auberge Resorts Assortment

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

The true spotlight of Primland’s updates, nonetheless, is its Mountaintop Tree Houses. 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 depart the crimson cedar tree home — except you need to benefit from the remainder of the resort’s actions, after all. 

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 really helpful to e-book forward if potential. Each comes with a concrete parking pad and patio, a hearth pit, a picnic desk, and free Wi-Fi. Different on-site facilities embody a heated out of doors swimming pool, a pet park, and a strolling and mountaineering path.

Stargazer Park

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

Greatest Issues to Do

Go to the historic Mabry Mill.

“Mabry Mill is an ideal place to study in regards to the historical past and older methods of life within the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Tim Branham, a local of the realm and a naturalist at Primland. Constructed within the early 1900s, the sawmill is named one of the vital photographed locations alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway, so vacationers will certainly need to snap an image of two. You may as well embark on the half-mile Mountain Business Path, which takes you thru the property’s different historic buildings, or spend a while on the restaurant and reward store (open seasonally).

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

There’s maybe nothing as nostalgic as old style sweet — and whenever you’re in Meadows of Dan, you’ll get a heavy dose of that sentiment at Nancy’s Candy Company, the model’s manufacturing unit outlet retailer. Right here, Branham says, you may “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 way of 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. “In case you’re eager to go on a fast hike, Buffalo Mountain or Rocky Knob are nice household hikes,” suggests Branham. Galecki additionally offers Buffalo Mountain, a 2.1-mile out-and-back route, her stamp of approval. Moreover, friends of Primland have the choice to finish the 1.6-mile Pinnacle Loop Trail, which grants a number of 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 route you’re headed in— you could need 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 legendary for its overlooks and the sweetness that defines each mile. Simply make sure you 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 friends and most people. The mountainous terrain offers technique to a difficult sport, however gamers of all ranges are welcome — and so they’re commonly rewarded with unbelievable views.

Greatest 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 a number of the residents,” says Branham. Open seven days per week, ranging from 11 a.m., the cafe commonly shares its specials on its Facebook 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 trying out Primitive Coffee 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 group have additionally curated a collection of groceries, together with pasture-raised meat, that you could 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 may get every little thing from a pair of overalls to a pound or two of dried pinto beans.” Its sandwiches additionally come extremely really helpful by Galecki — and past travelers give it high marks for its salads, pimento cheese, and fried pies. Plus, says, Branham, “In case you’re fortunate, you’ll get to satisfy the proprietor, Felecia Shelor, usually affectionately referred to as the ‘Mayor of Meadows of Dan’.”

Leatherflower

As a part of Primland’s current spherical of enhancements, considered one of its on-site eating places, Components, remodeled into Leatherflower, an idea that conveys “the whimsical spirit of the South.” The group focuses on the flavors and traditions of this a part of Virginia. In case you’re fortunate, you’ll be seated by the window, the place golf course views complement any entree. Non-resort friends are additionally capable of make reservations on-line or by calling Primland.

Greatest 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. “Often, we get most of our guests within the fall. Everybody likes to see the gorgeous 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 mountaineering trails, Galecki recommends “any time outdoors of October.” In January and February, she says, “you may see for miles,” and “sunrises and sunsets over the white mountains are breathtaking.” You could face inclement climate this time of yr, so Branham suggests checking street circumstances earlier than departure. For the very best of every little thing — 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.”

The best way to Get There

In case you’re hoping to fly into this a part of Virginia, you’ll have to 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 ultimate vacation spot.

The best way to 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.  In case you’re staying in considered one of Primland’s tree homes — or have plans to go additional into the mountains — it’s really helpful to have a automobile with four-wheel drive.