WEEKENDER: Primland
Primland Resort is a two and a half hour drive from Charlotte and puts you in the heart of southern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The last 20 minutes take you through some winding mountain roads (pack dramamine if the kiddos are prone to motion sickness) dotted with quail, pheasant, wild turkeys, and deer. You’ll know you’ve come to the right place when you pull up to the three-story cedar lodge with a silver silo. Come here to disconnect and bask in nature when your family needs a reset, or pack your day with outdoor activities if your crew can’t sit still. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage when you need to relax, and whatever you do, don’t skip the Pig Candy.
STAY
Suites at The Lodge have king or queen sized beds, separate living rooms with a wet bar, and spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. If you want more space, book one of the free-standing Fairway or Pinnacle Cottages, which are equipped with kitchenettes, stone fireplaces, and private decks. For a big group, check out one of the 11 Rustic Mountain Homes that can accommodate up to 22 people. Each one has its own floorplan, plus wraparound decks, outdoor hot tubs, and stone fireplaces. (Editor’s note: The property also has three Treehouses on the Dan River Gorge, but these adults-only units each have one king sized bed and are designed for two people.)
EAT
The Lodge has two restaurants, one formal and one casual. Elements is open for breakfast and dinner and serves farm-to-table fare, plus a children’s menu with pancakes, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese for the pint-sized foodies. At 19th Pub, get sliders, wings, or burgers to refuel after golf. If you come between June and October, take the kiddos to Stables Saloon on the second floor of Primland’s former horse stables and feast on Southern food while you listen to live bluegrass music. On Friday nights, enjoy fireside s’mores outside The Lodge. And whatever you do, don’t miss the Pig Candy, a mason jar full of thick bacon strips glazed with a spicy brown sugar seasoning.
PLAY
Primland’s outdoor adventures include RTV tours, fly fishing, mountain and road biking, horseback riding, archery, kayaking, hiking, disc golf, and clay shooting. Most of these activities commence at Primland’s Outdoor Center, which is about a 10 minute shuttle ride from The Lodge. If you came for the golf, head to The Highland Course, which Golf Digest ranks as No. 28 on its list of America’s 100 greatest public golf courses. And if you came to unwind, visit the Auberge Spa on the ground floor of The Lodge. Enjoy a facial or body scrub while the kids splash around in the indoor pool or play foosball in the gameroom. When the sun goes down, visit the Observatory Dome on the top floor of the silo for nightly stargazing. The space is equipped with telescopes for amazing views of the night sky.
SPRING BREAKING IN THE MOUNTAINS?
Primland has a special spring break itinerary available April 11 through 14 and April 18 through 21. Fill your days with archery, guided nature hikes, pond fishing, stargazing, and a family putting challenge. Activities are complimentary for children 11 and under, but an adult must accompany kids for each experience. Call guest services at 276.222.3940 to make a reservation.
