How to Plan a Trip to Meadows of Dan, Virginia

While I’m from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, it wasn’t until my late 20s that I first heard of Meadows of Dan. Located at Milepost 178 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, less than two hours from where I grew up, the town is deceivingly inconspicuous. It has all of the features of a small, rural community, and the closest commercial airport is about 90 minutes away — but “the mountain,” as it’s known by locals, has more to it than initially meets the eye.

One of the most photographed spots on the parkway, the historic Mabry Mill, sits a short drive from the village (or the center of town). Meadows of Dan is also home to Primland, a 12,000-acre private mountain estate that Travel + Leisure readers previously voted as one of their favorite resorts in the South — and it just unveiled new tree house suites. There’s even an old-fashioned candy factory where visitors can try over 45 different flavors of fudge.

Still, the Meadows of Dan motto, “a simpler place in time,” rings true throughout the area. This is a place where you’re encouraged to slow down, take in your surroundings, and strike up a long conversation, whether it’s with your traveling companion or someone completely new. It’s a small Southern town, after all — and, according to Kayla Galecki, owner of Primitive Coffee Market, it’s “filled with the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.”

Where to Stay

Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection

You don’t have to be a golfer, or even an avid hiker, to appreciate the sheer beauty and expansiveness of Primland. You do, however, have to enjoy quieter moments, Virginia mountains, and the eternal chance of spotting wildlife. When I first stayed at the resort in 2021, there was an almost austere quality to the design, both in the common spaces of the main lodge and the guest rooms. Upon visiting for a second time in May 2024, right after the completion of the property’s latest round of renovations, I was pleasantly surprised at the warmth that Chad Dorsey Design, a Dallas-based firm, brought to both the lobby area and the Great Room, which sits between two of the resort’s restaurants. Instead of strictly cool and neutral tones, there are now plaid and floral fabrics, custom cowhide quilts, and a collection of antique and custom furniture pieces.

The real highlight of Primland’s updates, however, is its Mountaintop Tree Houses. Joining three slightly smaller tree houses, the two 450-square-foot (not counting the sweeping decks) one-bedroom suites are a short drive away from the lodge, but they come with a full roster of five-star amenities. An outdoor shower, hot tub, Adirondack chairs, and even the ability to order room service ensure you never have to leave the red cedar tree house — unless you want to take advantage of the rest of the resort’s activities, of course. 

The Oaks RV Resort 

For those visitors traveling with an RV, Galecki says The Oaks RV Resort, which just opened, is “beautiful.” The resort has 61 sites, and it’s recommended to book ahead if possible. Each one comes with a concrete parking pad and patio, a fire pit, a picnic table, and free Wi-Fi. Other on-site amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a pet park, and a walking and hiking trail.

Stargazer Park

Billed as “vintage glamping,” Stargazer Park is your chance to get some shuteye in a renovated 1970s (or even a 1940s) trailer. One of the options, a 1975 Airstream, is even decked out in subtle Disney decor. Each camper comfortably sleeps two people and features a stand-up shower, toilet, refrigerators, and air conditioning. Outside, you’ll find a covered deck pavilion, a fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen outfitted with a Blackstone griddle.

Best Things to Do

Visit the historic Mabry Mill.

“Mabry Mill is a perfect place to learn about the history and older ways of life in the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Tim Branham, a native of the area and a naturalist at Primland. Built in the early 1900s, the sawmill is known as one of the most photographed places along the Blue Ridge Parkway, so travelers will definitely want to snap a picture of two. You can also embark on the half-mile Mountain Industry Trail, which takes you through the property’s other historic buildings, or spend some time at the restaurant and gift shop (open seasonally).

Pick up some sweet treats at Nancy’s Candy Company.

There’s perhaps nothing as nostalgic as old-fashioned candy — and when you’re in Meadows of Dan, you’ll get a heavy dose of that sentiment at Nancy’s Candy Company, the brand’s factory outlet store. Here, Branham says, you can “pick up some delicious fudge and other treats,” like peanut brittle, cookie dough bites, and chocolate-covered pretzels, and watch the candy being made through the observation windows.

Go for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The natural splendor surrounding Meadows of Dan is best experienced on a hike. “If you’re wanting to go on a quick hike, Buffalo Mountain or Rocky Knob are great family hikes,” suggests Branham. Galecki also gives Buffalo Mountain, a 2.1-mile out-and-back route, her stamp of approval. Additionally, guests of Primland have the option to complete the 1.6-mile Pinnacle Loop Trail, which grants some of the best views of the Pinnacles of Dan (mountain peaks that rise up from the Dan River Gorge).

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Depending on your vacation’s timeline — and which direction you’re headed in— you may want to save this activity for the beginning or end of your trip. One of the most well-known drives in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for its overlooks and the beauty that defines every mile. Just be sure to drive slowly, watch for wildlife, and check out this interactive map to plan your journey.

Play Primland’s award-winning Highland Course.

A must-visit course for most golfers, Primland’s Highland Course is one of the best in the country — and it’s open to both resort guests and the general public. The mountainous terrain gives way to a challenging game, but players of all levels are welcome — and they’re regularly rewarded with incredible views.

Best Restaurants

Jane’s Country Cafe

Branham and Galecki both agree that Jane’s Country Cafe is a non-negotiable when you’re in Meadows of Dan. “At Jane’s Country Café, not only will you enjoy good homestyle cooking, [but] you will also get a taste of the local culture and meet some of the residents,” says Branham. Open seven days a week, starting from 11 a.m., the cafe regularly shares its specials on its Facebook page, with posts featuring all sorts of comfort foods — from baked spaghetti to barbecue and baked beans.

Primitive Coffee Market

For “local coffee and local farm goods,” Branham recommends checking out Primitive Coffee Market. It’s certainly the best place to fuel up before a hike — pro tip: try the lavender latte made with lavender from a nearby farm — but Galecki and her team have also curated a selection of groceries, including pasture-raised meat, that you can take back and cook back at your campsite or Airbnb.

Poor Farmer’s Market

Part mercantile, part deli, Poor Farmer’s Market is a destination where Branham says “You can get everything from a pair of overalls to a pound or two of dried pinto beans.” Its sandwiches also come highly recommended by Galecki — and past travelers give it top marks for its salads, pimento cheese, and fried pies. Plus, says, Branham, “If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the owner, Felecia Shelor, often affectionately known as the ‘Mayor of Meadows of Dan’.”

Leatherflower

As part of Primland’s recent round of enhancements, one of its on-site restaurants, Elements, transformed into Leatherflower, a concept that conveys “the whimsical spirit of the South.” The team focuses on the flavors and traditions of this part of Virginia. If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated by the window, where golf course views complement any entree. Non-resort guests are also able to make reservations online or by calling Primland.

Best Time to Visit

As Branham notes, there’s beauty to every season in Meadows of Dan, but fall is truly spectacular — and the busiest. “Usually, we get most of our visitors in the fall. Everyone loves to see the beautiful fall foliage, which usually occurs around the end of October,” he says.

To avoid waiting in line at a restaurant or on populated hiking trails, Galecki recommends “any time outside of October.” In January and February, she says, “you can see for miles,” and “sunrises and sunsets over the white mountains are breathtaking.” You may face inclement weather this time of year, so Branham suggests checking road conditions before departure. For the best of everything — amazing views, fewer tourists, and temperate weather — Galecki says to come from April to June, when “the flowers are just starting to bloom, and the weather is a bit cooler but not freezing or too hot.”

How to Get There

If you’re hoping to fly into this part of Virginia, you’ll need to be prepared to rent a car and drive to Meadows of Dan. The two closest airports are Piedmont Triad Airport (GSO) and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), and they each require an additional 90-minute car journey to make it to your final destination.

How to Get Around

You’ll need a car to explore Meadows of Dan and the surrounding area — but driving along these long, winding roads is part of the magic.  If you’re staying in one of Primland’s tree houses — or have plans to go further into the mountains — it’s recommended to have a car with four-wheel drive.