Only half an hour outside Washington DC, the terrain was already beginning to feel like ‘home.’ The rolling hills, wooden-fence remnants from the Civil War battlefields, the faint scent of honeysuckle, and the horses, one rolling joyously on its back, soaking up the first rays of summer, were infused-in-my-veins familiar. I grew up in these parts, not far from the Mason-Dixon line. My driver, of course, has no idea (his assumption, I learn later, is that I’m from California), and so I revel in his tales of the area.
“Jackie Kennedy had a horse farm (Glen Ora) here, and used to leave the White House to come out here and ride. Of course, some of Virginia’s best wineries are here too. [Former] First Lady Michelle Obama loved this one,” he slows to point out Greenhills Vineyards. “Be sure to try the sparkling wines.”
As reference to the dialogue, “here” is Middleburg, Virginia, America’s horse and hunt country capital, home to chic boutiques, a leafy main street, scores of wineries and craft breweries, and (my reason for visiting) the Salamander Resort & Spa.
Middleburg is just one of Virginia’s beautiful, under-the-radar, steeped-in-history small towns to know. From the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains to the Shenandoah Valley to natural hot springs and tranquil coastline, a few of the Virginia towns we love.
Meadows of Dan
The Vibe: Untouched Wilderness
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway connects Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. It is a glorious drive of mountains, meadows, fly-fishing streams, and untouched wilderness. It is only at milepost 178 where, seemingly out of the heavens, there comes a town: Meadows of Dan, population 72. Visitors are greeted by a sign, aptly stating, “A simpler place in time.” The town is named for the waving meadows near the banks of the Dan River which flows through the area, and is known for its hiking trails, historic Mabry Mill, Nancy’s Candy Co. (try the artisan truffles), and in recent years, Primland Resort.
The Stay: Primland Resort
There is only one hotel in town, and it is stellar — five-star Primland Resort. Set on 12,000 private acres, the resort — hidden among towering trees — features romantic treehouses, log cabins, and an exquisite lodge. Fish the freshwater streams, hike or mountain bike the rugged trails, and slip into the dreamy Auberge Spa. Primland became part of the Auberge Collection in 2021, so expect a top spa experience. End the day with dinner at Elements, featuring fresh, seasonal dishes like North Carolina grouper over heirloom grits, followed by stargazing at the property’s onsite observatory.
Driving Distance: Meadows of Dan is a 90-minute drive from Roanoke, Virginia, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Middleburg
The Vibe: Serious Horse Country
Although it occupies only six blocks, Middleburg (population under 1,000) is home to chic boutiques (Chloe’s, Zest), raffish men’s stores (Highcliffe), art galleries (Byrne Gallery), and superb cafes and restaurants — try the new Tremolo, and classic tavern at the Red Fox Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Middleburg (established in 1728), is most known for its beautiful thoroughbred horse farms and noteworthy boutique wineries including the aforementioned Greenhill Vineyards, and Boxwood, focusing on Bordeaux-style blends. The town’s Film Festival has also become a major stop on the Oscar trail.
The Stay: Salamander Resort & Spa
The brainchild of Sheila Johnson, who cofounded and helped build BET (Black Entertainment Television), Salamander Hotels & Resorts opened in 2005, and her portfolio now includes properties in Charleston (Hotel Bennett), Tampa Bay (Innisbrook), Jamaica (Half Moon), Anguilla (Aurora), and Aspen (Aspen Meadows). It was Johnson’s daughter, an accomplished equestrian, who led her to Middleburg. But it was her own deep passion for healing that led to the creation of Salamander Resort & Spa, a stylish three-core spa, equine, and culinary experience. Spend time with the horses, experience the rasul, a private translation of the traditional hammam, followed by a massage and dine on fresh meals, locally sourced with a glass of sparkly white Virginia wine.
Driving Distance: Middleburg is a 40-minute drive from Washington DC; a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Baltimore; and three hours from Philadelphia.
Irvington
The Vibe: Laid-Back Coastal
One of Virginia’s earliest settlements, white-picket-fenced Irvington (population 398) lies on the shore of Carter’s Creek and the Rappahannock River, in Virginia’s Northern Neck peninsula — bringing centuries of history and watermen traditions. Observe osprey, eagles, and herons along Carter’s Creek; watch sailboats racing; savor Rappahannock River oysters and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs; and tour the Steamboat Era Museum — preserving Irvington’s history as a steamboat town during the late 1800s.
The Stay: The Tides Inn
Located on a private peninsula leading to the Chesapeake Bay, the Tides Inn (originally established in the 1940s) fosters connections to the people, history, land, water, and wildlife of the Northern Neck region. Explore the role Eastern oysters play in the ecosystem with the resort’s resident ecologist, relax in tranquil, recently refreshed rooms and suites overlooking the water, and join one of the chefs to learn how to clean and shuck freshly caught oysters.
Driving Distance: Irvington is a one-hour drive from Richmond, and a two-and-one-half-hour drive from Washington DC.
Little Washington
The Vibe: Historic Village with Michelin Stars
Little Washington (population less than 150) is more of a village than a town. Located in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park — a haven for hiking — the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Main Street of this movie-set village comes with sophisticated shops and cafes, but the shining (Michelin) star (or rather three stars) is worn by the Inn at Little Washington. Established in 1978 by chef-owner Patrick O’Connell, the inn became the first and only 3 star Michelin restaurant in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Chef — who describes his classical French technique and style as a “romantic dinner party in a private country house from another era.” There’s a fully vegetarian version of the tasting menu, however, and the wine cellar, some 14,000 bottles deep, routinely wins the Wine Spectator Grand Award.
The Stay: The Inn at Little Washington
Chef brings his artistry not only to the dinner plate but to the guest side of the property. With his own background in theater, O’Connell enlisted London stage and set designer Joyce Evans to spin magic to the hotel’s 23 guest rooms and suites, each sumptuous and dramatic, with Bulgari bath products and 24-hour room service — an exquisite art piece.
Driving Distance: Little Washington is a half-hour drive from Luray, and an hour-and-a-half drive from Washington DC.
Hot Springs
The Vibe: Restorative Healing Waters
Years ago, I bathed in the Warm Springs Pools (aka Jefferson Pools) in Hot Springs (population 738), a resort town in the Allegheny Mountains near the West Virginia border. My attire — historical and hysterical — was a one-piece white ‘bathing costume’ given to me at check in. Hair spilling out of a makeshift bun, the white pantaloon-like suit baggy to mid thigh, I resembled a baby in an oversized diaper, I could not stop laughing. But once my body melted into the warm mineral waters, rich in magnesium, the hilarity was forgotten. Floating in the healing waters — four springs flow into the timbered octagonal bathhouse from the Allegheny Mountains, already heated — I was transported back centuries. The Pools recently reopened following a major (14-month, $4 million) restoration by The Omni Homestead Resort (the historic bathing costumes retired, so bring your own for coed and family soaks). The baths remain one of the region’s most sought-after experiences, along with hiking, fly fishing, skiing, and perusing the ‘downtown’ shops for local art and treasures.
The Stay: Omni Homestead Resort
Opened as an inn in 1766, the landmark Omni Homestead Resort, set on more than 2,000 acres, has hosted 23 US Presidents. Today’s visitors come for the golf, fly fishing, horseback riding, fine dining, fresh mountain air, and the spa of course, including the recently renovated mineral pools. Relax in the Serenity Garden, an exclusive outdoor, adult oasis which includes a geothermal rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Dine on fresh local ingredients at Jefferson’s Restaurant, featuring a farm-to-table approach with a selection of hand-picked prime and regional meats from Virginia; spend time learning about the state’s buzzing wine industry —select from distinct wine flights or wines by the glass at the tasting bar, and purchase a bottle to take home.
Driving Distance: Hot Springs is an hour-and-a-half drive from Roanoke and Charlottesville, Virginia.
Tangier Island
The Vibe: An Island Frozen in Time
Tangier Island (population 728) is a sliver of mud and marsh grass, located approximately 12 miles off the mainland of Virginia in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. There are no cars — residents make their way around the narrow streets in golf carts, bicycles, or on foot; there is only one school — kindergarten through 12th grade; and access to and from the island is solely by boat (or small plane). Considered one of the most isolated communities in America, Tangier Island is renowned for its soft shell crabs, and hard-to-pinpoint dialect. Some contend the islanders’ ‘accent’ — passed through generations — is Elizabethan English, others say Cornish, and still others say it is simply the residual of isolation. Reportedly, when the Civil War broke out, the island’s residents (mostly Methodists) chose not to join Virginia as members of the Confederacy and have remained separate since. Arrive by ferry, explore the history museum, watch the watermen at work, and enjoy the island’s famed crabs, and local ice cream.
The Stay: The Charlotte Hotel, Onancock
With limited accommodations on Tangier Island, we recommend taking the 25-passenger ferry boat from Onancock, Virginia (runs May through September), and staying at the intimate Charlotte Hotel. Although constructed in 1907 as the ‘White Hotel, the building currently housing The Charlotte had not operated as a hotel for more than 60 years when it was purchased by Charlotte and Gary Cochran. Today, the boutique property features eight guest rooms, a highly regarded restaurant, full-service bar, and loads of artistic touches, starting with its green exterior and French doors flanked by chic little topiaries, and interior original artworks by Charlotte, also an artist.
Driving Distance: Onancock is an hour drive from Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and about three hours from Wilmington, Delaware, and Baltimore, Maryland. The ferry from Onancock to Tangier Island takes one hour each way.
Chincoteague
The Vibe: Oysters and Wild Wild Horses
Also close to Onancock (just 30 minutes) is the town and island of the same name, Chincoteague (population 2,900). Originally settled in the 1700s, the town became a household name with the publication of Misty of Chincoteague in the 1940s, a story about one of the island’s now-famous wild ponies. Stroll the quaint downtown, dine on the island’s famous oysters, and enjoy the pristine beaches. The major highlight is, by far, the wild horses. Chincoteague is the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island — one-third of which resides in Virginia; the other two thirds in Maryland. Assateague Island is literally home to hundreds of wild horses and ponies. Move about quietly and observe.
The Stay: Waterfront Airbnb. Enjoy the magic of the sea horses from this stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom home overlooking the bay and marshes. We especially love the light and airy interiors, oversized windows with water views, indoor fireplace, and new this season, a hot tub.
Driving Distance: Chincoteague is an hour’s drive from Ocean City, Maryland; and three hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington.
