We just got back from the most amazing weekend in Virginia. It was the perfect way to get an early taste of fall as we move into the autumn months (my favorite time of the year, especially with little kids!)
We were invited by Virginia Tourism to come check out their beautiful state during this gorgeous time of year, and it was such a treat. We stayed at the incredible Primland Resort, a 12,000 acre mountain estate.
(Above outfits: Sam’s Ralph Lauren sweater, Kit’s Bonpoint dress)
I love Auberge properties because they offer unique experiences that are true to wherever they are located, but you can always expect a high standard of service and accommodation. We stayed in a lovely suite in the main Lodge, but for those interested the property offers log cabins, treehouses and mountain homes for rental as well (they looked amazing).
We started off the first night after arriving with dinner at the Stables Saloon, which was fun for the whole family! There was live entertainment with bluegrass music, and the barbecue was some of the best I’ve ever had! On Friday and Saturday evenings it is family-style where they bring you a huge platter of beef brisket, buttermilk fried chicken, smoked pork shoulder and lots of delicious sides. There was also a playground right outside for the kids, so it was all-around a great evening for them!
(Above outfits: Sam’s Ralph Lauren Sweater, Kit’s Ralph Lauren Sweater, Peter’s Janie & Jack coat)
The next morning Andrew went golfing while I enjoyed some relaxing peace and quiet (much welcomed), as we were able to organize a babysitter to come watch the kids for the day. The golf is some of the best in Virginia and the views are spectacular. I popped into the spa which was lovely (I knew from experience that Auberge spas are some of the best of the best!)
Then the two of us enjoyed lunch on the patio – I’m still thinking about the hot honey fried chicken sandwich, and went off to do a guided RTV tour of the property together! This was a really fun way to see more of the huge estate and beautiful views over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The guide drove a RTV in front of us to show us where to go, and we followed in our own RTV behind him. We even spotted a black bear on the side of the mountain next to us, which was incredible to see!
That night Andrew and I enjoyed dinner at Elements, the more formal restaurant at the Lodge. The food was amazing, a delicious assortment of fresh and local ingredients – Auberge always does such a great job with their food.
(My jacket is made from a vintage quilt by Auleilei Co – shop their current selection on their website.)
We then picked up Peter to bring him for the event he had been looking forward to all day: stargazing in the observatory at Primland. The Lodge has a big silver tower attached to it, with a round rotating top built just for viewing the stars! Peter had been asking lots of questions about this tower and couldn’t wait to get up there. This was such a unique experience, something I had never done before. There was a very experienced astronomer who showed us all sorts of planets, constellations and other formations that were incredible to see! We could look inside the smaller telescope, and then with the more advanced one she was able to project onto TV screens so that we could see everything blown up and zoomed in, with amazing clarity. It was extremely memorable and I highly recommend if you make it to Primland!
(Above: kids wearing our favorite LAKE Pajamas kids pima long longs)
(Above: wearing the LAKE Pajamas newly released gauze caftan in cypress)
On the second morning, we enjoyed room service for breakfast in our suite, and then took the kids down to the stables to see the horses! They showed the kids how to brush, feed, and care for the horses and offered to do a ride for the kids in the rink with the horse on a lead, but Peter and Kit are still a bit too small and weren’t ready to give it a try.
(Above: wearing a d’Ascoli dress with Ralph Lauren knit top. Kit is wearing an Auleilei Co. quilt jacket.)
There was so much to do at Primland, we barely scratched the surface! It would be a dream to make it back someday to experience even more. Thank you to the Visit Virginia team for helping organize such a wonderful family getaway. What a beautiful state with so much to offer! We will surely be back.