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In addition to equestrian pursuits, guests can zip line, play chess outdoors, swim, play pool or tennis or basketball, take a cooking class or relax at the spa. Photo by Gale
Horton Gay
Grill, is designed to resemble an
octagon-shaped horse barn and
features equestrian touches such as
decorative stirrups on the back of
chairs and small saddle-like holders
on which women can place their
handbags.
Dinner and breakfast at
Harrimans were memorable
experiences. I’m still thinking about
the Salamander Scramble with eggs,
Maryland crab and asparagus ($16)
that I had for breakfast and my
dinner of spring lamb duo ($44).
Foodies will appreciate that
the resort includes a cooking
studio where chef’s table dinners
are held and cooking classes and
demonstration events are lead by
visiting chefs. July and August
classes include: Art of Frozen
Parfaits, Pasta 101, Low Country
Lollygag and Celebrate the
Chesapeake Bay.
At the Equestrian Center, where
12 horses are housed, guests and
visitors (many of the property’s
amenities are open to day visitors as
well as overnight guests) can enjoy
riding lessons, trail rides, equine
communication classes, carriage
rides and more. There’s even a
horseback yoga class.
There also are non-equestrian
things to do at the Salamander
Resort—tennis and basketball,
billiards, outdoor pool, putting
green, fire pits and even a five-line
zip line that takes adventurers across
20 acres and two bridges.
The 23,000-square-foot spa and
wellness center has 14 treatment
rooms, an infinity edge spa pool,
cabanas, indoor and outdoor
workout areas and a full service
salon. Educational workshops as
well as regionalized treatments
such as crushed cabernet massage,
couples rasul, cashmere quench
wrap and diamond facial are
available.
Johnson’s original nature
photography also can be found
throughout the property in guest
rooms, hallways and by elevators.
I had the opportunity to
experience an overnight at the
Salamander in a sumptuous suite
complete with wet bar, balcony, gas
fireplace, two flat-screen TVs and
a bathroom with a rain shower and
soaking tub. The king bed and its
luxurious layers of linens made for
an ultra-cozy night’s rest.
After taking in all that
Salamander has to offer, head out to
the village of Middlebury, which was
established in 1787, is home to more
than 160 buildings listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Clothing and jewelry boutiques,
antique stores, art galleries and
home furnishing shops now are
located in these quaint buildings.
In addition to visiting some of
the 35 wineries and tasting rooms in
Loudoun County, visitors can also
stop by farms, take in horse races,
polo events and equestrian shows as
well as visit the National Sporting
Library.
Room rates during peak season
(April, May, June, September and
October) start at $325 a night.
During all other months rates start
at $225 a night.
For more information on the
Salamander Resort and Spa or
Loudoun County, go to www.
salamanderhotels.com or www.
visitloudoun.org.