The Livarchuk Family's Salamander Itinerary

Day 1: Evening

Arrive at the resort and settle into your accommodations, where spacious guestrooms and sweeping countryside views invite an immediate sense of calm. After time to refresh and explore the property, gather for a relaxed family dinner at Gold Cup, situated at the heart of the resort, where seasonal dishes and local flavors set the tone for the days ahead.

LILLY: You know the resort is a destination the moment you arrive at Salamander Middleburg. From the warm welcome by the friendly staff to the stunning surroundings, every detail makes a great first impression. Walking into the hotel, you are immediately wowed by the beautifully decorated library and grand living room, which feels more like an elegant home than a traditional hotel lobby. The guestrooms are beautiful, luxurious, and thoughtfully designed. They are spacious, cozy, and exceptionally comfortable, creating the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the property. The countryside views add to the peaceful atmosphere and make the experience even more special.
We loved the relaxed atmosphere at Gold Cup. Our favorite menu items were the Mediterranean octopus, wings, Korean steak bowl, and Chilean sea bass. While waiting for our meal, we enjoyed a friendly game of pool, which added to the fun and laid-back dining experience. It was the perfect way to begin our stay and set the tone for a wonderful family getaway.

Day 2: Morning

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast served on your private balcony or terrace, savoring a quiet start to the day surrounded by the beauty of Virginia’s rolling hills. Then stroll to the resort’s renowned Equestrian Center for a hands-on family experience with the horses, where children can learn grooming techniques, meet the resident ponies, and enjoy a memorable pony ride.

LILLY: We loved waking up at sunrise and enjoying a cup of coffee on our balcony while breathing in the fresh air. The in-room dining menu offers a wide selection of delicious breakfast options and fresh pastries. After breakfast, we walked down to the Equestrian Center to participate in the Pony 101 experience. We got to meet all of the horses, including two miniature ponies. The kids helped brush and saddle the horses and even enjoyed pony rides. This was one of the highlights of our stay and a memorable experience for our entire family.
The miniature horse named Cupcake quickly became a family favorite, and the girls were thrilled to see her in the lobby during one of her visits. They were especially excited to walk her out of the hotel afterwards.

Day 2: Afternoon

The afternoon invites personalized adventures for every member of the family. Choose between creative family crafts like teddy bear making and tie dye shirts or enjoy an afternoon of archery set against the resort’s expansive countryside backdrop.
Afterwards, explore the Town with one of our Lexus house cars as part of the Lexus Drive Experience available to resort guests. Take a short drive to the nearby National Sporting Library & Museum to discover the rich traditions of sporting life, where rare books, fine art, and exhibitions celebrate the heritage of Virginia’s hunt country. The museum offers an engaging look into pursuits such as horsemanship, foxhunting, steeple chasing, polo, and wildlife through curated collections and programming.

LILLY: We took advantage of many of the experiences Salamander Middleburg offers its guests. Our girls especially loved the “Stuff-a-Bear” and “Camp Salamander” activities, which kept them entertained and created lasting memories. Meanwhile, my husband and oldest son enjoyed some quality father-son time during an instructor-led archery experience.
Afterward, we had the opportunity to test-drive a luxury Lexus SUV offered to Salamander guests. We explored the charming downtown area, drove through Virginia’s beautiful horse country, and finished our afternoon at the National Sporting Library & Museum.

Day 2: Evening

Dine at the five-star Harrimans Grill, the resort’s signature restaurant known for its refined take on regional cuisine inspired by the Piedmont’s rich agricultural bounty. After dinner, continue the evening beneath the stars with family s’mores by the firepit on the Grand Lawn, a favorite nightly tradition where toasted marshmallows and warm conversation bring everyone together.

LILLY: Dinner at Harrimans Grill was an experience all its own. Every dish was prepared to perfection. Our favorites included the tomahawk steak, Salamander Reserve black caviar, kids' pasta, and the pavé of young chicken. The exceptional food, attentive service, and beautiful atmosphere made for a truly memorable dining experience.
We ended the evening making s’mores by the fire pit on Salamanders grand lawn. It was the perfect way to conclude a wonderful day.

Day 3: Morning

Begin the day with leisurely in-room dining before heading to Champions Pool, where a private family cabana awaits for a relaxed morning by the water. Between swimming, lounging, and poolside games, enjoy lunch at The Stirrup Cup, where the resort’s five-star culinary team serves elevated seasonal fare designed for easy afternoons in the sun.

LILLY: After a delicious breakfast, we spent the morning enjoying Salamander’s new Champions Pool. It is beautifully designed, and we could have easily spent the entire day there. The luxurious amenities, including private cabanas, poolside food and drinks, games, and plenty of comfortable seating, made it the perfect place to relax and unwind as a family.

Day 3: Afternoon

Meet the Salamander Adventures team at the gazebo on the Grand Lawn before setting out for an exhilarating zipline experience through the treetops. Spanning forest canopies, suspension bridges, and scenic aerial views of the property, the activity offers the perfect balance of excitement and family connection. Younger guests ages four and up can enjoy the Kiddo Zip experience, a fun and confidence-building introduction to aerial adventure guided by expert instructors in a safe and encouraging environment.

LILLY: In the afternoon, we enjoyed an exciting zipline adventure together. Even our youngest daughter was able to participate in the Kiddo Zip experience. The entire family had a great time ziplining through the treetops, crossing suspension bridges, and taking in the beautiful views of the property. It was a fun and memorable experience.

Day 3: Evening

While the children enjoy Kids Night Out with supervised games, crafts, and themed activities hosted by the resort team, parents can savor a quiet evening together, whether lingering over cocktails, enjoying dinner, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the resort after dark.

LILLY: In the evening, the kids attended Camp Salamander, which offers a variety of child-friendly activities led by certified counselors. The program included dinner, games, equestrian experiences, pool time, and other engaging activities. While our two youngest children were having fun at Camp Salamander, Paul and I were able to relax and enjoy some quiet time together. We strolled around the beautiful property and enjoyed a peaceful dinner with our two older children.

Day 4: Morning

Before departing, gather for one final breakfast at Harrimans, where locally inspired dishes and panoramic countryside views provide a memorable close to your family’s Middleburg escape.

LILLY: On our final morning, we were up early to enjoy one last breakfast at Harrimans Grill. Some of our absolute favorite breakfast dishes throughout our stay were the pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict, and the breakfast sandwich. After breakfast, we spent some time enjoying lawn games on Salamander's Grand Lawn before making one final stop at the Equestrian Center to say goodbye to the horses and ponies that had become such a special part of our experience.

From the luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining to the countless family-friendly activities, our stay at Salamander Middleburg exceeded all expectations. There was so much to do and see throughout the resort, making every day a new adventure. What truly sets Salamander Middleburg apart is its exceptional service, high-quality food, luxurious accommodations, and the wide range of experiences available for guests of all ages. We left with wonderful memories and can't wait to return!

About Lilly Livarchuk

My name is Lilly, and I am a wife and mother of four children ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old. My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 20 years.

One of our absolute favorite things to do as a family is travel. We love exploring new places, trying different types of food, and experiencing adventures together. Trips like these always bring our family closer together and create stronger bonds between all of us. Follow Lilly on Instagram @ lillyl_official.