Enjoy trail rides, cattle drives, and horseback riding vacations at the Western style Marriott Ranch in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia Hunt Country. Marriott Ranch isn’t your typical Marriott. This working cattle ranch is teeming with American history and scenic natural beauty. It lies just east of the Appalachian foothills amid the vineyards of Virginia Wine Country. The Rappahannock River runs through the property and its rolling green hills and meadows are dotted with exotic Longhorn cattle and horses.

The ranch was purchased by J.W. Marriott Sr., as a private retreat in 1951. Prominent guests like Presidents Reagan and Eisenhower and other world leaders have spent time on the range at J.W. Marriot’s retreat. There’s a lot of beautiful open space, streams, meadows and wooded trails on the seven square mile, 4,200-acre working cattle ranch. Marriott Ranch also boasts Longhorn Cattle. 

Riding Vacation Packages, Cattle Drives & Trail Rides

Children must be at least ten years of age to ride. Maximum weight limit is 250 pounds. Please contact Kelley Moss at Marriott Ranch to arrange special rides or group departures. For individual reservations call 540-364-3741, 540-364-2627 or toll-free 877-278-4574.

Regularly Scheduled Guided Trail Rides
Friday, Saturday and Sunday - $45.00 per person + tax (approximately 90 minutes)
Tuesday through Thursday - $40.00 per person + tax

Virginia Horse Vacation packages with lodging
City Slicker Package 
$385.00 per person double occupancy + tax; $460.00 per person single occupancy + tax
June 20 & 21, 2013 (Thursday & Friday), October 24th & 25th, 2013 (Thursday & Friday)
Experience a day in the life of a cowpoke as you learn horsemanship skills and cattle handling techniques. Arrive on Thursday for a BBQ lunch, an afternoon ride, appetizers, dinner and guitar entertainment. The second day includes a hearty breakfast before you set out to do some cattle work and riding, followed by lunch. This riding vacation package includes overnight lodging at The Inn at Fairfield Farm. Check in time is 4pm on Thursday; check out after breakfast on Friday.

Western Vacation Packages 
$680.00 per person double occupancy + tax; $875.00 per person single occupancy + tax
May 27th-May 30th (Monday-Thursday), June 24th-27th (Monday-Thursday), October 24th & 25th (Monday-Thursday)
Enjoy three days in the saddle while taking in some breathtaking scenery on J. W. Marriott's working cattle ranch. Guests will learn basic horsemanship skills and cattle handling techniques as they check herds and ride fences. Guests will be entertained one evening by local musicians. The resident cowboy and cowgirl will teach you how to throw a lasso and shape a cowboy hat. There is a half-day tubing trip on the Shenandoah River with this package. All horseback riding, meals and lodging are included. Check in is Monday at 4pm with an afternoon departure on Thursday.

Dinner Rides
$99.00 per person + tax
Friday, April 19th; Saturday, June 1st; Saturday, July 27th; Saturday, September 27th
Enjoy a ninety-minute scenic ride to our Western Town for a cowboy steak dinner with all the fixin's and guitar entertainment. Rides leave barn at approximately 4pm, guests are asked to arrive by 3:30pm.

Day Rides
$135.00 per person + tax
Tuesday, April 23rd - Tuesday, May 28 - Tuesday, June 25th - Friday, September 20th - Friday, November 1st
Saddle up for a horseback adventure as your guide takes you on a scenic ride that passes through the Angus Cattle Operation and includes a stop for lunch. All rides start at 10am and return at approximately 3pm.

2013 River and Mountain Rides
$79.00 per person + tax
Rides are 2 1/2 hours and begin at 10am. For the experienced rider.
River Rides - Wednesdays-May 15th, June 5th, July 10th, September 11th, October 9th
Mountain Rides - Thursdays-May 23rd, June13, July 18th, September 19th, October 17th

Breakfast Rides
$64.00 per person + tax
Sunday, July 14th Sunday, September 15th
Start your day at 9am and enjoy a leisurely ride to our Western Town. Here you'll savor an outdoor, ranch-style breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, pork sausage, skillet potatoes, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice. Take pleasure in a scenic ride through Paradise Valley after breakfast and return to the Trail Ride Barn by 11:30am.Special Group Breakfast Rides can be arranged for groups of ten or more on weekdays(Tuesday through Friday).

Cattle Drives
$175.00 per person + tax
Friday, April 12th - Sunday, May 26th - Sunday, September 1st
Enjoy a day of driving our Texas Longhorn cattle and a stop for a barbecue-style lunch. For the experienced rider.

Private Rides
$80.00 per person + tax
Available Tuesday through Friday by request and availability.
Enjoy a ninety-minute ride including walking, trotting and cantering. For the experienced rider.

Chaps and Chardonnay Package
$385.00 + tax per couple
Includes overnight accommodations with a hearty country breakfast, a ninety minute guided trail ride for two, a gourmet picnic basket and three wine tastings at neighboring wineries. Subject to availability and reservations can only be made thirty days in advance. Call 540-364-2627 for reservations. 

Please contact Marriott Ranch to arrange special rides or group departures. For individual reservations call 540-364-3741, 540-364-2627 or toll-free 877-278-4574.

Accommodations at the Inn at Fairfield Farm

Located at the center of the 4,200 acre Marriott Ranch is the historic James Marshall Manor House (circa 1814), which is the focal point of the Inn at Fairfield Farm. The seven comfortable guest rooms located in two unique buildings along with scenic views help our guests relax and enjoy what the Marriott Ranch has to offer.

Food

Guests staying at the Inn at Fairfield Farm are welcomed with a complimentary tray of cheeses (4 PM - 6 PM) along with an assortment of refreshing beverages. In the morning, a memorable 3 course "Fairfield Farm" country breakfast is served, generally between 8 and 10 in the morning.

There are also area restaurants and pubs to enjoy. This vacation is in Virginia Wine Country. There are numerous pubs, restaurants and vineyards within driving distance of the ranch. Included in the Western Vacation Package is unlimited bar service.

Area Attractions

Marriott Ranch has countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Activities range from horseback riding to deer hunting. Inn guests can feel free to hike throughout the property in search of the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. In the winter, be sure to bring your sleds, as the grounds provide ample hills for sledding. Wildlife abounds at the Ranch and guests should keep a lookout for white tail deer, red fox, black bear and the ranch’s own family of Bald Eagles. On a clear day guests can even see Skyline Drive, which is a short drive away and provides access to the Appalachian Trail.

The charming horsey village of Middleburg is only an hour’s drive. There are equestrian realted shops, historic restaurants and the National Sporting Library in Middleburg.