Unplugged Cowgirl Weekend

NOVEMBER 20-22, 2026

A Fire‑Lit, Horse‑Centered Retreat for Women Who Need to Breathe Again

Step away from the noise, the screens, and the constant pull of everyday life. For one long weekend, everything at North Mountain is intentionally unplugged — no electricity, no bright lights, no phones. Just horses, firelight, crafts, good food, and wide‑open quiet. It’s a chance to settle in, slow down, and rediscover the beauty of simple living.

Friday — Arrival, Comfort Food, and Campfire Ease

Arrive at your own leisure anytime after 3pm and step immediately into peace, tranquility, and crisp November air. A tiny welcome gift greets you, setting the tone for a weekend rooted in intention and simplicity.

As the sun sets, gather for a hearty comfort‑food supper — loaded baked potatoes, chili and cornbread, and apple crisp. Everything is served buffet‑style, cozy, and easy.

The evening drifts into a campfire hangout with s’mores and soft acoustic entertainment. Conversation flows, laughter rises, and phones stay tucked away. The fire does all the talking.

Saturday — Fully Unplugged and Hands-On

Wake to cowboy coffee and the crisp stillness of a North Mountain sunrise. The day begins in the barn with hands‑on horse chores — mucking stalls, feeding hay and grain, and maybe even some treats. It’s grounding, real, and deeply satisfying.

A warm barn breakfast follows, then a nature‑based craft session where you gather items from the ranch to create seasonal wreaths.

Lunch is simple and hearty: campfire charcuterie, fresh bread, apples, nuts, and dried fruit. The afternoon brings old‑school board games played by daylight.

As the sun lowers, you’ll pour cedar, vanilla, and campfire‑scented candles by hand before sitting down to a candlelit supper of stew or chicken and dumplings, biscuits, roasted vegetables, and hot spiced tea.

Then comes the moment you’ll never forget…

The Illuminated Horse Ride

Horses glow softly with LED tack and riders embark upon a short journey along a lit path on the ranch. The November night is quiet, surreal, and breathtaking. A scenic pause invites reflection, stillness, and deep breath.

The evening closes with blankets and cocoa by the fire.

Sunday — Soft, Simple Departure

Your final morning begins with quiet sunrise coffee, followed by one last round of barn chores — a sweet, grounding farewell to the horses.

A light breakfast in the barn offers yogurt parfaits, fruit, and granola. Before departing, guests create or leave behind a tiny gratitude token — a simple note or tag that captures what the weekend meant to them.

Depart mid‑morning with safe travels, full hearts, and the kind of peace that only comes from unplugging.

$975.00* per person paid upon reservation

Fully unplugged weekend — no electricity, no screens
Lantern‑lit lodging and fire‑lit gathering spaces
All meals: comfort food, rustic lunches, cozy breakfasts, candlelit suppers
Horse & barn chore sessions each morning
Nature wreath‑making workshop
Hand‑poured candle craft session
Illuminated night trail ride
Board games & daylight fun
Campfire gatherings with cocoa, cider, and s’mores
Welcome gift + gratitude token activity
Wide‑open quiet, crisp November air, and intentional slow living

All participating persons must be over 21 years of age and will be required to sign a Liability Waiver. Weight limit of 230lbs. Please note that we’re a working horse ranch and are not able to accommodate dietary restrictions or make substitutions. If you require a special diet, we encourage you to bring any food items you may need for the weekend. The schedule may shift and meals could vary slightly. *Plus 6% lodging tax & 3.5% credit card processing fee.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A TRUE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Expect fresh air, changing weather, and the peaceful rhythm of ranch life. Temperatures can shift quickly, so layers are your best friend.

RIDING EXPERIENCE
We ride in most weather conditions, and the trails vary depending on the day. Bring clothing that keeps you comfortable in sun, wind, or light rain.

COMMUNAL LODGING
The lodge is warm, rustic, and shared. Solo travelers may be paired with another guest — it’s part of the charm and connection of the weekend.

ENTERTAINMENT
There’s a Roku TV with a Blu‑Ray player in the great room. Since there’s no Wi‑Fi, you can stream using your cellphone hotspot if you’d like.

DIGITAL DETOX (MOSTLY)
There’s no Wi‑Fi, but cell service is typically strong enough for a hotspot. Many guests enjoy unplugging and being present.

BASIC INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS

Guests stay in our cozy ranch lodge featuring:
4 bedrooms (each with 1 queen & 1 twin bed)
3 bathrooms with showers
Linens & bath towels provided
Bring a beach towel for the hot tub
Shared kitchen
Spacious great room
Front porch with mountain views
Roku TV + Blu‑Ray player (connect via cellphone hotspot)
Note: Solo travelers may share a room with another guest as part of the communal retreat experience.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable riding clothes
Raincoat, jacket, hat & gloves
Closed‑toe shoes (no sandals or flip flops)
Swimsuit & beach towel for the hot tub
Layers for changing temperatures (can vary 10–15 degrees)
Toiletries & personal items
Snacks or dietary‑specific foods
Phone charger & hotspot capability
Optional: Blu‑Ray discs, book, journal

IMPORTANT NOTES

We ride rain or shine, unless safety is a concern.
No Wi‑Fi — cell service is typically strong enough for a hotspot.
Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated; please bring personal food items.
Liability waiver required at check‑in.

FAQs

Is horseback riding required?
Riding is a core part of the weekend, but guests may opt out and enjoy ranch amenities instead.

Is there a weight limit for riding?
Yes — 230 lbs.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
No. Guests with dietary needs should bring their own food items.

Is alcohol included?
No — unless otherwise noted.

What should I pack?
See packing checklist below.

Is there an age requirement?
Yes — guests must be 21+.

Is a waiver required?
Yes — all guests must sign a liability waiver prior to arrival.

Is there WiFi?
There is no Wi‑Fi at the lodge. However, most guests have a strong enough cell signal to use their phone as a hotspot, which also allows you to connect to the Roku TV and Blu‑Ray player if you’d like to stream or watch something.

What should I wear for the trail ride?
Mountain temperatures can vary by 10–15 degrees, depending on the trailhead. Riders should bring:
Raincoat
Jacket
Hat
Gloves
Comfortable closed‑toe shoes
(No sandals, flip flops, or open‑toed shoes.)

Do you ride in the rain?
Yes — we ride rain or shine, unless weather creates unsafe conditions.

Are linens provided?
Yes — linens and bath towels are provided. Guests should bring a beach towel for the hot tub.

Will I have my own room?
Rooms are shared unless you are attending with someone you plan to room with. Solo travelers may be paired with another guest as part of the communal retreat experience.

What’s included in the price?Lodging
All meals
Trail ride & saddle‑bag lunch
Ranch amenities
Other activities as noted in individual package

Contact Us

North Mountain Outfitter
709 North Mountain Road
Swoope, Virginia 24479
540.886.7768

North Mountain Outfitter is a permittee
of the George Washington National Forest

Gift Certificates

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