This Blue Ridge Mountain Resort Is Hosting a Celebrity Pitmaster Over Labor Day Weekend

Celebrity pitmaster Elizabeth Karmel is heading back to Primland Resort this Labor Day weekend for a celebration well worth the five-hour (or so) drive south. 

A North Carolina native, Karmel is the founding executive chef of Hill Country Barbecue Market, which has locations in DC and New York, and has been a guest judge on a number of Food Network shows, including Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Iron Chef. To add to her long list of ’cue credentials, she’s also the author of several cookbooks and hosted her own special on The Cooking Channel.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, Karmel will team up with Primland’s executive chef, Ryan DeRieux, to host a series of workshops and specialty dining events. The weekend will wrap up Monday night with a family-friendly evening of food and fun.

“I’m excited to partner with Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection once again to celebrate Labor Day with an immersive weekend of barbecue events, a seafood boil, and fun family activities,” says Karmel. “Primland offers a consistently authentic and elevated experience for all guests, and this Labor Day Weekend, we’ve teamed up to provide world-class Southern-style cooking that embodies the spirit of the resort.”

Here’s the full lineup of events:

Saturday, September 3

Looking to up your ’cue game? Then consider spending the afternoon taking a spice-blending class to learn the secret to making the perfect rib rub for your next cookout. (Starting at $165 per person) Afterward, you can celebrate your newfound spice skills at a giant seafood boil featuring oysters on the half shell, pie, s’mores, and more. (Starting at $215 per person)

Sunday, September 4

Sundays are for smokin’ — brisket, that is. Karmel and DeRieux will teach an interactive class on how to properly smoke ribs. Then, once you’ve worked up a hearty appetite, you’ll get to chow down on a lunch of smoked hamburgers and hot dogs — paired with drinks, of course. (Starting at $165 per person) That evening, kick back at an expertly crafted barbecue dinner featuring brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs, along with a slew of sides and delectable desserts. (Starting at $215 per person)

Monday, September 5

Send summer off into the sunset with one final barbecue dinner at Stables Saloon, located on the second floor of Primland’s former horse stables. (Starting at $65 per person) And for those looking to add a little friendly competition to their holiday weekend, there will also be a lawn games tournament featuring disc golf, horseshoes, cornhole, and croquet. 2000 Busted Rock Rd., Meadows of Dan

For more ways to get away, subscribe to our Travel newsletter.