Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell found his way to the much-hyped Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg Thursday night after stumping for Presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Iowa earlier in the day.

McDonnell praised Salamander owner and mastermind Sheila Johnson, a renowned entrepreneur and business woman, for her dedication to health and wellness, and overseeing the creation of not only Salamander, but a slew of other resorts across the nation.

While “a lot of people talk about creating jobs, Sheila Johnson does it,” McDonnell said.

Ms. Johnson herself spoke of her resort as a place for people to connect with and nourish their mind and body. She wants Salamander to be a locale where people come to revitalize their physical and mental health.

Not passing up a chance to comment on the new federal health care law, McDonnell noted that Johnson’s health plan “sounds a lot better than anything coming out of Washington.”

The governor was joined by his wife Maureen who spent the day touring several Fauquier County wineries. The first lady of Virginia will continue her tour of Northern Virginia’s wine country Friday at three Loudoun County vineyards.

Mrs. McDonnell’s visit is part of her FLITE venture, the First Lady’s Initiatives Team Effort, which recognizes programs, activities, organization or individuals who embody the ideal of “getting involved and giving back.”

Salamander Resort and Spa’s arrival has been a ballyhooed event. The lavish design of the 168-room complex is intended to replicate a grand estate built a century ago. The resort will contain a 23,000 square foot spa, a full-service equestrian center with a 22-stall stable and a Jack Nicklaus golf experience at Creighton Farms. Additionally,12,000-square-feet of conference space and a 5,000- square-foot grand ballroom will grace the grounds.