Just an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. is lovely Middleburg.
In the heart of Virginia horse and wine country, this small town makes you feel like you are a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet there are plenty of things to do!
Clothing and furniture boutiques intermix with restaurants and the many real estate brokerages that line the three or four blocks of the town. Cideries, distilleries and wineries can be found within a few minutes drive, as well as many places to ride horses and just relax! Of course, if you are interested in a home in Middleburg, we are happy to help and partner with our favorite Middleburg agents! Just let us know if you’re interested in learning more about the local real estate.
Below are Allison’s recommendations on the perfect weekend getaway in Middleburg.
Where to Stay
For a relaxing weekend in the countryside, choose The Goodstone Inn. This property is a 265 acre estate with six cottages and guesthouses that host only 18 rooms (I recommend the Dutch Cottage). A charming former carriage house that overlooks a stunning pool area, framed by the facade of the estate’s original stone house. The carriage house now hosts a few guest rooms, a welcoming living room with a gorgeous stone fireplace where you check in, a first class restaurant and a cozy bar with friendly bartenders where guests congregate throughout the day. For a larger, more bustling and family friendly hotel experience, try the new luxury Salamander Inn and Resort.
Where to Eat
For dinner, you can’t miss a night at The Goodstone Inn’s restaurant where they have a fantastic tasting menu. If you want to catch a game while you dine, or just want a drink before dinner, head over to the Salamander Gold Cup bar which offers wine tasting flights as well. For a cozier and more relaxed dinner experience, try the historic and time honored Red Fox Inn. Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor both dined here frequently when they were living in the DC area. They claim some of their dishes have been on the menu since the late 1800’s! Not to be confused with the Red Fox Inn, is the Red Horse Tavern, a fantastic place to grab a burger or sandwich outside for lunch.
Where to Drink
If you like apple cider and apple brandy, cross the street from the Red Horse to Mount Defiance Cidery and Distillery. They have a great tasting room overlooking the distillery where you can try their three flavors of apple cider. Their apple brandy is still in the works, but they are hoping to serve it by the end of 2014. They will even have apple flavored absinthe for the more adventurous drinkers! If wine is more your style, there are several fantastic vineyards. Chrysalis is the most famous of the vineyards, but is also know for large bus groups. To avoid the crowds, head to Greenhill Winery & Vineyards whose wine is in the White House wine cellar! They have fantastic wines and a view to match. Boxwood Winery also has an interesting space and is worth a visit. For lower price points and a great atmosphere, try Cana Winery.
Where to Shop
For the best shopping (or in our case window shopping) experience, I suggest starting on the east end of town and making your way west through the town, stopping at whichever stores catch your eye! For men, make sure not to miss Richard Allen clothing which offers affordable custom suits. There is a women’s store, Duchessa, also attached, and the store itself is part of the fun as it is the oldest standing building in Middleburg! The antiques stores also have some great finds.
Where to Ride
If you like riding horses, the Salamander Resort and Fox Chase Farms are two great options. If you are not a rider, there are also plenty of places to take lessons or watch the fun!
