Wining + Dining in Horse Country: Mindless in Middleburg, Virginia


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Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia

 

If you’re looking for charm, history, and Revolutionary era ruralism, I implore you to visit Middleburg, Virginia on your next vacation. Last time I visited S, we spent a single afternoon in what I consider the cutest town in the United States; however, this time we spent 3 full days of my 4-day vacation in Middleburg, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.The nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital is quaint, cozy, and as cute as a button. Inhabited by roughly 670 locals, Middleburg, Virginia was established in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman Levin Powell. Recognized nationally by First Lady Laura Bush for its historic preservation efforts, this charming village has attracted high profile visitors, including but not limited to President Kennedy, Jackie O, and Elizabeth Taylor, and is home to dozens of Olympic and internationally-renowned equestrians, affluent public figures, and high profile heirs.

Day 1 of our Middleburg adventure consisted of breakfast and lunch on the main road.  Our Lilly Pulitzer-inspired morning started with a bagel and latte from Cuppa Giddy Up. By 11, we needed Round 2 of caffeine, so we found ourselves at Common Grounds Coffeehouse, where S got on a conference call and I, of course, whipped out the laptop for a quick blogging sesh.

 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
 
 

 

One of the most notable landmarks in the village is the historic Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Frequented by Jackie O, it’s literally one of my favorite buildings in the country. It’s absolutely darling inside, and history is on display any way you turn.

 

 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, VirginiaWining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia

 

After what S and I considered to be a full days worth of work, which in normal people time equated to around 2 hours, it was time for some cow puddle cookies at The Upper Crust! Reported by S, who can be credited with weeks of diligent research, to be Jackie’s go-to dessert, I just had to try one. It would’ve been rude or something not to.

 

 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, VirginiaWining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, VirginiaWining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, VirginiaWining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
 Steph: Dress: Lilly Pulitzer / Shoes: Steve Madden / Watch: Michael Kors / Ring: David Yurman / Earrings: Ralph Lauren / Bag: Longchamp || Sarah: Dress: Lilly Pulitzer / Shoes: Jack Rogers / Bag: Longchamp
 
 

 

Cookies are never enough sustenance to get me through the day, though, so we popped into the Home Farm Store for some refreshing Belvoir Elderflower and Rose Pressé and local harvest products.

 

 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
 

 

Post lunch we set up shop at the Salamander Resort and played at the stables until dark, at which point we headed back to the MacLellan Manor in Aldie and prepared for an exciting Sunday Funday at Chrysalis Vineyards the following afternoon.

 

 
I knew I was a fan of Virginia wines, but I had no idea how much I prefer these native state grapes to international wines. Middleburg is known for an impressive collection of the finest estate wineries on the East Coast, and I literally cannot put into words how fabulous our day was. From the wines to the view to the company, it was perfection. Plus, our coral-chevron dress combination received dozens of compliments. An S&S record, I do believe.

 

 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia

 

I’m such a fan of sweet white wine, so we bought a bottle of Sarah’s White Patio Wine, paired with cheese, crackers, and chocolate truffles,  prior to our official Chrysalis Vineyards wine tasting. Girls gotta eat.

 

 
To my utter shock and surprise, our favorite unanimously became Sarah’s Patio Red (no, not officially named after S, but we like to think so sometimes). As a rose disguising itself as a red, it’s sweet and smooth taste made it so delicious we had to buy two bottles to take home. Lushes? No. I prefer aspiring wine connoisseurs.
 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia

 

Oh, and did I mention the view? Ya, pretty horrible.

 

 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia

 

Post Sunday Funday romp at the vineyard, we made our way through the Virginia countryside to– yes, again– the Salamander Resort and Spa, but not after stopping to pet some beautiful grazing horses for a few minutes.

 

 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Steph: Dress: Red Dress Boutique / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: J. Crew / Earrings: Francesca’s (old), Similar Here / Ring: David Yurman / Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs / Bag: Longchamp || Sarah: Dress: Red Dress Boutique / Earrings: Lou Lou’s in Middleburg / Bag: Longchamp / Sunglasses: Coach

 

If I could live anywhere, and the Home Alone big red brick house was off the market, I would permanently reside at the Salamander Resort and Spa. Set on 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this exclusive resort futures luxurious hotel rooms, a ridiculous spa, full-service equestrian center, Virginia Piedmont-inspired delectable cuisine, wine bar, billiards room, fire pits, and seriously the list goes on… In a nutshell, it’s heaven in Horse Country, and I’m such a fan.

 

 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
 
 
After a brief detox by the fireplace, it was time for some ‘smores and mimosas. They go together, right?
 
 
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
Wining and Dining in Historic Horse Country: Things to do in Middleburg, Virginia
 
 
So basically, if I ever go missing, don’t look for me in Middleburg, cause I’m happy and playing with horses. Have you ever been? If so, what were some of your favorite things to do in Middleburg?
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14 thoughts on “Wining + Dining in Horse Country: Mindless in Middleburg, Virginia

  1. Susan Maccarelli

    I am visiting from SITS and Middleburg caught my eye since I am originally from Warrenton, which is not too far from M-burg and part of horse country. Your photos are gorgeous!

    Reply

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