Middleburg

 

For more information, go to Visit Loudoun.

 

America's horse and hunt country capital, home to the Forbes 5 Star Salamander Resort & Spa, is a gorgeous settlement dating back to 1728 when a fieldstone tavern was established on an old Native American trail by a cousin of George Washington. That tavern became the Red Fox Inn, still going strong today. The historic downtown is lined with chic boutiques, raffish men’s stores, and superb café and restaurants, while the surrounding countryside has roads lined with stone walls and thoroughbred horses frolicking in the fields. Scores of wineries and breweries have recently sprung up, as well as a craft distillery, and 2013 saw the opening of the luxe equine-themed Salamander, and the first Middleburg Film Festival, now a major stop on the Oscar trail. Find out why Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor called Middleburg home.

 

The Salamander Resort & Spa in rolling countryside just outside town is a luxurious equine-themed resort with a state-of-the-art spa, cozy lounge and dining areas, and multiple sporting activities. The equally enchanting Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, on 265-acres, features 18 guest rooms, trails, spa services and a superb tasting menu in its fine dining Conservatory restaurant.

 

The National Sporting Library and Museum is the nation’s leading resource on equestrian and outdoor pursuits and has an exhibition space and fine art gallery. The Middleburg Spring Races draws a tony crowd each April to steeplechase events at Glenwood Park, and the new Masters of the Foxhounds Museum is dedicated to Middleburg’s favorite sport - foxhunting.

 

An outpost of Leesburg’s King Street Oyster Bar occupies the cavernous old bank building downtown (try the oysters and tuna taco), while the Red Fox Inn across the street does modern southern dishes with fresh Piedmont ingredients. Try the crab cakes and sweetcorn polenta. Nearby Thaiverse and Red Bar Sushi bring some Asian spice.

 

Middleburg’s vintners are upping Loudoun’s wine game. Modish Greenhill Winery & Vineyard’s Blanc de Blancs was included in the 2016 Academy Awards gift bag, while the sleek Boxwood Winery does lush, velvety Bordeaux blends. Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District, on a hilltop outside town, specializes in Norton grape varietals and also sells local cheese, jams and charcuterie. Cana Vineyards is overseen by brilliant female winemaker Melanie Natoli while 50 West Vineyards is located high upon a bluff offering stunning views.

 

Washington Street is lined with classy boutiques and quirky gift stores. Pick up a tailored suit at Highcliffe Clothiers or a summery skirt at Lou Lou Boutiques. The nearby Fun Shop and Christmas Sleigh sell hunt country accessories and home décor.