By Alea Wilkins By Alea Wilkins | September 14, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Travel,
Is Middleburg made for autumn or the other way around? No matter. When heading out to horse and wine country this month, here are the places we love.
The Manor at Courtland Farm
GOODSTONE INN
The luxury getaway boasts 18 guest rooms across six historic cottages. With access to hiking and biking trails, yard games and fire pits, the inn resembles an adventurous woodland lodge. Be sure to grab a bite at one of the hotel’s lauded restos, from French-inspired fare at The Conservatory to elevated pub eats at The Bistro. 36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg, 540.687.3333, goodstone.com
Harrimans at the Salamander Middleburg Resort offers incredible views and impressive fare.
SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG RESORT & SPA
Explore the scenic woodlands through the treetops with fun-filled zip line tours, or opt for a horseback ride fit for Hunt Country. While the kids laugh at the splash pool and Camp Salamander’s supervised activities, parents can unwind with various dining options, spa services and on-site golf courses. If a more private escape is preferred, parties can rent one of the 50 homesites with outdoor pools bordered by a pastoral landscape. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, 540.326.4000, salamanderresort.com
The exterior of the historic Red Fox Inn.
THE RED FOX INN & TAVERN
Situated on a property dating back to 1728, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern exudes historical romance. Amenities include daily breakfast delivery and access to the massage studio. Each of the five guest houses provides a different experience. For example, the downtown tavern suites offer a view of the lively street corners in the heart of Middleburg; the Stray Fox rooms and cottages are tucked behind courtyard gardens and feature outdoor seating to wind down after an active day. 2 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.687.6301, redfox.com
THE MANOR AT COURTLAND FARM
What was once a presidential safe house is now a private escape in the rolling Virginia countryside. Rent the two-bedroom cottage or a selection of eight rooms and suites from the main house. Guest amenities include wine tours and access to entertainment rooms, fitness centers and camping and fishing grounds. With the assistance of an award-winning catering team and Courtland Farm’s ongoing expansion, it’s the perfect place for weddings, birthdays or any other celebratory soiree. 40543 Courtland Farm Lane, Middleburg, 703.782.3779, courtlandfarmva.com
Don’t miss the legendary happy hours and food at King Street Oyster Bar
KING STREET OYSTER BAR
King Street Oyster Bar’s happy hours are legendary. Indulge in cocktails and 10 varieties of oysters from the raw bar. The string-lit patio—the newest addition to the resto’s Middleburg location—is a to p spot for a spirited seafood soiree. Look for coastal-inspired fare like fish and chips, jambalaya and lobster rolls. 1 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.883.3156, kingstreetoysterbar.com
HARRIMANS GRILL
The locally sourced produce, meat and seafood make the menu at Harrimans Grill an ode to fresh Virginia cooking with an Italian influence. Feast on pasta topped with the local catch or lamb loin served alongside crispy eggplant and housemade pita bread. While dining, enjoy the pristine golf courses and lush green forests from the porch. Guests also love the brunch offerings available on Sundays. Salamander Resort & Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, 866.888.5124, salamanderresort.com/dining
Any trip to Middleburg calls for a stop at a local winery
GOLD CUP WINE BAR
Sharable dishes and handhelds fit for a sophisticated cocktail party are the rule here—think smoked turkey and gruyere sandwiches, locally sourced charcuterie boards and sushi rolls. The venue also is one of the few establishments open late in Middleburg, and the bar allows guests to take drinks to go as they stroll the premises or play billiards. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, 866.888.5124, salamanderresort.com/dining
TREMOLO BAR
Headed by world-class master sommelier Jarad Slipp, Tremolo Bar features a list of light bites divided into “fishy,” “salady” and other snack categories. Locals love its minimalist-chic dining room, signature cocktails and exclusive wine nights hosted by Slipp. 19 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.687.5784, tremolobar.com
KNEAD WINE
Slipps’s culinary mark on Middleburg doesn’t end at Tremolo; he owns Knead Wine too. Th is takeout pizza venue transforms typical pies into artisanal masterworks in the wood-fired oven. Fresh toppings arranged in sophisticated combinations—think tangy Bosc pears sitting alongside soft gorgonzola and crispy speck on the Harrison—elevate the menu. We also love the wine-pairing service: Th e staff can perfectly pair a bottle or two with any order based on Slipp’s extensive knowledge. 5 W. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.687.5150, kneadwine.com
CRÈME DE LA CRÈME
Bring the cozy luxury of the European countryside home with housewares from Crème de la Crème. As its name sugg ests, the boutique’s collection is carefully curated to represent the best of antique finds and one-of-a-kind pieces. Expect to be greeted by the store’s signature candles alongside Julie Vos jewelry and handwoven French market bags. 23 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.316.8080, shopcremedelacreme.com
MYSTIQUE JEWELERS
With a house collection of delicate earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and more, in-house master goldsmiths craft each item. Also, peep the jewelry repair services in case of pre-wedding perils or mid-vacations mishaps. It’s southern hospitality with Fifth Avenue extravagance—all wrapped in a silver bow. 112 W. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.687.3100, mystiquejewelers.com
HIGHCLIFFE CLOTHIERS
For fine custom clothing tailored to perfection, look no further than Highcliffe Clothiers. Run by Mark Metzger, a two-term president of the Custom Tailors and Designers Association, and Emily Hemby, the old-school haberdashery evokes a Savile Row feel. Guests applaud the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the custom tailoring services for suits, casual wear and riding attire to ensure every wardrobe fits perfectly. 112 W. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.687.5633, highcliffeclothiers.com
LE BOUDOIR
Undress to impress at Le Boudoir. Owner Kayse Small believes in prioritizing lingerie for comfort and confidence every day, and she ensures customer needs with solo or group bra fittings accompanied by Champagne. Beyond bras and undergarments, the boudoir offers sleepwear and hosiery. 22 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.326.8951, leboudoirfits.com
ATELIER DESIGN & DECOR
With the help of an experienced staff, including owner Terri Pakravan, who has earned countless accolades during her 20 years of interior design, each project is personal to match the client’s wishes and the building’s foundation. 15 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.687.5984, atelierdesignanddecor.com
Middleburg boasts plenty of pampering options
AIYANA ATELIER
This spot is among our favorite retreats in the DMV, and for a good reason: The team at this female-owned aesthetic studio are masters at the art of keeping clients healthy and beautiful at every stage of life. We love the nonsurgical treatments focused on optimal skin health—including early prevention—to help clients define their perfect state of looking fabulous. 17 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540.326.3026, aiyanaatelier.com
NATIVE BARRE STUDIOS
We love the 75-minute class that includes a series of isometric, lateral and compound movements using a ballet bar, light weights and a ball, and deep lengthening stretches throughout. The results? A stronger core, increased flexibility and better posture. For a lower-impact workout, the 75-minute yin yoga-based stretching classes sculpt physiques and provide plenty of calm. 8 N. Jay St., Middleburg, 540.454.6304, nativebarre.com
BODYBLOOM MASSAGE & REFLEXOLOGY
Surrender all senses at BodyBloom Massage & Reflexology. Our pamper pick? Th e BloomBody combines three of owner Penny Finnegan’s premier services: a shea butter and sugar full-body scrub for deep exfoliation, foot reflexology to stimulate neural pathways and increase circulation, a Swedish-inspired restorative relaxation massage complete with steamy towels, soothing aromatherapy and sumptuous hot stone treatments. 107 W. Marshall St., Ste. 106, Middleburg, 540.579.2400, bodybloommassage.com
GREENHILL VINEYARDS
This 120-acre boutique winery sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, producing chardonnay, Chenin blanc, riesling and merlot, among other varietals. A working farm since 1762, the property pays homage to its storied roots by raising Charolais beef (and then serving it in the tasting room). Book a special tasting tour with six different wines paired with one of the many mezze plates featuring fine cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread and caviar. 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg, 540.687.6968, experiencegreenhill.com
Discover beloved varietals.
50 WEST VINEYARDS
Just outside of town on Route 50 sits 50 West Vineyards, settled on a high bluff of historical land (a former Civil War battle site) offering picturesque views of the Bull Run Mountain range. Th e winery combines old-world techniques with a modern, solar-powered facility, producing tasty, high-quality sips. Guests test their tastebuds in Th e Tack Room, a chicly converted horse stable offering guided wine tastings. Add a bit of music into the mix with live tunes happening every Saturday and Sunday. 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, 571.367.4760, 50westvineyards.com
CANA VINEYARDS AND WINERY
The family-owned winery consists of an 8-acre vineyard on 43 acres of farmland. Self-guided wine flights feature a curated list of three delicious sips. At the same time, guided tastings—available on Saturday and Sunday—are 45-minute experiences with knowledgeable staff and a reds-only menu option. Both family and pet-friendly, the vineyard offers light fare—think charcuterie, spreads and more—or guests can bring a light picnic to enjoy on the lawns. 38600 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, 703.348.2458, canavineyards.com
Photography by: LINDSAY MACK PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF SALAMANDER RESORT; JODI & KURT PHOTOGRAPHY; REY LOPEZ; KELSEY KNIGHT; COURTESY OF ATELIER DESIGN & DECOR; DIANA LIGHT; MAJA PETRIC